East Suffolk Council
News
Suffolk residents encouraged to use their Quiet Lanes
People in Suffolk are being encouraged to explore more of the beautiful countryside on their doorstep through the growing Quiet Lanes initiative.
Housing improvement programme making progress
East Suffolk Council is making progress with a detailed improvement programme following the authority’s decision earlier this year to report itself to the Regulator for Social Housing.
The Council’s review, which encompasses information dating back to East Suffolk’s predecessor authority Waveney District Council, is considering how we set our rental charges, to ensure we meet the requirements set out in the nationally recognised ‘Rent Standard’.
The Council previously explained that some tenants who moved in after 2014 may have been incorrectly charged a higher rent. An independent, external audit of every rent account is now underway, and this will identify which tenants have been affected and calculate any overpayments that should be credited back to the rent account.
The review is also looking at all aspects of Health and Safety related to our properties, including Fire Risk Assessments, Asbestos Management, Water Safety, Gas and Electrical Safety as well as the management and maintenance of equipment including Lifts and Stairlifts.
Following the Council’s decision to report itself, the Regulator has considered the information provided to them by East Suffolk and has now shared its findings. As anticipated, they confirm breaches of Housing Regulations, and their findings have been published in the form of a Regulatory Notice.
Cllr Steve Gallant, Leader of East Suffolk Council, said:
Helping to deliver affordable homes in East Suffolk
A new planning document has been adopted in East Suffolk to help guide the development of affordable homes being delivered across the district.
East Suffolk Council has adopted a new Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). The Affordable Housing SPD provides guidance to support the implementation of the Council’s planning policies on affordable housing.
Cllr David Ritchie, cabinet member for Planning and Coastal Management said: “Our two Local Plans contain policies relating to the provision and development of affordable housing and this Supplementary Planning Document will support the implementation of those policies. This new document, which includes guidance on the design of affordable housing, legal agreements and carrying out local housing needs assessments, will be a material consideration in the determination of planning applications going forward.”
View the Affordable Housing SPD, and supporting documents, including the Consultation Statement and the Adoption Notice.
Coastline celebration for Festival of the Sea at Landguard
As part of the Festival of Suffolk and The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the Festival of the Sea this June will celebrate the rich coastline and maritime links of Suffolk and Essex.
Signed, sealed, delivered…restored: Insights into Post Office conservation project
A series of revealing workshops will provide insight into some of the specialist conservation work being carried out to restore Lowestoft’s historic former Post Office building.
Have your say on Oulton Neighbourhood Plan
Oulton residents are invited to comment on their local Neighbourhood Plan, ahead of it being submitted for independent examination.
Landmark café opens doors on Felixstowe’s South Seafront
The eagerly anticipated opening of an acclaimed new café has been met with celebration in Felixstowe, as part of the continued wider redevelopment of the town’s South Seafront area.
East Suffolk beaches amongst the best
East Suffolk’s beautiful beaches have once again received national awards, ranking them amongst the best in the country.
Find out more about Community Partnership
Local residents and community groups can find out more about the work of their local East Suffolk Community Partnership at a showcase event taking place later this month.
Food traders announced for East Point Pavilion
An exciting mix of food traders have been announced for the soon-to-open East Point Pavilion in Lowestoft.