Keep up to date on Covid 19
The sites I listed last month still give a wealth of up-to-date information on the pandemic.
In early January there were 3,489 new cases in Suffolk and 774 Covid-19 deaths, 278 in care homes.
2021-22 budget-Scrutiny on 7th January
The budget is not exciting, but it set the services available for the year. The County provides vital care for the elderly, for adults and children with disabilities for those with special educational needs. Also, Highways, the Fire and Rescue service, Trading Standards and disposal of the waste District Councils collect.
The considerable cost of Covid-19 has been offset by Government grants. However, there is much uncertainty about next year’s income. Job Losses will impact Council Tax, business failures will impact Business Rates and commercial income will reduce.
There are a range of government grants for issues as wide ranging as domestic abuse, troubled families, school transport, social housing decarbonisation, roads maintenance and upgrades for cycling. For all these the Suffolk shares are not yet known.
The County suffers inflation of some 3.4% and demand increases of 3.5% per annum due to an increasing and aging population, a total of some £40M and saves between £10M and £20M.
Council Tax, the bulk of the council’s income, will rise by 2% plus a “Social Care Precept” of 2%. Add business rates which increase by CPI and charges at +3% and we get a total increase in income of about £12M so there is a considerable gap.
The hope over recent years is that “Transformation” projects could bridge the gap.
Transformation helps people regain capability to support themselves and provides digital means to maintain contact without travel. Much of this transformation is sound but I am concerned that an element of the “demand management” is just refusing to meet the needs of people desperate for help, often at a cost to the NHS or their families.
Covid has delayed transformation as staff were diverted to meet the immediate need but it is hoped to recover over the next three years.
Some £22M Reserves will be used to tide us over the short-term problems, an appropriate move but there are clear long term funding issues to resolve that will need clarity and courage.
Unless it is fully satisfied that issues have been addressed, the LDGI Group will be proposing amendments.
Consultation on the Suffolk Streets Guide
SCC is running a consultation on its proposed Streets Guide, which will assist with the design of new residential developments. It will show how best to create sustainable transport layouts that promote walking and cycling.
There is a survey which closes at 5pm on 10th February at: https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/planning-waste-and-environment/planning-and-development-advice/suffolk-design-streets-guide/.
Suffolk Climate Change Action Plan
SCC has been running a consultation on the Suffolk Climate Action Plan and has been inviting comment on the following areas:
- Sustainable Buildings
- Large Industrial & Commercial Energy Users
- Transport & Air Quality
- Small Industrial & Commercial Energy Users
- Energy & Planning
- Community Action & Schemes
Impact of Claydon Road Closures
I am sure we all understand that, on occasion, work that will be highly inconvenient has to done and that for its duration there is no alternative but to tolerate the disruption. However, we need to get Highways to understand that people need time to re-plan. A meeting with local councillors, Parish, District and County, would improve understanding and might find fewer problematic compromises.
john.field@suffolk.gov.uk. 07545423808