MARCH JOTTINGS

The Village Voice managing editor Alan Page updates his observations each month.

"Among the regional news items in the March edition are the impending rise in council tax and consultation about the possible doubling of council tax on second homes. Derbyshire County Council wants a 3.75% increase to keep services such as education, transport, planning, fire and public safety, waste management and social care running. If it's any consolation, the County says that April's tax rise will be among the lowest nationally. Derbyshire Dales District, High Peak Borough and the Constabulary are due to announce their expected rises this month. Derbyshire Dales is running a consultation exercise about council tax rates on second homes. There are new powers from government to double such tax. Residents can give their views online and details of how to do so are in the magazine and on this website's Current Issue News page.

"Local news items this month include the £165,000 raised by Tideswell-based #Challenge Derbyshire for local end-of-life charities, latest projects at Bishop Pursglove School, the Lego builders of Cressbrook, an update on this year's Wakes Week, heating costs information from Tideswell & District Environment Group, the membership drive by Tideswell Table Tennis Club and a series of items from Eyam. There's much more – over 60 editorial pieces in total.

"The Teamsters: they are our volunteer doorstep deliverers, more than 30 of them – and we need more. We have gaps in Peak Dale and Peak Forest, then we could do with extra back-up cover in Tideswell. Most rounds take well under an hour to complete, once per month, and there is full support from distribution organiser Clare Street and her outer-villages colleague Gerri Burton. Might you be able to give up a little of your time? Send an email to clare.st@villagevoicetidza.uk or call me on 07764 761974, please.

"We are embarking on a management variation, always seeking to be as efficient and effective as possible. I should be able to tell you more within the next couple of months.

"If you want to receive the magazine digitally, straight to your email inbox, make use of the
Response Form, please. Usually, mailings are a couple of days before letterbox deliveries begin."
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