WHEN you need help or advice from the council, there are several web pages, forms and telephone numbers to use. But sometimes, people get confused, lost, or just find they are waiting for far too long to get the help they need.

Whilst the official channels should be your first port of call, when you find yourself at a dead end, I am more than happy to be contacted to help.  

As the Cabinet Member for Housing in Mid Devon, over the last month, I have helped Council tenants that feel they have been waiting too long for repairs or maintenance jobs, to ensure these are completed.

A leaky shower or damaged front door can cause daily worry or stress and these feelings can get lost in the procedure. It’s my job to do what I can to alleviate the worries of the residents living in my ward. If it matters to you then it matters to me. 

On wider community topics, this month I spoke in favour of and voted for a trial for a weekly recycling collection as members of the community have expressed difficulties in storing multiple recycling boxes now the refuse is collected three weekly.

I’ve also felt it is important to support our local shops on the high street.

With the cost of living crisis affecting us all, it’s more important now, than ever that we all support each other in our community.

I’ve supported the shop front enhancement scheme in Crediton, shop owners can receive a grant of £2,500 to help towards updating their shop frontage. This is available to the properties above shops in the High Street as well. 

People also need affordable housing and I’m pleased to announce that I am overseeing the building of 14 new council homes in Tiverton and Cullompton, with more to follow across the District.

I have helped many people this month who are worried about having somewhere safe to live but find the housing system confusing.

None of us can wave a magic wand and fix the financial struggles but together I hope we can make improvements in the areas that are needed. I urge anyone that is struggling to reach out, speak to family and friends and contact local councillors. After all, we are here to assist you. 

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and hope next year is a prosperous one.  

Stu.