Shropshire Council highlights the Home Access Scheme

Shropshire Council is raising awareness of a programme to provide low income families with a free computer and free internet access.  The council wants to ensure that all eligible families across the county are made aware of this opportunity and apply for a Home Access computer and internet package.

The Government scheme is being rolled out nationally and is designed to close the digital and educational divides and to help parents keep in touch with their child’s progress.  It has been proven that using technology for learning can help children achieve more, do better in their studies and have fun while they learn.

Shropshire Council is one of the three local authorities nationally to have secured approval to run a special group ordering system which aims to provide families with further support and assistance in applying for a package.  If a family qualifies for a Home Access Grant they can either use it themselves to purchase a computer and internet package or they can take part in the council’s group ordering scheme.

Families may be able to apply for a Home Access Grant if one of their children is in years 3 to 9 and is in full-time education in an English state-maintained school and are eligible for free school meals or are receiving income based Job Seeker’s Allowance or Income Support.  Families can only apply for one package per household.  Further details on the scheme can be found on the following website: www.homeaccess.org.uk

Councillor Cecilia Motley, Lead Member for Children and Young People’s Services said: “We are seeking to maximise the number of Shropshire families who are able to secure a computer and internet package and to benefit from this programme.  It is essential that we raise awareness across the county and, where appropriate, support those families who need assistance in applying for a Home Access Grant.  We are currently briefing schools and other agencies and partners working with families about the programme.”

Families who believe that they are eligible for a grant should ring 0333 200 1004 to get an application form.

Tax Discounts for Long Term Empty Properties

Shropshire Council has agreed to review council tax discounts for long-term empty properties in a bid to encourage owners to get the properties back into the housing market.

The changes, approved by councillors at a meeting of the full council yesterday (Thursday 21 January), are aimed at increasing the range of affordable housing available in Shropshire by encouraging owners to sell or rent empty properties.

Under Government legislation, owners of empty properties don’t have to pay any council tax for the first six months it is empty.  But Shropshire Councillors have agreed that owners should pay 50 per cent council tax for the six months following that, and then pay the full amount once the property has been empty for a year.  However, there are exemptions available depending on people’s circumstances and ability to pay.

In the 2008/9 financial year, before the creation of the Shropshire Council unitary authority, the rules were different in different parts of the county.   Bridgnorth District Council, Oswestry Borough Council and Shrewsbury & Atcham Borough Council had removed all discounts, while North Shropshire District Council and South Shropshire District Council offered a 50 per cent discount.

Shropshire Council had initially kept the 50 per cent discount across the whole county, until the decision taken by councillors yesterday.

Councillor Keith Barrow, leader of Shropshire Council, said: “We want to get these properties back on the market, but we don’t want to penalise anyone who has a genuine reason why they can’t pay council tax on an empty house.  There are lots of exemptions to these rules to make sure people aren’t penalised, and there are also grants available to help people pay.”

Councillor Mal Price, Cabinet member for housing, added: “Creating more homes that people can afford is a big priority for the council.  We hope these new regulations will encourage people to make the best use of empty properties and give a boost to the housing market.”

Homelessness in Shrewsbury

Today the press have been phoning me about the shortage of housing in Shrewsbury for homeless people. The way single people are told by the council to go away you don’t need housing because your not a vulnerable person. IE been in prison have kids or been in the forces. It should be the right of all people to have a roof over there head!.

This is something that really needs to be recognised as a problem and discussed because I think that the current situation is totally appalling.