NORWICH

SUMMER 2021 www.norwich.gov.uk

12 17 20

#NorfolkElections21 Results Who got your vote at Ensuring everyone Making your the local elections has a good home communities feel safer

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Housing TO PAR with care A serious golfer looking to get in a bit of practice? Or, looking for a laugh with your friends and think footgolf could be where it’s at? Our pitch and kick courses are for you!

Doughty’s is an Almshouse and we provide housing with extra care and support to older people in 57 modern, self-contained flats, We have two 18- with access to beautiful gardens and communal hole courses for areas with a variety of activities and outings offered throughout the year. pitch and putt and footgolf – at Mousehold If you are eligible for State retirement pension, have and Eaton Park. lived within the City of Norwich for more than 4 years and are in receipt of Housing Benefit or on a low Both very different… income, then you fit the criteria for living at Doughty’s. which do you prefer?

10 Golden Dog Lane, Norwich, NR3 1BP For times and prices visit e: admin@doughty’s.org.uk • t: 01603 621857 www.norwich.gov.uk/PitchAndKick CITIZEN SUMMER 2021 CONTENTS “Rarely has the 03 Message from the chief executive essential role that local government 04 News in brief plays been quite so 05 Norwich Market bounces obvious and important back to life as it has been over 06 Budgeting for the future the past year.” 07 Don’t be left out of recycling right – check out our new campaign

08 Grab your kit and get fit for Message from the chief executive, summer! Stephen Evans 10 How our Covid support officers are helping to protect Norwich s the election of city due to Covid restrictions – half 11 Building new homes and county councillors of what it would normally be. and better futures A for Sewell ward in 12 Local elections results round-up Norwich had to be postponed So it was long and arduous for until 17 June, rules governing many, but it was also a great 15 How to get so many of your the pre-election period means source of pride for me to be council services online I’m stepping in for our leader, part of a truly council-wide 16 Tackling a rogue landlord Councillor Alan Waters, on effort to successfully deliver Providing homes for prison leavers this occasion. all three elections.

19 Bringing our services back Keeping on the elections theme, Council officers will continue to under our wing the city council had a huge task work collaboratively and positively Getting the best energy on its hands in May when it with elected councillors to carry on deals money can buy organised and staged the counts with important council business – for three elections this year – rarely has the essential role that 20 Getting to the roots of your community our own city council elections local government plays been quite Making your communities across 12 wards, the same areas so obvious and important as it feel safer for the county council elections has been over the past year. That and also the Norwich area important work will continue at 21 Introducing our new for the Police and Crime pace as we proudly continue to Lord Mayor and Sheriff Commissioner election. serve our residents, businesses 23 Working together to tackle and the city as a whole. domestic abuse To give you an idea of the scale Closure of Norwich’s Tourist of it here are some interesting Elections aside, this summer Information Centre stats – there were a total of 98 issue is full of updates and all candidates running across the kinds of helpful information three elections, 101,739 people on many of our other council were eligible to vote in Norwich, a services. So please read on – mammoth 559 different positions I hope you enjoy it and find had to be worked and coordinated it useful. across the elections and only 42 people could be vote counters Have a good summer.

@NorwichCC Norwich City Council Norwich City Council NEWS in brief

Norfolk Schools of Sanctuary: A Day of Welcome 2021

To mark Refugee Week (14 – 18 June), Norfolk Schools of Sanctuary are holding their annual ‘Day of Welcome’ on Friday 11 June. Schools and families will come together to send a clear message that for those in need of sanctuary, our communities are welcoming places. They hope to build an understanding of the experiences and contributions of refugees and asylum seekers. Find out more and get involved at norfolksos.co.uk EU citizens living in Norwich

Are you an EU citizen living in Norwich? Or do you know someone who is? Protecting the city’s We want all EU nationals living in the city quality of life to protect their rights by applying to the EU Settlement Scheme before 30 June – Two Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) even if you’ve been here for a long time. for alcohol control and dog fouling have been renewed and are now in place in Norwich. More information is available on our website These orders were agreed by cabinet in April norwich.gov.uk/brexit or to apply, visit and are in place so residents, businesses and www.gov.uk/EuSettlementScheme visitors can use and enjoy Norwich’s public spaces and be safe from antisocial behaviour. Help with applications is available through Norfolk Citizens Advice or the Norfolk For more information visit Community Law Service. www.norwich.gov.uk/PSPO

04 CITIZEN - SUMMER 2021 Getting social Did you know that Norwich Market is on Facebook and #LoveNorwichMarket Instagram? The accounts are looked after by Josh of Elementary Creative, orwich loves its market place to go if you need your whose family owns and – a hub of unique, quirky clothes adjusted, your gadgets runs Barry’s of Norwich on N and quality goods and fixed or your shoes repaired. the market. He also created services in the very heart of the the market’s own website city. Is there anything Norwich A lot of the small independent www.norwichmarket.net Market doesn’t have? businesses on the market have been hit hard by Covid Why not give the accounts a From mouth-watering restrictions, like many others. follow – as well as the very contemporary street food many individual businesses and tasty treats, to well-loved A few were able to stay open who have their own too? classics, fine beers, wines, throughout – working hard Don’t forget to tag them in cheeses, teas, coffees, spices and to keep the city stocked with your own posts and use the other gourmet produce, Norwich essentials, come rain, shine hashtags #NorwichMarket Market is the place to be! and snow; while some had and #LoveNorwichMarket Outside of tasty treats, you need to close and wait patiently look no further for new, pre- to resume trading. Others As restrictions continue to loved and vintage clothes and were able to offer click and ease and the city opens up accessories, DIY, household and collect and delivery services. more and more, there are lots craft supplies, flowers and plants, of activities, events and offers jewellery, groceries and gifts. To all traders and customers, the traders will be taking part we want to say a massive in and often social media is the You can even get your hair cut, thank you! You’re amazing best way to keep up-to-date or eyebrows shaped. It’s also the and we’re so glad to have – as well as through trusty you back where you belong! word-of-mouth, of course.

CITIZEN - SUMMER 2021 05 The council’s finances

here’s no doubt, councils External funding Savings – this year up and down the country A successful bid to central and beyond face a challenge when it T government means we also Our budget also includes comes to finances, and the cost have £25m of Towns Deal cost savings and income of the Covid-19 pandemic has funding to go towards investment generation of £2m. had a considerable impact. in skills and infrastructure.

Included in this work will Despite the need to deliver In spite of this, Norwich City be the creation of a digital savings, we have worked hard to Council has set a budget for hub, a digi-tech factory and a protect frontline services again this financial year (2021-22), construction and engineering and avoid the need for service cuts. which includes £70m of capital centre, to be delivered by City investment in homes, skills and College Norwich. We will also However, the pressure on our vital city infrastructure. be refurbishing The Halls and finances will continue over the investing in the public realm coming years, with a further £11.8m Following a public consultation, as part of the Towns Fund needing to be saved by 2025-26, due which saw 2,605 people take investment over the next to the amount of funding provided part, the budget was approved two years. to local councils being inadequate in February of this year. We’d to keep pace with the demand for like to thank each and every We’ve also received £1.5m local services. We will continue person who took the time to of grants for environmental our practice of prudent financial respond and give their views measures, including rolling management, bidding for external on our approach to council out electric vehicle charging funding and lobbying government tax levels, savings, efficiencies points and making council to provide a fairer funding deal and ways to generate homes more energy efficient. for all local authorities. additional income.

City council capital investment Debt advice When we talk about capital If you’re struggling to pay There is also free specialist investment, we mean money council tax, rent or any other independent advice from a spent on new facilities or assets. money you owe us, let us number of agencies in the city. This is opposed to revenue know as soon as possible spending, which is the cost and we may be able to help, For more details visit to run or maintain services or including offering budgeting www.norwich.gov.uk/ equipment. For this financial support and payment plans. DebtAdvice year – the period 1 April 2021 You can call us on 0344 980 3333. to 31 March 2022 – we have earmarked £54.6m to spend on things like improving existing council homes, redeveloping sites and providing new social housing, and investing in our parks’ facilities.

06 CITIZEN - SUMMER 2021 Your guide to recycling right at home

cross the city, households So, what can you recycle? It is important that you Recycle are recycling nearly 40 ✔ Paper, including newspapers, Right, so please make sure the A per cent of the waste white and coloured paper, following are NOT placed in they produce. This is a fantastic greeting cards (without glitter, your blue bin (if in doubt effort, but we’d love to see even bows or 3D elements), junk about whether something is more of the right materials mail, envelopes, directories recyclable or not, leave it out). going into your blue bin. and wrapping paper (without ✘ Nappies – the cardboard box glitter or tape) your disposable nappies come The Norfolk Waste Partnership, in is recyclable, but in Norfolk, ✔ Cardboard such as cereal and which Norwich is a member the nappies are not of, has launched its ‘Recycle egg boxes, tubes (not Pringles ✘ Tissues and used kitchen wipes Right’ campaign to help tubes), packaging and carrier people boost recycling rates trays and corrugated cardboard ✘ Soft plastics including crisp and reduce contamination. ✔ Food and drink cartons packets, sweet wrappers, toothpaste tubes, carrier bags, ✔ Aluminium and steel tins, food wrapping, cling film, It asks residents to follow cans and aerosols these simple rules when shrink wrap, bubble wrap and recycling at home: ✔ Aluminium foil and trays baby and pet food pouches including ones used for ✘ Hard plastics – toys or broken • Clean – make sure containers takeaway food garden furniture, plant pots are empty and rinsed ✔ Glass bottles and jar-shaped and polystyrene food and drink containers ✘ Sharps items • Dry – after rinsing, shake off excess water, as liquids ✔ Plastic bottles such as ✘ Glass cookware and can make other things in those that contain drink and ovenware, drinking glasses your blue bin soggy and food, hygiene and beauty or ceramics not fit for recycling products (including roller ball ✘ Cutlery, crockery, pots and pans deodorants), cleaning products, • Don’t bag it – all your cooking oil and medication recycling needs to go loose ✔ Plastic food tubs, pots and trays into your blue bin. Please don’t put it in carrier bags, bin bags or boxes, as they won’t be opened at the recycling centre and will end up with the general waste For full details on what For more information • Leave metal lids on happens to your recycling, why about what you can glass jars and bottles some items are not recyclable recycle in Norwich, visit • Don’t forget to recycle items and why it is important www.norwich.gov.uk/ from all rooms in your house to ‘Recycle Right’ visit recycling (eg shampoo bottles from www.norfolkrecycles.com the bathroom)

CITIZEN - SUMMER 2021 07 Keeping active

Over the last year or so, many people found keeping active a bit more of a challenge than usual.

For some, however, while there were stay at home orders in place, going on a daily walk became a cherished routine. Social media was awash with comments from people who said they were discovering or re-discovering their local open spaces, parks, or natural areas including meandering on Mousehold Heath or Marston Marshes, wandering around Waterloo or Wensum parks or even sauntering in Earlham and Rosary cemeteries. Now, as many restrictions have been lifted and further easing is planned in late June, as outlined in the government’s roadmap, we wanted to feature some of our facilities that might help anyone who’s wanting to get fitter or just keep moving. There are too many to list them all, so here are just some of the highlights.

Tennis Riverside Norman Centre There are 11 hard courts across Leisure Centre On Bignold Road in the heart of Eaton, Harford and Waterloo Based at Wherry Road, this Mile Cross, the Norman Centre is parks. Managed by Norwich centre, with its fantastic gym far from your usual leisure centre. Parks Tennis, annual household and swimming pools, is managed With a real focus on community, membership is just £35, giving by Places Leisure and is open it boasts itself as a centre ‘for you access to high quality for household and individual everyone’ with activities ranging facilities and an affordable bookings. Group bookings and from art classes to martial arts coaching programme all year classes – including Swim England or after-school clubs for kids, to round. Find out more or join accredited swimming lessons – exercise sessions tailored to senior www.norwichparkstennis.org.uk will return when restrictions visitors. Many are free or low cost. are eased further. We’ll be investing in tennis This is a place to meet up with facilities at Lakenham and Norwich was one of 266 local friends, new and old, and you’ll Heigham parks and adding the authorities to receive a share always get a cheery welcome courts into the Norwich Parks of £100m of funding from Sport from our staff. You can find out Tennis family this year; a project England’s National Leisure Recovery more about the activities on offer which has received a significant Fund to support the reopening. by visiting the centre’s Facebook external funding boost. page – just search ‘Norman www.placesleisure.org Centre’. Or you can give the team a call on 01603 408140 to find the perfect activity for you, whether that’s indoor bowls, Egyptian belly dancing, arts and crafts or circuits.

Remember: there’s a smaller programme of activities while restrictions are in place, but we hope to have our full schedule when they lift later in June as detailed in the government’s roadmap.

08 CITIZEN - SUMMER 2021 New hobbies Our growing There have been various articles community in the local and national media Some people have been getting about people starting new their exercise in while gardening activities, or returning to or working their allotment. Our ones they did as a child. Roller allotment sites have been open skating is one of those, with throughout the pandemic communities like Norwich Roller – recognised as an important Girls popping up on social media food source for growers, as to share tips on things like the well as the added benefits best skates to buy, and how of providing a good workout. to skate backwards. Our skate facilities at Eaton Park are To find out more about our often featured as a backdrop sites or to apply for a plot visit to videos of tips and tricks. www.norwich.gov.uk/allotments

June 2021

Run with Pride 2021 We can’t wait to see the photos from this month’s Run with Pride,

organised by ExercisingRun or walk People of any distance in during Communities Pride Month (1-30 June). (Epic) Norfolk – a run, or walk, to raise2020 funds was a sell-out for event! LGBTQ+ organisations and projects. Make your run/walk colourful and wear your brightest clothes and face paint. Share your runs/walks with #RunWithPride on Facebook and Instagram. Tag us Don’t forget to@runwithprideuk. make your run or walk colourful, with your Individual or Team Entry brightest clothes andYou can facepaint enter individually or and a team ofpost 30* (for withyour running the club, #RunWithPridegym, workplace or social group etc) where each person represents a day of June. We will post you and tag @RunWithPrideUK30 medals + a personalised if posting collage print ofon your Facebook colourful photos. and Instagram. *only details of one person required when entering a team. Cost UK Individual: £10.00 + booking fee. UK Team: £300 + booking fee. Non-UK Individual: £14.00 + booking fee. Non-UK Team: £360+ booking fee. All entries will receive a bespoke enamelled #RunWithPrideCITIZEN medal. - SUMMER 2021 09 Organised by EPIC Norfolk Ltd, 100% of profits will go to supporting LBGTQ+ organisations and projects. ENTER AT: www.totalracetiming.co.uk/race/252

SUPPORTED BY: “Everyone has been playing their part to help protect Norwich”

Covid-19 support officers in front of St Gregory’s Church

Working together to #ProtectNorwich

onths of hard work reopen their doors and people Throughout the pandemic, took place behind the return to the city. government has assigned funding M scenes so that after to local councils to draw up and lockdown, Norwich was ready “We know this has been a really administer grant schemes to help to welcome people back in a difficult year and the feedback we struggling businesses; either those Covid-secure way. have had from businesses is that no who had to shut during lockdowns, one wants to see another lockdown. or others which found their trade On the day that many of the had been seriously affected. city’s businesses were allowed “We’d like to thank all the to reopen their doors, just businesses that have been To date, the city council has under 50,000 people returned putting safety measures in place paid almost £60m to around to the centre of Norwich. and all the members of the 3,000 businesses. Details of That was compared to just over public, who have been following grants still open for application 9,000 people the week before. the guidance by wearing face can be found at www.norwich. coverings, where needed, gov.uk/BusinessGrants The city council’s environmental regularly washing or sanitising health and public protection teams their hands and keeping space One business owner, Richard of worked with businesses to provide between themselves and others. Richard Jarmy Photography said: support and guidance on putting “You are all amazing! Without safety measures in place. And “Everyone has been playing their these grants, my business would’ve the council’s Covid-19 support part to help protect Norwich.” drastically suffered, so I thank you officers continued to work in the all for looking out for us! I honestly city centre, reassuring members of The city council also issued cannot thank you enough!” the public and offering advice. a mixture of temporary and long-term licences, to enable For more information Christopher Gooding, many of the city’s pubs, on Covid-19 guidance, environmental health manager restaurants, cafes and bars to including advice and at the city council, said: “It was serve customers outdoors before support for businesses, visit great to see so many businesses they were able to trade indoors. www.norwich.gov.uk/covid19

10 CITIZEN - SUMMER 2021 Building for the city’s future

really important, yet us on a fairly frequent basis and can continue our proud frequently unseen area it all looks pretty effortless. century-long legacy of providing A of council work, is its council homes. Finding suitable effort to maintain a pipeline of But there’s a large and sites also allows us to build sites suitable for development. concentrated effort to properties for private sale continually identify a steady and rent as well as work closely This helps us deliver the things stream of sites which, subject with housing associations to that most of us hold very dear to jumping through all provide affordable housing indeed because it results in the necessary for the city and homes being built which some hoops, can “...work closely with our residents.” of us end up living in and in then be taken housing associations One of the large other cases it leads to jobs forward for to provide affordable scale programmes being created which we end development. housing for the city the council is up being employed to do. and our residents.” currently involved When the site is with stems from In its simplest form, a pipeline council-owned the successful bid of sites is just that – staff at the or managed (eg the Three made to the government for a city council are continually on Score site in Bowthorpe and share of Towns Fund money the look-out for land within the RIBA award winning housing which identifies ways to Norwich which is suitable for development on Goldsmith regenerate the city, boost building homes, premises for Street), it must get all the necessary businesses and improve business purposes and various conditions, including planning infrastructure. other neighbourhood amenities permission to name just one, and facilities. to progress onto the stage of A landmark project within actually building new homes. this includes our plans to The complexity of what sits transform the former industrial behind it to make it all happen, A council spokesperson said: area of east Norwich into a highly understandably, isn’t something “We remain deeply committed sustainable quarter for the city. most of us are even aware of as to finding suitable sites to take new developments pop up around forward for development so we This involves producing a masterplan for the area – which is being steered by the East Norwich Partnership (ENP) – a public-private body composed of a number of key stakeholders.

As part of the engagement strategy for the project we will be consulting partners, stakeholders and local residents over the coming months.

For more information visit www.norwich.gov.uk/TownDeal

CITIZEN - SUMMER 2021 11 Election news across the city and county

We coordinated three elections in May – not an easy task at the best of times, but ensuring they were covid-secure certainly added to the challenge. However, all went smoothly thanks to the huge effort of the election team, as well as the hard work of the 500 plus extra staff, such as poll clerks and counters.

Your city council Councillors elected by ward

City electorate: Bowthorpe ward Town Close 101,739 Sue Sands, Labour Party Ian Stutely, Labour Party Total number of votes cast: Catton Grove ward University ward 36,862 Mike Stonard, Labour and Emma Hampton, Labour Party Co-operative Party Overall percentage turnout: Wensum ward 36.2 per cent Crome ward Martin Peek, Labour and Adam Giles, Labour Party Co-operative Party We will not have a complete Eaton ward James Wright, Liberal Democrats picture of the political make-up Councillors make up the city of the council until 17 June when Lakenham ward council’s decision-making body, the Sewell election will take Rachel Everett, Labour Party representing the people of place – this was postponed Mancroft ward Norwich and promoting the following the sad death of Martin Schmierer, The Green Party interests of the local community. one of the candidates, Evelyn Collishaw, who was standing Milecross ward To find out more about for election for both city and Vaughan Thomas, Labour Party our councillors and how county in Sewell. Nelson ward to contact them go to Lucy Galvin, The Green Party www.norwich.gov.uk/ The current political make-up Thorpe Hamlet councillors after the 6 May election, is Ash Haynes, The Green Party Labour 26 seats, Green 9 seats, Liberal Democrats 3 seats. Labour has a majority of the seats and Catton Grove therefore has overall control. Results 2021

Mile Cross Sewell Crome

Wensum Bowthorpe Key The election for Mancroft Green Party (9 seats) the remaining Nelson Thorpe Hamlet Labour (26 seats) seat in Sewell University Liberal Democrats (3 seats) ward will be held on Thursday 17 Town Close Vacant seat June 2021 Lakenham Eaton

12 CITIZEN - SUMMER 2021 Norfolk County Council Election results 2021 Seats won by parties County electorate: Conservative - 58 700,113 Labour - 11 Total number of votes cast: Liberal Democrats - 8 234,804 Green - 3 Overall percentage turnout: 33.54 per cent Independent - 3

Police and Crime Commissioner

Giles Orpen-Smellie (Conservative) was announced as Norfolk’s new PCC following the election. For more information on the election and role go to www.Norfolk-pcc.gov.uk

You can find out more about the elections and results at www.norwich.gov.uk/elections2021

CITIZEN - SUMMER 2021 13 ADVERTISEMENT Need to park in Norwich?

Right in the heart of the city: St Giles (330 spaces, including Blue Badge parking)

Two minutes’ walk from the city centre: St Andrews (1,084 spaces, including Blue Badge parking)

Five minutes’walk from the city centre: Rose Lane (595 spaces, including Blue Badge parking) Helping you get online

e all know that has been cut providing appointment dramatically and W b ased contact is far there is no longer more expensive than online the environmental or by phone, and it’s not always cost of producing a paper copy. convenient for people juggling You can even check if a vehicle Case study other commitments. For years, has a valid permit if you suspect work has been done to make sure it’s parking illegally and wish Loraine didn’t have access to those who are able to, and prefer to report it. the internet and was missing the convenience of digital services, out on opportunities including accessing local services, can access these with a few Virtual council tax bills speaking with her therapist clicks. And this has long been an You can now manage your important priority, so we can make online and keeping in touch council tax account online – with her friends and family. sure our time and resources are check balances, view channelled to those who can’t get correspondence and update Our digital inclusion team online. With constant advances contact details. Make the in technology and changes to was able to give Loraine a new switch by going to www. smartphone and a skills support customer needs, we’re always norwich.gov.uk/MyCouncilTax looking at new ways to streamline session to download and create even more of our services. her WhatsApp account and Extra support learn how to make video calls. With the Covid-19 pandemic, this It’s not just accessing council has been more important than services we’ve been helping with. Loraine said: “I didn’t have ever, where in-person options have Through Good Things Foundation any internet skills until the had to be limited even further and and its Everyone Connected council gave me the phone. vulnerable customers may have project, we received 10 tablets It has been great as I could needed more intense support. and 29 smartphones. We were video call my daughter and Two services we have recently able to provide these devices, see my granddaughters. It made digital are as follows. along with training on how to use made my day seeing them open them, to people who needed their presents at Christmas. Paperless parking them to apply for jobs or keep in touch with friends and family “I’ve also been in contact permits – perhaps even more important with my best friend and Our vehicle-specific parking than ever while people have my son has called me, as my permits are now virtual, a switch felt more isolated orwhen granddaughter wanted to see from paper. This means the process social interactions have me – so I video called him, too! for applying and receiving a permit been restricted. “Thank you so much for your help. I’ve asked my daughter to show me how else I can use the phone and what else I can do online. Now I can keep in touch with all my children and family.”

CITIZEN - SUMMER 2021 15 Housing for all

We believe that everyone should have access to a home which suits their circumstances and needs. New council houses and private builds; helping people with complex lives find suitable accommodation; and supporting private sector tenants are just some of the ways we can achieve this. Cracking down issues, but the landlord didn’t to simply fold his business on rogue landlords follow our instructions to and get away with his activity. bring his property up to We recently became one of the first councils in the country to acceptable standards. The case went to court earlier use new legislation to successfully this year and the landlord pleaded prosecute a rogue city landlord. Using new legislation under guilty to all charges. He also the Housing and now has a criminal As a housing authority for the Planning Act “Our private sector conviction. city, our ambition is that tenants 2016, we pursued housing team have in the private rented sector two cases worked tirelessly to Cases like these have a safe, decent and against the bring this case to a are extremely time affordable home, but when our landlord, Nick positive conclusion consuming and a Sutton, director huge amount of team investigated complaints and we’re delighted from tenants living in privately of Faiths Lane work, however rented accommodation near Apartments, with the outcome. ” we believe that Prince of Wales Road – we which allowed Spokesperson for no-one should found appalling conditions. us to fine him Norwich City Council get away with personally, treating tenants in Extreme mould and dangerous rather than just his company, this way and hope it will serve electrics were just some of the so that he was not able as a warning to other landlords.

Each year we work with around 700 landlords and tenants to help them resolve issues. Find out more about our private sector work and how we can help www.norwich.gov.uk/ Extreme mould and dangerous PrivateSectorHousing electrics were just some of the issues found at St Faiths Lane apartments.

16 CITIZEN - SUMMER 2021 Homes for Building new homes 100 years of prison leavers Building more homes and council housing We’ve recently worked with the regenerating dilapidated We tracked down some of Office of the Police and Crime parts of the city is a vital the trees we planted two Commissioner on the Foundations aspect of our longer-term years ago across the city project which provides supported recovery from Covid. to celebrate a century of housing for prison leavers. providing social housing The council’s wholly-owned for the city. Here’s one Partnering with Broadland property company – Norwich of our sheltered housing Housing Association, we Regeneration Ltd (NRL) – residents with one of the have so far funded ten units continues to build high quality, trees, just coming into bud. of accommodation. Match- energy efficient homes for private funding from Norfolk and Suffolk sale and rent which generates Probation Service has helped income for the council. The fund the support side of the current build at Rayne Park in project, which is being delivered Bowthorpe continues to take by Pathways’ partner, St Martins shape and the vast majority of the – they help people settle in, as 74 new homes there have now well as begin to rebuild crime- been sold. After our CEO, Stephen free lives outside of prison. Evans, visited earlier this year he said: “I was really impressed to see Reducing the number of people the changes made since my first leaving prison who end up visit in February last year. What sleeping rough is one of the aims was then a building site is now in our rough sleeping strategy. In shaping up to be a high-quality Current plans will see around addition, this project contributes new community for the city.” two hundred new homes added to reducing crime and those to our existing housing stock across affected by it in the city, as Alongside the development of developments at Threescore in well as supporting people with homes for private sale and rent, Bowthorpe, Argyle Street and the multiple and complex needs – our programme of council house former Mile Cross Depot site. another one of our priorities. building is also progressing well. Read more about this on page 11.

A new community is taking shape at Rayne Park in Bowthorpe.

Person-centred support officers from St Martins help ex-offenders as they move into accommodation

CITIZEN - SUMMER 2021 17 ADVERTISEMENT

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www.norwich.gov.uk/LetNcc • e: [email protected] • t: 01603 989452 Taking more control over our services

e are now enjoying called Norwich City Services Ltd Hannah Leys, managing director more direct control (NCSL), which will incorporate of NCSL, said: “We are very W of how some key all of this work going forward. proud to have started on the services are delivered, after journey of delivering these they came back under council This is the first step of an important frontline services control in April. ambitious programme to bring for residents of Norwich. a number of key areas back into In recent years, our more direct council control – “This is the result of a huge environmental and facilities our building maintenance and amount of hard work and management services have repairs service will join NCSL dedication, and we look been delivered in a joint venture in 2022, while our property forward to continuing our arrangement with Norse, but services will rejoin City Hall journey to bringing more we have formed a new company directly in the same year. services on board next year.”

Save over £200 on your energy bills

he energy switching We work with switching scheme, the Big Switch specialists iChoosr to get T and Save, has now become you great deals – and the Norfolk Energy Switch! registration is completely free. Visit www.BigCommunitySwitch. We have a brand new name but co.uk/norfolk for your free the same great energy deals. energy offer!

Did you know? Wholesale Or, if you would prefer to energy prices have risen 33 per get your bills in the post call cent since October. The price us on 01603 989578. We can cap on a standard tariff went also answer any questions you up by over 9 per cent in April. might have about the scheme. The Norfolk Energy Switch offers 100 per cent renewable Getting a great deal on your electricity at amazing prices – energy is quick, easy and free! you could save over £200 on your tariff.

CITIZEN - SUMMER 2021 19 Green spaces need your help!

o you ever take a help out in your own way, do walk in your local area, get in touch to find out more. D and pass some green space or a communal garden Any project you would like to take that needs some love? Imagine the lead on – from a single raised if you could be involved in planter to a large resident-led making the most of it! community project – is something we want to hear about. There is We want to give you the also an outdoor project network opportunity to take the lead, which helps people to share skills, being involved in your community learning and resources in this regard. and creating closer local bonds while doing so. Whether you’ve If you’re interested in exploring chatted to a few neighbours opportunities around your local about adopting green space green spaces, please contact where you live, or you want to [email protected]

Improving community safety for our residents

unding secured for measures in Midland Walk and Clifton Close, well as a range of other safety to tackle burglary and and sheds to be upgraded with improvements. F antisocial behaviour in new Secured by Design doors specific areas of Norwich has to protect against break-ins. Norwich resident Sarah Sellers, helped pay for the installation of who had alley gates installed as new alley gates, secure door entry Funding from the SSF and the part of the scheme, said: “They systems and upgraded shed doors. city council’s SNI community look great and make the houses fund, has paid for nine new feel more safe and secure. We As part of the Safer alley gates in areas including are all so grateful – thank you!” Neighbourhoods Initiative Constitution Hill and The (SNI), Norwich City Council, Shrublands. The Safer Neighbourhoods in partnership with the Initiative community fund Office of the Police and Crime The Home Office set guidance is available this year to fund Commissioner for Norfolk for the use of the SSF, limiting alley gates and other measures (OPCCN), was granted more it to certain areas of the city, but to combat crime and antisocial than £200,000 from the Home the community fund can support behaviour. Office’s Safer Streets Fund (SSF). initiatives across the whole city. Visit norwich.gov.uk/ This has so far paid for hi-spec The fund can pay for alley gates CommunityFund for more secure door entry systems, installed on non-adopted highways, as information and to apply.

20 CITIZEN - SUMMER 2021 Meet your new Lord Mayor and Sheriff!

he city’s Lord Mayor Both donned their robes and Sheriff of Norwich and chains of office for T have taken on their civic the first time when they roles after being ceremonially were officially elected at a sworn in during May. covid-secure mayor-making ceremony at The Halls on Due to circumstances 24 May. caused by the Covid pandemic, the former The Lord Mayor of Norwich, incumbents Councillor Kevin Maguire said: “To take Vaughan Thomas (Lord up this esteemed role is Mayor) and Dr Marian a moment of immense Prinsley (Sheriff) had served personal pride for me, and in their respective roles for I would like to thank my two years, a departure from predecessor for continuing the usual yearly engagement. for longer than the typical the coming year, following timeframe. on from the active and After serving their extended dedicated tenure of my term with distinction, they “It will be a privilege to predecessor. have now moved on from begin serving in this position, the roles and the council as we emerge from the “I am looking forward to is hugely grateful for their challenges of the past year.” fulfilling the duties of this time and dedication. historic position and hope Norwich city councillor The Sheriff of Norwich, to be able to see local Kevin Maguire will be the Caroline Jarrold said: “It is organisations in action Lord Mayor for the 2021-22 a great honour to have been and participate in civic civic year and Caroline asked to take on the role events, when the easing Jarrold is Sheriff. of Sheriff of Norwich for of restrictions allows.”

Civic regalia: Maces and sword (top right), the sheriff’s chain (left), the Lord Mayor’s chain (right).

CITIZEN - SUMMER 2021 21 ADVERTISEMENT

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For a full list of services and charges, please visit www.norwich.gov.uk/planning We HEAR you: campaign to tackle domestic abuse

ast year the HEAR So far around 40 public and campaign was launched HEAR stands for: private sector organisations, L and organisations across representing nearly 25,000 Norfolk were asked to sign HELP – provide access to employees, have joined the up to help any employees specialist organisations campaign. Along with the city who might be experiencing EDUCATE – ensure council, this includes Norwich domestic abuse. training is provided to City Football Club, Norfolk support colleagues Constabulary and the UEA. The campaign calls on The campaign now looks employers to break the AWARENESS – aware of set to be extended to other silence around domestic domestic abuse and not parts of the country as well. abuse and provide the right tolerate it in any form support on this important Please encourage your RESPOND – ensure issue by making internal organisation (large or small) the right policies and policy changes to help their to sign up to help support processes are in place staff. Employers play a crucial those facing domestic abuse. to respond to domestic role in helping to prevent abuse reports. domestic abuse where it For more information visit impacts on the workplace. www.norfolk.gov.uk/hear

Tourist Information Centre closure

he Norwich Tourist the team in person. Closing Information Centre the TIC will create a saving T (TIC) located at The for the council of around Forum has officially closed £110,000. its doors to the public. VisitNorwich The number of people using (www.visitnorwich.co.uk), the service has been reducing the destination management over the years with more organisation for the city, information than ever before will continue to provide being available online. When incredible local information the centre was able to reopen about places to see, stay, last summer there was a very eat and drink as well as large decrease in people the best ways to explore accessing information from our fine city.

CITIZEN - SUMMER 2021 23 Summertime Head Out, Not Home, 2019 is here again!

FREE events in Norwich city centre this summer season…

Head Out, Not Home 11 July – 5 September Every Sunday afternoon

Enjoy a great atmosphere in Norwich with free live music and performance across the city.

GoGoDiscover 12 July – 11 September Dippy on Tour 13 July – 30 October

Look out for Break’s GoGoDiscover trail of 20 huge hand-painted T.rex sculptures throughout the city, and head to Norwich Cathedral for ‘Dippy on Tour’: the Natural History Museum’s famous Diplodocus cast on display in one of our most iconic landmarks.

City Food Trail 12 July – 22 August For other events and more information go to visitnorwich.co.uk Enjoy limited edition food, drinks, and special offers throughout Norwich as our favourite restaurants offer dinosaur-themed menus! #cityofstories

Please note all information is correct at the time of publishing. Some events may be affected by changing Covid-19 regulations – please check visitnorwich.co.uk ahead of visiting!

ARK2036 Norwich Bid Citizen Ad.indd 1 30/04/2021 15:39