South Staffordshire Council has introduced AVA, a new digital assistant aimed at simplifying access to council services and information for residents. Available around the clock from any page on the council's website, AVA allows users to ask questions, complete online forms, and submit service requests by typing queries into the chat interface. Residents can use AVA for tasks such as reporting fly-tipping, inquiring about council tax, or checking the progress of service requests. The council assures that AVA is easy to use, fast, secure, and private, offering an additional convenient contact method. The customer services team remains available for those who prefer to speak with a staff member.
The council also highlighted that older people across the UK often miss out on benefits they are entitled to, sometimes due to the complexity of the system or the involvement of Claims Management Companies (CMCs) that charge significant fees. Residents are reminded that claiming benefits should be free, with trusted support available from organisations like Citizens Advice and the council's own Welfare support team for housing benefits, council tax support, and Crisis Resilience Support. For those struggling with online services, a walk-in service is offered on Thursdays between 10am and 12pm at the Community Hub, Wolverhampton Road, Codsall WV8 1PX.
Residents are encouraged to participate in the Community Safety Survey, which closes on Friday, 30th October. Over 600 responses have been received, helping the council to prioritise future community safety plans. Completing the anonymous survey offers a chance to win a smart doorbell. Additionally, a survey on littering is live, seeking residents' experiences and ideas to shape future education, campaigns, and enforcement. Participants can enter a prize draw to win a £50 Amazon voucher. Both surveys are available on the council's website.
In a collaborative effort to reduce flood risk, Darren Allen and the tree team from South Staffordshire Council worked with the friends of Wombrook Walk in Wombourne on Thursday 15th October. Volunteers cleared debris and cut fallen trees from the brook to ensure it runs clear, mitigating the risk of flooding in the surrounding area.
Advice is being given for a safe Halloween, urging residents to respect neighbours who do not wish to participate in trick-or-treating. Children are advised to be accompanied by an adult, inform a parent of their plans, stay in well-lit areas, and heed 'No Trick or Treat' signs. Free personal safety alarms and 'No Trick or Treat' signs are available from Codsall Community Hub. Anti-social behaviour can be reported on 101, or 999 in emergencies.
Job vacancies are available for a Cleaner at Wombourne Leisure Centre (closing 1st November 2026) and a Business Support Outreach Officer (closing 13th November 2026). Information on half-term activities for children and teenagers is available at South Staffordshire leisure centres from Monday 26 to Friday 30 October, including swimming, Halloween Aspire Activity Camps, Wolves Halloween Soccer Schools, and gym access for older youths. A one-week lifeguard training course is also offered at Penkridge Leisure Centre for those aged 16 and over.
A limited-time 'Winter Warmer' membership is available at South Staffordshire leisure centres from 1–30 November, offering new members December free when joining for £20. This membership provides access to facilities across four centres, including gyms, classes, swimming, and toning suites, with priority booking and free health checks. Information on the Staffordshire Prepared website, which offers guidance on household and business preparedness for emergencies and local risks, is also highlighted. The 'Movement Without Limits' survey is live, exploring attitudes towards physical activity, particularly among young women, to shape local change.
