Members may be interested to hear that initial discussions have taken place between a number of local support organisations to identify ways in which we can work together to help our communities during the cost of living crisis.

Representatives - which have to date included the council, BAVO, Awen Cultural Trust, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, Bridgend College, Valleys to Coast Housing Association and South Wales Police - met recently to discuss coordinating and sharing information on the various support that they can offer residents.

Investment is also being made into developing a website called “Stronger Together Bridgend” which once completed will provide an online resource that will signpost people to support ranging from free activities in their communities to warm spaces.

To ensure that it is organised and co-ordinated efficiently, we have facilitated a temporary secondment for a member of the Employability team to oversee and coordinate the group’s activities.

Working closely alongside the council and BAVO’s community co-ordinators and resilient communities staff, we will be engaging with local residents to develop a joined-up programme of support.

At the same time, they will avoid duplicating efforts, for example, in areas where food or warm banks may already be running and will ensure that local residents take full advantage of all existing support ranging from community transport to school uniform grants.

With an action plan under development, new initiatives will be announced as part of this project very soon.

Following the accolade of being recognised with a Police and Crime Commissioner’s Award for the leading role that they have played in a prominent animal welfare case, the Shared Regulatory Service has been further recognised at the 2022 RSPCA national Paw Prints awards. 

This time, the partnership was presented with gold-level status for their work in the categories of dealing with stray dogs, and animal related licensing issues.

They also achieved success in the category of kennelled dogs where they were presented with a bronze level award.

Members may recall that the service also scored highly in the 2021 awards, but this is the first time that they have achieved gold in the animal licensing category, the only service of its kind in Wales to do so.

I am sure members will want to join me in congratulating the team, and in thanking them for their hard work and commitment.

Members may also want to remind their constituents that the free parking offer that the council has maintained throughout the pandemic has now been extended until 1 April 2023.

This is aimed at supporting local businesses and shoppers while we contend with the pandemic and cost of living crisis and means that the first three hours will be free at the Rhiw multi-storey car park in Bridgend, and between noon and 3pm at John Street in Porthcawl. 

Free parking also remains available at the Llynfi Road multi-storey in Maesteg and the Penprysg Road car park in Pencoed, and the situation will be reviewed again before the start of summer next year.