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Introduce a Council Tax relief scheme on moving into work from universal credit
The Conservative Group believe more can be done to support residents across our Borough move into jobs and off Universal Credit. This alternative budget would introduce a 6-week period before Council Tax started to the taxpayer.
The Conservative Group believes the Council should support residents back to work. This would incentivise people returning to work and give them more time to get their finances in order as they start new jobs.
£100,000 Emergency Funding Grant for residents suffering hardship
The Conservative Group note the effects the COVID-19 pandemic has had on residents. The Council needs to support the most vulnerable, some who have never been in debt, but the effect of the pandemic has left them needing support. This amendment created a £100,000 discretionary fund for the Council to be able to support residents with emergency payments.
If a resident is in a crisis or has an emergency that is outside of their control the Council will support. Emergency funding grants up to £250 will be provided.
Install a defibrillator in each town
The Conservative Group acknowledge the importance of defibrillators and the important role they play in helping to save lives. The network in Bury is growing across the borough but more needs to be done to ensure there are publicly accessible defibrillators. The Council will install one publicly accessible defibrillator in each town at a convenient location working in partnership with the Councillors for each town.
To support our Tennant Resident Associations the Conservative Group, propose to install defibrillators in public Halls funded via the Housing Revenue Account where appropriate.
25% Council Tax reduction for Foster Carers
The Conservative Group note the increasing use of Fostering Agencies in Bury. To support and encourage residents to become foster carers a 25% Council Tax discount will be applied. All registered foster carers of Bury Council (Bury Fostering Service) will receive the discount.
Welcome new residents to Bury
The 2030 Let’s do it vision is a one which makes Bury a fantastic place to live, work and socialise. The Conservative Group believe the Council should welcome all new residents to the Borough and inform them of local information, key contact numbers, who their local Councillors are and who the Member of Parliament is as well encouraging them to sign up to the Councils digital services.
The welcome pack would be sent when a new resident register for Council Tax with Bury Council. The Conservative Group believe we must welcome our residents to Bury and ensure they are equipped with the key contact information to enjoy our great town and the amenities on offer.
Community Fund
To support community groups and events a Community Fund will be created for each Council Ward. All Councillors will have a £1,000 fund to support community organisation and school activities within their Wards. This fund will be at the discretion of Ward Councillors. On a regular basis the Council will promote the scheme via Social media and general communications with residents and community organisations to raise awareness of the scheme.
£50,000 Mental Health Fund
Creation of a £50,000 Mental Health Fund to improve the health and wellbeing within the Borough. Grants will be available to individuals, organisations and groups for wellbeing projects delivered within the Borough.
The funding will also be used to pilot mental health first aiders as part of a campaign to transform mental wellbeing in Bury. This has been inspired by the Dean Russell MP and the partnership with Watford & West Herts Chamber of Commerce[1].
Addition capacity to support children
The Conservative Group note the need for more front-line staff to support young people. There are gaps in the system which need to be fixed quickly. This budget amendment creates extra capacity and provides £400,000 for:
- 2 Educational Psychologists
- 2 Occupational Therapists
- 3 Mental Health Workers
- 3 Counsellors
Bury Council Graduate Scheme
The Conservative Group note the Councils strategy of continually to recruit Senior Managers at the top of the organisation. This amendment provides an extra £150,000 to create 6 graduate roles across the Council. The entry level roles will be reprofiled from vacant position and used to create 6 graduate roles. Supporting graduates and bringing fresh ideas into the Council is what Bury needs.
[1] Watford MP and Chamber of Commerce launch Mental Health First Aid project - https://www.deanrussell.co.uk/news/watford-mp-and-chamber-commerce-launch-mental-health-first-aid-project