Cuts to Minimum Income Guarantee for those needing care in Norfolk.- A discussion document

Norfolk County Council Proposed changes to the Minimum Income Guarantee (MIG) For Non-Residential Care.

(Charging arrangements to meet care and support needs outside of a care home. This includes care and support received in a person’s own home, supported living/housing with care, shared lives schemes and day care).

Introduction

Norfolk County Council’s Adult Social Care Non-Residential Charging Policy outlines the financial arrangements for individuals receiving care and support outside of a care home. Following a Care Act assessment, individuals receive a care and support plan, a personal budget, and undergo a financial assessment to determine their contribution. Disability Related Expenses (DRE) may be considered to reduce costs for individuals with extra disability-related costs.

The Minimum Income Guarantee (MIG) ensures individuals have enough income for basic needs, with different rates for various age groups. There are exemptions and considerations for personal independence payments, carer premiums, and responsibilities for children. It is important that people have sufficient income for basic needs before they have to pay for care costs directly attributable to their disability or condition.

Norfolk County Council currently proposes cuts in the level of the Minimum Income Guarantee which are potentially further increasing health inequalities for this group of Norfolk residents, as well as impinge on their ability to pay for basic needs before care costs. There is also the possibility of care services becoming unviable and a reduction in the provision avialble for care across the area.

Historically, MIG cuts faced legal challenges, prompting adjustments and costs to Norfolk county council and ratepayers of around 1.2 million pounds. Currently, Norfolk County Council proposes further reductions in MIG, aiming to align rates with government standards, potentially affecting around 1600 people. Concerns arise regarding the impact of these changes, especially in light of rising living costs and the effectiveness of the DRE process.

Residents can participate in the consultation through various channels provided by Norfolk County Council. Links are available at the end of this discussion document.

Key Summary Statement

Reducing the Minimum Income Guarantee (MIG) in Norfolk will potentially  have significant detrimental effects on disabled people in the region and further increase health inequalities for this sector of Norfolk for the following reasons :

  1. Financial Strain: For individuals already struggling with the costs associated with disabilities, any reduction in MIG increases their financial burden. These individuals may rely on the MIG to cover basic living expenses such as food, utilities, and transportation. A reduction in MIG can force them to make difficult choices between necessities, potentially compromising their health and well-being.
  2. Access to Care and Support: The MIG plays a crucial role in promoting independence and social inclusion by ensuring individuals have the means to meet their basic needs. Reducing the MIG may result in individuals being unable to afford necessary care and support services, leading to a decline in their quality of life and possibly forcing them into situations where they cannot access the support they need to maintain their independence. An additional impact of this could be the loss of services and support activities as it no longer is viable for them to continue with reduced numbrs of service users.
  3. Impact on Health and Well-being: Financial stress and insecurity can have detrimental effects on individuals’ mental and physical health, particularly for those with disabilities who may already be facing additional challenges. A reduction in MIG can exacerbate existing health conditions, increase stress levels, and contribute to feelings of isolation and anxiety.
  4. Legal and Ethical Concerns: Any reduction in MIG should be carefully considered in light of legal and ethical obligations to support vulnerable populations. Disability rights advocates may argue that reducing the MIG unfairly targets individuals with disabilities, further marginalizing an already vulnerable group and potentially contravening equality and human rights legislation.
  5. Potential for Increased Dependence: Without sufficient financial support through the MIG, individuals with disabilities may become more dependent on informal support networks or charitable assistance, placing additional strain on families and community resources. This increased dependence can limit individuals’ autonomy and ability to participate fully in society.

6. Unfair Process : During the high court judgement, it was also highlighted that the DRE process was ineffective, intrusive, inaccessible, slow and exceedingly difficult to navigate. Another example of these failings can be seen here https://cascaidr.org.uk/2020/02/22/norfolk-county-council-at-fault-for-failing-to-produce-a-clear-care-plan-and-incorrect-advice-on-direct-payments-and-disability-related-expenditure/

Overall, reductions in the Minimum Income Guarantee in Norfolk can have far-reaching and negative consequences for disabled individuals, impacting their financial stability, access to essential services, health outcomes, and overall quality of life. It’s essential for policymakers to carefully consider the implications of such changes and ensure that the needs of disabled residents are adequately met and equitable with treatment of other residents across the area. Disabled residents should not be expected to shoulder a greater burden of the cost savings for the County council than other demographic groups across Norfolk.

Norfolk County Council Adult Social Care Non-Residential Charging Policy.

The Care Act 2014 provides a legal framework for charging policy which enables a Local Authority to charge a person when it is arranging to meet their care and support needs  (this is set out in sections 14 and 17 of the care Act 2014, you can view this here https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2014/23/contents/enacted ).

Norfolk County Council’s charging policy for non-residential care came into effect on the 1st April 2015 (the most recent version Adult Social Care Non-Residential Charging Policy 2023 can be accessed here https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/media/18623/Adult-Social-Care-Non-Residential-Charging-Policy-April-2021/pdf/79Norfolk_County_Council_Adult_Social_Care_Non_residential_Charging_Policy_April_2023.pdf?m=1706868870220 ) This policy covers care and support received in a person’s own home, supported living/housing with care, shared lives schemes and day care.

Those who have been deemed eligible for support following a Care Act assessment (care needs assessment) will receive a care and support plan, indictive personal budget and a financial assessment. They can submit a disability related expenses (DRE) claim form for consideration and will receive a final personal budget once these have all been reviewed.

For information on who is eligible for help under the Care Act please look here https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/41839

Financial Assessment

Norfolk County Council will carry out a finical assessment to determine what a person can afford to pay. The financial assessment looks across all of a person’s assets both in capital  and income. It will not consider a partner or spouses finances; however, it will require information on any savings or capital held in joint names.

There is an upper capital limit of £23,250, for those who go above this upper limit and have ask Norfolk County Council to arrange their care and support, Norfolk County Council may charge an admin fee to cover their costs. This will be a fixed rate fee and cannot be higher than the cost Norfolk County Council incur in making the arrangements.

The lower capital limit is £14,250, where a person’s resources are below this limit, they will not contribute to the cost of care from their capital and their contribution will be biased on their income only.

Those with capital between the upper and lower limit will be charged £1 per week for every £250 between the two amounts this is known as ‘savings income’.

In some circumstances Norfolk County Council may choose to carry out a ‘light-touch’ financial assessment. These circumstances tend to be if the person is above the upper capital limit, where charges are small or nominal and that person would clearly have relevant minimum income and when an individual is on benefits which demonstrate that they would not be able to contribute to their care and support costs.

You can see more about paying for care here https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/article/41796/Will-I-have-to-pay-for-my-care

Disability Related Expenses (DRE)

Disability Related Expenses (DRE) are extra costs that a person may have to pay because of their disability or care need. DRE only relates to non-residential care and to people who have been assessed to contribute to the costs of their care. Norfolk County Council may allow these costs as part of the financial assessment for non-residential care which could reduce the amount the person needs to pay.

DRE claims are looked at on an individual basis rather than a blanket approach and decisions are made at Norfolk County Councils discretion. Examples of what Norfolk County Council might consider as a DRE expense are community alarms, increased energy/utility costs (anything higher than the national average based on income group), cleaning, gardening, disability equipment and its maintenance costs. The cost of disability related equipment will be spread out over what Norfolk County Council considers to be the lifecycle for that item. For example, the cost of a mobility scooter could be spread over 156 weeks. Norfolk County Council will not consider any items they feel should be provided by the NHS, policy states that this includes podiatry for diabetes patients, peripheral arterial disease and rheumatoid arthritis, wheelchairs, specially made boots and shoes etc.

Norfolk County Council will ask 5 key questions when considering a DRE claim:

Do you receive disability benefits?

Is the expense necessary?

Is the expense reasonable?

Is the expense directly linked to the person’s disability, medical condition or care need?

Is the expense able to be met by any other means?

You can see more about disability related expenses here https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/article/41872/What-are-disability-related-expenses.

Norfolk County Councils – DRE Case Study – Ms Smith

Ms Smith is a 42-year-old woman who lives alone in a privately rented flat. She has mental health issues including bipolar disorder and anxiety. She can have both depressed and manic episodes and has a pendant alarm which she can use if she becomes overwhelmed. Because of her anxiety, she does not leave the house often and her family do not live locally. Ms Smith maintains contact with her family by using her smart phone to video-call with them regularly. Ms Smith receives Personal Independence Payments and has a weekly income of £275. Ms Smith has claimed for the following items and amounts:

Pendant alarm – £185 per year

Electricity costs – £65 per month

Water costs – £90 per quarter

Mobile phone – £25 per month

This means that Ms Smith’s DRE amount is:

Pendant alarm – £3.56 per week – £185 per year divided by 52 weeks.

Electricity costs – £3.80 per week – The average weekly cost of electricity for someone with Ms Smith’s income level is £11.20 and because this is lower than what Ms Smith pays the difference can be allowed.

Water costs – £0.00 per week – The average weekly cost of water for someone with Ms Smith’s income level is £8.50 per week and as this is higher than what Ms Smith pays, there is no amount to be allowed as DRE.

Mobile phone costs – £0.00 per week – Not normally allowed as DRE but because Ms Smith is socially isolated, the DRE Team could contact a social worker to see if the cost of the mobile phone could be included as part of the package of care.

Total DRE amount allowed – £7.36 per week

You can view the full case study with the breakdown of Norfolk County Councils decision here https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/article/41885/Case-study—Ms-Smith

Minimum Income Guarantee (MIG).

People receiving non-residential care have a minimum income guarantee (MIG) every week to pay for their day to day living needs such as heating, lighting, water, food, insurance and anything else they need for their home. The purpose of the MIG is to promote independence, social inclusion and ensure that the cared for person has enough to meet their basic needs. The MIG from 10th April 2023 is as follows:

£214.35 per week for people over state pension age.

£187.13 a week for people aged 18 to state pension age.

Rent, Mortgages and council tax cost are allowed on top of the MIG after any housing benefit or council tax support.

  • Personal Independence payments (PIP) Mobility rates are disregarded from financial assessment, but daily living is included.
  • If the person being cared for is also a carer themselves and receives carer premium/carer allowance of universal credits the carer premium will be disregarded plus a 25% buffer as additional MIG.
  • If the person being cared for is responsible for a child an additional £94.90 a week will be disregarded in respect of the child. ‘Child’ is defined as under the age of 16 or up to their 20th birthday if still in relevant education and the person is still receiving child benefit/child tax credits.

Minimum Income Guarantee (MIG) cuts under the current Norfolk County Council proposals.

On the 19th February 2024 Norfolk County Council launched a consultation attempting too yet again reduce the MIG for non-residential care charges, this will run until the 17th May 2024 and will be presented to the cabinet in July 2024.

Norfolk County Council are proposing two options:

  • Option 1: Reduce the Minimum Income Guarantee for people 18-years-old to pension age from the current Norfolk County Council rate of £187.13 to government rates for 25-year-old to pension age, which is currently £171.75
  • Option 2: Reduce the Minimum Income Guarantee to the government rate of £171.75 for people aged 25 to pension age, and also introduce a reduced rate for people aged 18 to 24 of £150.25.

Norfolk County Council state as an estimate that option 1 would affect 1600 people who might have to pay between £2.50 and £18.00 a week more for their care. Option 2 would see around 95 18-24-year-olds pay between £2.50 and £40.00 more per week for their care, and around 1505 people between 25 – pension age pay an additional £2.50 to £18.00 a week. The measures are part of £41.5m of savings that Norfolk County Council needs to make to balance its budget for 2024/25. The changes would add between £1.2m and £1.29m in additional income for Norfolk County Council’s adult social care services.

Full information can be found here https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/article/56781/Have-your-say-on-proposed-changes-to-non-residential-adult-social-care-charging-policy

Minimum Income Guarantee (MIG) previous cuts and legal outcomes.

In 2018 more than 160,000 people in the UK had consequential social care debts and over 78,000 were under debt management by their council.

In 2019 Norfolk County Council made the decision to reduce the MIG for people aged 18 to pension age from £189 per week to £165 per week, they also took an extra £9 of the enhanced element of personal independence payments into account during the finical assessment. In April 2020 it changed again to £151.45 a week.

The Norfolk County Council suggested this would save £4m and stated it was bringing charges in line with other authorities.

Judge holding gavel in courtroom

However, a legal challenge launched by a young women with down’s syndrome went all the way to high court. The judge ruled that Norfolk County Council had acted unlawfully and had discriminated against them in an unforeseen and unintended way. This cost the Council £210,000 in legal fees, the decision was made to revert back to the July 2019 pay of £165 a week and used discretion not to take into account any enhanced personal independence payment. This created a back pay to over 3,200 people with severe disabilities who had been affected, costing the council around £1m. More information on this case can be seen here https://www.lukeclements.co.uk/high-court-social-care-charging-judgment-2/

Discussion Points

  • Norfolk County Council state that this will bring Norfolk’s MIG in line with other councils, However it has not mentioned any change in how they work their DRE and financial assessments to bring them into line with the other councils. For example, Suffolk County Councils DRE provides a minimum of £25 and will further consider any expenses above this.
  • Even though the mobility rate of PIP is disregarded for financial assessment weekly care amounts for many people full way above the maximum that can be received in disability benefits, they are therefore subsidising their care from benefits which are meant to contribute to living expenses.
  • Due to the cost-of-living rising benefits are due to receive an inflation rise in April 2024 to help people to meet their basic needs. Universal credit, Personal independence payments, Attendance allowance, carer’s allowance, Employment and support Allowance, Jobseeker’s allowance, Disability Living allowance, incapacity benefit, Income support, Maternity allowance and pension credit (savings credit portion) will all increase by 6.7%. Pension credit (guaranteed credit portion) will increase 8.5%. Is this rise likely to be added to what a person is expected to contribute, therefore will not support people with the rising cost of living as was intended but result in a greater percentage of their income being used for care costs and not basic need costs.
  • During the high court judgement, it was also highlighted that the DRE process was ineffective, intrusive, inaccessible, slow and exceedingly difficult to navigate. Another example of these failings can be seen here https://cascaidr.org.uk/2020/02/22/norfolk-county-council-at-fault-for-failing-to-produce-a-clear-care-plan-and-incorrect-advice-on-direct-payments-and-disability-related-expenditure/
  • Norfolk County Council state that this will bring Norfolk’s MIG in line with other councils, However it has not mentioned any change in how they work their DRE and financial assessments to bring them into line with the other councils. For example, Suffolk County Councils DRE provides a minimum of £25 and will further consider any expenses above this. NCC already pays less than this on DRE payments.
  • Even though the mobility rate of PIP is disregarded for financial assessment weekly care amounts for many people full way above the maximum that can be received in disability benefits, they are therefore subsidising their care from benefits which are meant to contribute to increased living expenses resulting from their disability or condition.
  • Due to the cost-of-living rising benefits are due to receive an inflation rise in April 2024 to help people to meet their basic needs. Universal credit, Personal independence payments, Attendance allowance, carer’s allowance, Employment and support Allowance, Jobseeker’s allowance, Disability Living allowance, incapacity benefit, Income support, Maternity allowance and pension credit (savings credit portion) will all increase by 6.7%. Pension credit (guaranteed credit portion) will increase 8.5%. Is this rise likely to be added to what a person is expected to contribute. If so then this will not support people with the rising cost of living as was intended, given they will have to contribute more of their care costs and not have the additional funds for basic needs.
  • During the high court judgement, it was also highlighted that the DRE process was ineffective, intrusive, inaccessible, slow and exceedingly difficult to navigate. Another example of these failings can be seen here https://cascaidr.org.uk/2020/02/22/norfolk-county-council-at-fault-for-failing-to-produce-a-clear-care-plan-and-incorrect-advice-on-direct-payments-and-disability-related-expenditure/

How to take part in the consultation.

Norfolk County Council state they have sent letters and questionnaires to everyone who would be impacted by these changes.

There are several ways to take part in the consultation:

The Minimum Income Guarantee Consultation 2024/2025.

Freepost Plus RTCL-XSTT-JZSK

Norfolk County Council,

Ground floor – south wing,

County Hall,

Martineau Lane,

Norwich.

NR1 2DH.

If support is required contact can be made to charging.policy@norfolk.gov.uk or calling 01603 306864 open Mon-Fri 8:30am till 5:00pm.

Appendix 1 Case Studies of Peoples MIG Calculations

Example of a cared-for person who receiving income as one of a couple:

Jarred is 47 and receiving support at home and has been placed in the Support

Group of Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). He lives with his wife, Susan,

who has Contribution-Based ESA of £129.50 per week and an underlying entitlement

to Carers Allowance. Both Jarred and Susan receive Enhanced Rate Daily Living

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) of £101.75 each and Enhanced Rate PIP

Mobility of £71.00 per week. (PIP Mobility is disregarded from the financial

assessment)

Their couple Employment and Support Allowance appropriate amount is £328.85 per

week, which includes the couple’s personal allowance of £133.30 per week, 2x

Severe Disability Premium (£152.80) per week and 1x Carers Premium (£42.75) per

week.

Jarred receives £199.35 per week Income-related ESA for both himself and Susan.

Jarred’s share of the ESA is determined by dividing the amount of Income-related

ESA amount in half, e.g. £199.35/2 equals £99.67

Jarred’s maximum contribution is calculated as follows:

Income-related ESA £ 99.67 (half the total)

PIP Daily Living Component £ 101.75

Total £201.42

Less

Minimum Income Guarantee £187.13

PIP disregard £ 33.65

Maximum Weekly Contribution £ NIL

If Susan is receiving care and support at home, her contribution would be:

Contribution ESA £129.50

 Income-related ESA £ 99.67 (half the total)

 PIP Daily Living Component £ 101.75

 Total £330.92

 Less

 Minimum Income Guarantee £187.13

PIP disregard £ 33.65

 Maximum Weekly Contribution £110.14

Example of a cared-for person who is not receiving income as a couple:

Cheryl, who is 67, is receiving support. She lives with her husband, Dan, who is 62.

Cheryl receives a State Retirement Pension of £203.85 per week, enhanced rate

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) daily living component of £101.75 per week

and higher PIP mobility component £71.00, plus an occupational pension of

£214.55 per week.

Dan gets standard rate of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Daily Living of

£68.10 per week, the enhanced rate PIP mobility of £71.00 per week and a small

occupational pension of £20 per week.

Cheryl and Dan’s two children each receive Carer’s Allowance for looking after their

parents.

Cheryl’s ‘qualifying income’ (QI) of £418.40 per week and Dan’s QI of £20 per week

plus, the fact that someone gets Carers Allowance for looking after both of them

means their income is too high for Pension Credit.

The applicable couple personal allowance is £306.85 per week.

Cheryl’s maximum contribution is calculated as follows:

State Retirement Pension £203.85

Occupational Pension £214.55

PIP Daily Living £ 101.75

Total £520.15

Less Minimum Income Guarantee £214.35

PIP disregard £ 33.65

Maximum Weekly Contribution £272.15

*PIP mobility is disregarded in a financial assessment.

However, NCC needs to consider the implications of Cheryl’s care charges on Dan

and make sure the couple receive at least the Pension Credit couple’s personal

allowance of £306.85 per week.

NCC has already disregarded £214.35 of Cheryl’s income and also all of Dan’s

‘qualifying income’, giving a total disregard of £234.35 per week. This is less than

the basic couple’s Personal Allowance of £306.85.

Therefore, NCC will make a ‘Spouse Disregard’ of £72.50 per week to bring the total

disregarded ‘qualifying income’ up to the couple’s Personal Allowance.

Cheryl’s revised Maximum Weekly Contribution is: £272.15

Less Spouse Disregard £ 72.50

TOTAL £199.65

Credits

Thank you to Jenna Bedwell for her help and support in putting this document together and valuable insight as a wheelchair user and advocate for those facing health inequalities on how these proposals will impact on disabled people’s lives. Thank you for what you do on a personal level.

Lib Dem NNDC Cllr Team District Report for June

NNDC News

The Reef Leisure Centre has been shortlisted for an RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence 2023 in Excellence in Planning for Health and Wellbeing and also Best Project

https://www.north-norfolk.gov.uk/news/2023/may/the-reef-leisure-centre-shortlisted-for-an-award/

A building with a sign on the side

Description automatically generated with low confidence

A new Cabinet has been formed at NNDC. This includes Cllr Withington as Portfolio Holder for Community, Leisure and Outreach

https://www.north-norfolk.gov.uk/news/2023/may/new-cabinet-formed-at-north-norfolk-district-council/

Local Plan submitted

Notice has been given, in accordance with regulation 22(3) of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012, that North Norfolk District Council submitted the Proposed Submission Version North Norfolk Local Plan to the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities on 11 May 2023 for independent examination.

Availability of Documents The submission documents are available for public inspection via the Council’s examination website at www.north-norfolk.gov.uk/localplan

The submission documents are available to view by prior arrangement using the contact details below, during normal office opening hours, at:

·         North Norfolk District Council, Holt Road, Cromer NR27 9EN

·         North Norfolk District Council, Fakenham Connect, Oak Street, Fakenham NR21 9DY

Any specific accessibility requests may be sent to us at planning.policy@north-norfolk.gov.uk, by telephone 01263 516318, or in writing to Planning Policy Team, NNDC, Holt Road, Cromer, Norfolk NR27 9EN.

Programme Officer
The Council has appointed Annette Feeney as Programme Officer to organise and administer the examination under the guidance of the appointed Inspector. Examinations of Local Plans usually involve a number of public hearing sessions. We anticipate that the hearings could likely commence in September/October 2023.

The Planning Inspectorate has published a procedural guide which explains the Local Plan examination process: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/examining-local-plans-procedural-practice/procedure-guide-for-local-plan-examinations 

Further information will be published on our website as it becomes available.

3 Beaches achieve Blue Flag Status and 3 Seaside Award Status

The three beaches along our coastline that have retained their Blue Flag status are Cromer, Sheringham and West Runton.

This year, due to the changing water quality along the North Norfolk coastline, East Runton, Sea Palling and Mundesley have dropped their previous Blue Flag status and have, for 2023, achieved Seaside Award status. Find out more below

https://www.north-norfolk.gov.uk/news/2023/may/three-north-norfolk-beaches-to-fly-blue-flags-this-summer/

https://www.north-norfolk.gov.uk/news/2023/may/three-north-norfolk-beaches-to-fly-blue-flags-this-summer/

Green Flag Status

There  were successful events held at both Holt Country Park and Pretty Corner over the Half Term Holiday. The Green Flag accreditation inspections have also taken place recently. Unlike the Blue Flag where it is the set of criteria alone which have to be met in the Green Flag Scheme tha standard criteria have to be met but in addition the space must show signs of improvement to both amenity and biodiversity. The Countryside Team who manage NNDC Open Spaces are hopeful they will reach the required standard again. At Pretty Corner the volunteer and conservation group Muddy Boots is doing well and has growing numbers. New routes have also been established including a new route which connects up Old Wood and Sheringham Wood (STC managed by the Woodland Trust ), which is significantly longer and provides a more challenging route for those who wish it. New signage is currently being put out for this and also the hard copy which will be available online and in the car parks.

Council Launches Wonky Wheels Project for Ukrainian Families

North Norfolk District Council, in partnership with Active Norfolk and Wonky Wheels, is launching a project to provide Ukrainians residing in North Norfolk with bicycles to use.

This project is funded through the Sport England Together Fund and is part of the Council’s joint locality work with Active Norfolk.

https://www.north-norfolk.gov.uk/news/2023/june/council-launches-wonky-wheels-project-for-ukrainian-families/

Aparthotel – Development Committee

The town council did not attend and express a view on this matter. Representations were made by Cllr Withington on behalf of the District Cllr team at the Development Committee. Concerns were expressed about the type of model proposed rather than a Hotel, loss of scarce employment land for a business creating only 3 part time jobs, poor design out of character with the area and failure to address the potential for greater biodiversity and a greening of the landscape. Following discussions with planners it was proposed to amend the 90 day stay limit in any one year to 31 days. The scheme was passed with a heavy heart by many and there was one objection and Cllr Withington abstained due to it possibly being perceived she was predetermined. It now remains to be seen if the applicant will trigger the sale or may choose not to develop at this point in time. If they fail to trigger the sale within the timescale further discussions can be had with NNDC about land use. It must not be forgotten however this land is being sold/developed in order to create the 1 million revenue required as part of the Reef project. Hence this land is known as the Enabling Land.

The Reef Solar Car Port

The first stage of the Solar Car Port has been completed on time and to schedule. The second stage is due to start on the 19th of June and will involve the construction of the steel frame and installation of the solar panels themselves.

The Shannocks

The CPO process is underway. The current owners have failed to meet the next deadline in the process. Counsel’s advice has been sought and the process is continuing as per the required legal time frames. – No further update

Public Toilets The Leas - Visit Sheringham

Marble Arch Toilets

Although slightly delayed this project is continuing well .

Sheringham Play Parks

Cooper Road  

The Quality of Life Strategy has been completed and the Play Park Strategy as part of this is being further developed. As a result of this there will be funding available for future maintenance of parks and equipment where improvements are made through community partnerships. This was not the case previously nor was their a capital budget for the replacement and improvement of NNDC activity spaces. Under the current administration this has now changed.

2 of the three companies who visited the site have presented first drafts and are currently making some adaptations as a result of initial discussions on the drafts. We are awaiting the third company to complete their plans Another company offering a green solution has also come forward and will be looking to offer a plan as well. Once all the initial plans are completed we will bring forward a series of community engagement events to support agreeing a final proposal . Funding will then be sought for this proposal. Local match funding will of course be welcome.  It is hoped we can complete the community engagement by the end of the summer holiday or early in the Autumn term.

The Leas

A group of people smiling at the camera

Description automatically generated with low confidenceFor the same reasons stated above this project is now moving ahead and a company which specialises in the use of composite materials is involved in producing plans for this park. The use of composite materials is for two main reasons. In this location equipment made of more traditional materials do not last due to the hostile and salty climate on the seafront. By using these materials as well it is a means to reduce the carbon footprint of the playpark and support the councils move to net zero by 2030. We are currently awaiting the plans which are expected by early July. Discussions re funding will then commence. Any local partners who wish to contribute funding will be welcome to do so and any local CT2 or 106 money designated  for playparks can of course be recommended to NNDC to be considered for allocation to this project. 

Leas and War Memorial Garden

There has been a problem on the LEAS with SERCO fulfilling their contract in regard to the garden maintenance here and at the War Memorial. A senior management member has been involved and a supervisor visited with a NNDC Officer to determine and agree the extent of the works required. This work is currently underway with a team of a minimum of four people and it is anticipated it will be finished by the weekend 17th June (After this has gone to print)

The Seafront

East Beach

The gaps between the concrete slabs have deteriorated again and as part of the annual trip hazard survey work now completed by the Coastal team will be addressed by the Small Works Maintenance team. This is due to be completed shortly.

The No dogs on the Beach signs have been replaced at the entrances to the beach. The foreshore Officer Steve Banks will monitor these and has spares available in his base and will replace as required.

Local Parking

Vincent Road

This is a longstanding issue which has previously been reported to STC. Cllr Withington on receiving complaints about this area in 2022 liaised with a survey of residents and liaised with Highways and NNDC Environmental Services, Residents and Highways and Cllr Withington met on site and discussed the issues. H bars were not considered as appropriate given the number that would be required and the advisory nature of this road marking. Highways proposed double yellow lines and the project was agreed under the Road Safety Funding scheme. The timescale for completion will depend on the level of objections which may be received as part of the Highways RTO consultation. District Cllrs will continue to monitor the progress of this scheme.

Graphical user interface, application

Description automatically generated

Sheringham North Norfolk District Councillor Team Parking Surveys and Proposals – A voice for the community

Sheringham Town Council are currently considering their view on the proposals and evidence contained in these reports.

You can view this report in detail at

 Cllr Liz Withington

Parking in Sheringham Graphical user interface, text, application

Description automatically generatedAs we continue to be busy and the season will bring more visitors  in Sheringham the search for parking spaces will continue to be difficult. Why not consider a seasonal parking ticket for NNDC Car Parks

Get a season ticket here

Sheringham Market

THE FUTURE OF SHERINGHAM MARKET NEVER IN DOUBT

Before this was raised at the Town Meeting, discussions were already taking place with Market traders and NNDC Officers, who are the legal operators of this market and on whose land it operates.

The Council has already changed the management structure of the market and a new manager has been appointed and is now in place. Training has also been agreed for the new officers in place in Market Management. This is to support NNDC and traders to be able to ensure the efficient running and the continuity of this vital market. Processes in the market operation are already under review

The Council have welcomed the suggestions brought forward by traders and a plan was and will continue to be under discussion to build up both the Wednesday and Saturday markets.

Discussions have already yielded ideas for additional markets alongside specialist markets and ways to attract footfall and new market stalls. All of which will be discussed with and contain suggestions received by traders. Officers had already agreed with traders to put in place an action plan which incorporated the traders ideas. This is currently being progressed and includes attracting new traders and specialist markets to enhance the current offering.  It is anticipated that Action Plan will be completed shortly and shared with Traders.  

 Process will have to be agreed as to how new structures and processes can develop within market regulations and also event licencing and legal timeframes.

Contrary to views expressed at the Annual town Meeting the future of the market was never in doubt. in fact as you can see those stakeholders with direct involvement have been part of those discussions and officers have already begun to put in place the structures to support the future development of this popular market. NNDC are committed to the future of their Markets.

Cllr Phil Bailey has also met with traders and has represented Experience Sheringham ‘s view that the market plays an important role in our local economy. A fact, I’m sure we all agree on and was never in any doubt.

Health and Wellbeing

 Healthier Sheringham

Healthier Sheringham (HS)are running network events for the Creative Arts and Outdoor pursuit groups. This is as a result of the Community networking event held in February – Sheringham Helps. It was identified as the priority area to develop first by the 60+ organisations who were there. The first event takes place on the 29th of July at Sheringham Golf Club.

The NNDC Community Connectors continue to work closely with HS.

Healthier Sheringham are also now working with Merchants Place and the North Norfolk Volunteer Hub. We are looking to promote with community groups and organisations this service and support groups in defining the role they wish to advertise. In addition, Healthier Sheringham is running a Volunteer Conference which is being supported by CAN and other local organisations to explore how to attract, retain, train and support volunteers. This again is kindly being hosted by the Golf Club in September. Healthier Sheringham will be then supporting groups with a Volunteer Fair and Sheringham Helps will take place in February again.

Healthier Sheringham are continuing to work with Healthier North Walsham (HNW) and Cllr Withington is now working with the Community Connectors to support the establishment of the Healthier North Norfolk Model in Stalham both HS and HNW are also working with the NHS Integrated Care Board and Integrated Care Working parties to explore how they can support these models to grow and be sustainable.

Community groups are welcome to attend Healthier Sheringham and can contact the organisation by email healthiersheringham@gmail.com

Sheringham District Cllr Team – Casework  

Ongoing Casework

Highways and parkingHousingEnvironment and Environmental Health IssuesNNDC Assets and planning
June 2023
Augusta Street – White H bars have been extended around the corner of the junction as not correctly installed initially ResolvedNo fault eviction x1 Disabled Housing need support been given, liaising local charities and Housing Team and social prescribing team  Dustbin location issues Waste collection Sheringham Sports association Resident concerns re standards of building maintenance – resolvedSolar Panels in a conservation area- planning advice Resolved
Victoria Street – H bars being proposed and request to Highways Awaiting follow up response Leas and War memorial SERCO failure to maintain – see extended report June Report Resolution underway Ladybird Park – The latch is broken on the gate to the Under 5s area. This has been reported as high priority and will be attended to as a matter of urgency. No dogs signage on the Guide hut side of the park has been removed. Signs have been ordered and will be replace on site asap. A social media post has gone out reminding people dogs are not allowed on this park and that there is a Public Spaces order enforcing that .Overgrown and Dangerous trees on the boundaries of Sheringham House. Meetings with residents and Landscape Officers- and planners  response due shortly. Meeting with planners linked to this issue and landscape management plan as condition in planning expressing residents’ concerns.  Further meeting with Majors Planning team due to take place.
Pre June 2023
 Empty Home Report – LeasBeech Avenue Trees and garden waste- problematic Pursuing fly tipping concerns and a house with 0vergrown vegetation and dumped garden waste- rat infestation Enforcement are now involved as this is private land within the deeds of a residence 
Seaview Access issues and refuse siting conflict– near conclusionOvercrowdingRat infestation on Golf Course Awaiting response from SGC as to progress on thisSeafront Trip Hazard in gaps on East Beach  Replacement dog signage in place
Cooper road Junction Flooding Holway road – monitoring Recent heavy downfall was less damaging than previously following the Holway Road flood worksLeas Pond Overflowing – resolved
Vincent Road – parking and access issues for residents, emergency vehicles and refuse vehicles – see main June report  Mould – private rental Rehousing taken placeGuide Hut Funding for energy efficiencies improvements – Application submittedCycle Parking – seafront
Morris street Weeds and drain blocked- as below Highways have stated works to be completed in 6 weeks (early July Butts Lane Overgrown tree. Inspection by landowner complete awaiting outcome 
Morris Street /Victoria Street Loke being resurfaced currently but issues still persist- ongoing awaiting Highways response  War Memorial Garden revamp – ongoing 
Liaising with Highways to repair uncovered drain Holway Road Looking into allotment availability for resident 
  Investigating issues around street lighting – resolved 

Local Cllr Attendance/Training/Briefings – not previously mentioned 

Licensing Training, Media Training, Parish and Town Council Engagement,

Development committee Planning Training, Planning Policy Training, Chairing Skills Training North Norfolk Dementia Working Party (ICB NHS), Licensing Sub Committee, Standard and Code of Conduct Training, Questioning Skills Overview and Scrutiny training, Local government Finance Essentials – training Audit Committee training, Member Briefing – Performance Management, Information Governance training, Personal Safety Training

Little Theatre Project meeting

Healthier Sheringham Steering Group meeting

STC Annual Parish Meeting ,  

Royal British Legion Meeting and presentation

How to access support for Sheringham Residents 

Helping Residents to find help and support As STC staff and councillors, community organisations and residents reading the District Cllr report this information will help you to direct members of our community to the right support and contacts.

With the rising cost of living proving very difficult for people in North Norfolk, North Norfolk District Council have been looking to find ways to support our residents.

IT Housing and Benefits have put all the information together about accessing funding and support in one place. NNDC Help Hub as well is available to all as well.

If you are part of a community group and act as signposting or support those in need. Please share this information with your organisation, clients or community. As District Cllrs we will always refer people through who are in need and do so regularly.

Follow the link below for information ℹ️

Change of circumstances online form:

https://www.north-norfolk.gov.uk/

https://www.north-norfolk.gov.uk/proj…/advice-and-support/

The Help Hub is also an important and useful point to connect with for further support via the social prescribers if you are supporting residents or local organisations. Residents can also self-refer 

The North Norfolk Help Hub is a partnership of organisations that work together to offer practical support, advice, and guidance.

At times, we all need a little help and support dealing with issues or problems in our life that are hurting our physical, mental, social or financial wellbeing. Getting help as soon as possible can prevent things from getting worse.

The Health and Communities Team are part of the North Norfolk Help Hub. They can provide advice and support with:

  • abuse and exploitation, including domestic abuse.
  • benefits
  • carer support
  • employment
  • financial advice
  • home adaptations and assistive technology
  • housing conditions
  • learning
  • local opportunities for leisure interests
  • long term health condition management
  • mental wellbeing
  • social isolation
  • substance misuse
  • wellbeing

Early Intervention Team

North Norfolk District Council’s Early Intervention Team are working to help residents across the District who are threatened with homelessness.

It is never too early to get help and the Early Intervention Team provides support for individuals and families across North Norfolk with housing-related issues and will work to address the problem.

The team try to do this at an early stage before the individual or family become homeless and ideally before a significant risk of homelessness arises. They are part of the Council’s Housing Options team and work closely with other services to identify those in need and provide support and advice.

If you or someone you know are having problems which make it difficult at home, such as:

  • Rent arrears or other debt worries
  • Arguments at home or relationship breakdowns
  • Changes to your household
  • Changes to your health

The Early Intervention Team can help

If you or someone you may know is threatened with homelessness, the Early Intervention Team can help and assist you by:

  • Talking through some options, you may have to help yourself.
  • Try to help keep you in your current home where possible.
  • Work with you to secure alternative accommodation.

Where possible, the Council aims to make sure residents remain in their current homes by helping at an early stage, the Early Intervention Team will seek to understand your current situation and help to resolve your situation.

The most important thing you can do is contact the Early Intervention Team on 01263 513811 or email early.intervention@north-norfolk.gov.uk as soon as possible.

How to get support

If you are aged 18 and over and need help or support, please contact the Health and Communities Team Duty Line.

Call:

01263 516353

Email:

social.prescribing@north-norfolk.gov.uk

Applyforhousingbenefitandcounciltaxsupport  

Manageyourbenefitsclaimonline

Further information regarding financial hardship, community support and access to mental health support, domestic abuse and violence support, is available on Cllr Withington’s new website and blog. Click here to view    

Early Help Hub

Financial Support

The Early Help Hub has also produced a comprehensive list of financial support available for community support organisations to direct people to. This has been shared in the community via organisations such as Healthier Sheringham to their partners and those working on projects with NNDC and the ICB

Please contact us if you are aware of people who need financial support as a result of the Cost of living Crisis

General help is available here

https://www.north-norfolk.gov.uk/costofliving?fbclid=IwAR3FBNeKCC0sE7jrutGsG0qvHjY_dF0QoA3UbHREph9Qu_YE6ibpHYu3VMU

The Household support fund application form is also live on the website

https://north-norfolk.apply4.online/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2FRequests%2FQuickSchemeLink%2F543BPM

www.norfolk.gov.uk/covidwintersupport

Cllr Liz withington can also issue food parcel vouchers through the North Norfolk foodbank (previously known as the Cromer Foodbank. This change is to reflect that the foodbank serves across the North Norfolk district. ) cssheringham@gmail.com  She is also able to support through the Salvation Army foodbank and Community Food Club  as well.

Energy Vouchers are also available for those in need and in fuel poverty.

We can also  support with referrals to the Norfolk Assistance Scheme and Norfolk Household Fund

Anglia Water also have an Extra Care Support system to help with difficulties with paying bills and for those worried about the finances you can contact them online in the link below or telephone 08001693630

Link to Anglian Water Extra Care Support  

Warm Homes grant available after successful bid

A picture containing text

Description automatically generated

North Norfolk District Council, as part of the Norfolk Warm Homes Consortium, has been successful in a bid for £3.85 million of government grant to provide energy efficiency improvement works to homes occupied by low-income households within Norfolk. 

The grant is aimed at supporting low income residents to reduce their energy bills and increase the thermal comfort of their homes through a subsidy towards increasing the energy efficiency of their property. NNDC have appointed Energy Officer Dulcie Walsh to help ensure those eligible for the scheme are able to access these important funds to reduce living costs. The Energy Officer will identify suitable properties and support owner-occupiers and landlords with applications for improvement works. Our aim is to ensure we maximize take-up for North Norfolk residents.

For homeowners, if your gross household income is £30,000 or less the grant will cover the cost of the works.

For landlords, you could get a two-thirds subsidy for works to improve the energy efficiency of your property (if your tenants are on gross household incomes of £30,000 or less)

This grant is aimed at residents who have properties with a low energy rating (EPC band E, F or G)

The grant will go towards the cost of works to better insulate your home, which can include loft cavity wall and external wall insulation if your property is suitable.

Also available under the scheme, properties can benefit from low carbon energy by replacing an inefficient heating system with a renewable air source heat pump.

For more information click here  

Support for our local businesses:

The full list of guidance for local businesses can be found on North Norfolk District Council’s Support and Advice for Businesses webpage.

  Further advice is also available Click here

Check my collection datesOther useful Contact numbers and links :

  1. Emergency highways number -out of hours 03448008009 for fallen trees blocking roads etc
  2. Report a problem with potholes, pavements, hedges, salt bins, trees to Norfolk County Council
  3. Planned Roadworks in Norfolk https://one.network/
  4. SERCO – missed bins/public toilets/ – 03301099220
  5. Report Fly tipping

6.    Order a new bin Contact Customer Services at Serco

Telephone: 0330 109 9220

Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 5pm and Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm

Email:  norfolkwaste@serco.com

7.    Assisted bin delivery due to age or disability Contact Business Waste & Recycling

Telephone:  01263 516189

Email:  cleansing@north-norfolk.gov.uk

A picture containing mammal, big cat, aquatic mammal, staring

Description automatically generatedIf you find  a seal in distress and in need of emergency assistance you can contact any of the following agencies.

British Divers Marine Life Rescue: 01825 765546                 RSPCA: 0300 1234 999

Friends of Horsey Seals: 07706 314514

Get in touch with NNDC

Use our online form to give NNDC feedback, or ask a question about any of our services.

Contact us

Live web chat

Chat with one of our Customer Services Advisors by clicking the green web chat link at the bottom right of the screen. This will appear when advisors are available.

Call us 

Telephone:  01263 513811
Out of hours:  01223 849782

Telephone and office opening hours

Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 8.30am to 5pm
Wednesday from 10am to 5pm
Fridays from 8.30am to 4.30pm

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us your District Cllr Team  in Sheringham  for further information on this report or if we can help with any issues.

 Cllr Phil Bailey  

Correspondence address:  

North Norfolk District Council

Holt Road

Cromer

Norfolk

NR27 9EN

Email:  

Profile image for Cllr Liz Withington Profile image for Cllr Colin Heinink

Cllr Liz Withington on Fb

@withington_liz on twitter

Lizwithington1 on Instagram

www.lizwithington.mycouncillor.org.uk

To keep up to date with the latest NNDC news and North Norfolk activity follow North Norfolk District Council on FB or click on on FB or click on the link below to go directly to the website 

North Norfolk District Council  

Twitter @northnorfolkdc

Sheringham’s Lib Dem Team bring forward School parking and town parking proposals for local hot spots

This report was brought to Sheringham Town Council in February for their consideration

Sheringham North Norfolk District Councillor Team Parking Surveys and Proposals – A voice for the community

Introduction

Many concerns have been regularly expressed to District Cllrs in regard to parking and traffic mangement in the following areas:

  • Links Avenue
  • Common Lane to Woodland Rise West
  • In the vicinity of the Primary School

It was clear to us as councillors that local residents and road users were becoming increasingly frustrated by a lack of both attention and action in dealing with these Highways concerns (Norfolk County Council) in these three areas. As a result Sheringham’s Liberal Democrat Cllr Team has completed extensive survey work of these areas and from this a series of proposals have been established  to be considered to address the issues.

As well as liaisising with residents and road users both by individual questionaires through doors  and through social media we have also engaged with the Headteacher at the Primary School and the local Beat Manager. We would like to take the opportunity to thank all the residents who have taken part and contributed their views, Rachel Carter at the Primary School and Ian Smith as the Local Beat Manager Norfolk Police for their help and support bringing this forward for the community.

Links to the surveys for the school community and local residents local to the school are below-

Links Road https://forms.gle/taVmkysvaTVZEkks5 sent individually to houses in electronic or hard copy

School area residents https://forms.gle/58aFoU9Li39oAkEw6  sent individually to houses in electronic or hard copy

School users – sent by the School https://forms.gle/zDQnTgtcZ1awRGAM8

The report lists all the following  

  • Summary of the propositions for STC to consider. Pages 2-4
  • Links Avenue surveys and reports are on pages 5-8
  • Common Lane to Woodland Rise West surveys and reports are included on pages 9-18
  • The School Parking Surveys and reports are included on pages 19-30

It is very much hoped that the work completed in these surveys ad reports can serve as a means for the District Cllrs, STC and Highways to work together collaboratively to bring forward some of the possible solutions outlined and propsed here  to improve the quality of our residents lives and our environment in Sheringham

Summary of Proposals for STC to consider :

Links Road and St. Nicholas Place

1.STC support the introduction of

  • a double yellow line on the southerly side of St. Nicholas Place and Eastern side of Links road.
  • A double yellow line on the eastern side of links road and northern side of Str. Nicholas Place limited to  around the bend area.

2. STC request Highways directly to improve the signage in the area to include no overnight camping signs and also improved dead end and no turning space signage at the roundabout as vehicles enter these roads.

3. STC request that the County Cllr consider using her Member Highway Allowance for this project with STC offering a 50% contribution.

Common Lane to Woodland Rise West

4.     STC investigate the cost of implementing a 20mph zone from the junction of Common Lane on the Cromer Road, north up common Lane Woodland Rise and Woodland rise West of Holway Road. This would incorporate appropriate road signage and circular road markings 20. To support this STC to purchase a SAMs machine to be located on the junctions between Cedar grove and Beech avenue on a lamp post to enable it to signal in both directions. There is a local business which will relocate Sams on a regular basis so that it could be used in a variety of locations in town, where speeding is considered an issue. These locations could be informed by the Community Speedwatch and SNT data.

5.     STC to apply for a parish Partnership for the SAMs project as detailed above and fund 50% as match funding

6.     STC to investigate the cost of implementing double yellow lines in the following locations

·      At the junction of Cromer Road double yellow lines from Cromer Road to St. Joseph’s road

·      On the Cedar Grove side of the road (East) from Cedar Grove southwest to 62 Woodland rise

·      On the Common side of Woodland Rise double yellow lines from the Junction to Anglia Water south west to 15 Woodland Rise.

The project would not be eligible for Partnership funding as those requiring RTO such as a 20mph limit are not eligible. Therefore STC would need to request direct funding from highways or from the local NCC member to fund this.

7.     STC to investigate the cost of implementing a rescue point in the highway opposite to the public footpath into Pretty Corner  on Woodland rise West  STC would need to request direct funding from highways or from the local NCC member to fund this.

8.     STC to request that Highways include Beech Avenue as an extension of the Gritting Route for Sheringham from Common Lane to Woodland Rise West

School Parking

9.STC to offer to consider funding the delivery Bike Scoot Walk for Sheringham Primary School from Norfolk County Council from April 2023- as a grant from Section 137monies

10.STC to deal directly with Highways to obtain the outcomes of the Pilot scheme in Wymondham and 2 other towns  for restricted access within the area of the school

11. STC to discuss directly with highways the feasibility of creating an access restricted zone on Cooper Road and drop of circuit on Cooper Road, Pegg Road and Child’s Way

12. STC to discuss directly with highways the feasibility of creating parking bays on the verges on Cooper road and the grass on Margaret English Close

13. On obtaining the relevant information in propositions  10-12 consider the viability for these proposals and decide on a way forward.

STC to set up a task and finish group which includes the Sheringham District Cllr Team to consider the propositions contained within this document 1-13 and how these could be progressed, funded and implemented for the benefit of the community.  The project proposal to be presented to STC for consideration in the September of 2023 

Links Road  and St. Nicholas Place (west of the roundabout):

Following concerns expressed by the local residents in Links Road and St. Nicholas Place west of the roundabout, the Sheringham Lib Dem cllr team completed a survey of the residents. The results of which are shown below.

Additional comments from residents

At the start of Links Road there should be a ‘No Turning Space Ahead’ road sign. Also ‘Pedestrians walking in the road ahead’ sign.

No, it has become a problem with more motorhomes being used and many large cars needing to park. Restricted parking could be seasonal but I don’t know how that could be enforced. Certainly parking on these roads need to be reduced.

New signage for “ No Overnight Parking for camper vans” . North of the roundabout. It is like a camp site and some people are even disposing of their waste material.

Double yellow would impede existing residents, especially on evenings when no problem exists. There should be a restriction on caravans and vans parking between the hours of 8am and 6pm, as cars parked both sides of the road allow people to still use the road slowly. Wide vehicles which are parked cause the problem of blocking the road.

Additional comments from Cllrs

If the parking is limited on the southern and Eastern side of the roads then it helps with visibility around the bend.

If the bend is included on both sides of the bend this also helps with visibility and also keeps the entrance to the unmade section of St. Nicholas Place which continues West.

Preserving Access on the southern side of St. Nicholas place also makes it easier and safer turning off the roundabout as there is room for vehicles to enter without stopping suddenly on the roundabout.

Proposals for Links Road

1.STC support the introduction of

  • a double yellow line on the southerly side of St. Nicholas Place and Eastern side of Links road.
  • A double yellow line on the eastern side of links road and northern side of Str. Nicholas Place limited to  around the bend area.

2. STC request Highways directly to improve the signage in the area to include no overnight camping signs and also improved dead end and no turning space signage at the roundabout as vehicles enter these roads.

3. STC request that the County Cllr consider using her Member Highway Allowance for this project with STC offering a 50% contribution.

Common Lane Woodland Rise West and Woodland Rise Traffic Scheme

This area has generated a number of concerns from residents in this area. Concerns were in regard to speeding and inconsiderate parking and dangerous junctions

The survey results are shown below.

Common Lane to Woodland Rise West Traffic Survey

NTRODUCTION Just under 50% of the residents who responded were living in the area of Woodland Rise West, with a third on Common Lane. This reflects the two main areas of concern that have been highlighted. Speeding on Woodland Rise West and access at the bottom of Common Lane with cars parked close to the junction. 70% of the respondents indicated there were issues with traffic in the areas surveyed and a similar number used the road in a vehicle. Vehicle use was the highest number of uses identified at 70%. A total of 53 people responded to the polls. A survey link was sent to all houses in the area with hard copy available and non resident road users could access through Fb and it was advertised in the local free press.

Traffic Issues identified as priorities by residents

The amount of traffic using the area was not considered by large numbers to be an issue and a priority to resolve, with only 30% identifying this as in their top 3 priorities and 41% identifying it as not an issue.

Speeding across the whole route Common lane , Woodland Rise and Woodland Rise West was the main area of concern. 31 % identifying this as their number 1 priority and 69% of residents placed this in their top 3 with 76% identifying it within their top 5 areas of concern.

Although speeding in specific areas only was not identified as such a priority. This possibly reflects the perception that speeding is an issue across the whole route. In addition in the comments section 3 residents raised concerns about speeding up Holway road and how this impacted on turning into Woodland rise West in what is a tight turn. This area has also been a regular concern for the SNAP team and has been a priority area for Community Speedwatch. This area has also been a regular concern for the SNAP team and has been a priority area for Community Speedwatch. The results of the traffic Data survey completed in June 2021 over a 3 week period indicate that 1 in 8 cars are over the speed limit of 30mph, with slightly more speeding going down to the Cromer Road – the hill possibly leading to acceleration. Further detailed information is available about the traffic data at the end of this report.

Use of the route by HGV was not identified as a priority issue. 42% do not think this is an issue and a further 25% of respondents included this in their bottom 2 priorities. No one ranked this in their top 2 priorities. In addition 3 residents in the Other comments section in regard to priorities identified that this route was a way for HGVs to not become part of heavy traffic at the roundabout at the Town Centre if the HGVs continue along the Cromer road and up Holway Road. It was also commented that if HGVs were not using Common lane/Woodland Rise West to access Holway road, this would have a negative impact on air quality nearer the town centre.

43% of respondents did not consider pedestrian safety along this route to be an issue but 43% had this in 4-7 priority. Only 6 people responded who were pedestrians.

Cyclist safety also had similar results

Parking on Blind bends and at the Cromer Road Junction was the second most significant concern. With around 80% expressing it was an issue and between 45-47% placing this in their top 3 priorities.

Residents view on Traffic Calming measures

Residents considered a 20mph limit through this area to be a priority, with 59% placing this in their top 3 priorities and 67% in their top 5. Only 29% thought this not applicable.

Speed humps and narrowing of the road were not thought to be priorities as 20% and 30% respectively placed this in their top 3 priorities and 57% and 40% respectively felt these were inappropriate.

In terms of extending the double yellow lines at the junction of Cromer road and on the blind bends these were both considered the greatest priority for the area 57% and 63% having this in their top 3 respectively and in fact at the junction of Cromer road 75% had this as in their top 5 priorities.

The introduction of a cycle lane was considered by 66% as not applicable.

In regard to restricting HGVs travelling through this area, 54% thought this not applicable with only 26% including this in their top 3 priorities

 

Non Resident Road users reasons for traveling in the area of Common Lane, Woodland Rise and Woodland Rise West

The results show that the majority of respondents- 43% are using a vehicle to avoid the roundabout on Cromer road to access Holway Road. 14% use this road to access the convenience store on Beech Avenue. This has significance to a request made to NCC to include the Beech Avenue in the gritting schedule as cars had difficulty accessing the shop in last winters cold snaps. The pavements which also inevitably get some grit from road gritting were also dangerous and gritting would have benefitted the local elderly population accessing the local shop in adverse conditions, as well as families and carers walking to school.

As a driver to avoid the roundabout travelling East to South and increased traffic congestion in the area of Doctors and Tesco

42.86%

9

As a pedestrian to avoid the roundabout travelling East to South and increased traffic congestion in the area of Doctors and Tesco, Holway Road

0.00%

0

As a pedestrian to access the Community Centre, Schools, Pretty Corner from East / North East of Town

4.76%

1

As a cyclist  to access the Community Centre, Schools, Pretty Corner from East / North East of Town

9.52%

2

To access the convenience store on Beech Avenue

14.29%

3

Responses

Other (please specify)

28.57%

6

TOTAL21

Non Resident Road users Priorities

 

70% of these road users don’t feel there are traffic issues in this area. However, these are the priorities identified by the non resident road users.

In terms of the amount of traffic in this area results were fairly balanced, with 39% prioritising this in their top 3 concerns but 43% considering this as not applicable

 

Similarly with speeding 39% placed this in their top 3 concerns but 43% considering this as not applicable. However what is interesting is that 55%respondents felt a 20MPH speed limit was in their top 5 priorities and a similar number stating traffic initiated signage (eg:SAMS)was in their top 5 priorities. Addressing speeding is therefore also a priority for this group, as it also  is for residents in the area

 

HGV access was not seen as an issue in this area by road users with 50% stating it to be not applicable and only 15% indicating it should be in their top 3 priorities. Similar results showed that the introduction of HGV restrictions was not considered a priority.

However, more recently there have been some issues with increased HGV vehicles servicing a new construction site off Willow Grove. Additional signage has been put in place as a temporary measure and NNDC Planning Officers have been in contact with the contractors involved. This is however a temporary problem for the duration of the construction. It does not reflect normal usage of the route by HGVs.

 

 

Pedestrian and cycling safety was not seen as a priority to address, with 15% and 10% respectively including these in their top 3 and 43% and 45% respectively stating these issues were not applicable. This is also reflected in that only 5% put a cycle lane in their top 5 priorities. This is perhaps not surprising since 70% of road users were in a vehicle and perhaps not as aware of pedestrian and cycling issues.

There were 2 cyclists who responded and 2 people responded with a cycle lane in there top 2 priorities. However it cannot be clarified that the 2 respondents in this case were the same. 

 

As with the result of the resident surveys the greatest concerns were in regard to the extension of double yellow lines to restrict parking on Common Lane at the Cromer Road and the blind bends on Woodland rise/Woodland Rise West. 80% and 53% respectively placing this in their top 3 priorities and only 5% thinking this to be not applicable.

In terms of speed bumps and road narrowing 25% and 19% respectively thought speed bumps and road narrowing were priorities and 40% and 43% feel they are not applicable.

Conclusions

The survey results indicate that the community has a clear preference for some actions to be considered to improve traffic management and make the area from Common Lane through Woodland Rise and Woodland Rise West up to Holway Road safer.



20MPH Speed Limit

1.A speed limit of 20mph to be put in place for the area of Common Lane, Woodland rise and Woodland Rise West and all the side roads off this main route up to Holway road



2. Although this survey didn’t directly request information on the Holway Road, there is an indication of preference and perhaps reasons for this 20mph zone to be extended to include the Holway Road. Additional reasons which may support this are that this road is the route many children walk to High School, Primary School and Nursery and cross over to reach them. Residents also have to cross this road to access the Community Centre and Bus Stops. There is also a rescue point and pedestrian crossing. SNP and Community Speed Watch have been targeting this area for some time with results indicating that it is an area of concern in regard to speed. Concerns were also expressed about those turning into Woodland Rise West at speed into a tight junction. There have been a number of accidents at this junction.



Extension of the 30MPH on Holway Road

The 30 mph speed limit on Holway road could be extended to beyond the Picnic Place car park and bend – South of Woodland Rise West



SAMs Speed Indicator

Residents were positive about the implementation of a Sams Speed Indicator. One of the locations for the the SAMs Speed Indicator which is to be purchased through the Parish Partnership should be set as between Chestnut Grove and Beech Avenue on a fast part of the hill and installed on a Street lamp so it can then be used in both directions.



Double Yellow Lines

Both the local residents and road users were positive about implementing double yellow lines in a number of locations.

a) At the junction of Cromer Road double yellow lines from Cromer Road to St. Joseph’s road

b) On the Cedar Grove side of the road (East) from Cedar Grove southwest to 62 Woodland rise

C) On the Common side of Woodland Rise double yellow lines from the Junction to Anglia Water south west to 15 Woodland Rise.



Speed Bumps and Road Narrowing

Although the introduction of speed bumps and built out road narrowings to act as traffic calming measures, were not seen as positive improvements, perhaps worth considering is to introduce a rescue point and crossing at the entrance to the public footpath to Pretty Corner – This would also act as a road narrowing that would potentially slow vehicles down on the Woodland Rise steep hill section, without the use of built out road narrowings or speed bumps. It will allow for a safe crossing point for children walking to school from the Common end and Beeston Regis via the Common as well as dog walkers and families accessing Pretty Corner from the east. It would have the added benefit of slowing vehicles on what is a fast stretch of the road.



What was not required in the eyes of the community

The survey indicated the following were not considered priorities.

1. Traffic calming measures including; speed humps, road build outs

2.Cycle lanes

 

Norfolk Constabulary Traffic Survey Common Lane May-June 2021

Introduction to the Survey

1. This traffic survey took place over a three week period on Common Lane from 25-05-21 to 15-06-21

2. For context this data was taken in an area with a sharp, blind bend, a Nursing home and 3 blind exits within close proximity (Havelock Road, Hadley Road and the Rise )

3. This is a route used by many children and families to walk, cycle and scoot to School from the eastern side of town.

The Survey shows:

4. 20,436 vehicle movements took place over the three week period which is a weekly average of 6812 and daily average of 973

5. The high number of vehicle movements for an out of town residential area, possibly reflects that vehicles are using this route to access the top of Holway Road, avoiding the roundabout and town centre traffic. The traffic surveys also reinforce a similar type of vehicle use as this three week period.

6. The results indicate that traffic figures are consistent as they cover three weeks.

7. The resurfacing work does not seem to have effected data significantly.

8. There are a roughly equal number of vehicle movements in each direction on Common Lane.

9. Figures show 1:8 cars to be speeding over 30mph-

10. In total 2543 vehicles were travelling at greater than the 30mph speed limit with 543 of those travelling at a speed which enforcement action could be taken.

11. Department of Transport analysis shows vehicles travelling at higher speeds

before the introduction of a 20mph limit have reduced their speed more than those already travelling at lower speeds. An introduction of a 20mph speed limit may therefore impact on those drivers who are speeding [i]

12. There are relatively low figures for speeding vehicles about which enforcement action could be taken However is this low number justification to do nothing, when 404 vehicle movements have the increased potential to kill a pedestrian or child at these speeds?

13. Average speeds are 24.6 mph for all vehicle movements. It is worth noting here the Department for Transport Atkins Report [ii] advises that 20mph limits over a larger number of roads should be considered where mean speeds at or below 24mph are already achieved over a number of roads. According to the DOT 20mph limits are most likely to be effective if they are implemented on roads that already have relatively low traffic speed. This could therefore apply for Common lane, Woodland Rise , Woodland Rise West and Beech Avenue. All pf which are areas in the Traffic Survey which have indicated a preference for a 20mph limit. See Appendix 1 for further information about the reasons 20mph benefit areas and DOT recommendations and ROSPA recommendations.

References:

[i] https://www.rospa.com/rospaweb/docs/advice-services/road-safety/employers/guide-to-20mph-limits.pdf

[ii] https://www.rospa.com/rospaweb/docs/advice-services/road-safety/employers/guide-to-20mph-limits.pdf

 



Proposals

 

4.      STC investigate the cost of implementing a 20mph zone from the junction of Common Lane on the Cromer Road, north up common Lane Woodland Rise and Woodland rise West of Holway Road. This would incorporate appropriate road signage and circular road markings 20. To support this STC to purchase a SAMs machine to be located on the junctions between Cedar grove and Beech avenue on a lamp post to enable it to signal in both directions. There is a local business which will relocate Sams on a regular basis so that it could be used in a variety of locations in town, where speeding is considered an issue. These locations could be informed by the Community Speedwatch and SNT data.

5.      STC to apply for a parish Partnership for the SAMs project as detailed above and fund 50% as match funding

6.      STC to investigate the cost of implementing double yellow lines in the following locations

·       At the junction of Cromer Road double yellow lines from Cromer Road to St. Joseph’s road

·       On the Cedar Grove side of the road (East) from Cedar Grove southwest to 62 Woodland rise

·       On the Common side of Woodland Rise double yellow lines from the Junction to Anglia Water south west to 15 Woodland Rise.

The project would not be eligible for Partnership funding as those requiring RTO such as a 20mph limit are not eligible. Therefore STC would need to request direct funding from highways or from the local NCC member to fund this.

7.      STC to investigate the cost of implementing a rescue point in the highway opposite to the public footpath into Pretty Corner  on Woodland rise West  STC would need to request direct funding from highways or from the local NCC member to fund this.

8.      STC to request that Highways include Beech Avenue as an extension of the Gritting Route for Sheringham from Common Lane to Woodland Rise West.

 

 

 

 


Sheringham Primary School Parking Survey and proposals

As a result of huge numbers of ongoing complaints in regard to school parking issues by local residents and liaison with the school, residents and support from the local Beat Manager the Sheringham Lib Dem Team completed a survey in regard to school parking.  The survey was of all the  residents  within the area of the school from Childs way and all the side roads and Cooper road and all the side Roads off Cooper Road. Although a few people had been involved with meetings with the county councillor and MP, a small number of residents and no solutions were forthcoming, the views of the people across the area have not previously been sought.

Every house received a link to the survey and hard copies were delivered to those who requested them.

Resident and School users were kept as separate surveys to ensure the views of the residents were not diluted.

Three options were not included in the survey as they are not actually possible. This was as a result of liaising with the Headteacher at the Primary School.

  1. A drop off circuit utilising the front of the school as a turning circle
  2. Removal of the trees at the front of the school to create additional parking spaces.
  3. The use of the end of the cul de sac on Cooper Road to create a one way system for dropping off.

School Users survey

Who is walking or driving to Sheringham Community Primary and Nursery School

From our respondents who live less than 30 minutes away the majority of households are walking to school. 37% travel by car and the remainder walk 63%

From our respondents who live in Sheringham and within 40 minutes walk 33% travel by car and 66% walk

Almost twice as many students are walking than arriving by car.

All of the students living beyond Sheringham arrive by car.

57% of students are dropped off and picked up due to time factors as parents/carers transport children on the way to/from work. 53% of these students are KS1

Interestingly there are some high school students who are also dropped off due to work patterns for this reason and some it was considered a 40 minute walk too far  for high school children. (8%)There were no children with disabilities recorded on the questionnaire.   

100% of those living outside of Sheringham do not have an alternative means to get to school. This was 18% of the total number of children.

Local Resident survey : Who responded and where do they live ?

The responses were roughly the same from Cooper road and Childs Way but the majority were from off cooper road. This is Rushmer Way, Scotter rise, Emery Close, Hardingham Drive and Margaret English close. This is also reflected in the number of complaints we have as District Cllrs with the majority being from residents off Cooper Road.

Only 7% of the respondents were from off Child’s way despite them being 29% of the homes on Childs way and off Child’s way.

This reflects that the concerns and impacts of school parking by residents are felt more keenly in the Cooper Road and Off the Cooper road area.  

What are the issues as a result of school parking for residents and those travelling to school as well

Residents

Students

The table below compares the issues for both residents and students

IssueResident %(Ranking of issue 1 is most concern )Student %
Cars parking on the pavements dropped kerbs blocked by parked cars63% (1)29% (1)
Crossing roads Cooper road and Childs way 29% (1)
Cars parked on grass areas and crossing pavements to exit52%(2)14.3% (4)
Blocked access along Cooper road40% (3) 
Access  blocked on  roads off Cooper Road35% (5) 
Childs Way Access blocked30% (7) 
Access  blocked on  roads off Childs Way22% (8) 
Cant leave or return at school times as blocked in38% (4) 32% have their drives blocked (6) 
Do not have an issue16% (9)19% (3)
Speeding 8% (5)
  • Cars blocking pavements and dropped kerbs is the top significant issue for both user groups
  • Cars parking on the grass areas on Cooper road, Margaret English Close are also a significant issue for both user groups
  • Blocking of access on Cooper Road and the side roads off it is felt to be more of an issue than blocking of access on Childs Way.

Comparisons of the views of residents and Student families in regard to possible options

  1. Removal of the hedge on the park for additional staff parking

Students

Residents Views

 Results are roughly similar for both residents and student families. However if you take into account the maybe responses then this increases to a 60% for to 40% against for both groups

2.Creation of parking bays on Cooper Road on the verge.

Student’s Families

Residents

A greater percentage of the Student families thought this was a good idea (63%). However 50% of residents were also in agreement increasing to 63% including the maybes. However a number of residents adjacent to the verges expressed concern about losing their green space in front of their homes. These were predominantly in the houses closer to the school and  north of Rushmer Way.

Verges closer to Pegg road are very worn from vehicles regularly using this as a parking area. The advantage of creating the parking bays in the verge is that  this will prevent parking in the actual road and this is what narrows the road and creates the access issues. This will also create additional parking bays for residents outside of school hours.

 The Creation of Parking spaces on the grass in front of Margaret English Close

Residents

Student Families

Table to compare the views of Residents and student families

 ResidentsStudent Families
Option 125%32%
Option 211.7%16.%
Option 1 plus Either Option 1 or 242%71%
Option 2 plus Either Option 1 or 238%55%
No37%12.9%
  • As a result of people driving over the grass to park and then exiting via the pavement this is seen as a problem area  by residents (52% ). Those travelling to school see this as a good solution with 71% preferring Option 1 with the path at the front of the grass as it is now and a separate entrance to the parking bays. Residents also prefer option 1. However, there are a similar number who would not like this to progress preferring to retain the open space.
  • This would provide about 15 additional car parking spaces
  • Access by vehicles could be prevented by the introduction of wooden posts around the open space.

Exclusion zone from Pegg road along Cooper road and drop off circuit on Pegg Road

Student Families

Residents

  • 62% of residents are in favour of this as part of a scheme.
  • Student families are more opposed to this with 55%against and 42% for.

The removal of a section of the grass on Child’s way to create parking bays

Residents

Student Families

  • This is less popular with residents with 47% against as opposed to 38% for. Student families on the other hand are very supportive of this with 65% supporting this.
  • This possibly reflects that this area seems to have less problems with road access being retained and roads off Child’s way not experiencing the same level of disruption as off Cooper road.

Possible solutions and proposals to STC  

As a town and District which has declared a climate emergency any solutions should not encourage more people to drive to school but encourage more families to walk. This is not only a benefit for the planet but also for the health and wellbeing of our residents.

  1. There needs to be a sustained programme to encourage families to walk to school – Bike Scoot Walk
  2. There appears to be support for an access restriction along Cooper Road directing traffic down Pegg Road with a drop of only in a set time period of the day
  3. There appears to be support for creating car parking bays on the verges on Cooper road- although some residents are opposed in the immediate vicinity.
  4. There appears to be some support for the creation of parking bays with a separate entrance on the grass on Margaret English Close. Points 3and 4 are supported by the  local Beat Manager who has been liaising with us as District Cllrs on this project ,eam along with the Primary School.
  5. A drop off point in the School entrance is not considered a safe option due to the issues with buses and taxis also collecting in this area.
  6. The removal of the trees at the school entrance is also not considered desirable or permissible to create further space in this area.

Proposals

9.STC to offer to consider funding the delivery Bike Scoot Walk for Sheringham Primary School from Norfolk County Council from April 2023- as a grant from Section 137monies

10.STC to deal directly with Highways to obtain the outcomes of the Pilot scheme in Wymondham and 2 other towns  for restricted access within the area of the school

11. STC to discuss directly with highways the feasibility of creating an access restricted zone on Cooper Road and drop of circuit on Cooper Road, Pegg Road and Child’s Way

12. STC to discuss directly with highways the feasibility of creating parking bays on the verges on Cooper road and the grass on Margaret English Close

13. On obtaining the relevant information in propositions  10-12 consider the viability for these proposals and decide on a way forward.

STC to set up a task and finish group which includes the Sheringham District Cllr Team to consider the propositions contained within this document 1-13 and how these could be progressed, funded and implemented for the benefit of the community.  The project proposal to be presented to STC for consideration in the September of 2023  

An additional solution

There is a possible  solution to putting these forward as individual projects

In 2021 year NCC agreed additional funding for local highways projects across Norfolk with a road safety emphasis . The allocation for the funding was split into 4 areas with each area getting funding of 100k over one year. North Norfolk is due to have funding allocated in 2023. Individual projects up to 10k can apply for funding. If the organisation of these projects was put together as part of an overall scheme for road traffic safety improvements in Sheringham then a 10k contribution might be available and along with NCC member contribution and some STC support it may be possible to complete all of the work.   NNDC Cllrs would be more than happy to continue to liaise on this and work with STC to bring this forward as a project we believe we have shown is both necessary and wanted by the community.

Sheringham Liberal Democrat Team District Cllr Report – February 2023

Welcome to the Sheringham District Councillors Team report for February    2023              

  Cllrs Bevan-Jones, Heinink and Withington

NNDC are supporting the community in challenging times

NNDC Offices Cromer

Housing Crisis in North Norfolk

Currently NNDC as the local housing authority has 2,764 households on the Housing register with 19% of these being on the priority list the Housing Register. As of the 31st January there are 205 open cases for households who are homeless or will be made homeless in the next 56 days. The greatest need is for 1 and 2 bedroom properties with 1575 and 680 households respectively on these lists.

244 houses have been let as social housing in the last quarter.  

As of the 31st January there are 75 households in temporary accommodation. 22% of families living in temporary accommodation have been there for more than 6 months. NNDC have now purchased 18 temporary Accommodation units for North Norfolk residents to alleviate this problem but it continues to be a significant issue

A number of factors (including the cost of living crisis, rising mortgage interest rates, no fault evictions in the private rented sector, a reduction in new affordable homes being built due to nutrient neutrality ) mean NNDC anticipate a sustained or potential increased need for Temporary Accommodation for the foreseeable future. To help meet this demand we will be piloting a Private Sector Leasing Scheme which will involve the council leasing a property in exchange for a guaranteed income to the owner.

Rough Sleepers – NNDC are currently dealing with 3 entrenched rough sleepers. SWEP was introduced form 04th December until the 04th January and 14th January to the 24th. 11 people were supported into emergency accommodation.

Early Intervention Team

North Norfolk District Council’s Early Intervention Team are working to help residents across the District who are threatened with homelessness.

It is never too early to get help and the Early Intervention Team provides support for individuals and families across North Norfolk with housing-related issues and will work to address the problem.

The team try to do this at an early stage before the individual or family become homeless and ideally before a significant risk of homelessness arises. They are part of the Council’s Housing Options team and work closely with other services to identify those in need and provide support and advice.

If you or someone you know are having problems which make it difficult at home, such as:

  • Rent arrears or other debt worries
  • Arguments at home or relationship breakdowns
  • Changes to your household
  • Changes to your health

The Early Intervention Team can help

If you or someone you may know is threatened with homelessness, the Early Intervention Team can help and assist you by:

  • Talking through some options, you may have to help yourself
  • Try to help keep you in your current home where possible
  • Work with you to secure alternative accommodation

Where possible, the Council aims to make sure residents remain in their current homes by helping at an early stage, the Early Intervention Team will seek to understand your current situation and help to resolve your situation.

The most important thing you can do is contact the Early Intervention Team on 01263 513811 or email early.intervention@north-norfolk.gov.uk as soon as possible.

The NNDC Housing Strategy was also agreed in 2021 to help address this housing crisis. This was developed through the Housing Enabling Team working in collaboration with Registered Providers (housing Associations) Letting agents, Charities, Parish and town Councils, planners. It focuses on developing the best ways to bring affordable rental properties to North Norfolk for all ages,disabilities and types of household groups.

As a Council we know the government schemes for shared ownership and the new First homes initiative bring only shared ownership homes which are beyond the means of those in our area. North Norfolk residents are often on low incomes and have seasonal employment, hence the importance we place on building the districts stock of affordable rental homes.

Also within the housing strategy have been established ways to support those facing no fault evictions which is becoming increasingly common with landlords taking advantage of high house process and also high yields from holiday lets. The Council have established rent guarantees and advance deposits and advance payment of rent for 6months to a year to help those faced with Section 21 notices. Please get in touch at the earliest point to seek help form the housing intervention team. early.intervention@north-norfolk.gov.uk

Linked to this NNDC also voted to increase Council Tax on Second Homes by 100% when it becomes agreed in Law. This will bring 8 million pounds in as revenue. If ring fenced for Social housing this could be used to purchase land for exceptions sites. These would be provided by housing providers as social housing and the developments would become financially viable with the purchase of the land. This is not about demonising second home owners but ensuring the impact from high numbers of second homes can be mitigated for local people.

Sadly the Government have recently delayed bringing in this legislation now until at least 2024. In addition the New Homes Bonus grant that has supported projects with match funding from NNDC to purchase land and homes for social renting has also been cut. Despite the 3% income guarantee from the precept the result is a net loss of £800,000 to Council budgets. The Council Tax Levy would have therefore played an important role in enabling NNDC to  further address the Housing Crisis.

Early Help Hub

Financial Support

The Early Help Hub has also produced a comprehensive list of financial support available for community support organisations to direct people to. This has been shared in the community via organisations such as Healthier Sheringham to their partners and those working on projects with NNDC and the ICB

Please contact us if you are aware of people who need financial support as a result of the Cost of living Crisis

General help is available here

https://www.north-norfolk.gov.uk/costofliving?fbclid=IwAR3FBNeKCC0sE7jrutGsG0qvHjY_dF0QoA3UbHREph9Qu_YE6ibpHYu3VMU

The Household Support Fund

NNDC has been awarded £88k under round 3. NNDC have used the funding to target support to 210 disabled households and 342 low income households who did not receive the DWP COL payments. Each household received a £100 Post office Voucher which they can cash at any Post Office. 91% of vouchers have been cashed. Where they are not cashed NNDC are working with households to support further.

The Household support fund application form is also live on the website

https://north-norfolk.apply4.online/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2FRequests%2FQuickSchemeLink%2F543BPM

Challenging times with Climate Change

Graphic showing a tall tree is a graph, with the top of the tree reaching to 109,000 trees plantedTREES: Our 110,000 Trees project has hit another major milestone!

We have now planted 109,000 trees, planting with local community groups, volunteers and charities ?

Find out more about the trees project: www.north-norfolk.gov.uk/trees

Kerbside Battery Collection

North Norfolk District Council, Breckland, Kings Lynn and West Norfolk Council are delighted to be launching a new free weekly kerbside collection service to residents in partnership with Serco.Image of a bin with batteries on topFrom 30 January residents will be able to recycle used household batteries. The collections will be weekly, so residents just need to place their used household batteries in a freezer bag, or similar sized clear bag, on top of either their black or green bin on their usual collection day for them to be recycled. It is important that the batteries are placed on top of the bins because if they are not separated, they will go into the body of the vehicle where they risk being crushed which can cause vehicle fires and fires at the processing facility.

Batteries are made from many different materials including lithium-ion (used in laptop batteries), zinc (used in AA batteries) and nickel cadmium (used in power tool batteries); all are recycled into their component parts. The recovered materials can be used to manufacture new batteries and electronics; they can also be used in the steel industry and even in paint production.

Cllr Nigel Lloyd, portfolio holder for Environmental Services, Climate Change and Environment said: 

“I am delighted that North Norfolk District Council, working in partnership with Serco, will be offering this new kerbside small battery collection service to North Norfolk residents. As a society we have become more and more reliant on battery powered devices. However, spent batteries can pose a significant risk to the environment when not disposed of responsibly and can be dangerous if they enter our standard waste processing facilities.

“I hope residents will take advantage of this new service. Our desire is to make it easier for residents to protect their environment with the added benefit of recycling the increasingly scarce metals found within batteries.”

Sheringham Little Theatre Renovations

Following a survey in 2022 the poor energy efficiency of the Little Theatre and the poor  standard of some internal structures was identified. This was as part of an Asset survey for the District Council of all their assets. This had never been completed before by the previous administration.  With the recent energy crisis the Theatre had experienced a 7 fold increase in its energy bills which made this important energy efficiency work of even more importance. The photo below shows the construction of the internal porch and addition of new ceiling and insulation.

As part of the 4-week programme, the building has undergone measures to improve the energy efficiency and internal structures,

The ground floor has gone through  a full refurbishment to replace the flooring, ceiling tiles and install new kitchen facilities in The Hub café.

An internal porch area has been constructed to reduce heat loss and insulation improved  along with the windows. Internal and external lighting throughout the building has also been replaced with energy efficient lighting.

The environmental impact was a consideration with the planning of the renovation works – all existing furniture within the Sheringham Little Theatre has been re-used, upcycled and improved as opposed to replacing them.

Materials to make the improvements in the building are also environmentally friendly, opting for sustainable alternatives such as Thermalyte board instead of plasterboard for the ceiling tiles, or water-based paints.

The works, which cost £92,000, have been joint funded by North Norfolk District Council, Norfolk County Council and Sheringham Little Theatre.

The works had to be completed in a very short time frame and were completed ahead of schedule. The Little Theatre Management have been very complimentary about the development, management and completion of this project by NNDC.

The Hub opened on the 11th February

Cabinet have approved the funding for the Coastal Transition Accelerator Programme.

Council’s Cabinet approved the governance arrangements for the Coastal Transition Accelerator Programme (CTAP), which will enable the Council to finalise funding with the Environment Agency (EA) to develop coastal change approaches.

North Norfolk has been selected by the government to receive funds to explore innovative approaches to adapting to the effects of coastal erosion. This is as a result of their nationally acclaimed work that has been completed by NNDC already in this area through  Coastal Partnership East.

As the programme develops, it will involve engagement with communities, individuals, infrastructure providers and businesses along the North Norfolk coastline.

The Cabinet approval also includes authority to submit the necessary outline business case to the EA and delegates authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, Portfolio Holder and Monitoring Officer to acquire land and assets in excess of £100,000 on value, where it will assist with the coastal transition accelerator programme.

This CTAP fund is not a compensation scheme, but rather, is intended to help coastal communities that cannot sustainably be defended from coastal erosion prepare and plan for the long term.

Alongside this Cllr Withington was invited by IPACT (Infrastructure for Ports and Coastal Towns to present at their conference and SANDPIT on the 10th January.

IPACT is a new, vibrant, multi-disciplinary community of researchers and research users developing affordable, sustainable, evidence-based, people-centric infrastructure systems solutions for improving social well-being and prosperity to level up coastal communities through resilient, net zero regeneration.

There is £500,000 available for Pilot Study projects Following her presentation Cllr Withington has been asked to discuss a further project in regard to community engagement in Coastal adaptation and Transition Research questions will be based around themes:

  • Connectivity with the coast 
  • Inclusive infrastructure 
  • Maintaining and enhancing resilience 
  • Coastal region transport 
  • Nature-inspired, human scale engineering 

Council Votes for Seal Safety  

North Norfolk District Council members voted on seal safety and flying rings along the coast at a Full Council meeting.

A motion tabled by Cllr. Christopher Cushing sought to ban the use of flying rings and for the Council to repledge through the Safer Seals campaign its’ commitment to protecting seals along the North Norfolk coastline.

Cllr. Tim Adams, welcoming the motion, pointed out Councils do not have the powers to place an outright ban on flying rings, and the extent of Public Space Protection Orders did not cover marine life regarding flying rings.

An amendment was then agreed by Councillors, which sought to continue the Safer Seals campaign, with the Council’s Leisure team to work in conjunction with Friends of Horsey Seals and the RSPCA, and for the Council’s Foreshore Officers to engage with beach visitors, to educate them about the dangers.
Across beaches in the district, you can find posters which give guidance to beachgoers about how to act around seals, to protect them. It advises three behaviours – avoiding the use of flying rings, keeping dogs on leads, and avoiding getting too close to them.

Organisations and businesses are welcome to download the posters to display in their premises from the Council’s website.

Find out more about the Safer Seals campaign at www.north-norfolk.gov.uk/seals

If you find  a seal in distress and in need of emergency assistance you can contact any of the following agencies.

British Divers Marine Life Rescue: 01825 765546                 RSPCA: 0300 1234 999

Friends of Horsey Seals: 07706 314514

Availble on the NNDC WEbsite to download

Local Democracy

A Message from the Youth Council

Do you want to make a difference for the young people in North Norfolk? We are a group of young people looking for others to join us in forming a Youth Council for North Norfolk.

About us

We are a group of young people from across the district, all aged between 12 and 17 years old, who have joined together to help make a difference.

As a Youth Council, our main objectives will be:

  • to improve education and understanding about the challenges that young people face in North Norfolk
  • mental health services
  • environmental issues around North Norfolk

These are crucial issues to our age group as they affect us now and will affect generations in the future

Find out more here and how you can be part of being a voice for the young people in North Norfolk

https://www.north-norfolk.gov.uk/NNYC?fbclid=IwAR23oDZqz57yJJcMjQgl8UaMLJ6sXItHAlZpHgmwJ7Sq7RvXd0net5AYZJY

The Youth Council met on the Sunday 29th January  in the Council chamber at NNDC

Voter ID

VOTER ID: The UK Government has introduced Voter ID at Polling Stations from May 2023.

Find out more about what this means for you when voting on 4 May: bit.ly/3QGj7OB

If you are a young person there are greater restrictions as to what you can use for suitable ID

If you do not have one of the accepted forms of photo ID

You can still vote with a postal vote and no ID is required

From Monday 16 January 2023, you can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate from the UK Government website. This document will contain your name and photograph, and you can obtain it for free in one of three ways:

Apply online

You can apply online using the government portal and upload a suitable photograph to apply for your Voter Authority Certificate. 

Apply now

Write to us

Please fill in this application form. We will check you are registered at your property and are aware of other accepted forms of ID. 

Completed applications should include a suitable photograph. Please return to:

electoralservices@north-norfolk.gov.uk

or

Electoral Services
North Norfolk District Council
Holt Road
Cromer
NR27 9EN 

In-person

By visiting our offices in either Cromer or Fakenham. Our Customer Services staff will take you through the registration process and take a suitable photograph if required. 

Deadline for applications

The deadline for applications is 5pm on Tuesday 25 April 2023.

This deadline is statutory, and can be no extension for any reason. We cannot process any application for the upcoming election received after the deadline.

Any applications received before the deadline can be processed after the deadline up to the day of the election. So long as the application was complete and contained all the required information.

Postal voting

You can apply for a postal vote if you wish to refrain from showing photo ID at the polling station.

Electors who wish to vote by post do not need to provide photographic identification to receive their ballot paper. It applies to current postal voters and any new applicants who apply for a postal vote ahead of the deadline, which is at 5pm on Tuesday 18 April 2023.

Apply for a postal vote 

We are still awaiting complete information about implementing this aspect of the Elections Act 2022, so any updates will appear on this page. We will be providing frequently asked questions to assist you with any questions about these changes.

Health and Wellbeing

Mammoth Marathon

North Norfolk’s Mammoth Marathon returns for 2023 with runners set to tackle the coastal route in a full, and half marathon.

The event was scheduled to run on Sunday 21 May 2023.

The Council has taken the decision to move the event one week forward after receiving notification of a coinciding event in the area  and to protect runners while they compete in the road race.

The new date for the Mammoth Marathon is Sunday 14 May 2023 The route for both the Full and Half marathons will end in Sheringham at the High School with an event village in place. The event was over subscribed last year so get your tickets earlyTickets are available via Race Roster

 

Healthier Sheringham

Healthier Sheringham continues to grow and build partners and Networks. On the 18th February Sheringham Helps – A Community Fair and Fund Day will take place at the Lighthouse. There are over 50 partners booked in and support agencies celebrating the incredible support that there is in the town. A waiting list is now in place. In addition there is entertainment, activities, the Scout Climbing Wall our emergency services opportunities to chat with groups, find volunteering opportunities, have a health check, find out about new activities and interests for all ages. In addition the Lighthouse Café will be open, along with the soft play area and Threadbear Children’s Charity Shop. The Lighthouse as partners are providing the venue for which we are very grateful.

Warm Spaces for All – Sheringham is a project which has also grown out of the Healthier Sheringham Partnership. Partners have come together to develop a strategy for providing warm spaces for all in our community.

There is now an array of Warm spaces available across the town catering for all ages and interests. There is also a hot lunch available every day in the town in a warm space.

An added benefit of this project has been the friendships and connections which have been formed by people attending these warm spaces. 8 of our Warm Spaces now have 20-40 people attending them. Although they appreciate the heat the contact with others is now as important. Warm Spaces is looking to find a way that these can continue to stay open and benefit the community. Linked to this the Warm Spaces Strategy is working with North Norfolk community Transport to create community transport links which work with the other town facilities such as the Medical Practice to build in routes to get people door to door for Warm Spaces and appointments.

Anyone with a venue that would like to be part of this or is part of an organisation who can support with activities or volunteers is welcome to get in contact. Businesses who would also like to be involved as well in supporting the provision of warm spaces for those who are perhaps working from home. Again if you would like to know more or be involved please get in touch via healthiersheringham@gmail.com

Parking in Sheringham As we continue to be busy in Sheringham the search for parking spaces continues to be difficult. Why not consider a seasonal parking ticket for NNDC Car Parks

https://www.north-norfolk.gov.uk/tasks/your-community/buy-car-park-season-ticket/

Sheringham District Councillor Team -Casework    
Holway Road Heat Repairs – timescale to be confirmedAugusta court  parking issues resolved  and Victoria Street Parking issues – underwayHolway road/Childs Way / Lusher close flooding- stage 1 resolved Time line agreed and stage 1 completed 07-10-22
Beech Avenue Trees and garden waste- problematic Pursuing fly tipping concerns and a house with 0vergrown vegetation and dumped garden waste- rat infestationNew Road issue with collections following change of days. – resolvedVictoria Street – issue with collections following change of days. – resolved
 Empty Home Report Leas Area- ongoingLeas Play park – potential funding sourced. Discussions underway
  Residential scheme for Tree planting to create hedging – agreed  and site visit coming upHolway road Hedging overgrowing into gardens- underway- Further steps required Robertson Close Accessibility – agreed Timescale maximum of 6 months. It is hoped to be sooner  – partially completed  Family with additional needs – Garden security Stage 1 resolved further action required by Flagship Supporting Scouts and Guides with grant funding applications for energy efficiency projects for their community buildings- ongoing
Waste disposal in Victoria Street and Morris Street Loke – Reoccurred and NNDC and Highways now involved and contractor addressed but continues to be monitored – resolved currently Overgrown and Dangerous trees on the boundaries of Sheringham House. Meetings with residents and Landscape Officers- response due shortly Seaview Parking Issues coming to a conclusion Vincent Road Parking issues – underway   Rats on the Leas in the Water Gardens – underway Cllr Tim Adams also attended as issues on the golf Club section Resolution of missed bins with the change over to new collection days New Road, Sadlers Lane Cremer Street Hastings Lane  – this has been addressed but monitoring continues further issues on St. Nicholas place – all resolved St. Andrews Church Bins Resolved Overgrown tree on Butts lane    Barcham’s Yard Walkway resurfacing and improving safety 15 pot holes reported in January Planning issues in regard to residents concerns re Sheringham House development. Land management and flooding concerns As well as potential  development of a further vehicular access. Homeless x2 Foodbank referrals x3 Energy vouchers x3
   

District Cllr Projects

  • Through HUGS supporting the provision of English speaking sessions for our Sheringham Ukrainian guests. Lessons are underway with around 15 regularly attending. Groups are now being developed for smaller groups and on an individual basis Thank you to the Quakers who are providing a free venue for these lessons to take place Several of our Ukrainian guests who have now obtained full time employment have moved into their own homes.
  • Cooper Road Play park Quality of life Strategy has now established that NNDC will now take on the responsibility of the maintenance and safety of NNDc play parks where improvements have been community funded. Designers are now to be invited to discuss the options discussed in community engagement  
  • Skelding Hill Path has been reported to NCC who are in discussions with the contractor as to how this can be resolved. Awaiting the outcome of these discussions. NCC have been re contacted and are awaiting a potential solution to be advised to them
  • Support to residents for drug and alcohol abuse and also support to attend local support groups and community activities continuing.
  • District Cllrs taking part in the Community Alcohol Partnership
  • Community food club @ Salvation Army NNDC Cllrs continue to support and work within Healtheir Sheringham to help with this project and the SA are partners in Healthier Sheringham. Yesu and Salvation Army are now linked and working together pooling resources.
  • 11 Cromer road- Empty home 5 years. Cllr Liaison with Tesco management team Sheringham and then report to Enforcement and Empty homes Team. They have liaised further with Tesco Management company. Improvements to the property are now being completed and the property will be let shortly. – not let as yet
  • Enforcement referral for derelict property- enforcement are progressing this.
  • Investigating the use of the Tesco Community Space
  • A verbal update in regard to Shannocks will be given at the meeting
  • The Greens Project

Local Cllr Attendance/Training/Briefings – not previously mentioned   

Sheringham Town Council –  1

Sheringham Town council – Planning x2

NNDC full Council –3

Wellbeing champion Training

Coastal Transition Accelerator Programme Workshop

IPACT Conference and Sandpit

Overview and Scrutiny x2

Meeting with Planning case officers

Development Committee x3

Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board – Healthier Sheringham x2

Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care system-Dementia

Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care system-In equality

Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board Patients Committee

Sheringham Museum

Warm Spaces Meeting x2

Sheringham golf Club

Experience Sheringham

SDFC Community Engagement Day

North Norfolk Health and Wellbeing partnership – thematic Workshop Aging population

Cabinet x2

Healthier Sheringham Steering Group Meeting x3

Councillor Call for Action – meeting with Cabinet members

The Greens Project x2

Housing Enabling Team

Youth voice Workshop

Sheringham Warm Spaces meeting x2

 HUGS meeting

Healthier N.Walsham /Healthier North Norfolk

Salvation Army Community Food Club

North Norfolk Community Transport

Community connectors x2

How to access support for Sheringham Residents 

Helping Residents to find help and support As STC staff and councillors, community organisations and residents reading the District Cllr report this information will help you to direct members of our community to the right support and contacts.

With the rising cost of living proving very difficult for people in North Norfolk, North Norfolk District Council have been looking to find ways to support our residents.

IT Housing and Benefits have put all the information together about accessing funding and support in one place. NNDC Help Hub as well is available to all as well.

If you are part of a community group and act as signposting or support those in need. Please share this information with your organisation, clients or community. As District Cllrs we will always refer people through who are in need and do so regularly.

Follow the link below for information ℹ️

https://www.north-norfolk.gov.uk/proj…/advice-and-support/

The Help Hub is also an important and useful point to connect with for further support via the social prescribers if you are supporting residents or local organisations. Residents can also self-refer 

The North Norfolk Help Hub is a partnership of organisations that work together to offer practical support, advice, and guidance.

At times, we all need a little help and support dealing with issues or problems in our life that are hurting our physical, mental, social or financial wellbeing. Getting help as soon as possible can prevent things from getting worse.

The Health and Communities Team are part of the North Norfolk Help Hub. They can provide advice and support with:

  • abuse and exploitation, including domestic abuse
  • benefits
  • carer support
  • employment
  • financial advice
  • home adaptations and assistive technology
  • housing conditions
  • learning
  • local opportunities for leisure interests
  • long term health condition management
  • mental wellbeing
  • social isolation
  • substance misuse
  • wellbeing

How to get support

If you are aged 18 and over and need help or support, please contact the Health and Communities Team Duty Line.

Call:

01263 516353

Email:

social.prescribing@north-norfolk.gov.uk

Applyforhousingbenefitandcounciltaxsupport

Manageyourbenefitsclaimonline

Further information regarding financial hardship, community support and access to mental health support, domestic abuse and violence support, is available on Cllr Withington’s new website and blog. Click here to view    

www.norfolk.gov.uk/covidwintersupport

Cllr Liz withington can also issue food parcel vouchers through the North Norfolk foodbank (previously known as the Cromer Foodbank. This change is to reflect that the foodbank serves across the North Norfolk district. ) cssheringham@gmail.com  She is also able to support through the Salvation Army as well.

Energy Vouchers are also available for those in need and in fuel poverty.

We can also  refer to the Norfolk Assistance Scheme and Norfolk Household Fund

Anglia Water also have an Extra Care Support system to help with difficulties with paying bills and for those worried about the finances you can contact them online in the link below or telephone 08001693630

Link to Anglian Water Extra Care Support  

Warm Homes grant available after successful bid

North Norfolk District Council, as part of the Norfolk Warm Homes Consortium, has been successful in a bid for £3.85 million of government grant to provide energy efficiency improvement works to homes occupied by low-income households within Norfolk. 

The grant is aimed at supporting low income residents to reduce their energy bills and increase the thermal comfort of their homes through a subsidy towards increasing the energy efficiency of their property. NNDC have appointed Energy Officer Dulcie Walsh to help ensure those eligible for the scheme are able to access these important funds to reduce living costs. The Energy Officer will identify suitable properties and support owner-occupiers and landlords with applications for improvement works. Our aim is to ensure we maximize take-up for North Norfolk residents.

For homeowners, if your gross household income is £30,000 or less the grant will cover the cost of the works.

For landlords, you could get a two-thirds subsidy for works to improve the energy efficiency of your property (if your tenants are on gross household incomes of £30,000 or less)

This grant is aimed at residents who have properties with a low energy rating (EPC band E, F or G)

The grant will go towards the cost of works to better insulate your home, which can include loft cavity wall and external wall insulation if your property is suitable.

Also available under the scheme, properties can benefit from low carbon energy by replacing an inefficient heating system with a renewable air source heat pump.

For more information click here  

Support for our local businesses:

The full list of guidance for local businesses can be found on North Norfolk District Council’s Support and Advice for Businesses webpage.

  Further advice is also available Click here

Other useful Contact numbers and links :

  1. Emergency highways number -out of hours 03448008009 for fallen trees blocking roads etc
  2. Report a problem with potholes, pavements, hedges, salt bins, trees to Norfolk County Council
  3. Planned Roadworks in Norfolk https://one.network/
  4. SERCO – missed bins/public toilets/ – 03301099220
  5. Report Fly tipping

6.      Order a new bin Contact Customer Services at Serco

Telephone: 0330 109 9220

Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 5pm and Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm

Email:  norfolkwaste@serco.com

7.      Assisted bin delivery due to age or disability Contact Business Waste & Recycling

Telephone:  01263 516189

Email:  cleansing@north-norfolk.gov.uk

If you find  a seal in distress and in need of emergency assistance you can contact any of the following agencies.

British Divers Marine Life Rescue: 01825 765546                 RSPCA: 0300 1234 999

Friends of Horsey Seals: 07706 314514

Get in touch with NNDC

Use our online form to give NNDC feedback, or ask a question about any of our services.

Contact us

Live web chat

Chat with one of our Customer Services Advisors by clicking the green web chat link at the bottom right of the screen. This will appear when advisors are available.

Call us 

Telephone:  01263 513811
Out of hours:  01223 849782

Telephone and office opening hours

Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 8.30am to 5pm
Wednesday from 10am to 5pm
Fridays from 8.30am to 4.30pm

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us your District Cllr Team  in Sheringham  for further information on this report or if we can help with any issues.

 Cllr Bevan Jones 

Correspondence address:  

North Norfolk District Council

Holt Road

Cromer

Norfolk

NR27 9EN

Email:  penny.bevan-jones@north-norfolk.gov.uk

To keep up to date with the latest NNDC news and North Norfolk activity follow North Norfolk District Council on FB or click on on FB or click on the link below to go directly to the website 

North Norfolk District Council  

Twitter @northnorfolkdc

Cllr Liz Withington on Fb

@withington_liz on twitter

Lizwithington1 on Instagram

www.lizwithington.mycouncillor.org.uk

District Cllr surgery

This morning Colin Heinink and myself were at Sheringham Town Council as District Cllrs. It was a pleasure to meet people from the Community and be able to help support issues with 4 residents.

Cllr Liz Withington has worked with Anglian Water, Highways and the Lead Flood authority to improve surface water management to reduce flooding in the Holway road Area

Sadly many of the issues are highways related, which come under Norfolk County Council. However as we do on a regular basis we always try to sort issues out for our residents and work closely with the highways team. Recent work has included Woodland Rise West, Woodhouse Close, Holt Road Holway Road, Beeston Road, Station road. If you want to report a highways issue or overgrown hedge or problems with public footpaths you can do so at

https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/roads/report-a-problem#roadicons

We were also able to provide information on Tree Preservation Orders. If you would like to know more about tree preservation orders in the area follow the link below to the NNDC website.

https://www.north-norfolk.gov.uk/tasks/conservation/search-for-tree-preservation-orders-tpos/

https://www.north-norfolk.gov.uk/tasks/conservation/how-do-i-apply-to-carry-out-work-to-protected-trees/

https://www.north-norfolk.gov.uk/tasks/conservation/search-for-tree-works-applications/

Working towards a Healthier Sheringham

To help improve our mental and physical health, prevent people going into crisis and increase life chances and opportunities across our community Healthier Sheringham has developed as a partnership.

“Healthier Sheringham came about just over a year ago as a result of the community support organisations working together collaboratively through COVID. The idea behind it is to bring all the community organisations and social groups in the town together to collaborate to support the community and improve health and well-being. There are over 250 organisations in the town providing support, activity and  the opportunity to meet with others. The problem is lots of people don’t know about them or cant access them so sit at home lonely and inactive and sometimes facing difficult challenges such as getting shopping and having contact with others. By working together we can make sure people can access these great community resources, we are not duplicating, we can share and pool resources and won’t be wasting our scarce resources. By working together we can help people to help themselves, prevent crisis and reduce health problems across the community. It also helps to make our community stronger and more resilient.” Cllr Withington Lead and instigator of HS

A number of organisations have been working in partnership with Healthier Sheringham for a year now District Cllrs, the Salvation Army, The Lighthouse, St. Peters Church St. Andrews Church, Sheringham Dementia Friendly Community, Sheringham Community Support, Sheringham Medical Practice, the Patient Participation Group, Parish Nurse, Age Concern NN, Norfolk Carers Association, Playing For Cake Norfolk Coastal Fitness. HS also liaises with Active Norfolk, the Integrated Care board, the Clinical Networks and Mind, the Social Prescribing Teams at NNDC and the Community Connectors.

SDFC Help and Advice
SDFC Session in an advice session

Janet Eastwood Chair  of Sheringham Dementia Friendly Community commented that Pooling resources is a great benefit for the community. HS as a partnership and through Sheringham Dementia Friendly Community obtained funding from Tesco to produce a directory of all the practical support that is in the town such as the Bathing service and Meals on Heels that is available at Age Concern North Norfolk as well as all the activity based and social groups and drop in cafes and lunch clubs.”  From work that Sheringham community Support have done it is clear that for many it is vital that paper copies are delivered to homes so this directory will be delivered across the town as well as being available electronically for organisations to access.  

To develop the partnership further and the directory, HS are holding two community Connection Days. The first was on the 24th October is for those organisations or groups in the community who provide practical support such as shopping volunteers, bathing services, drop in lunches or community lunches, support with paper work – all those tasks which help people to stay independent in their own homes for longer. The second day is for all our community groups who provide activities, health and fitness opportunities, social activities crafting, musical opportunities etc. Healthier Sheringham would love to see as many groups and organisations there as possible to help the community work more closely together and support the health and well being of our residents in the broadest sense. Both days will take place at Age Concern North Norfolk, Cremer Street, Sheringham from 10.30-12.30 Please email healthiersheringham@gmail.com to confirm you are coming.

 HS also is a means for partners to highlight good practice across groups and share but importantly highlight common issues which are affecting the community and residents. HS is a means to voice those concerns and bring about positive change for the community. Liz Withington reported that “ There are currently significant concern across the partnership about how long it is taking for social service assessments to be completed. This means carers are often having to manage alone and without support. The outcome being often the family goes into crisis or a carer becomes seriously ill themselves. As a partnership we are now raising this as a concern, along with the fact that Norfolk County council no longer enable access to the Social Service Team by telephone making it even more problematic for carers in challenging circumstances to get the help they need. “

Anneliese Maerz also points out that “delays in assessment mean that people are not able to access the care they need when they live alone such as Day Centres and this has a knock on effect on care providers as they don’t have sustainable numbers getting through the assessment process. Care becomes accessible only to those who can afford to pay for it independently. “

Warm Spaces for All – Sheringham is a project which has also grown out of the Healthier Sheringham Partnership. Partners have come together to develop a stragey for providing warm spaces for all in our community as we move closer to what will be possibly the most challenging winter people have faced. The next meeting for this is on the Thursday 27th October at the REEF Leisure Centre who are part of the partnership. Anyone with a venue that would like to be part of this, or is part of an organisation who can support with activities or volunteers is welcome to attend this event. Businesses who would also like to be involved as well in supporting the provision of warm spaces for those who are perhaps working from home. There will also be opportunities for sponsorship of events and proposed websites and social media pages. Again if you would like to know more or be involved please get in touch  via healthiersheringham@gmail.com

Coming up partners have identified the need to build the volunteer base in the community and will be holding a Volunteer Market for the town in the Spring followed by a Community group/organisation network event in the Spring and a Health and Wellbeing Festival linked to the Sheringham Walking Festival. There are lots of opportunities for people and groups to get involved and support the health and wellbeing of our residents from inside the town rather than it being done to us by external bodies. Together we are stronger.

Sheringham Promenade Improvements

Sheringham Promenade Improvements

Since 2019 I have undertaken seafront audits with John Roseby Chair of the Chamber of Trade and now Experience Sheringham. This has been in my role as District Cllr for Sheringham North and also Chair of the Town Centre Development Group. Cllr Colin Heinink has also supported with this as well. From this process  a programme of work has been established to improve the standard of the promenade areas.

Prior to 2019 under the previous NNDC administration there had been little maintenance work completed for many years and a complete lack of interest and investment in what is probably the most important asset in Sheringham.

NNDC have supported us in this programme and realising the amount of work to be done developed a Small Works Contract to achieve this. Despite Covid much of this work has continued albeit slower than we would all liked.

Currently work is underway for the repainting of the shelters and viewing platform on the West Prom and the railings down from Marble Arch. This is not a long term solution we are aware of that but a replacement programme comes with many difficulties to be addressed and considerable expense for funding, which will need to be developed over time. What is important is that this Edwardian entrance to our Prom is kept looking good in the interim.

The 100k renovation of the chalets has also been completed and this area is looking much more attractive.

It was hoped to have the renovation of the Marble Arch toilets complete and the addition of a Changing places facility. However there have been delays with funding for changing places and with the massive increase in cost of building materials the tenders have had to be issued on this. This process is now well underway and hopefully will move forward quickly.   

The introduction of the Beach Wheelchairs has also been a welcome addition to our West Prom and given many people access to our wonderful beach who otherwise would have to watch from afar

With the development and updating of businesses on the front such as Trendies, Guac and Mole the Sup Shack Whelk Coppers, the Offshore Coffee house and East Beach Coffee plus our old favourites Tidal Wave and Submarine I believe the prom is looking far more loved, dynamic and a really positive asset for Sheringham’s residents and visitors to enjoy.

Work is not complete yet and you have my assurance that efforts will continue to progress improvements further and ensure the regular maintenance is not let slip.  

NNDC Lamposts painted (3 remaining to be completed shortly )

East Beach Lights replaced

West Beach lights repaired

Beach road lights repaired

Driftway access point repaired

The Tank with an installation Deep History Coast Information point and renovation

A full repaint of the shelters 1. Bandstand and near the wee retreat- repeated in 2020  and 2 the shelter by Wee Retreat.

Replacement benches for those broken additional log benches on the West Prom from recyled planks from the slip way -East beach 

Relining of the boating lake and concrete surround repaired – leak resolved 

boating lake shelter completely renovated plus roof but no glass due to likelihood of being smashed

Repairs to all steps and addition of yellow contrast strips for dementia accessibility and safety

Redesign of the bottom of the steps and additional hand rails near the Crown to prevent falls

Redesign of the top of steps near the Wee Retreat to allow for an accessible view point at the top of the steps

Benches x4 replaced on the Gangway (near the Wee Retreat Steps) 

Doors on all the taps and water access points for hygiene 

Repairs to the gaps in the concrete on the prom – needs replacing again

Removal of the dilapidated and unsafe Beach Inspector Hut – replaced with an additional beach hut location 

Emergency phones and life belts relocated 

Art panels installed at Tidal Wave 

Chalet Renovation

Diseased hedge replacement at the Leas 

Replacement  recycling point at Marble /Arch

 Additional bins on the proms and Big Belly bins in 3 locations

Regular jetting of the steps and slipway in the season

Renovation of the Lushers Passage toilets

Repairs to the sewerage pipe from Wee Retreat to the Tank

April Update from the Sheringham Lib Dem Team

Cllrs Penny Bevan – Jones, Colin Heinink and Liz Withington

As Cllrs we have been pleased to support Viking Removals to be able to use the car park for their brilliant collections for Ukraine and the Lighthouse Community Church in setting up their vigils for the town as well. Sheringham’s response to this horrific situation, like the rest of the country has been amazing. We are very proud to represent such a caring community.

We are receiving contact from people who are already experiencing difficulties with the increased cost of living and need support to access help. We would like to highlight that as a teamwe can support with referrals to the North Norfolk foodbank for food parcels and fuel vouchers. You can now also self refer to a number of organisations for help. However, we know people are often very anxious about seeking help and  often do and can also support with referrals to the North Norfolk Help Hub which can be found on NNDC’s website, or call 01263 516353 or email: social.prescribing@north-norfolk.gov.uk

Further support is available through the Norfolk Assistance Scheme, again we are happy to support with referrals. You can apply online at Norfolk County Council  https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/care-support-and-health/support-for-living-independently/money-and-benefits/norfolk-assistance-scheme or telephone If you cannot complete an online application call 0344 800 8020. There are also 3 local Sheringham organisations who can help when residents are experiencing hard times and we do and can support with completing application forms if necessary.

Housing is an area we are having to support people with regularly due to an increased number of private rentals being sold and growing numbers of second homes and holiday lets. Again if you are in need of help you can contact the Housing Options Team Phone:  01263 516375 Email:  housing@north-norfolk.gov.uk for Benefits support search council tax and housing benefit on the NNDC website or Phone:  01263 516349 or Email:  benefits@north-norfolk.gov.uk

Domestic Abuse is an issue which we regularly support families with and there are 2 organisations we can access help with or you can self refer. NIDAS – Norfolk integrated Domestic Abuse Service is now up and running with a telephone triage system to get you to the right support quickly. Phone number 0300 561 0555 Email:referrals@nidasnorfolk.co.uk or https://nidasnorfolk.co.uk The Pandora Project also offer excellent support and have a live chat line from 1-3 pm Monday to Friday https://www.pandoraproject.org.uk/ If you or someone you know is in immediate danger please ring 999

Debt management and budgeting is also an issue for many. The Norfolk Money Support Service can help you. Telephone 01603 223392 and option 4. Email MSS@norfolk.gov.uk www.norfolk.gov.uk/mss

Other websites offering advice for debt and budget management are www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money

www.stepchange.org www.nationaldebtline.org and the www.nationaldebtadvice.org.uk

No description available.
Wall collapses in Morris Street Car Park – storms

Over the last month, District Cllrs have supported officers at NNDC with dealing with Fly tipping on the Morris Street Car park and also wall collapses as a result of the recent storm and a vehicle collision. There has been a great deal of interest in the hedge replacement scheme on the Leas and in the War Memorial Garden. This has come about as a result of plants infected with an untreatable Scale disease, being removed and species which are resistant to this being replanted.

Planting the Miyawaki Forest in Sheringham

Children have also been involved in the planting of a Miyawaki Forest on a section of the Cooper Road Play park.  As a team we are continuing to work with NNDC to try and find a way to make improvements to the park sustainable. At the Leas Play Park we have supported repairs being made to the equipment and are looking how to make the entrance safer. We have also started discussions with NNDC about the replacement equipment that is needed in this much used park by residents and visitors. Progress is now being made on this.

No description available.
The route from Upper Sheringham to the High School had become very overgrown.

Highways has also continued to be busy and we have made reports about upcoming roadworks, street lights, several pot holes and also the spillage on Co-operative Street, which following our involvement officers attended from Norfolk County Council and North Norfolk District Council to support the clearing up of this area with the help of a local business as well. Overgrown pavements have also been a safety issue as well and reported to highways

No description available.
Narrowing of the path due to overgrown plants to approximately 45cm meant children were walking t
in the road to school. Reported to Norfolk County Council

You can report highways issues for street lights, pot holes, pavement defects and overgrown hedges directly online at Norfolk County Council https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/roads/report-a-problem

Following concerns raised with our team about the loss of the Post Office in Sheringham and due to the hard work by Cllr Withington and our colleague Steffan Aquerone business premises (x2)have been found for the temporary location of the post office. It is now up to the Post Office Network team and the local business concerned to negotiate this. We continue to be involved with the PO team and are following closely.   It is at the time of writing looking positive for a long term solution, with a business coming forward as a direct result  of our work.

It has also been wonderful to see the works on the path to Skelding Hill completed ahead of schedule and to such a great standard. We have received many comments from people overjoyed to be able to get to the top of the hill again. This must be one of the best views in Sheringham, particularly for a sunset. Following its completion Cllr Withington has also agreed with NCC about additional no cycling signage as this is a public footpath, a bench and information board about the gun emplacement and also the possibility of further benches. NCC have funded the Golf Club to plant marram grass on the bunds (banks) which will help re vegetate the path area and also stabilise the bunds and cliff.

No description available.

With partnership working with the Sheringham Sports Association (SSA)and NNDC and ourselves the repairs have been made to the road around the Reef and also the junction with the SSA and the Reef has been completed with improved drainage.

No description available.

District Cllrs have also been central in initiating a group to support the families and households offering to host refugees from Ukraine. HUGS. This has been alongside Phil Bailey, Paula Prince, Charlotte Norton and supported by the Lighthouse Church for a venue. If anyone would like to know more about this please get in touch with us hostingukrainiansg@gmail.com or on our emails below.

No description available.
The first HUGS meeting has taken place and was very positive

Contact us:

Colin.heinink@north-norfolk.gov.uk liz.withington@north-norfolk.gov.uk Penny Bevan-Jones at NNDC Holt Road Cromer NR279EN

Our local MP lets our North Norfolk pensioners down voting in support of removing the Triple Lock for Pensions.

Yesterday the Lords put forward a very reasonable set of measures in regard to proposals for the Pension increase, which protected the Pension Triple Lock. The Triple Lock being designed and agreed by all parties to protect the link between earnings and pensions. Bringing forward the amendment, Baroness Altmann to maintain this link, made it clear that she was not proposing a specific uprating figure by proposing this amendment. That is important. It seems to me since all Conservative MPs could have voted for this amendment, to honour their own manifesto commitment, and still address the problem of how the pandemic has distorted the earnings data. The question if they are not prepared to do this is should they admit what is really going on: Are they using the pandemic as a smokescreen to scrap the triple lock and pocket the savings?

In the previous debate about this issue the Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, the hon. Member for Hexham (Guy Opperman)  said that a figure of 3.1% “will ensure that pensioners’ spending power is preserved and that they are protected from the higher cost of living”.—[Official Report, 20 September 2021; Vol. 701, c. 86.]

Yet now when this was discussed again we find ourselves with the goalposts having moved, and the fiscal outlook is much bleaker. The Chancellor conceded in the Budget that inflation in September was already at 3.1% and would rise further. The Office for Budget Responsibility has gone further, predicting that consumer prices index inflation will reach 4.4% next year. It went on to say that inflation “could hit the highest rate seen in the UK for three decades”. (7.5%) In reality, the Bank of England’s chief economist is forecasting 5%. To be blunt, the facts have changed- worsened and despite agreeing previously that 3.1% was necessary they are now reneging on even that position. Pensioners across these islands are not immune from rising energy and food costs, and we know that inflation is biting hard for some of the most vulnerable people in our constituencies as we approach a harsh winter. Last month, energy bills rose by 12%, and food bills have also risen, so the Government must think again

The Government should have changed their position to at least to reflect the fiscal outlook, if not to respect their manifesto commitment.

Realising what a hot potato this issue was and not wanting to take responsibility to vote on an issue which will further detrimentally impact on the elderly in our communities and their constituencies, several prominent MPs chose not to vote on this issue or in fact attend or speak on the debate on the 15th of November; including Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak.

Not so however, for one Back Bencher from North Norfolk. Duncan Baker MP who read the room wrongly once again. He stood proudly to claim he represented the elderly in North Norfolk. Thankfully according to our local MP, after his expert explanation in financial prudence they understood perfectly why it was of great benefit for them and logical for the government  to not keep the triple lock this year, and as a result accept a cut in their pension

Once again, as in his tawdry explanation of why sewage dumping  targets were inappropriate as a result of the extraordinary cost of 600 billion involved, huge amounts of 8 and 9 billion have been chucked into the badinage. Yet Baroness Altman had made it clear that no set figure was to be included and certainly not 8.3% as would be necessary to create such astronomical additional budgetary costs as declared by Duncan Baker. As John McDonnell said “Under the Lords amendment we are talking about giving pensioners an extra £2.75 a week – it is ridiculous that we are arguing against this.” According to figures on pensioner poverty from Age UK, there are 2.1 million pensioners living in poverty in our country at the moment, up from 1.6 million in 2014—a 30% increase. The majority of pensioners living in poverty are women. Facts our local MP seems oblivious of.

The DWP estimates for the Lords Amendment are that it would cost £1.3 billion in ’22-23; that was in comparison with the uprating with prices. This means  £1.3 billion for pensioners. Interestingly a £25 billion corporate tax break was given away by the Chancellor in the Budget. It will be £12.5 billion next year.

Duncan Baker cannot possibly be considered here to be representing the over 40% of North Norfolk – pensioners, many of whom may be wealthier retirees and voted for him but many of whom will be living in poverty. So what is this bloviate stand about by Duncan Baker? Self promotion within the Tory ranks?

Probably.

However, when you hear his plea in the debate to the Government, flagrant electioneering bounces to the fore. Obviously the triple lock can just be ignored this year but “It would be wonderful to go into the next election with the resounding message that our pensions are good, honest pensions that people have earned all their lives, at a level that people can be proud of compared with Europe.” No attempt at obfuscation here.

One can only assume therefore, Duncan Baker assumes the electorate of North Norfolk are not capable of seeing though this charade of apparent integrity and concern for his electorate, along with his role as puppet to the whip in recent votes necessitating apologies and U-turns by the government.  

I have more respect for North Norfolk’s voters and cannot see this being well rewarded at the ballot box at the next election.

See more from the debate here in Hansard

https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2021-11-15/debates/BC49F882-CC13-45BA-B055-5634A436E6F3/SocialSecurity(Up-RatingOfBenefits)Bill

https://davidhencke.com/?fbclid=IwAR3ekTBP3J9AXekBstoK_CMbHn496GoAVsperkHsxyggD5XVah9g1nBSqMY

Cllrs Withington and LLoyd lead on Sewage Dumping at NNDC Full Council

https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/motion-sewage-north-norfolk-district-council-8482998

Read more about the motion Cllr Lloyd and I will be presenting to Full Council on 17th November.

The storm drain gushing out what may have been sewage onto Sheringham beach after torrential rain. P

My view is that we need to be making sure Anglian Water have got a clear plan of how they are going to improve the infrastructure. We need to have clarity on the level of sewage outflows across our district and their frequency. In an area that is dependent on tourism and has got some special environments like the chalk river beds it is not acceptable to have raw sewage pumping out onto our water courses.”

Sewage is discussed on Radio 4 today

It is unfortunate that today we find ourselves in a position where we have an Environment Bill – only just passed- which could have had such great potential but following the rejection of a collaborative process by sections of Parliament is lacking in rigour, enforcement and along with that the opportunity to make the vital changes necessary in a climate emergency, biodiversity emergency and for the health and wellbeing of our North Norfolk, our islands and the wider environment.

The Duke of Wellington’s amendment to the Environment Bill, which was ironically supported by the Water companies and their registered body Water UK would have made it very clear that there was both aduty to reduce sewarge discharge into our blue environment but also for their to be target levels to be achieved and specific timescales to be set. Voted down as a result of the tory whip and MPs lacking in what many feel was strength of character we have even with the subsequent u-turn vote a bill reflecting a huge missed opportunity.

Rather than a direct responsibility being placed on Water Companies we have an indirect duty not backed up by legislation to only mitigate the adverse impact of discharges. We have an enforcement system which as a result of two thirds cuts to the budget of the Environment Agency staff and budgets over the last ten years and an Office of environmental protection that is not independent of Government Guidance has little capacity to inspect let alone enforce.

With CSO data not provided all year round and no requirement for water companies to provide live accurate data, it is vital that we have an understanding of what the situation is across our district. We need transparent all year round, real time data. Although Anglian Water are moving towards this we have a responsibility, if legislation is not going to do this for us to hold our local Water Company to account and be confident that the right priorities have been identified which tackle the most urgent issues across our district.

Anglian Water agree that CSOs are no longer fit for purpose, particularly as a result of climate changes, extreme weather is more commonplace. For this reason they supported the Duke of Wellington’s initial amendments to the Bill. They wished for the new investment which would have been authorised and forthcoming if the Bill in its initial format had come forward. It is clear from the Governments rapid climb down that figures of 600 billion pounds were both wreck less and an attempt to scaremonger. It is sad that this figure was not questioned, especially by those who voted down the amendment on the Environmental Audit Committee who clearly had access to appropriate figures. With the Thames Tidal Scheme expected to come in at around a £20 increase to water bills it is clear the necessary investment can take place within a reasonable cost.

Anglian Water welcome this motion and the opportunity for Peter Simpson, the Chief Executive to come and provide that transparency and be accountable for the changes necessary.  They understand as the local authority we need  to be confident about sewage outflow data and issues and to protect our vital blue environment. They want to discuss how we all water company, farmers, highways and we as individuals can contribute to and have a role to play in improving the health of our rivers. With such a collaborative approach we will be able to increase the pressure on a process to ensure priorities are agreed, targets are set and within appropriate timescales. 

With an enforcement process that has few teeth and an environmental Bill that is lacking in setting a clear duty to remove CSOs it is therefore essential that this District Council takes a lead in representing our north Norfolk and protecting the health of our environments and residents and visitors

I therefore am proud to second this motion and I hope that all Cllrs will show the strength of character that our residents expect in protecting our special district.