Latest news with #JillCleary
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Council recognised for commitment to supporting Armed Forces community
New Forest District Council has been awarded silver in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS). This acknowledges its sustained commitment to backing the Armed Forces community, following a bronze award last year. The ERS recognises UK employers who show extraordinary support to those who serve, or have served, in the Armed Forces, and their families. Councillor Jill Cleary, leader of the council, said: "We are absolutely delighted to have achieved silver in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. "This award is a testament to our commitment to supporting serving personnel, veterans, and military families across our district." Cllr Alvin Reid, Armed Forces champion, said: "This is a fantastic achievement for New Forest District Council. "We value the skills and experience that members of the Armed Forces bring to the workplace." Proactive measures include guaranteed job interviews for veterans and up to two weeks of extra annual leave for serving reservists. Most council roles offer flexible working to honour military commitments.
Yahoo
17-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Hampshire and Solent devolution consultation opens
Residents in Hampshire, Portsmouth, Southampton and Isle of Wight are being asked their views on plans to create a mayoral combined authority. Hampshire and the Solent is one of six areas considered for fast-track devolution, giving more money and power to a new authority and its elected mayor. The government consultation gives people the chance to share their thoughts about the proposal and how the new regional body should work. Residents have until 13 April to comment. If the plan goes ahead, mayoral elections will take place in May 2026. Southampton City Council leader Lorna Fielker said: "Devolution brings huge opportunities for Southampton, and it's really important that the city's residents and businesses have their say. "I'd encourage everyone to make sure they use this opportunity to help shape the proposed devolution arrangements for our region and ensure that they truly reflect the needs of Southampton." New Forest District Council leader Jill Cleary said: "The transfer of enhanced decision making from central government and the ability to retain a greater share of more locally generated funding that comes through devolution is something I would welcome and I will continue to make strong representations for an outcome that I believe is the best fit for the communities of the New Forest." You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. Hampshire and Solent part of devolution initiative City councillors vote for power and money deal Hampshire and the Solent Devolution Consultation Southampton City Council Portsmouth City Council Isle of Wight Council Hampshire County Council
Yahoo
08-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Town hall won't be sold off say council chiefs
The immediate future of a town hall building has been secured following assurances from council leaders. New Forest District Council was considering its options for Lymington Town Hall in Avenue Road. Conservative leader of the district council Cllr Jill Cleary said work on proposals for the Town Hall's future had now been halted and the local authority was not looking to sell the building. The site's current occupants include Lymington and Pennington Town Council, New Forest National Park Authority, a police station and several businesses. Speaking at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, February 5, Cllr Cleary said: 'In terms of our assets, it is no secret that we as an administration have been considering the potential options for the future of Lymington Town Hall. 'With local government reorganisation now a clear priority, I have instructed our executive management team to pause on this as a project and a letter has now been sent to our town hall tenants, including of course amongst others the National Park Authority, Lymington and Pennington Town Council, and the police authority, to confirm that they are welcome to stay in the building beyond their current lease expiry dates. 'Whilst I cannot speculate as to what the long term of the Town Hall might be, I can confirm that at this time this authority is not looking to sell Lymington Town Hall.' Liberal Democrat councillor Jack Davies had repeatedly asked about the future of Lymington Town Hall. Reacting to the council leader's comments on the issue, Cllr Davies said: 'It's great news that the short-term future of the Town Hall has been sorted. I don't think we would have got that assurance without the determined campaign ran by local Lib Dem councillors. 'Conservative councillors argued for selling off the Town Hall to build a care home and houses. I don't trust them not to carry on with those plans once local government reorganisation has happened. 'That's why Lib Dem councillors will now work to secure the long-term future of the Town Hall – to keep this important facility for our town.'
