November 2022

Residents urged to have their say over whether council tax bills should be reduced by up to 100% for those on low incomes

A public consultation is underway over a plan to cut council tax for the poorest households in Babergh and Mid Suffolk.  The consultation, which runs to November 24, asks for views on how the councils should run their Council Tax Reduction Scheme for 2023/24, and whether bills should be reduced by up to 100% for working age adults with the lowest incomes.  More information

Winter warmth funding for community causes

Thousands of pounds were made available to grassroots groups last month to keep the doors of their activities open for longer this winter. The Winter Warmth Support Grant, offered groups and non-profit organisations between £250 to £5,000 to cover the rising costs of energy, rent and food, and to keep operating without passing on increased costs to residents across Babergh and Mid Suffolk.  More information

 

Winners announced for the Babergh and Mid Suffolk Innovation Awards 2022

The winners of the Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council Innovations Awards have been revealed. More information

 

New Innovate to Elevate programme launches for businesses

Businesses in Babergh & Mid Suffolk are set to receive an innovation boost as a new 12-month partnership between the University of Essex and the District Councils launches in the region. More information

 

Councils’ commercial property arm continues to generate income for districts

Babergh and Mid Suffolk’s commercial property company CIFCO made a £6.7m profit last year and generated £3.7m in net income for the councils to plough back into services, councillors heard during October. More information

 

Residents to help name Babergh and Mid Suffolk’s new bin lorries

Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils have launched a competition to help them name their new environmentally-friendly bin lorries – in the biggest upgrade to their fleet in almost 10 years.

 

Residents across Babergh and Mid Suffolk are being invited to submit names for 22 brand-new bin lorries at www.midsuffolk.gov.uk/binlorrycompetition. The competition closes at midnight on Sunday 13 November, with winners contacted later in the year.  More information

 

Bird flu outbreak

Information on the recent bird flu outbreak in Suffolk. More information

 

First stage of Women’s Tour brings more than a million reasons to celebrate

The Women’s Tour 2022 has revealed the fantastic impact of the first stage of the UK’s biggest women’s cycling event, with more than £1m of net economic benefit poured into the regional economy. More information

 

Anyone can become homeless

In recognition of World Homelessness Day, Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils encouraged residents to challenge their view of what homelessness looks like. More information

 

Campaign launched to improve metal packaging recycling rates across Suffolk

A new initiative encouraging households to recycle food and drink cans, aluminium foil and trays, empty aerosols and metal screw caps has been rolled out by the Suffolk Waste Partnership, which includes Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils.  More information

 

Three finalists for Babergh and Mid Suffolk at Building Excellence Awards

The councils’ Building Control Team has won three regional awards in the annual Local Authority Building Control (LABC) Building Excellence Awards for Angel Court, Hadleigh (Best Small Social Housing Development), The Regal, Stowmarket (Best Non-Residential Extension or Alteration) and Low Street, Glemsford (Best Small New Housing Development).  They now move onto the national final in London in January 2023.  More information

 

Global bank to give students unique careers advice in jobs clinic

Young people looking for help, advice or an insight into a new career were able to take part in a careers session last month, with advice from global employer and high street bank HSBC as part of the Babergh and Mid Suffolk’s Careeriosity programme. More information

 

October half-term fun to keep the kids active

Dozens of council-funded activities took place across Babergh and Mid Suffolk during October half term, keeping children and families, happy, healthy and active.  More information

 

New unit for retail giant The Range gets go-ahead at Gateway 14, Stowmarket, and will create 1,650 jobs

Detailed planning consent has been given for the first unit at Gateway 14, Stowmarket, to be occupied by home, garden and leisure products retailer The Range - creating an estimated 1,650 jobs.  More information

 

Exemplar housing development for Elmswell to be considered

Council-owned land in Elmswell could be used for a development of 50 environmentally friendly low carbon homes in a scheme going before Mid Suffolk District Council’s cabinet members this month.  More information

 

Stage is set for expansion at the John Peel Centre

Iconic Stowmarket venue, the John Peel Centre for Creative Arts, is set to welcome more visitors, events, and experiences, as they expand into neighbouring 11 Market Place.  More information

 

How council scheme helped Harleston’s wildflower Jubilee Meadow bloom

Harleston’s wildflower Jubilee meadow showcases a colourful example of how we are helping to tackle biodiversity and climate change. More information

 

Raising awareness of chosen charity

Mid Suffolk's Chairman, Cllr James Caston, hosted a fund-raising wine tour and tasting experience at Burnt House Vineyard in Little Finborough raising funds for the Stowmarket ASD Saturday Clubs, which support families looking after children and young people with autism.  More information