Overview

Norfolk County Council and the Government have agreed, in principle, a new County Deal, to transfer funding and powers to Norfolk – a process known as devolution. This provides a unique and exciting opportunity to unlock significant funding and for decisions currently made in Whitehall to be made in Norfolk, for Norfolk.

Under a County Deal, Norfolk would benefit from a new Government investment fund including £20m per year over the next 30 years, and an additional £12.9m during the current Spending Review period (2024-25). In addition to the investment fund, Norfolk would also get control of the Adult Education Budget (just over £10m in 2022/23) and an un-ringfenced Transport and Maintenance Budget (approximately £40m per year). There would also be a county council leader, directly elected by the public and with no additional bureaucracy or changes to councils.

This Deal represents a real opportunity to unlock Norfolk’s potential, for the county take control of its own destiny and shape its own future, and to have a stronger voice nationally. If our Deal went ahead, we would have powers and finance to invest in areas such as better transport, skills, job opportunities, housing, and regeneration.

This could be just the start of further powers being devolved to Norfolk. Some examples of additional powers and responsibilities devolved in other areas of the country include greater powers over the NHS and social care and controls over the number of holiday homes in coastal areas.  Therefore, it is important to hear your views about this Deal and your ideas about priorities for Norfolk.

Discussion events are being held around the county from February 16th.

Norfolk County Deal event: Diss Library (Daytime Session)

From 10 Mar 2023 at 10:00 to 10 Mar 2023 at 12:00

Norfolk County Deal event: Diss Library (Evening Session)

From 10 Mar 2023 at 16:00 to 10 Mar 2023 at 18:00

Click here to see more

NOTES ON VILLAGE CLUSTERS OPEN MEETING 27^th FEBRUARY 2023

As Chair of the PC Dr McMurray outlined the background to the current stage of the consultation and explained how representations of objections could be made. She made it clear that representations to the council about the plan could only be regarding the properness of the procedure – if it is legally compliant, if it is sound and if it complies with the duty to co-operate. 

When asked about engaging a lawyer Dr McMurray said it would be too expensive and would probably serve no purpose.

Despite the consultation being about the properness of the procedure many views about the problems with site were expressed – extra traffic, pressure on the oversubscribed school, school parking and the already existing dangers, the width of the road and the junction with the A1066. Dr McMurray was unable to answer the question that if the site had been described  as level and it was not that would constitute a legal failing. She suggested that people make any comments they chose to.

She was unable to say at this time when development might start but made it clear that it would have to go through the normal planning process before it did.

Please note, the submissions deadline has now been extended by two days. The new deadline for representations is:

5:00pm Wednesday 8th March

Norfolk Libraries Service will be making all 47 of its libraries available as part of the Warm Welcome campaign. The scheme supports free, warm, and welcoming spaces in communities across the UK.

Warm Welcome is a national campaign which will work with community spaces, including churches and faith groups, businesses, and local authorities, to ensure that nobody is left to suffer on their own this winter.

Libraries across Norfolk remain open for all and provide a space for people to sit in comfort and access a variety of services on offer. These include reading, doing a jigsaw, playing a board game, or joining in Just a Cuppa or activities.

Cllr Margaret Dewsbury, cabinet member for communities and partnerships, said: “Our libraries have a long history of being welcoming spaces for all, most recently evidenced by the awarding of Library of Sanctuary status for the Millennium Library in Norwich.

“We are proud to be able to join the Warm Welcome campaign, alongside the other support which is on offer from our libraries.”

Other free services available at Norfolk libraries include:

• Tea, coffee, instant soup, and hot chocolate are available during staffed hours
• Library staff and volunteers can provide visitors with trusted information about other support which is available
• A variety of bags are available for free, with no questions asked

Open Library gives people access to libraries for a total of 69 hours a week at most libraries, giving visitors access to the library, its books, computers, and spaces, even when the building is unstaffed.

You can find your nearest library at www.norfolk.gov.uk/findalibrary

The winter flooding season is with us once again.

Bressingham and Fersfield Parish Council continues to work with Norfolk County Council, South Norfolk Council and local landowners to assess and control the risk of flooding.

However, it is in all our interests to be prepared to protect our own homes.

Make sure that ditches on your property are cleared and free flowing, if you are able.

Consider obtaining sandbags, to protect your property from water ingress: there is a small number available to take away, on a first come first served basis, behind Bressingham Village Hall.