It's time to change the way we think and act about mental health...

Time to Change is a social movement to change the way people think and act about mental health problems. Still, too many people are made to feel ashamed or isolated because they have a mental health problem.

A number of initiatives are being delivered in communities, workplaces and schools to help people open up to mental health. Get involved by visiting the Time to Change website.

The Council continues to support this initiative and other national campaigns to help its employees and local community improve and maintain their mental health and wellbeing.

Last Updated: 11/09/2023

The Council’s Planning Control Committee originally considered application CH/19/201 for the redevelopment of the Rugeley Power Station site on 15th January 2020.  At this meeting elected Councillors voted to approve the application subject to conditions and subject to securing a range of requirements within a S106 legal agreement. 

However, further to the submissions under application ref CH/19/201 an amendment to the application was received on Monday 11th May 2020. The application now seeks outline planning permission for the creation of a development platform and the demolition of existing office building, and environmental centre, and security gatehouse, site clearance, remediation and phased mixed-use development comprising: up to 2,300 new dwellings and residential units (use classes C3 and C2); up to 1.2 ha of mixed-use (use classes A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, C1, C2, C3, D1 and D2); up to 5 ha of employment (use classes B1a, b, c and B2); a school (All Through School or 1 no. 2 Form Entry Primary School (use class D1)); formal and informal publicly accessible open space; key infrastructure including new adoptable roads within the site and the provision of a new primary access junction on to the A513; ground and roof mounted solar panels and 2 no. existing electricity substations (132 KV and 400 KV) retained (All Matters Reserved Except Access)’. 

The amendment seeks changes to allow for the potential inclusion of an All Through School (ATS) within the proposed development. This encompasses nursery, primary school provision, secondary school provision and post 16 provision for up to 200 pupils. Updated plans to reflect these changes and the production of a new Environmental Statement to consider any additional effects arising from the amended development has now been provided. An extract from the Covering Letter accompanying the amendments reads: 

There is no change to the resolved to grant scheme in terms of the Applicant, the Site Boundary, the number of dwellings and residential units (which remain at up to 2,300), the level of employment land (up to 5 hectares), community and retail floorspace (with the exception of education provision), and the primary vehicular accesses. 

The principal change is in relation to the potential provision of an ATS. The resolved to grant scheme includes for the provision of a 2 Form Entry Primary School on the Site (with a financial contribution towards off-site provision of additional secondary school places). This amendments submission seeks flexibility for an ‘either or’ provision – that is, provision of an ATS or provision of a 2 Form Entry Primary School. 

The flexibility sought reflects that, even with the commitment and best efforts of all parties to secure an ATS on the Site, the situation that may occur that the Wave 14 application is unsuccessful and it may be necessary for the Applicant to provide the 2 Form of Entry Primary School (and a financial contribution towards secondary education). 

The ATS proposed for the Site would comprise a 52-place nursery, a 2 Form of Entry Primary School, a 5 Form of Entry Secondary School and Post-16 provision for up to 200 students, together with ancillary facilities including sports pitches/courts. It is proposed that the sports pitches/courts are shared with the community, with community access outside of school hours of operation. 

The amended application is accompanied by a large range of documents including a new Environmental Statement and appendices from those originally submitted. These can be viewed in full on the Council’s main application website here by searching for reference CH/19/201 or alternatively can be downloaded in full on this link: 

In order to assist with the publicity of the application, the Council has selected key documents from within the amended application that are likely to be of interest to most people. These are published on this page as well as the main application page for ease of reference. These documents are available to read under the drop down sections below. Should more information be sought beyond these, please follow the above Dropbox link in the first instance. 

Last Updated: 23/08/2023

The Council, Working in partnership with Staffordshire County Council has been awarded national funding, whereby you could receive energy efficiency measures such as insulation or green heating solutions.

This scheme is open to homeowners and private tenants alike and is subject to eligibility criteria.

The installations will be managed, and installed on behalf of Staffordshire Warmer Homes

Please follow this link for more information, to see the latest offers and check for eligibility.
 

Last Updated: 28/10/2022

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO)  is a Government energy efficiency scheme to reduce carbon emissions and help tackle fuel poverty.  

The Affordable Warmth element of the ECO, also known as the Home Heating Cost Reduction Obligation, delivers heating improvement measures to those households on a low income.  

The Council has adopted a Statement of Intent, which includes flexible eligibility criteria to make the funding more widely available to households within the Cannock Chase district.

Last Updated: 30/11/2023

The Council has pledged its support for this year`s Great British September Clean, run by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy.

The campaign which runs from 25 March to 10 April and will see up to half a million people taking action to clean streets, parks and beaches across the country. See below the benefits of getting involved in a community litter pick. 

The Council`s Street Cleansing team is encouraging local residents and community groups across Cannock Chase District to get involved and will be providing litter picking equipment* and collecting bags of rubbish.

*Please note: Limited stock is available, so equipment will be issued on a first come, first serve basis.

Contact the Council`s Street Cleansing team on 01543 462621 or email streetcleansing@cannockchasedc.gov.uk.

Download a copy of the Council`s full guidelines for organised litter picking events below.

To find out how the Council is supporting this initiative read a copy of the press release.

You can download below empty belly posters below along with a participatory certificate for those that attend your litter picks. 

For more information about the Great British Spring Clean visit Keep Britain Tidy`s official website.

Last Updated: 24/08/2023

Residential Properties that stand empty in the Cannock Chase District could be providing homes for the many people who need one.

Dwellings remain empty on a long term basis for a variety of reasons, for example because of inheritance issues, due to lack of funds for renovation or because owners are holding on to the property hoping for a rise in it’s value.

The longer a home is left empty the more likely it is to attract anti-social behaviour, to fall into disrepair and to become a source of anxiety to nearby residents.

On average it costs an owner approximately £8000 a year to keep a property empty. This cost includes rental loss, dilapidation, security, insurance and council tax.

The Council’s Housing Options Team can provide specialist help and advice aimed at supporting landlords who manage their own properties. If you are thinking of letting your empty home and need some advice telephone 01543 462621 and ask for the Housing Options Team.  

Leaving homes empty is a waste, especially as the number of persons seeking accommodation rises.

The Council is keen to assist empty home owners with returning their properties to use, however in certain circumstances, and when all offers of voluntary assistance have been rejected, the Council will consider taking enforcement action to bring the home back into use. For more information telephone 01543 462621 and ask for Private Sector Housing.

Last Updated: 20/07/2023

There are a range of options available which may make your and/or your carer's everyday lives much easier and safer.  These can range from small things such as jar openers, grab sticks, long handled shoe horns, talking clocks or personal alarms to larger home adaptations such as a stair lift, extension or a level access shower.

If you visit Staffordshire County Council's website you can view a range of products that you might find useful.  If you think you may need a home adaptation and want help with the cost of this, read the information below to find out more about our Disabled Facilities Grants.

What are Disabled Facilities Grants?

A Disabled Facilities Grant is funding to help a disabled person adapt their home to make it easier and safer to live in.

• The works must be necessary and appropriate.  This will need to be discussed between the disabled person and an Occupational Therapist.
• It must also be reasonable and practicable to carry out the works.

Subject to the above, the following are examples of works that may be available:

Making access easier:

• to and from the dwelling or the building in which the dwelling or, as the case may be, flat is situated.
• to a room used or usable as the principal family room.
• to a room used or usable for sleeping, or alternatively providing such a room for the disabled occupant.
• to a room in which there is a lavatory, a bath or shower (or both) and a wash basin, or providing a room in which there is such a facility or facilities.
• to and from the garden and making access safe.

And work to improve facilities for the preparation and cooking of food.

Grants are available towards disabled adaptations to most types of living accommodation, including mobile homes and houseboats.

Who can apply?

You must be either the owner or tenant of the property. You do not have to be the disabled person for whom the works are required, it is possible for a landlord to apply on behalf of a disabled tenant.

If the adaptations are for a child, you can arrange for an assessment by contacting Children and Families Services at Staffordshire County Council Tel: 0800 1313 126 (Monday to Thursday 8.30am - 5.00pm and Friday 8.30am - 4.30pm) or email firstr@staffordshire.gov.uk.

If the adaptations are for an adult, you should contact Staffordshire County Council via the following:

• Website: Staffordshire County Council
• Phone 0300 111 8010 to speak to an Advisor.
• Text/SMS (for people with a hearing impairment) Tel: 07814 194 111.
• Minicom users Tel: 01785 276207.

If the Advisor considers your needs can only be met by a home adaptation, they will send your details to Cannock Chase Council,  Depending on the number of enquiries received and the budget available Cannock Chase Council may operate a waiting list and you will be advised of this upon receipt of your enquiry. You may in some circumstances be contacted by the Council’s benefits department who will ask you to complete a form with all of the financial details of the disabled person and there partner/spouse, a test of resources will then be carried out and you will be informed of any financial contribution you may be expected to make. 

How much can I get?

How much grant is awarded is determined by what works are deemed necessary and appropriate to meet the needs of a disabled person. The funding is capped nationally at £30,000.00 but the council has discretionary powers to provide additional funds in exceptional circumstances.  The amount of funding available may also be reduced following a test of resources, and this will be in line with the current national formula.

Who is subject to the test of resources?   

The disabled person who requires the adaptation and, the disabled person’s partner. If the grant is for the benefit of a child or young person under 19 who is in full time education (up to A level standard or equivalent) there is no means test for the parents. However if you are in receipt of one of the following income related benefits you will not have a contribution towards the grant.  

• Income support.
• Universal Credit
• Housing Benefit.
• Guaranteed Pension Credit. (not savings credit alone)
• Income base job seekers allowance. (not contribution based)
• Working tax credit with an annual income of less than £15,050.00.
• Child tax credit with an annual income of less than £15,050.00.
• Income related employment and support allowance. (not contribution based)

Application process

When the Council has carried out a test of resources calculation you will be informed of the result. If this result is favourable and you are able to finance any contribution you are expected to make the Council will then employ the services of an occupational therapist who will visit you to carry out a full assessment of any required works that are necessary and appropriate. This report will be passed to the Council who will discuss the options with you.

The Council can arrange for one of the private sector housing technical officers to survey your property who will assist in designing an adaptation to help meet your needs. This may involve:

• provision of drawings,
• schedule of works,
• tendering to contractors,
• approving a grant,
• gaining Building Control and Planning permission,
• party wall act,
• 'building over' agreements
• Managing contractors during ongoing works and
• gaining permissions from the property owner.

Client’s contribution will be required before any works start.

If you live in a social rented or private rented property you should speak to your landlord first as sometimes they can make adaptations as part of their planned maintenance to the property.  You may also need their permission to proceed with any works.

You are not required to use the Council’s technical services within the housing act and can arrange, design and obtain quotations to make an application for grant yourselves. Please seek advice from the private sector housing team beforehand as a financial test of resources and occupational therapist support is still required. 

Housing Assistance Policy 

The Council also has discretionary powers to deliver adaptation grants in addition, and separate to the statutory DFG provision. These discretionary grants are subject to sufficient funds being in place, and can be withdrawn at any time.  More information about the Council's current housing assistance policy can be found at:
Cannock Chase Council HOUSING ASSISTANCE POLICY

Useful Information

Foundations are the national body for Disabled facilities Grants in England , their “adapt my home” assessment tool Housing Adaptation (adaptmyhome.org.uk) , can help inform you if a home adaption is appropriate for you, and your needs.  It also includes a self- assessment tool in regards to any financial contribution that you may be asked to make towards the cost of a grant. (*please check with the local authority in regards to financial contributions, and land charges for grants, as these may not be applicable in all situations*.)”

Last Updated: 06/04/2023

The Private Sector Housing Team provides advice on housing standards to tenants, landlords and homeowners. Issues in private rented accommodation should be reported to the landlord or agent prior to contacting the Council. Tenants should allow the landlord/ agent sufficient time to deal with the defects.

Housing defects will be risk assessed using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). This is a risk based assessment tool which helps local authorities identify and protect against potential risks and hazards to health and safety from defects within the property. HHSRS includes 29 hazards including excess cold, damp and mould, falls on the level, fire etc. The more serious hazards may be rated as category 1 hazards. Other less serious hazards may be rated as category 2 hazards. Local Authorities have a duty to deal with category 1 hazards and discretionary powers to deal with category 2 hazards.

The team have enforcement powers under the Housing Act 2004. If the landlord fails to deal with the issues informally an enforcement notice may be served. Notices may incur a charge for Officer time (discretional).

Types of enforcement action can include:

• Hazard awareness notice;
• Improvement notice;
• Prohibition order;
• Emergency remedial (corrective) action;
• Emergency prohibition order;
• Demolition order;
• Declare a clearance area

Right of Appeal
Landlords have a right of appeal against any formal action taken by the Council. Appeals should be made to the First Tier Tribunal (Property Chamber), but you must do this within 28 days from the date the action was taken.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Landlords should ensure a working smoke alarm is installed in all occupied premises on each floor of a property being used as living accommodation. They should also install a carbon monoxide detector in any room used as living accommodation which contains a solid fuel burning combustion appliance (coal or wood burning fires and stoves). The local authority will serve a remedial notice under The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 on landlords which fail to comply. If works are not complete within 28 days a penalty charge may be issued.

Drainage
Responsibility for drainage is dependent on ownership. If beyond the boundary of the property and shared it will be classed as a sewer and will be the responsibility of Severn Trent Water. Issues can be reported via their website https://www.stwater.co.uk/

If the issue is with a drain within the property boundary, responsibility will remain with the owner or occupier (This is dependent on arrangements made within the tenancy agreement). If there is a risk to public health, the Private Sector Housing Team will investigate and may serve notice on those responsible to ensure that the private drain is adequately maintained.

Statutory Nuisance
Private Sector Housing may find an issue within the property to be a statutory nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. The issue needs to be classed as a nuisance or prejudicial to health. Statutory nuisance is a criminal offence. If the local authority establish that a statutory nuisance exists an Abatement Notice will be served. Failure to comply with the notice may result in prosecution.

Contact Details
For more information please telephone 01543 462621

email:  privatesectorhousing@cannockchasedc.gov.uk

Or write to:
Private Sector Housing
Cannock Chase Council
Civic Centre
Beecroft Road
Cannock, Staffordshire
WS11 1BG

Last Updated: 12/10/2023