Budget Scrutiny Meeting, 11th January
The Scrutiny Committee met on 11th January to discuss the Conservative’s budget proposals for this year. Our Group believes the budget did not raise the Social Care Precept tax to the necessary amount. Suffolk GLI believes this needs to be raised to a 3% increase, to aid in Suffolk’s social care crisis. This recommendation was rejected by the Conservatives.
Furthermore, the Conservative’s failed to deliver on providing a Carbon Budget to work alongside the core budget. The Carbon Budget is aimed to help us understand the level of emissions the Council are responsible for and helps to achieve the Council’s ambition of being carbon-neutral by 2030. It is important the Carbon Budget is scrutinised, as there are many issues with data collection and performance measures that haven’t been addressed. Our Group raised concerns about this for next year.
Cabinet Meeting, 1st February
The Cabinet will meet to discuss the core budget, and vote on whether to pass the budget through to Full Council to be finalised on 17th February. The Cabinet are also voting on adopting the Carbon Budget, as well as the recommendations to enhance Suffolk Biodiversity – making this a key priority moving forward. After the Cabinet meeting, you will be updated on the decisions made.
Cabinet documents can be found here: https://committeeminutes.suffolk.gov.uk/DocSetPage.aspx?MeetingTitle=(01-02-2022),%20The%20Cabinet
Transport East
Suffolk County Council’s regional transport body, Transport East, has drafted its new strategy for the future. It explains the investment and priorities Transport East aims to provide, to develop a leading transportation network.
Suffolk GLI are concerned with the emphasis on profit and growth. Instead, a strategy for the future should focus on improved public transportation, greener energy, and walking and cycling infrastructure. Suffolk GLI submitted their comments to Transport East, in the hope they reconsider their strategy. Visit the Suffolk GLI website for our response. For more information, visit: https://www.transporteast.org.uk/
New Discovering Suffolk App
Date: 31/1/22
Email: simon.harley@suffolk.gov.uk
As part of the two year ‘Discovering Suffolk’ project, Discover Suffolk has launched a free mobile app to help access and enjoy the countryside. The app provides over 100 guided walking, cycling and riding trails to explore.
To download the app for free head over to the Discover Suffolk website https://www.discoversuffolk.org.uk/discover-suffolk-app/ or search for ‘Discover Suffolk’ in the app catalogue on your phone.
Suffolk Libraries Day 2022
Suffolk Libraries Jumpstart January wellbeing campaign ran again throughout January. Working with Wellbeing Suffolk, Suffolk Libraries offered a programme of free online fitness activities and wellbeing drop-ins. Hundreds of people enjoyed the activities already which include yoga, pilates, and creative dance.
Suffolk Libraries is running an online book festival in March, as part of Suffolk Libraries Day 2022. Suffolk Libraries Day is a celebration of the county’s library service and the organisation’s main fundraising event. Libraries will also be confirming special events nearer the time. For more information, visit: https://www.suffolklibraries.co.uk/whats-on/festival/suffolk-libraries-day-book-festival
SCC Press release: Warm Homes Suffolk Fund to heat up cold homes this winter
· Residents can cut energy costs and reduce their carbon
Suffolk residents who are struggling to keep their homes warm, can contact a new project which offers funding and free advice at www.warmhomessuffolk.org.
Suffolk’s councils have joined together to establish Warm Homes Suffolk. The team will be on hand to offer expert advice on reducing energy bills, energy usage and identify benefits that residents may be entitled to, to help keep their homes warm.
The work of Warm Homes Suffolk will also help the county towards its target of Net Zero by 2030, as the project aims to better insulate homes and provide more efficient heating, meaning less carbon is released into the atmosphere.
A successful bid was made to the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) for £2.7 million pounds of funding to run Warm Homes Suffolk - The Warm Feeling Fund. This is part of the Government’s (Local Authority Delivery phase two) LAD2 Scheme, designed to improve the energy efficiency of Britain’s homes.
The bid was led by Suffolk County Council, on behalf of all councils in the county. Councillor Andy Drummond, Chair of the Suffolk Environment Cabinet Members group, said:
“With an imminent spike in energy costs for all households, Suffolk’s authorities have joined together to offer valuable support and advice to residents. We want to assure people that help is out there, so that you don’t have to live in a cold house, or become unwell, by worrying about your energy bills.
“If you, or anyone you know is having difficulty heating their home, or is concerned about their energy bills, please get in touch with Warm Homes Suffolk.”
For eligible residents, the scheme can offer a range of home upgrades, including cavity, loft and external insulation, installation of solar photovoltaic systems and switching central heating to more efficient low carbon heat pumps.
The scheme is available to homeowners, those renting and landlords. There are some conditions to meet before being able to access funding, which is aimed at residents who are:
· earning under £30,000 per annum
· currently receiving benefits (or think you may be eligible)
· living in homes with a low energy rating
If you are a landlord with tenants and property that meet the above criteria, then you could receive a subsidy of up to two-thirds for work which improves the energy efficiency of your property, up to the value of £5,000.
More details and further information about eligibility can be found in the on the Warm Home Suffolk website www.warmhomessuffolk.org, or by calling 03456 037 686. Lines are open Monday to Friday between 9am and 4pm.
Warm Homes Suffolk - The Warm Feeling Fund is a partnership programme with Suffolk Councils (East Suffolk Council, Suffolk County Council, Ipswich Borough Council, Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils and West Suffolk Council).
It is funded by Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS).
COVID Latest SCC information is available here: https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/ Latest Government advice is available here: www.gov.uk/coronavirushave Vaccination Appointments can be booked here: www.sneevaccine.org.uk
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