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County Councillor’s Report November 2022

Updated on

Warm spaces

Our library network offers warm space for anyone needing a place to spend some time, connect with others, to work or study. Libraries also provide support with the distribution of Warm Bags and Food Vouchers through the Household Support Fund

https://www.hants.gov.uk/librariesandarchives/library/libraryfinder

Food and essentials

Families struggling with the cost of essentials – such as food and fuel – are encouraged to visit the connect4communities website below. You may be eligible for a Council Tax reduction.

https://www.hants.gov.uk/socialcareandhealth/childrenandfamilies/connectforcommunities

We offer a range of grants to community organisations who are working with residents to support their physical and mental wellbeing including grants up to £5,000 to support communities, for example by setting up a Warm Space. Further information is available here: https://www.hants.gov.uk/costofliving/community-support

Families from Ukraine

Hampshire County Council pays an extra £200 per month to Hampshire residents hosting Ukrainian guests as part of the Government’s Homes for Ukraine Scheme. Hampshire has welcomed more than 1,100 families. The new payments will start in October and will be funded by a grant paid to support implementation of the Homes for Ukraine scheme locally.

Getting ready for winter

https://maps.hants.gov.uk/highwayssaltroutes/

Don’t be surprised to see Hampshire County Council gritters out and about over the next few weeks. Gritting vehicles will be out on a trial run on priority one salt routes to ensure we are ready for the start of the winter season.

Driver Skills Scheme

Mature drivers generally have fewer accidents than young drivers. However, as we grow older, gradual changes take place which mean our ability to deal safely with some situations diminishes. The ‘Driver Skills Scheme’ is a confidential skills appraisal for drivers aged over sixty.

https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/roadsafety/drivertraining/driverskills

National Highways update

You can follow updates on M3 motorway barrier repairs and closures as well as the latest information around the Junction 9 upgrade on the National Highways website https://www.nationalhighways.co.uk

Junction 9 plans have been updated to include some key environmental and design changes. All consultation activity has ended, and the designs now represent what will be submitted for a Development Consent Order (DCO) by winter 2022. Work is expected to start in late 2024/early 2025 and completed by 2027.

Cllr Jan Warwick
Hampshire County and Winchester City Councillor
Email: or
Tel: 07712 695431