Draft policy and operational proposals

Use of body composition scales as part of health checks in active living centres will provide people with detailed, personalised health information. Individuals can use the information to:

• understand their overall health
• help achieve their health goals

By investing in this equipment residents can be better supported to live healthier lifestyles and be signposted to other services. Revenue from the anticipated increase in gym memberships and participation in activities will be used to cover ongoing costs.

New income: £25,250 phased over 2 years from 2024/25

Implementation requires a one off investment of £40,000 for equipment purchase and set up in 2024/25. 

A deed poll is a legal document that proves a change of name. Anyone in the UK over 18 is entitled to change their name if they wish; however, many official bodies, such as bank and building societies, require a change of name deed to accept the change.

It is proposed that the council's registrars service will offer a change of name deed service. Many other local authorities already offer this.

This new service would be delivered within existing resources/budgets. Fees would be set in line with those charged by other local authorities. If approved, the service would start once current vacancies in the registrar's team have been filled.

New income: £3,000

Walsall Arena, based in Leamore, is the borough's multi-purpose performance venue. Every year it hosts a numerous range of events, from aerial theatre and comedy to dance and large scale vocal concerts.

The Arena is building a reputation with performers and audiences for its fantastic facilities.To improve the service and increase ticket sales, an online ticketing system is proposed. Digital tickets offer a more efficient and secure process. Customers would be able to purchase tickets online, over the phone and face to face.

New income: £75,000 phased over 4 years from 2024/25.

Thousands of lights in the borough have been converted to LED. The conversion includes the implementation of a central management system. This enables us to:

• dim lighting levels at specific times of the day
• alter the times at which the lights switch on and off

By altering the on/off times and dimming lighting levels multiple times through the evening to reflect the need for the lighting, the council can further reduce energy consumption and therefore expenditure.

We now have the option to dim the borough’s lights (by up to 50% of light level) during off-peak travel times. Roads and footways would continue to be lit throughout the night but energy consumption would be reduced.

Improved technology means that we could make further energy savings by turning lights on ten minutes later at night, and off earlier in the morning.

As most of our lights are now controlled by a central management system, this approach could be applied across the borough or at specific locations.

Saving: £160,000.

The council currently provide illuminated Christmas decorations in the town and district centres.

This proposal would reduce provision down to festooned Christmas trees only unless community or business sponsorship could be secured.

Saving: £40,000.

There are two Household Waste Recycling Centres (tips):

• Fryers Road, Bloxwich
• Merchants Way, Aldridge

Both tips currently open 7 days a week, 9am - 4pm, with later opening 10am - 5pm one day a week (Merchants Way on Tuesdays and Fryers Road on Thursdays).

If approved, this proposal would see both tips close one day a week (on different days). Opening hours would be retained.

Saving: £150,000.