NEWS IN BRIEF New fraud policy adopted by Torfaen council


Torfaen council has adopted a new anti-fraud and corruption policy, as part of its duty to protect and manage its public money and assets. The policy sets out clear guidance for all council staff and members should they become aware of fraudulent activity in the workplace. Among the actions the council will be taking as part of the policy will be raising the profile of its zero tolerance attitude towards fraud and corruption, increasing staff training and awareness, and ensuring the public and media are informed about the outcome of successful fraud investigations. Last year, the council carried out 382 successful investigations and 57 legal sanctions were applied, including 21 prosecutions. About £495,000 in over-payments attributable to fraud were identified. A claimant, who falsely claimed more than £17,000 in benefits, was given a 16-week suspended sentence last year. The man was charged with dishonestly making false representations by failing to declare to the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) and Torfaen council that his partner was living with him with a view to obtaining benefits.


Young footballers needed for new under-18s team


Pontypool Town AFC has created a new under-18s team and is appealing for players. Matches will be played on Sundays at 2pm, with training taking place on Wednesdays at 6.30pm. For more information, contact Matthew Didcott on 07980 810650 or visit www.clubwebsite.co.uk/pontypooltownafc


Rugby legend to visit Pontypool United


An Australian barbecue with former Australian rugby union legend David Campese takes place on Sunday 14 October at Pontypool United RFC. Starting at 2pm, the afternoon will be hosted by Australian MC and comedian Justin Karcher and will also feature a raffle and auction. Tables of 10 are available at £300, while there are a number of VIP tickets at £50 per person. Tickets from 0845 108 5690.


School pupils enjoy housing lesson from council


Torfaen council staff visited year-10 students to provide advice on accessing housing and running a home. The aim was to inform school leavers of the housing options available to them, and where to go for housing support or advice. Pupils at Croesyceiliog School were advised of the different types of housing available and the costs involved in managing a home. It is hoped sessions at other schools will take place in the next school year.


Housing support can help you stay independent


Housing support can help people to set up or maintain their home and live more independently. The support can be provided in a variety of different settings, and from a range of organisations. Some examples of housing support include help with budgeting and finances, advice on accessing services, training and employment, and help in developing practical living skills. Contact 01495 766949 or visit www.torfaenhomes.co.uk.


Free insulation offer coming to an end


Time is running out for Torfaen residents wishing to get free cavity wall and loft insulation. The council is working with A&M Insulations to deliver free insulation, but funding is only available for a limited time. For a free, no obligation survey, call 0800 288 8182. Visit www.torfaenhomes.co.uk for more information.


Send your community news to Torfaen Talks


Torfaen Talks is inviting local people to submit their local community news stories. Write to Communications team, Level 5, Civic Centre, Pontypool, NP4 6YB.


What’s your favourite place in Torfaen?


Tell us about your favourite place in Torfaen and you could feature in a future issue of Torfaen Talks. Write to Communications team, Level 5, Civic Centre, Pontypool, NP4 6YB.


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A proposal to create a new ‘charitable company’ to deliver leisure services in Torfaen has moved a step forward. At a recent meeting, the council’s cabinet


Helping pennies turn into pounds Gateway Credit Union


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schools to get kids, staff and parents saving for a rosy future.


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There are now young savers clubs at Woodlands, Pontymoile, Penygarn and Blaenavon Heritage primary schools.


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serving Torfaen and Monmouthshire, currently has more than 2,000 members. Children can have savings accounts from birth up to age 18, and receive three per cent interest on all their savings.


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Gateway is opening its first secondary school savings club next year. For more information, contact 01495 750020.


Cabinet approves leisure review proposal The NPDO would provide investment in


stated its commitment to establishing a non- profit organisation to run the service from spring 2013. The cabinet ratified last year’s ‘in principle’ decision that transferring leisure services to a non-profit distributing organisation (NPDO) is the best long-term option for the council and in the best interests of leisure customers and staff, while ensuring future investment and improvements in leisure services.


The leisure review was undertaken as part of the council’s response to the financial challenges facing public services, and the issue of continuing to provide high-quality, non-statutory services such as leisure at a time of huge budget pressures. The review concluded that creating a NPDO, funded by a council grant but run at arms length from the authority, is the preferred option for operating leisure services.


facilities, improvement in services and a more commercial approach to marketing and promotion, while ensuring good quality leisure facilities remain affordable and accessible to citizens. It’s a model already successfully adopted by other Welsh councils.


Torfaen deputy leader councillor Lewis Jones said: “This is a great opportunity to ensure Torfaen council can continue to deliver the social objectives of our leisure services, ensuring accessible, affordable, quality provision for our citizens – in the face of the most challenging financial times that local government has faced for generations.


“With our resources quite rightly focussed on the council’s key priorities of social care and education, this proposal will not only protect this excellent service from budget cuts, but ensure Torfaen residents continue to benefit from the high-quality leisure provision that we are very proud to deliver.”


Fostering couple’s long service rewarded


A Torfaen couple were presented with a certificate of long-service, to mark their retirement after 22 years of foster caring in the borough. Ray and Christine Pinch, from Greenmeadow, have looked after dozens


of young people in that time, having already raised six of their own children. Ray said: “Once our children left home, it was very quiet, so w decided to start fostering. The entire experience was highly rewarding.warding. We have had a few of the youngsters back to say thank you over the years. It’s been lovely. We would definitely encourage other people to consider becoming foster parents.”


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On-going support, advice and training is available to carers. There are currently about 140 carers in Torfaen; however, more people are always needed to come forward. Foster carers receive generous financial support for their work. For more information on fostering in Torfaen, telephone 01495 766699.


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