Samford Report for January 2026

• Ipswich Heat Network: £10 million secured to harness river heat for public buildings,
aiming for cleaner, affordable energy and local job creation. First connections expected
by 2028.
• Fostering Christmas Film: Suffolk Fostering Service released a film highlighting the
importance of belonging for children in care. The council encourages fostering to keep
children close to their communities.
• Fire Service Improvements: Inspectors are satisfied with Suffolk Fire and Rescue
Service’s progress, supported by £1.6 million investment and a comprehensive
improvement plan.
• Battery Safety: Residents are urged to recycle batteries properly to prevent fires,
especially during the festive season.
• Sizewell C Skills Bursary: New bursary offers up to £1,000 per learner for training related
to Sizewell C and other local jobs.
• Landmark House Sale: Suffolk County Council sold its share of Landmark House to
Suffolk Police, supporting improved policing and public contact management.
• Bus Funding: Over £26 million allocated for Suffolk’s bus network over three years,
supporting service improvements, infrastructure, and accessibility.
• SEND Progress: Improvements in special educational needs provision noted, with more
timely plans and increased staff, but further work needed to ensure all families benefit.
• Red House Farm Planning Objection: Council objects to new housing plans due to a
£4.7 million shortfall in school funding.
• Loft Insulation Scam: Riva Surveyors Ltd fined nearly £49,000 for targeting vulnerable
residents with misleading insulation sales.
• Active Travel Funding: Suffolk awarded £12 million over four years to promote walking,
cycling, and wheeling.
• One Suffolk Unitary Proposal: Safeguarding leaders support a single authority for better
protection of vulnerable residents, with significant financial savings projected.
• Sizewell C CEO Appointment: Council urges new CEO to maintain strong community
engagement and deliver agreed mitigation measures.
• Skills Bootcamps: 67 new training programmes launched in Suffolk and Norfolk,
covering key industries and open to adults and employers.
• Firefighter Recruitment: Applications up 32%, with a notable increase in female
candidates. 64 candidates expected to join the recruitment pool.

• Road Investment: Ongoing improvements in Suffolk’s roads, with preventative
maintenance and resurfacing programmes. Funding challenges remain.
• Home Energy Upgrades: £1.38 million available for free energy improvements for
eligible Suffolk homes. Residents urged to apply quickly.
• LionLink Consultation: Public consultation on National Grid’s LionLink project launches
in January 2026. Residents encouraged to participate.