FUNTINGTON PARISH NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2011 NUMBER 281

LOCALISM ACT 2010. The Act, which comprises of 421 pages has become law, the Government cannot give a cast iron guarantee about timings but aim for many major measures to come into effect in April 2012. These are; The general power of competence; The community right to build; Planning reforms including changes to planning enforcement rules; Reforms to social housing tenure and council house finance. The overall effect of the Act is as follows; New Freedoms and flexibilities for local government; New rights and powers for local communities; Reform to make the planning systems clearer more democratic and more effective; Reform to ensure that decisions about housing are taken locally. A plain English guide to the act is available by contacting e mail product@communities.gsi.goc.uk or telephone 030 0123 1124 or visit the web site www.communities.gov.uk

WEST SUSSEX FUNDING. The funds are the existing County Local Committee, the new West Sussex Members’ Big Society Fund and the Social Enterprise Fund. The funds are available to support social enterprises and for example successful applicants to the SEF will receive funding that can be used to establish new social enterprises; to help existing special enterprises grow and operate more efficiently; to support long term objectives and to develop sustainable benefits for the community. Anyone interested in making a bid from the Social Enterprise Fund should contact The Community Solutions Team , telephone number 01243 752054, for the Big Society Fund contact your local County Councillor.

SIDS. SIDS continue to be used around the Parish, including the Caspar machine which records details of vehicle movements and speed. The Highway Management Group in the Parish Council is looking at ways of reducing speed through the Parish liaising with all relevant parties. Currently there is a problem in that we urgently need volunteers to man the SIDS in particular West Ashling where there are no volunteers, whilst West Stoke and Funtington need to replenish the stock of existing volunteers . The need is urgent please contact Councillor Keech 575567.

COMMUNICATION. Any Parishioner who wishes to write to or make contact regarding Parish Council matters should contact the Chairman or Parish Clerk.

FIRE SERVICE EAST AND WEST SUSSEX. The proposed merger of the services has been delayed due to funding and other issues, the decision will therefore be postponed until 2012.

PORTSMOUTH WATER. Portsmouth Water have asked that Parishioners be advised of a Saving Water Campaign that could help with Water Bills. The key initiatives are providing free water saving devices and simple water saving tips, encouraging customers to install water meters and getting customers to use the interactive calculator. For information call Portsmouth Water at 023 9249 9888 or visit www.portsmouth water.co.uk

NEXT MEETING. The Village Hall 6.30pm 4th January 2012. Visit the website, soon to be overhauled www.funtingting-parishcouncil.co.uk JMS