Keep up to date on Covid 19
You can find extensive up to date information at https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/ and https://www.healthysuffolk.org.uk/jsna/coronawatch.
2021-22 budget-Council Meeting 11th Feb
After a long debate in which the LDGI Group put alternative ideas in a budget amendment the Conservative budget was approved.
Full details are at https://committeeminutes.suffolk.gov.uk/DocSetPage.aspx?MeetingTitle=(26-01-2021),%20The%20Cabinet
I had a range of concerns that I expressed in detail last month. In brief there is a budget gap that is heading for £158.6 million cumulative by 2024-5. However, the administration’s budget deals with just this year, outlines the future problems, and hopes service “transformation” will dramatically lower costs. They also hope the Government will deliver funds from central taxes but there is no evidence they will. How will the gap be filled? through substantial cuts I fear.
Our amendment
We proposed the council did as the Government assumes and takes the full 3% social Care precept allowed. That would be painful for us all, £13.41 per year at Council Tax band D but honest and necessary. Without it how will the needs of people with health problems and disabilities be met?
Solar Farms
The planning application for the ENSO solar farm that would dominate Flowton village has been submitted but that for the EDF proposal which includes battery storage is still in a consult and modify phase. Both are for 50Mwatt installations (25,000 electric kettles worth) with battery storage. The planning officer has attended several parish organised meetings as have your councillors to ensure your voices are heard and you understand the decision process. We need renewable energy but take care we don’t damage food production and destroy peoples home environment.
Housing Development
Developments in Barham on Church Lane, in Claydon at Ely Road and on The Old Norwich Road in Whitton, came before the district planning committees in February. Councillors approved the Barham proposals but deferred the other two for further work to address various need from local residents. Councillors were concerned that certain aspects of the proposal would not work or be safe.
My County Locality Budget
A number of you have asked for grants from my county locality budget and by the time you read this I intend to have them processed and delivered to you.
The next four years
You will have noticed that there is an election in May which we were told will go ahead hoping that the vaccination programme will have reduced the risk to the most vulnerable and that the current restrictions will be at least partially lifted by then.
My Involvement
It is I hope an appropriate time and reasonable in this magazine, to let you know that after some 20 years as your County Councillor I will not be standing again. I have enjoyed trying to point policy the way you would wish and to deliver what you want.
My Replacement
We have found an excellent hard-working candidate to take over. Adrienne Marriott, who lives in Bramford has considerable skills in the health and education areas. Restrictions on leafleting allowing, we will be presenting her to you as soon as possible and for your endorsement in May.
john.field@suffolk.gov.uk. 07545423808