This week, the South Norfolk Council held several meetings, addressing a range of significant topics that impact our community. Below, you'll find a summary of each meeting's key points and decisions.

Monday 24 June 2024: Financial Statements and Performance Review

Meeting Details

On Monday, the committee reviewed the council's financial statements for the year ending 31 March 2024. The unaudited statements revealed a net surplus of £1.2 million, a notable improvement from the previous year's £2.5 million deficit.

The committee also evaluated the council's performance against its key objectives. While the council met or exceeded targets in most areas, it fell short in reducing the number of households in temporary accommodation. A council officer remarked:

We are disappointed that we have not met our target for reducing the number of households in temporary accommodation. This is a key priority for the council and we are working hard to address the issue.

Additionally, the committee reviewed the council's arrangements for managing fraud and corruption, expressing satisfaction with the current Anti-Fraud and Corruption Strategy.

Thursday 27 June 2024: Coronation Grants and Climate Change Strategy

Meeting Details

On Thursday, the council approved Councillor Lisa Neal as a trustee of the Norfolk Community Foundation. The meeting also covered two significant topics:

Coronation Grants

The council discussed a scheme to provide up to £250 grants to parish and town councils for events celebrating the coronation of King Charles III. Out of 113 councils, only 33 applied, totalling just over £8,000. Councillor John Overton, Portfolio Holder for Finance and Resources, expressed disappointment at the low uptake:

I am a little bit disappointed that we have only had 33 out of 113, just under a third, have actually applied for this. And we have got quite a substantial amount of money still available within that budget.

Climate Change Strategy

The council reviewed the implications of its Climate Change Strategy, including the need for training on reducing the council's climate impact. The discussion referenced the Climate Change Act 2008, which mandates an 80% reduction in the UK's carbon account by 2050 compared to the 1990 baseline. Councillor James Easter, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Waste, highlighted the council's progress and commitment:

We declared a climate emergency in February 2019 and produced our strategy in February 2020... So far, we have managed to reduce our carbon footprint by 19% and we are committed to getting to net zero by 2030.

Councillor Easter also mentioned that a detailed report on the Climate Change Strategy, including proposals for electric vehicle charging points, would be presented at the next Cabinet meeting.

Thursday 27 June 2024: The Paddocks Care Home Funding

Meeting Details

In another Thursday meeting, the council agreed to allocate an additional £1.374 million to complete the construction of The Paddocks care home in Swaffham. The project faced a funding shortfall due to unforeseen costs, including:

• Additional groundworks costing £330,000
• Increased building material costs
• New building regulations requiring extra work

The council considered various options to address the shortfall, ultimately deciding to use council reserves to cover the costs. One councillor noted:

I don't like it but we've got no option. I think if we delay we know that costs will increase further.

The council voted to approve the additional spending, ensuring the project would continue without delay.

Postponed and Cancelled Meetings

Two other scheduled meetings this week were postponed or cancelled:

• Tuesday 25 June 2024: Postponed
• Wednesday 26 June 2024: Cancelled

These meetings did not proceed, and no further details were provided.

This week's council activities highlight the ongoing efforts to manage finances, support community events, address climate change, and ensure the completion of essential projects like The Paddocks care home. Stay tuned for more updates on how these decisions will impact our community.