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NORWICH
SPRING 2022 www.norwich.gov.uk
6 11 17
Font: Humanis
Cashless parking New homes Help with finding the
coming soon for Norwich best energy deals
Vaccination centre Contacting Norwich City Council
at City Hall www.norwich.gov.uk
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CITIZEN SPRING 2022
CONTENTS “Running elections
is one of the most
03 Message from the leader
important functions
04 News in brief
of the city council
05 Anglia Square: redevelopment because it goes to the
latest
Protecting office space in the city heart of our role as a
06 Citizen magazine survey – democratic body”
please give us your views
Introducing cashless parking
Message from the leader, Alan Waters
07 City council sets out its aims
for the next four years
L
Setting our budget ocal elections in Norwich are activity. It involves year-round
an annual event. So people work by our elections team.
08 Gearing up for the city’s are used to going to the polls
local elections
to exercise this vital democratic If you’ve recently moved, never
10 Breaking the cycle right. This issue of Citizen looks been registered, changed your
of homelessness ahead to the city council elections name, or wish to change the
11 New homes for city residents in May, when a third of the council way you vote, the quickest and
seats in each of the 13 wards across easiest way to do this is online at
12 Enhancing our city the city are up for a four year term. www.gov.uk/Register-To-Vote
14 Gushing about the River Wensum
Today, voting is a right of This is why our elections team
Game, set and match at
refurbished tennis courts citizenship and not based, for works through the year to try
example, as it once was, in the and make sure that everyone
15 Key services coming back early 20th Century, on whether who is eligible to vote is
under the council’s wing
or not a person owned property registered. It’s the only way
16 How you can transform your or their gender. you can vote in an election.
neighbourhood
So, the recent history of voting Running elections is transparent
17 Put your energy into finding
the best deals on fuel is about breaking down barriers and based on a high degree of
and making it easier to vote; for trust. Last year, we had possibly
19 Tips for managing your example, postal and proxy voting. the most complex set of elections
household waste
Norwich has seen – city council,
20 Progress with our 2040 city vision Running elections is one of the county council and Police &
most important functions of the Crime Commissioner ballots
21 Getting the most out of your
council services online city council because it goes to the on the same day – and during
heart of our role as a democratic a time of Covid restrictions.
22 Full-fibre internet rollout body. Preparing for and running
begins across the city
an election involves staff from The last 100 years has been a
Creating a fairer city for all across the whole council. steady progress in extending
residents
the right to vote and removing
23 A look back at the work of our Because personal circumstances obstacles to doing so. The health
outgoing Lord Mayor and Sheriff change, registering people to of our democracy depends on
vote isn’t just a once-a-year continuing along that path.
@NorwichCC Norwich City Council Norwich City Council
NEWS Celebrating a century
in brie of cultural contribution
f
The city is proud of Museum of Norwich at
the Bridewell, Norwich Castle Museum & Art
Gallery and Strangers’ Hall – home to the
world’s largest teapot collection, the country’s
first museum of rural life and artefacts
demonstrating local industrious heritage.
Without the generosity of the Friends of
the Norwich Museums, we would not have
these treasures.
Established in 1920, founding members
Leonard Bolingbroke, rescued Strangers’
Hall from dilapidation and donated it to
Calling all kings and queens the city in 1922, and Sir Henry Holmes
gifted Bridewell in 1925.
The crown jewel in the city’s event calendar To this day, the Friends work tirelessly to
is back! The theme for this year’s Lord Mayor’s raise funds to help purchase artefacts to
Celebration is ‘kings and queens’, and we’re enhance the collections.
planning a right royal knees up to celebrate
all things regal, from our very own Queen www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk
of Iceni to Bimini Bon Boulash, and everyone
in between. Sign up to take part in the
procession or perform on The Forum 2022 dates for your diary…
Stage at www.norwich.gov.uk/LMC
The city’s events calendar is already filling up,
here are some highlights:
Interested in running 13 – 18 April Easter Funfair –
a market stall? Chapelfield Gardens
13 – 29 May Norfolk & Norwich Festival –
Have you ever considered running a market citywide
stall? Well, 2022 may just be the year for you! 28 – 29 May Let’s Rock Festival –
Some stalls are currently available at the Earlham Park
award-winning Norwich Market, and 2 – 5 June Platinum Jubilee Celebrations –
applications are welcome – especially citywide
from non-food businesses. 25 June Simply Red – Earlham Park
If you can offer something unique to the market 1 – 3 July Lord Mayor’s Celebration
– with low running costs, and a 25 per cent 17 July Run Norwich – city centre
rent reduction for new businesses in the first 30 July Norwich Pride – city centre
six months, it’s a great opportunity to start
a new venture and see what it can become! New events pop up every week, so keep
your eye on the council’s Facebook page
Visit www.NorwichMarket.net to find out more. and website for the latest!
04 CITIZEN - SPRING 2022
Anglia Square redevelopment
plans take shape
A
series of public given people the chance buildings has been reduced,
consultations have taken to give their feedback. with the highest buildings
place about the new at eight storeys.
proposed redevelopment plans Weston Homes has also been
for Anglia Square, following consulting with stakeholders on The public consultation has now
refusal of the last application the new scheme and set up a ended and the final plans may
by the Secretary of State. community panel to feed in be subject to change, to take
their proposals for the area. into account people’s comments
Run by Weston Homes (the before a planning application
company which is due to submit The new plans see a number is submitted.
another planning application of changes from the previous
for the site this spring), the proposals, including no multi- For more information on the
consultations have included storey car park, no hotel or scheme, visit Weston Homes’
details about the plans and cinema and the height of the site www.AngliaSquare.com
Plan to protect city office
space pushes forward
N
orwich City Council’s in Norwich has been lost, Councillor Mike Stonard,
plans to help control the which has significantly Norwich City Council’s
number of offices in the impacted on the supply cabinet member for sustainable
city being turned into residential of available office space and inclusive growth said:
properties has been progressed in the city centre. “It’s important to the city
to the next stage. that we can progress with the
A review of office Article 4 Direction to help
Following a six-week public accommodation in Norwich, Norwich’s economy thrive
consultation in July last year, commissioned by the city and enable our businesses to
the city council’s cabinet agreed council, found the market was flourish. It’s also important
in December that an Article 4 in a ‘fragile and vulnerable’ that when conversions to
Direction will be brought into condition, partly due to the residential are made, we have
effect from 29 July 2022, if no significant loss of offices in control over the standard
objection is received from the the last eight years. of housing that results.”
Secretary of State.
If this Article 4 Direction is While an Article 4 Direction
Since changes to the planning put in place, it would mean would not prevent all offices
system in 2013, which introduced full planning permission would being changed into flats, it
permitted development rights be required to change offices would give the city council
to convert offices to flats, to residential premises within more control over any
about 30% of office stock the city centre. proposed changes.
CITIZEN - SPRING 2022 05
Citizen magazine survey
W
e’d be really grateful decisions on how you’d like us
NORWICH
if you could take a to communicate
few minutes to give with you in the NORWICH
us your views on Citizen, our future, including
residents’ magazine. how you prefer 1
h.gov.uk
www.norwic WINTER 2021
www.norwich.gov.uk
to find out about
SUMMER 202
Each year, four issues of the services we
the magazine are produced provide to
by the council’s in-house residents.
communications team and
delivered to all 67,000 Please tell us what
properties within the city you think by the 17
20
council’s boundary. survey deadline of
12
ns21
#NorfolkElectio
Results
Friday 29 April 2022.
Making your feel safer
yone
Ensuring everhome communities
vote at
Who got your tions has a goo
d
6 10
the local
elec
22
We’re in the process of gathering
feedback about the magazine Please visit www.norwich.gov.uk/
Font: Humanist
New climate
Covid-recover y
commission formed Christmas cheer in
business grant Font: Humanist
the heart of the city
launched
too long
to help us make some informed CitizenSurvey
The road to cashless car parking
P
eople across the city account and adding a payment
will soon be able to method through an app and
use our car parks with website, as well as via SMS
Our car parks
their phones, thanks to the and calling. Full details will be by numbers…
introduction of cashless provided on our website as soon Number of car parks: 13;
parking options. as the new system goes live. overall parking spaces:
2973; Blue Badge spaces:
Car park users have historically Councillor Mike Stonard, 141; total yearly visitors:
only been able to pay by cabinet member for parking 344,174 (multi-storeys only)
cash. However, following our at Norwich City Council, said:
successful move to introduce “This is a much needed move
cashless car parking at Barn Road, for the council and our car
we’re finalising plans to offer the park users. This online approach
same option at all our city car has proved highly successful in
parks, alongside cash payments. other cities across the country
so it’s great that we’ve been
Later this year users will be able able to modernise our payment
to pay for their visits to any of methods and options across
our car parks by creating an our car parks to facilitate that.”
06 CITIZEN - SPRING 2022
Corporate Plan, sets out its Aim 4: The city has an inclusive
City council vision and most important aims. economy in which residents
have equal opportunity to
sets out path Shaped by the Norwich 2040
City Vision work, as well as our
flourish.
ahead for next response to Covid-19, the new plan
outlines the council’s five new aims
Aim 5: Norwich City Council is
in good shape to serve the city.
four years along with a number of priority
activities linked to each one.
You will be able to read the
new corporate plan when it’s
published on the council’s
A
n important document The new aims are as follows: website from April www.
which acts as the city Aim 1: People live norwich.gov.uk/CorporatePlan
council’s guiding light independently and well
over the next four years has in a diverse and safe city.
recently been given the seal
of approval by all 39 elected Aim 2: Norwich is a
councillors. sustainable and healthy city.
Aim 3: Norwich has the
The council’s new high-level infrastructure and housing it
strategic document, the 2022-26 needs to be a successful city.
£
A balanced budget which
includes significant investment
M
aking sure there’s council – the entire group of back-office functions are more
enough money to 39 elected councillors – and efficient; delivery of key Town
deliver the services following consultation where Deal projects, and refurbishing
people need, value and which we seek the views of residents Carrow House to provide small
£
meet the aims set out in our and businesses. and start-up businesses with
corporate plan, is never an quality office space.
easy task. At the time of writing,
councillors were due to Councillors were also set to
However, the current context consider proposals for a general consider a council tax rise of
– the ongoing impact of Covid, fund (capital) budget of £29.3m 1.99 per cent – a maximum rise
the need to make savings, and – this is one of the parts of our of up to the equivalent of £5.47
uncertainty around future budget, the pot we set aside a year/11p a week for the city
government funding – make for acquiring, enhancing or council’s element of council tax
this more challenging than ever. improving our assets (the things, – to help protect frontline
buildings and places we own). services.
Yet, as we get ready to head
into a new financial year (2022- Some of the projects proposed You can see more about the
23) on 1 April, we do so with a for funding include improved IT 2022-23 budget by visiting our
balanced budget. Our budget is systems so the digital offer for website www.norwich.gov.uk/
set at the end of February by customers is better and our OurBudget
CITIZEN - SPRING 2022 07
Get ready for the local norwich
elections in May election
D
on’t miss out on having candidate campaign literature provide details on how
your voice heard at being delivered to your door to join and volunteer.
the local election on around this time.
Thursday 5 May. Norwich City However, you don’t need to
Council holds elections by thirds,
which means one of every three
Current political norwich
be a member of a political
party, you can also stand as
seats on each of the 13 city
make-up
The city council has a total of
election
an independent candidate.
wards will be up for grabs.
39 councillors – 13 electoral
Whether you stand for a political
wards across the city with
Get to know your party or as an independent, you
three councillors in each.
candidates will need to have a nomination
Following the city council
paper signed by 10 people who
A list of candidates standing elections last year, the
are on the electoral register in
at May’s elections, known political make-up is:
the ward you wish to stand in.
as the ‘statement of persons • Labour 26 seats
nominated,’ will be available • Green 10 seats norwich
If you want further advice on
on our website by
Wednesday 6 April • Liberal Democrats three seats election
standing as an independent
candidate, please get in
(4pm). You may
Standing for election touch with us.
also notice
Most people who stand for
election to be a councillor do Register to vote
this by representing a political Don’t miss out on having your
party. All the local political say by making sure you’re
parties in Norwich have registered to vote in local
websites which and national elections or
referendums. You can do this
easily and quickly online at
www.gov.uk/Register-To-Vote
– you’ll need your date of
birth and National Insurance
number to complete
your application.
08 CITIZEN - SPRING 2022
election
Key dates
•B
eginning of April: poll • 5 May: election day! Have a bit of fun and
cards delivered. Check • 6 May: counting of test your democracy
carefully for location the votes (the results knowledge
of your polling station for each ward will be
•6
April: candidate list available on our website 1. When were all women
published on our website and twitter feed given equal voting rights
• 14 April: deadline to throughout the day) to men in the UK?
register to vote A. 1918
B. 1928
• 1 9 April (5pm): deadline
C. 1945
norwich
to apply for a postal vote
D. 1970
or amend details to an
existing postal vote
2. Who can vote in local
Why vote in • You can vote for candidates
election
elections in Norwich?
A. UK and Irish Citizens
B. UK, Irish and qualifying
Commonwealth citizens
local elections who have a similar vision for C. U K, Irish, qualifying
the future of your community Commonwealth and EU
General elections get all the
as you do. citizens
headlines, but we think local
D. Any resident of Norwich
elections are just as important!
• Councillors represent a much
smaller group of people than 3. When were 18 to 20 year
Here are some top reasons
MPs, that means your single olds first allowed to vote in
why we think you should
vote is more likely to make the UK? Previously it was
get out and vote.
an impact on the result. only over 21s
A. 1950
• Our local council has an
• Voting can be fun! Our polling B. 1960
impact on many of the
station staff are a friendly lot C. 1970
services you see and use
and always pleased to see D. 1980
every day, including housing,
you, so make their
waste and recycling and
day and get 4. In which year was Norwich
public spaces. Choices made
involved! City Council established?
at City Hall will have visible
A. 1974
impacts on your community
B. 1920
so make sure you’ve been
C. 1990
part of choosing who makes
these decisions.
An
sw
ers
: 1.b
2 .c
3.c
4.a
CITIZEN - SPRING 2022 09
Breaking the cycle of homelessness
Rough sleeping is a complex issue that Recovery
requires a holistic approach. Our strategy Support for those
who have slept
focuses on four key areas which targets rough to ensure they
the work we do with partners to break do not return to the streets.
the cycle of homelessness. Read on to
find out more. A safe place to sleep
The ‘Somewhere Safe
to Stay’ service has been
Prevention Intervention commissioned to provide
space to sleep to those
Activities to stop Support available
who need it while their
people sleeping to those currently
accommodation needs are
rough in the rough sleeping to
assessed. Managed by St
first place. move off the street.
Martins, this hub is designed
for short stays with
Do you hold the key to Meaningful food specialist staff on hand.
somebody’s fresh start? provision Since launching in April, more
than 60 people who would
Have you ever tried to apply for Food poverty is closely have otherwise been sleeping
a job, set up a bank account or linked to rough sleeping, outside have made use of
access financial support without so it is vital that food this service.
an address? It’s not easy. Finding provision takes place in a safe
a home is often the first step and supportive environment.
needed to get your life on track, Indoor food provision is
Systems support
and yet it can be the hardest. now available seven days a
week through local social Systems and
enterprise, The Feed’s, structures to
The city council is seeking
‘Nourish’ service, initiated make changes and
landlords to help provide private
by the city council. monitor progress.
rented accommodation at market
rent to people facing specific
barriers to finding a home. These Running from the city Political representation
are people who are looking for centre, this service also Councillor Cate Oliver, cabinet
a fresh start, have low support offers support that can member with responsibility
needs and are carefully assessed help anyone using it to take for rough sleeping, said: “Not
as ready to take on the steps into accommodation. all councils have a cabinet
responsibilities of a tenancy. Nourish has already served member dedicated to rough
1,500 meals to more 150 sleeping. This shows our
Financial incentives are available people since it began in April. commitment to tackling the
for providing six-month This has been made possible issue, and my role allows me
tenancies as part of this scheme. with the help of generous to have insight into specific
volunteers, some of who cases, keep the issue high
To find out more, contact have previous experience on the political agenda and
pippajennings@norwich.gov.uk of homelessness. identify systems barriers.”
10 CITIZEN - SPRING 2022Above: Councillor Gail Harris and Andrew Savage,
Inside one of the
executive development director of Broadland
finished flats
Housing, on site.
Left: Day one of construction
Building for a better future
A
s part of a county-wide social housing, said: “Our rough Programme (originally named
initiative to tackle sleeping strategy identified that the Next Steps Accommodation
homelessness, the we are in desperate need of Programme).
council has been working homes for people who might
closely with Broadland be homeless, or who are on The funding will also go towards
Housing to build quality the verge of being homeless. providing the associated
new homes in the city. support for the tenants and to
“None of us can do it by enable the purchase of another
Last November saw a £1.1 million ourselves, the problem is too five one-bed flats, to be used as
block of flats built at Webster big. But if you can work with accommodation by the YMCA.
Court in just three days. Most organisations who have the
of the building work took place same ethos, the results can The council is also progressing
off-site and then modular be tremendous.” with other housing projects
apartments were craned into at the former Kings Arms site
place – this innovative approach The latest partnership project on Mile Cross Road and at
provides speedy solutions to is also progressing well, with a Threescore in Bowthorpe. These
a pressing problem, and with planning application approved developments will go some way
minimal impact for neighbouring in January to build seven high- towards meeting the growing
residents. quality, affordable homes on need for social housing in the
a small disused piece of land city and help the council
The six homes provide rough at Ketts Hill. These are due to continue its proud legacy
sleepers with short-term complete at the end of this year. of building quality homes
tenancies of between six and for its residents.
24 months to help individuals The council gifted the land
find long-term solutions to to Broadland Housing for The properties are designed
their homelessness and the both projects and following to be built to the highest
underlying causes. a successful bid for funding environmental standards
they are partly financed by which will help to provide
Councillor Gail Harris, the city the government’s Rough future protection for tenants
council’s cabinet member for Sleepers Accommodation against rising energy bills.
CITIZEN - SPRING 2022 11Town Deal round up
At the end of 2020, we received £25m of Town Deal funding from
government for eight projects aimed at enhancing our city for visitors
and residents. Here’s an overview of current work.
F
uture audiences at consultation has already taken vision and guidance for future
The Halls can now sit in place on plans for St Giles regeneration will be moving
comfort when enjoying which presents an opportunity forward this year, including
performances, thanks to the arrival to widen footpaths to give further public consultation.
of new chairs and tiered seating, more space to pedestrians
paid for by the Towns Fund and and increase capacity for The restoration and adaption of
the council’s capital programme. outdoor dining, as well as other the Carrow House complex, which
enhancements. Results and next is part of the east Norwich site,
Next steps will be exploring steps will be shared shortly. is well underway and nearing
the best way to develop and use Rejuvenating Hay Hill to make completion. The building will
the different spaces within the it work better as a public space provide much needed office
building. The overall vision for will also be opened up to public space, so keep a close eye on
the project is to ensure this comment, with work hoped to this one if you are looking to
beautiful city centre venue is begin in the summer. relocate or set up.
expertly adapted to meet the
needs of future audiences, The Advanced Construction and
performers and our creative Engineering (ACE) centre – also
communities. As a council- led by City College Norwich is
owned heritage building, we also moving forward with the final
need to ensure it is financially brief for the project agreed and
sustainable, which will be part construction work due to start in
of forward discussions. Artist impression the spring. When compete The
of St Giles ACE Centre will create cutting-
edge learning environments to
support advanced engineering
As the very first Town Deal and manufacturing, sustainable
completed project, City College transport and advanced
Norwich’s Digi-Tech Factory construction technologies.
received a visit from Neil
O’Brien MP Minister in the Find out more about Norwich
Department of Levelling up Town Deal www.norwich.gov.
Brand new
seating for and Communities, who was uk/TownDeal
the Halls impressed by the students and
staff he met, and state-of-the Minister O’Brien at the
art-facilities. Digi-Tech Factory
Enhancing people’s experience
of the city centre by improving The minister was also taken on
and expanding pedestrian a tour of east Norwich, a huge
spaces is the focus of the two opportunity for regeneration and
public realm projects benefiting creation of a new urban quarter.
from the funding. Public The masterplan setting out the
12 CITIZEN - SPRING 2022TOWN
NORWICH
TOWN
NORWICH
DEAL
TOWN
DEAL
DEAL
East Norwich’s unique will ensure the emerging Station being given a Grade II
heritage recognised masterplan fully respects listing. The timber drying bottle
the heritage of the area. kiln at Deal Ground has retained
An important milestone has
its Grade II listing and the
been reached in the regeneration
“This should help us to create following buildings have
of east Norwich, as its unique
a genuinely unique, highly been given Grade II listings:
heritage is recognised through a
distinctive and sustainable • 1 9th century engine
review of its historical buildings.
quarter of Norwich.” house at Trowse Sewage
The review, carried out by Pumping Station
The Carrow Works site was
Historic England on behalf of • E arly 20th century engine
home to the famous Norwich
the city council and partners, house, boiler house and
manufacturer Colman’s for 160
focuses on listing buildings on coal store at Trowse
years. It houses some of east
the Carrow Works and Deal Sewage Pumping Station.
Norwich’s most significant
Ground sites, which are key to
historic structures, such as the
the regeneration of east Norwich. Work continues on stage 2
Grade I listed Carrow Abbey –
a former Benedictine priory. of the masterplan, with the
Public consultation carried out as consultant team led by Avison
part of the stage 1 masterplan for Young with Allies & Morrison
The Deal Ground comprises an
the east Norwich regeneration focussing on issues relating to
extensive area of disused former
showed heritage as a top priority infrastructure, phasing, viability
industrial land and buildings.
and this review will help the assessment and funding.
sympathetic redevelopment
The new listings include an
of these important sites. For more information, visit
upgrade for the ornate Victorian
conservatory at Carrow House www.norwich.gov.uk/
One of Norwich’s eight Town Deal EastNorwich
to Grade II* and Trowse Railway
funded projects, the masterplan
is central to driving forward the
regeneration of this part of the
city, which has the ambition to
become a new urban quarter with
the potential to deliver 4,000
new homes and 6,000 new jobs.
Councillor Mike Stonard, the city
council’s cabinet member for
Photo: Patricia Payne/Historic England Archive
inclusive and sustainable growth,
said: “This review by Historic
England has shown just how
important this area of the city
is to Norwich’s rich heritage.
“It allows us to understand
which buildings on these sites
are of national importance and The conservatory at Carrow House
which are not – something that
CITIZEN - SPRING 2022 13Wonderful waterway
improvements
T
he River Wensum, which The partnership is led by These include installing new
runs through the heart of the city council and includes pontoons for better river access
Norwich, is benefitting representation from the for canoe and paddleboard
from local partnership working. Broads Authority, Norfolk users and an eel pass to help the
County Council, Norwich species migrate, both at New Mills.
The River Wensum Strategy Society and the Environment
Partnership has recently Agency, alongside other The Barn Road entrance to
produced a comprehensive key stakeholders, including Marriott’s Way has also seen
delivery plan which sets out Norwich BID and the Norfolk some changes, including cutting
the projects to be delivered Wildlife Trust. back overgrown shrubbery
over the next few years. so the path is more visible
These projects include Despite the challenges of for pedestrians and cyclists.
improving access for users the last couple of years,
and enhancing biodiversity some great projects have For more information www.
along the river corridor. been successfully delivered. norwich.gov.uk/RiverWensum
Perfecting our parks and open spaces
S
ome of the city’s parks the city. To book a tennis of the woodland. In November,
and open spaces have court or find out more visit volunteers planted smaller
seen some great www.NorwichParksTennis.org.uk tree species such as hawthorn,
improvements over the last guelder rose, hazel and plum,
few months so residents can Norwich’s West End Street which are more manageable.
continue to enjoy them for play area has also had an These projects have been
exercise, play and to help injection of funding into a financed through several
with their wellbeing. newly refurbished multi-use sources, including the
games area (MUGA). The area government’s Towns Fund
At the beginning now has high fencing, specialist advance funding, see page
of November surface for sports and new 12 for more information about
two refurbished lines and goals. It’s one of the other Town Deal projects.
tennis courts 16 free-to-use MUGAs across
were opened the city that can be used This year is set to be another
at Lakenham to play a variety of sports. year of investment to protect
Recreation and enhance our much-loved
Ground. These In west Earlham Woods, parks and green spaces across
are part of 2,000 new trees were planted the city so keep an eye out for
Norwich Parks following the removal of updates in future issues and
Tennis which sycamore trees to improve on the council’s social media
provides tennis across the structure and biodiversity channels and website.
14 CITIZEN - SPRING 2022City council set for
transfer of key services
I
n the coming weeks some Councillor Alan Waters, “We very much look forward
of our city residents can leader of the council, said: to officially welcoming
expect to see a change “We’re now in the final stages of everyone to the city council
in provider for a number of this huge and important piece – whether that’s employees
important council services. of work – a journey we’ve been transferring directly back to
on since 2018 to bring these the council or into our wholly
From 1 April, the building key services under more direct owned company.”
repairs and maintenance work council control.
which is routinely carried out After the services transfer,
across all our council homes, and “Our residents and the services residents will receive
non-housing properties, will be we provide them have been our correspondence from NCSL,
delivered by the council’s wholly- priority throughout and our the city council or other
owned company, Norwich City focus is firmly on ensuring they sub-contractors appointed,
Services Limited (NCSL). transfer as smoothly as possible. depending on the nature
of the work.
This signals the end of a “We’re looking well beyond
number of long-standing the transfer date and at future The 140 or so colleagues who
arrangements the city council delivery of these services. Part are transferring into NCSL will
has had with Norse to deliver of this involves making sure we join colleagues who began
many council services. have people with the skills and work with the company last
expertise we need, across both April when they successfully
On the same day, 1 April, workforces, to steer us through transferred from Norwich
employees who have provided the an improvement plan. The Norse Environmental.
council’s property management future vision is for closer and
service for a number of years more effective working between The council is committed to
will transfer directly to the city colleagues and contractors so our developing new and robust
council when the contract with residents get more responsive arrangements for meaningful
Norse finishes. and better services. engagement with residents
in the management and
monitoring of the new
contract with NCSL and the
development of the repairs
and wider housing service.
CITIZEN - SPRING 2022 15100 days of neighbourhood activity
S
ince January this year,
the city council has been Do you want to learn how to make gardens bee-friendly?
working with a range of
voluntary sector partners to Ever wanted to grow veg on your estate and
set up the ‘Norwich 100 Day turn it into yummy dinners?
Challenge’ – and it’s starting now.
munity
Community connectors from the How about learning more about first aid, com
project have been out and about in leadership, or using social media?
Mile Cross, Lakenham, Mousehold
and Mancroft chatting to local Whatever you want to find missed your chance. Contact
residents about how they want to out about, we probably have Tracey at Business in the
transform their neighbourhoods, a workshop for that, or if not Community (Tracey.Drake@bitc.
and what resources or training we can find one. org.uk) to register your interest.
they need to be able to do it.
To find out more about these This project has been possible
In response, we have set up free opportunities, delivered in through the city council, along
various workshops and skill the community and accessible with a number of partners,
sharing opportunities across 100 to all, visit www.lumi.org.uk securing £500,000 from the
days between March and May. for the full menu and details government’s Community
The sessions will be running on how to sign up. Renewal Fund (CRF), which
in the four neighbourhoods aims to support people and
highlighted above, but are Don’t see what you’re after? communities to pilot projects
open to all Norwich residents. We can commission more and approaches across key areas.
workshops until May. Simply
email community@norwich. Councillor Alan Waters, leader
gov.uk and let us know what of the council, said: “Norwich
you’d like to attend. is a city of communities and this
funding has created a number of
If you’re a not-for-profit group employment opportunities for
and have training you’d like passionate and knowledgeable
to bring to one of our target local people, who understand
neighbourhoods, you’ve not the potential of their own areas.”
16 CITIZEN - SPRING 2022roar
Keep an eye on your power
energy bills
Powered by
roar
W power
ith the energy Of course, even if you stay • Don’t forget to switch off
price cap set to rise with the same provider, there – turn off the lights when
Powered by
significantly in April, are still lots of ways you can you leave a room and
it’s important that everyone reduce your energy usage. don’t leave appliances
knows how to limit their bills. on standby,
• Turn your thermostat down or laptops
Ofgem, which regulates how – reducing your room and mobile
much energy companies can temperature by only 1°C phones
charge for electricity and gas could cut your heating bills on charge
usage, recently announced by up to 10 per cent unnecessarily.
that the maximum price and typically
cap would be raised. saves around • Fill up to save – if possible,
£60 a year. fill up the washing machine,
This is due to raises in tumble dryer or dishwasher:
wholesale electricity and gas • Programme one full load
prices over the past couple your heating – uses less
of years, meaning energy if you can, set your heating energy than
providers are currently paying and hot water to come two half
more for energy than their on only when loads.
customers pay them. required, rather
than all the • Just use as much
Once the price cap has risen, time. as you need
it will be worth looking – only boil as
around for the best deal. • Close your much water as
We run a regular energy curtains – you need to
auction where renewable do this at dusk to stop make a cuppa.
energy providers compete to heat escaping through
make potential customers the the windows and check
cheapest offer. Please visit the for draughts around
Norfolk Energy Switch to see windows and doors.
how much you could save. Draught excluders and
For anyone who doesn’t want radiator foil can
to switch frequently but is be used
interested in longer term to reduce
reliability, the council has heat loss.
its own renewable energy
provider, Roar Power, in
partnership with award
winning Octopus Energy.
Visit www.octopus.energy/
Roar-Power to find out
more about it.
CITIZEN - SPRING 2022 17ADVERTISEMENT
Have you signed up for our
garden waste collection?
This pay-in-advance service means you can dispose of grass cuttings,
hedge clippings, leaves and shrubs, cut flowers, twigs and small
branches using a brown wheelie bin, which is collected fortnightly.
It also discourages the need
to light bonfires, which are
damaging to the environment
and not great for you or your
neighbours!
For more information
and to subscribe, visit
www.norwich.gov.uk/GardenWaste
Font: Humanist
Planning a spring sort out?
Did you know Norwich City Council runs a bulky
waste collection service?
Large, freestanding household items,
such as fridges, freezers, mattresses and
furniture can be collected from residential
properties from £24.50 for one item*.
For more information or
to book a collection, visit
www.norwich.gov.uk/BulkyWaste
*price at time of going to printThink before you throw!
Wondering where to dispose of your waste? We’re here to help.
Check out all our tips and tricks for what to do and where to go.
Household bins – you can Garden waste bins – Norwich Recycling centres – Norfolk
dispose of household rubbish residents can subscribe to the County Council runs two
in your black or green wheeled council’s garden waste collection. household waste recycling
bin and recycling in your blue bin. This pay-in-advance, fortnightly centres that serve the city.
For a full list of items that can be service allows people to dispose
recycled, visit www.norwich.gov. of most garden waste without You can dispose of a range
uk/Recycling having to take it to the household of items at these centres,
waste recycling centre. including furniture, large
The city council also runs electrical items and some
collections for food waste. It also provides an alternative chemicals. For more information
Find out more and order a food to bonfires, which are harmful about the centres and a full
waste caddy for collection at to the environment. list of what they accept, visit
www.norwich.gov.uk/ www.norfolk.gov.uk/Recycling
FoodWaste For details or to sign up to the
service, visit www.norwich.gov. For more about disposing
Textiles, small electricals and uk/GardenWaste of your waste, as well as
batteries – we provide a weekly reducing, reusing and
collection for textiles, small Bulky waste collection – the recycling, visit:
electricals and batteries. These city council provides a paid-for
need to be put in separate collection service for large or www.norwich.gov.uk/
carrier bags and placed out bulky household items from Recycling
next to your recycling or rubbish people’s homes. Costs start at www.norfolkrecycles.com
bin by 6am on collection day. £24.50 for one item*
*price at time of publication
CITIZEN - SPRING 2022 19Norwich 2040 City Vision continues
to build for the future
A
n ambitious vision for the Norwich Climate Norwich Good
city continues to play a Commission Economy Commission
vital role in its future.
In 2021, a new independent In 2019 the Norwich Good
climate commission was formed Economy Commission was
The Norwich 2040 City Vision
to support the city’s goal of formed to address problems
was developed in 2018, by
reaching net zero carbon in our city’s economy. The
Norwich City Council in
emissions by providing commission aims to improve
partnership with organisations
leadership and advice on climate people’s lives by finding out
and individuals across the city,
change and sustainability. what matters to them and their
with the ambition of bringing
www.NorwichClimate.org communities, and supporting
together key themes and goals
them to achieve their goals.
to make the Norwich of 2040
the best place to be. The City Vision partnership will www.NorwichGoodEconomy.com
continue to work together to
Here are some of the key move towards a better future, Norwich Creative
projects and partnerships the and will now be strengthened City Compact
city vision has been supporting by the creation of a Young
This local partnership was
over past few years: Person’s City Vision Board,
formed in 2020 to support
which will bring fresh ideas
growth in arts, culture and
and perspectives to its work.
heritage over the longer
term. These areas are vitally
Town Deal Programme important for the wellbeing
Read more about this on of the city and its residents.
page 12 and by visiting
www.norwich.gov.uk/TownDeal City of Stories
In 2019 Visit Norwich, part
of the Norwich Business
Improvement District, led an
initiative to put Norwich on
the map. The city was rebranded
Norwich 2040 as ‘The City of Stories’ to
City Vision celebrate Norwich’s uniqueness,
creativity and literary history.
www.VisitNorwich.co.uk/
City-Of-Stories
20 CITIZEN - SPRING 2022Your council,
your account
From checking when your bin is being
collected to updating your council
tax records, you can save time and
simplify your contact with the council
by signing up to My Account.
What are the benefits? New for 2022
• Easy access to personalised, •Manage your council tenancy Support
real-time information, safely or housing application through
stored in one place. our new and improved portal,
to sign up
Housing Online. If you need help signing
• Sign up to paperless billing
up to online services,
and help reduce the city’s
•Coming soon Benefits Online whether that’s setting
carbon footprint. Did you
is a new service enabling up an email address
know the city council sends
residents to access real-time or getting access to
around 900,000 letters a
information about their equipment, we can help.
year? Let’s work together
to reduce this. entitlements and payments. Plus,
if you sign up for e-notifications, Please get in touch by
• Tell us about a change of we can let you know when calling 0344 980 3333
circumstances and upload decision notices are available for digital support.
documents. to view on your account.
• Track the progress of any Sign up today at
issues you have reported. •Signing up for Council Tax www.norwich.gov.uk/
Online, gives you instant access MyAccount
• Reduce the need to enter
to your balance, payments and
your personal details –
bills. You can also switch to
we’ll remember you!
paperless billing and update
your contact details.
.
PSSST..
ou’re
Once y r each
red fo
registe services,
e
of thes to
u ’ l l o n ly have
yo nce to
log-in o ll of
a
access
them.
CITIZEN - SPRING 2022 21Making connections across the city
A
new £50m full-fibre The first phase of work is As work in neighbourhoods
internet network is set due to be complete in the nears completion, internet
to start its rollout across Catton Grove area with an aim providers will start promoting
Norwich. This game-changing to complete the entire fibre to new broadband deals in the area.
network will benefit thousands home network within four years.
of residents and businesses You can find out more
by providing faster and more We’ve all witnessed a huge information and when it’s
reliable infrastructure for digital shift take place due to go live in your area
broadband. throughout the pandemic, using the postcode checker
including an increase in cashless at www.CityFibre.com
The project is being delivered payments, online shopping, and
by a company called CityFibre, video calling, as well as a major
along with their contractors change to home working
Telec Networks and in close for so many of us. The
partnership with the city advantages of having reliable
council, Norfolk County online connectivity cannot
Council and local communities. be underestimated.
Helping to create a fairer city for residents
O
ver the past few months, These projects had varying finances and employment
people involved in scopes; ranging from how opportunities.
projects funded by businesses can reduce
the Norwich Good Economy their carbon emissions, These research projects are
Commission (NGEC) have been considering why there is a soon coming to a close and
carrying out key work and research skills gap in Norwich in certain all results will be shared
to help create a fairer city. jobs, and looking at how the on the NGEC website at
pandemic has affected women’s www.NorwichGoodEconomy.com
The NGEC was established in
2020 to address problems
in the city’s economy and
ultimately help tackle
inequalities across Norwich.
In order to better understand
what issues need to be
addressed, five projects were
awarded funding in November
to gather more information.
22 CITIZEN - SPRING 2022There’s still time to
A look back at the civic year donate to this year’s
civic charity appeal!
Home-Start Norfolk is an
W
e’re nearing the end busy schedule spending their independent charity supporting
of the ‘civic year,’ time supporting the local the health and wellbeing of
when the current community and championing families with young children.
Lord Mayor, Councillor Dr Kevin the city in many different ways. Here’s an extract from one of
Maguire and Sheriff, Caroline A fantastic way to keep up with the many inspiring stories of
Jarrold, will complete their what the civics are up to is by people who have benefited
term. Despite their year looking following the Lord Mayor on from its help.
a little different than usual, with Twitter: @LMNorwich. Here
Covid impacting some of their are just a few highlights. “I was referred to the perinatal
activities, our civics have kept a mental health team when
I was three months pregnant
as I was struggling with my
mental health and a relationship
breakdown. After having my son,
I was diagnosed with PTSD and
al OCD, I couldn’t leave the house
Mile Cross Community Festiv due to crippling anxiety.
“Sally was my Home-Start
Norfolk volunteer. Due to the
pandemic, we initially talked
on the phone and texted.
I received food vouchers and
clothing donations. Sally has
given me confidence in my
World War II Memorial parenting and helped me
regain my independence.
Home-Start Norfolk has
been a lifeline to me.”
How to support
Home-Start Norfolk
• Text CIVICCHARITY 3 to 70085
to donate £3
• Text CIVICCHARITY 5 to 70085
to donate £5
• Text CIVICCHARITY 10 to
70085 to donate £10.
ary
L e g io n’s 10 0th annivers
British
CITIZEN - SPRING 2022 23CURRENT VACANCIES – all 37 hours per week
• Grounds maintenance operatives
(multiple positions) – £18,430 per annum
• Park operatives – £18,430 per annum
• Fitter – £23,067 per annum
• Sweeper driver – £18,905 per annum
• Climbing arborist – £25,187 to £26,750
per annum, depending on experience and
LGV driving license
Join
our team!
It’s not often you get a job where you can make a real difference to the lives of more
than 135,000 local people. Our employees share a passion for making a difference
to local people’s lives and making Norwich a safe and enjoyable place to be.
If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you!
About us To apply
NCSL already provides a wide range of services For full adverts and job descriptions
for Norwich City Council, including: please visit our recruitment website
• grass cutting • hedge and shrub maintenance at NCSLJobs.norwich.gov.uk
• sports pitches and fine turf maintenance or call 01603 987900
• leaf clearance • play area inspections • street cleaning You can also sign up for job alerts
We will begin delivering a building maintenance and repairs so you can keep up to date with
service in April 2022 – keep your eyes peeled for opportunities! any new vacancies.You can also read
