Southampton City Council Press Releases

Hydrogen vehicle trial

Fri, 3 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Southampton continues to lead the way in the use of sustainable energy by taking part in one of the largest Hydrogen vehicle trials of its kind in the UK. As part of the city's commitment to exploring clean and sustainable energy solutions Southampton City Council has teamed up with ITM Power and Scottish and Southern Energy to run two hydrogen powered transit vans. The Hydrogen On-Site Trial (HOST, which is free to the council),is the largest of its kind in the UK, will happen in Februar... (read the full story)

Southampton's Fostering Service is truly outstanding

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Foster carers in Southampton are supported by an outstanding service which helps provide the best possible care for vulnerable children and young people. That's Ofsted's verdict following their inspection of the city's fostering service last month (December 2011). An outstanding rating means that the services provided are of an exceptionally high standard. The report notes that "young people receive a high quality individualised service from a local authority that has embraced its responsi... (read the full story)

Verified GCSE results show further improvement

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Southampton's secondary schools are enjoying a good start to the new year after the Department for Education published the verified GCSE results from 2011 - confirming that it was a record year for schools in the city. This is more good news for Southampton's schools, following on from impressive improvements at Key Stage 2 which saw a massive improvement in pupils achieving the expected level (Level 4) in both English and maths. The figure for pupils achieving the government's benchmark of f... (read the full story)

Southampton leads the way in sustainable solar technology

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Southampton City Council has stepped up its plans to make the city a more sustainable place after fitting dozens of solar panels to the Civic Centre to power the landmark building. The move is alongside a roll out of solar panels on schools across the city and plans for solar panels on more council sites in the future. The PV panels have been installed on the Civic Centre as part of the ongoing work to the building. The grade II* listed building has had 24 kWp of (or 130 panels at 190 ... (read the full story)

SeaCity Museum secures £200,000 to help bring Southampton Maritime History to life

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Southampton's eagerly awaited SeaCity Museum has received a financial boost that will help bring the city's maritime history to life. The DCMS/Wolfson foundation announced yesterday that they have awarded £4 million in grants to help improve 36 museums and galleries across the country.The foundation supports projects which improve the quality of displays, public spaces, collection interpretation in museums and galleries across England. SeaCity Museum has been awarded £200,000 by the found... (read the full story)

City`s tallest building gets council approval

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

A plan to create Southampton's tallest building and more than 299 new homes in Ocean Village has taken another step forward. Southampton City Council recommended that the scheme, by Southampton-based Allied Developments which aims to change the face of Ocean Village with an iconic 26 storey building and two other buildings, which will mark the final element of regeneration in the area, should be approved. The plan for the area known as Admirals Quay includes three striking high quality res... (read the full story)

Parents encouraged to sign up for free school meals

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Southampton's most disadvantaged children and young people are set to benefit from extra cash after the Department for Education announced this year's Pupil Premium will increase from £488 to £600. Based on last year's Pupil Census, this could amount to an extra £2.4 million in total channelled into Southampton schools. But we need parents whose children are eligible to apply for free school meals to ensure Southampton's schools get the money they are entitled to. Schools receive the Pup... (read the full story)

Joint director post proposed for Southampton and Isle of Wight councils

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Isle of Wight Council and Southampton City Council are set to appoint a joint director of Environment. The move, to be discussed by the employment committees of both authorities, would be for an initial six month trial period and is expected to save Southampton City Council £250,000 over three years. As part of the role, the joint director would also work to identify other savings for both authorities through further co-working. The move follows a decision by both councils last year to... (read the full story)

Last few days to apply for school places

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Parents and carers of children in Southampton who are due to start primary school this year - or transfer from infant to junior school - have just a few days left to apply for a place. Application forms must be received by Southampton City Council's admissions team or at the child's school by midnight on Sunday, January 15. Completing an application for a school place on time will ensure that children have the best chance of getting a place at their preferred school. Children startin... (read the full story)

The road to a brighter future

Fri, 6 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

A new apprenticeship scheme that is giving young people the skills to improve Southampton's roads is proving to be a huge success. The Balfour Beatty Living Places Craft Apprenticeship is a three year scheme run by Balfour Beatty Workplaces in partnership Southampton City Council, who are responsible for maintaining and improving the roads and pavements in Southampton. Six new apprentices have been recruited this year to work alongside professionals on Southampton's highways, and gain th... (read the full story)