Weekly Update from the Chief Executive

Dear Friends,

On Monday I will formally sign a ‘designation’ giving notification of the introduction of an Additional Licensing Scheme for homes in multiple occupation (HMO’s) commencing on 18 January 2024. The new scheme which was approved by Cabinet in August and follows a consultation earlier this year will require houses and converted, or purpose-built flats (including student accommodation) occupied by three or more persons living as two or more households to legally obtain an HMO licence in order to continue to operate. This is good news for tenants as it will bring around 700 homes that previously hadn’t been inspected under our licensing umbrella, meaning they will need to comply to a high standard of safety and repair.

It may be unseasonably warm, but with Covid-19 hospital admissions on the rise, it’s important that we are not complacent as we head into winter and keep up with our advice to the over 65’s and all those who are eligible to book their Covid (and Flu) vaccinations to prevent added pressures on our local NHS services.

In other news

• We were delighted that more than 1000 local residents including dozens of school children took time out on Tuesday for a once in a lifetime opportunity to view the archaeological remains discovered at Abbey Fields. We are sorry that we weren’t able to open the site for longer, but now that Archaeology Warwickshire have finished their work and the results of their investigations have been recorded, as agreed with Historic England we must now carefully re-bury them under the native soil. For those who didn’t get to visit, there are some amazing 3D images available to view on our website courtesy of RiVR.uk
• Rest assured we our continuing our efforts to reinstate pedestrian access to Newbold Comyn following the closure of the Radford Road footbridge in August on safety grounds. Having ruled out a possible repair of the current bridge our assets team has been meeting with specialist companies regarding a permanent replacement and at the same time is seeking the advice of the Environment Agency to determine whether a temporary pontoon style bridge can be installed over the winter period.
• A review of polling districts, places and stations in our district has begun, giving our local electorate to the opportunity to comment and make suggestions on the location, accessibility and any other issues regarding the 123 village halls, community centres, schools, churches and other venues across the district currently being used at elections. The survey is now live on the website closing on Friday 10 November, do take this opportunity to have your say.
• Congratulations to Royal Leamington Spa Town Council and the Leamington in Bloom Group who have this week have the accolade of a gold award in the regional Heart of England in Bloom competition for the beautiful floral displays on show throughout the town during the summer. On receiving the award, the Mayor of Royal Leamington Spa Cllr Alan Boad paid tribute to the hard work and contribution of our Green Spaces team.

Almost finally ……apologies to anyone who may have gone to Leamington Town Hall this week expecting to observe a Council meeting! Due to the commencement of renovations and access improvements to the building, for the next 12 months all scheduled WDC meetings will take place at Shire Hall, Warwick. Though we will be unable to broadcast meetings live a recording will be uploaded to our YouTube channel as soon as possible afterwards. We are grateful to Warwickshire County Council for making their facilities available to us.

And finally… with the launch of ‘the Fold’ happening on Thursday, it’s wonderful to see the long-awaited rejuvenation and transformation of the former Grade II listed United Reformed Church on Spencer Street, into a vibrant and innovative hub for our creative and digital industries and also a new Leamington Spa campus for the SAE Institute. We are proud to have been a partner in this ambitious project and to have channelled funding received from our successful Future High Street bid to enable the redevelopment and repurposing of these previously underutilised buildings.

Have a great weekend.

Chris Elliott, Chief Executive