The EU Settlement Scheme deadline is 30 June 2021. This scheme allows you to apply for settled or pre-settled status, protecting your existing right to work and live in the UK. If you don't apply, you may lose your right to stay in the UK. 

Settled or pre-settled status will be given dependent on how long you've been living in the UK. It will set out your rights going forward. The government website provides advice and guidance on who needs to apply, what is required to apply and how to apply.

Last week the Oxfordshire Councils and Active Oxfordshire launched an initiative called Move Together to support people who are clinically extremely vulnerable and who have been shielding, and any residents whose health has been affected by the lockdowns over the past year.

The scheme will provide personalised support, such as befriender services, exercise sessions or home activity packs. It has been funded by the government’s Contain Outbreak Management Fund.

There is a special webinar on Tuesday 6 July for organisations and interested partners to find out more about the scheme. You can find out more on the Active Oxfordshire website.

Last week we announced the details for the phased reopening of Cornerstone Arts Centre in Didcot. The first phase is to reopen the café, which is scheduled to take place on 21 June. We aim to open the centre fully on 7 September. 

Over the last year, Cornerstone has been central to our Community Hub’s response to supporting our most vulnerable residents through the pandemic. Thankfully, that need has decreased, allowing us to make space so we can begin the exciting work of preparing the centre for reopening.

As part of our work to plan an exciting new Cornerstone programme, we are inviting everyone to let us know what kind of events they would like to see at the centre and how they would like to use the centre in the future – to have your say complete our online survey.

The Boundary Commission for England (BCE) has published its initial proposals for new Parliamentary constituency boundaries and launched an eight-week consultation, which closes on 2 August 2021.   

You can comment on a range of issues such as where the proposed new boundary lines are to the names of the constituencies. To view the proposals for your area, and to submit any feedback, visit the Boundary Commission website.

Each month we will be highlighting some of the great climate action projects happening in communities across the district:  

In Didcot, a project called Solar Streets is offering homes and businesses in the OX11 area the chance to get solar panels at discounted prices.  Every time they carry out an installation, renewable energy company IDDEA Ltd will make a donation to the Didcot Community Fund to help more people get solar energy.  For details visit the Solar Streets website.   

In Thame, the town council has adopted a Green Living Plan, a 10-year plan for a cleaner, greener Thame, which seeks to protect and enhance the quality of life locally, in the things that really matter – our air, our water, our overall well-being and the natural world that surrounds us.  Find out more on the Thame Green Living website. 

Share your stories 
We want to hear about your climate action and nature protection work - here’s your chance to showcase your efforts!  To share your stories, email us at climateaction@southandvale.gov.uk.