Georgia.hall@suffolk.gov.uk
ghallconservativecc
07955434445

Statement on behalf of all Suffolk councils regarding Afghan
refugees

Statement on behalf of all Suffolk councils.
“On Wednesday 18 August, the Government announced its new resettlement scheme for Afghan
refugees. Whilst the full details are yet to be confirmed, it is crystal clear that the Government needs
local authorities everywhere to step up and support this national effort.
“All councils in Suffolk are committed to this cause. We have already helped a small number of
Afghan interpreters and their families to resettle in Suffolk, in addition to ongoing work to support
unaccompanied asylum seeking children and other refugees entering the UK. In the coming days and
weeks, the district, borough and county councils will continue working with the Government to do
what we can to provide assistance to vulnerable refugees.
“Times like this call for acts of humanity. Suffolk will play its part.”

Make one simple change today in a bid to tackle climate change
COP26 will bring into focus the need for us all to reduce our carbon emissions in order to slow
climate change

A column by Councillor Richard Rout, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and
Environment at Suffolk County Council.

In early November, the eyes of the world will be on the UK. Glasgow, to be exact.
This is when the COP26 conference takes places.
COP26 is the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties. It will be a momentous event and I
expect some significant decisions and agreements to be made, as the world continues to combat
climate change and reduce its carbon emissions.
But how will an international event affect each of us in Suffolk? Although COP26 will be an event
attended by Presidents and Prime Ministers, it will impact us all.
COP26 will bring into focus the need for us all to reduce our carbon emissions in order to slow
climate change. This has been the message for a long time of course, but we must all be changing
our behaviours and choosing to use less energy.
And I do mean all of us.

Global industry, national corporations and governments must lead the way to enable us all to make
greener choices. But slowing climate change is everyone’s responsibility, we each have a duty to
tackle this situation and play our part.
I’d suggest that there is at least one simple change or choice we can make immediately, which will
help. My challenge to you is to make that one change today.
This could be to replace one meat-based meal each week with a plant-based one. Or start to swap
over your traditional lightbulbs for LED ones. Or switching your gas or electricity tariff to one which
uses 100% renewable energy. Or plan your food shopping so that you throw away less food. Or
make purchases from businesses that are committed to reducing their carbon emissions. Or just boil
the water you need for that morning coffee or cup of tea.
For me, making some of these changes has been a learning experience. I’ve discovered that it’s easy
to live with a plug-in vehicle without a home charger – I just need to plan my trips and use the
chargers at the workplaces I visit. It was a change I made with trepidation but charging infrastructure
is continually improving.
My partner is vegetarian and while I’m not, I enjoy some meat-free meals each week. Equally
important for me is shopping local and making locally-sourced food choices. When I do eat meat or
dairy, I choose local grass-fed options.
I now have LED lightbulbs at home and have installed smart sensors. The biggest change we’ve made
is turning our back on fast fashion and spending a little more on clothes produced in this country and
to a higher standard. It’s too easy to order multiple cheap items online, only to return most of them!
Shopping local isn’t just good for the local economy but it’s better for environment too.
I am not claiming that by doing these simple things, we are going to reverse climate change
overnight. The point is to challenge the status quo in our lives and start to change our behaviours.
And yes, organisations like Suffolk County Council must lead by example. We continue to lobby
Government to make the bigger changes necessary which enable each of us to make greener
choices.
Suffolk County Council has been addressing climate change challenge for many years, but we know
that the organisation must be doing more and doing it more quickly. This is agreed across all
Suffolk’s authorities which is why, together, we have recently approved the Suffolk Climate
Emergency Plan – a document to keep us accountable in our ambition to make Suffolk a carbon
neutral county by 2030.
I’m proud of the work Suffolk County Council has been doing for a number of years now. We are
planting trees and hedgerows. We are supporting businesses with advice and funding to reduce their
carbon emissions. We are running schemes to reduce the cost of solar panels on homes. We are
providing the infrastructure to encourage walking and cycling. We are providing greener ways to
travel. We are installing electric vehicle charging points in rural areas. There is much, much more
besides, but we are working hard to develop this work.
Don’t worry if you’re still not sure what it means to you, your business or your community. With
COP26 just three months away, organisations and authorities across Suffolk are planning events

across the county to talk net zero and being carbon neutral. Whether at the start of your net zero
journey, or you’re looking to make the next step, these events will guide and inspire you.
The www.greensuffolk.org website will be updated soon with these Suffolk events. I’d recommend
it as a great place to start finding out more.

Suffolk plans climate change events ahead of COP26
It was announced on August 11
th
that in the build-up to COP26, events around Suffolk will showcase
local businesses and people who are tackling climate change, to inspire others to follow. The events
aim to encourage businesses and residents to do more personally and professionally to reduce
carbon emissions and therefore slow the increase of climate change.
One of the events confirmed to be taking place in Suffolk is the visit of the national Zero Carbon
Tour, organised by Planet Mark. The Tour sees a fully electric ‘Carbon Battle Bus’ making visits
around the country before arriving at the COP26 conference.
Councillor Richard Rout, member of the Suffolk Climate Change, Environment and Energy Portfolio
Holders’ Group, and deputy leader and cabinet member for Finance and Environment at Suffolk
County Council, said:
“I’m delighted that Suffolk has been chosen to be part of the national Zero Carbon Tour, as I’m
proud of all the climate change work that is going on here. I want more people to hear about it.
Although many local authorities declared climate emergencies in the last couple of years, I want
people to know that Suffolk has been addressing climate change for many years before that.
“But we must all be doing more to reduce our carbon emissions. Which is why colleagues from
across the county have recently worked hard to produce and approve the Suffolk Climate Emergency
Plan. This gives Suffolk’s public sector organisations a framework and commitment to each pursue
our own net zero strategies, whilst working together for the benefit of Suffolk. Together, we are
supporting and guiding our residents, communities and businesses to make the changes required to
best set Suffolk on the path for carbon neutrality by 2030.
“I think the COP26 conference will be an influential moment in our ambitions for Suffolk to achieve
net zero by 2030. Coupled with the recent IPCC global warming report, it should focus everyone’s
minds that each resident and business must be doing more and doing it more quickly.”
The purpose of the Zero Carbon Tour is to discuss the concept of net zero carbon and why it is
critical for businesses. Suffolk’s businesses, organisations and community groups will share their
stories about how they have started their journeys to net zero. This will inspire and give confidence
to those considering how to reduce their carbon emissions.
Steve Malkin, Founder and CEO, Planet Mark, said:
“There is no doubt, we are living in a seminal and historic moment in time. 2020 – 2030 has been
coined the Decade of Action, a period in which we need to tackle the climate crisis and halt
biodiversity loss. The global pursuit of net zero carbon emissions is a huge undertaking, and only
possible with help from businesses and communities alike.

“We are excited to bring the net zero message to Ipswich, and share the ‘carbon stories’ of
organisations, community groups and individuals playing their part in creating a sustainable future
for Suffolk, the United Kingdom and beyond.”
It will be visiting the University of Suffolk in Ipswich on 1 September 2021 and you can register your
place here.
This event and others are taking place across Suffolk in the lead up to COP26, as part of Suffolk’s
collective campaign of Creating The Greenest County, and be net zero by 2030. As part of the Suffolk
Climate Emergency Plan, these events look to encourage collaborative action by educating and
engaging with residents and businesses to develop net zero journey.
Other events which are being planned in Suffolk in the lead up to COP26 include:
• August/September – Webinars for Suffolk’s voluntary sector (Suffolk County Council)
• 1 September – Zero Carbon Tour visits Ipswich
• 12 October – Ten Steps to Net Zero (Suffolk Chamber of Commerce)
• 21-22 October – Local Energy Showcase (Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council)
• TBC October – A Greener NHS day
• 12 November – Greenest County Awards (Suffolk County Council)
• 23-25 November – Low Carbon Homes
All events are subject to change, visit www.greensuffolk.org for the latest details and information
about starting your journey to net zero.
Suffolk targets devolution talks with Government
It was announced on August 17
th
that public sector leaders in Suffolk say they welcome early
discussions with Ministers about a possible devolution deal for Suffolk.
In a joint letter sent to Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP, the leaders of all of Suffolk’s six councils and
Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore, said:
“Suffolk has already demonstrated its credibility as a place where Government will find strong and
ambitious delivery partners.
“The Suffolk Public Sector Leaders (SPSL) group…has a track record of effective partnership working.
These robust relationships enable more innovative ways of working, including exploring
opportunities for devolution as part of a County Deal.
“Suffolk…is an ideal place to help Government demonstrate how levelling up can work in diverse
geographies. Suffolk has a strong offer to make to Government and we would welcome early
discussions with MHCLG Ministers to explore proposals for a County Deal ahead of the White Paper
being published.”
The Government wrote to councils in July 2021, setting out its ambition to make available to county
areas the kind of devolved decision-making powers and public funding currently enjoyed by larger
cities and urban areas. It’s part of the Government’s Levelling Up agenda and will see a White Paper
published in the coming months.
Councillor Suzie Morley, Leader of Mid Suffolk District Council and chair of the SPSL, said:

“Suffolk is known for working well together. Whether it’s partners joining forces during the COVID-
19 pandemic, pooling public funding for the greater good or developing shared strategic priorities,
collaboration is what we’re good at.
“From inclusive economic growth and community safety to climate change and strong communities,
we’re focused on collaborative actions that deliver the biggest and best additional benefits for our
communities.
“We believe this makes Suffolk a strong contender to work with the Government as part of its
Levelling Up agenda.”
It is understood that Suffolk’s approach involving all councils is rare among other expressions of
interest being submitted to Government, a point that has been welcomed by the county’s seven
MPs.
In an accompanying letter to Robert Jenrick MP, they said:
“We are…writing to wholeheartedly support the vision set out, collectively, by Suffolk County
Council and all of Suffolk’s District and Borough Councils. We believe this unity of purpose behind
taking the next step in devolution through a County Deal can not just help persuade you that we
should be in the vanguard of the next stage of devolution, but also that Suffolk can use such a deal
to deliver better services locally.
“This is not a recent or short-lived view. For many years local leaders in Suffolk at all levels have
worked more closely together, and have put forward constructive propositions for further
improvements. We hope to work with you on your forthcoming White Paper to show that strong
local leadership and strengthened local governance can deliver better.”
Read a copy of the letter sent to Robert Jenrick MP (PDF, 207KB), as well the supportive letter from
Suffolk’s seven MPs (PDF, 205KB).

Suffolk homeowners can cut carbon emissions as successful solar
panel buying scheme returns
On August 25
th
it was announced that Suffolk residents will come together to invest in renewables
through a group-buying scheme for solar panels and battery storage.
Solar Together Suffolk, in conjunction with Suffolk County Council, helps homeowners feel confident
that they are paying the right price for a high-quality installation from pre-approved installers.
This innovative scheme builds on three years of the highly successful Solar Together programme run
in Suffolk. Since 2018, the scheme has installed solar panel systems in 1,028 households across the
county. On average, homeowners have saved 33% on installation costs, £263 on energy bills in year
one, and stopped harmful carbon emissions entering the atmosphere.
Suffolk residents have until 27 September 2021 to register their interest, for free and with no
obligation, to join the group-buying scheme to have solar panels installed at their home. Not only
does Solar Together Suffolk offer solar panels, but also optional battery storage and retrofit battery
storage for residents who have already invested in solar panels.

Suffolk County Councillor Richard Rout, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and
Environment, said:
“I’m delighted that we’re able to run Solar Together Suffolk for another year, as we have seen a real
appetite amongst residents to play their part and invest in ways to reduce their carbon emissions.
This is one of the many schemes we are offering, as Suffolk County Council aims to make the county
net zero by 2030.
“The council itself has had solar panel installations for many years, which are located on around 100
of our properties. We have also been trialling battery storage too. This means that we rely less on
the grid for our energy, by harnessing energy from the sun. Suffolk’s councils have worked together
for many years to reduce carbon emissions and slow climate change. We now do this through the
Suffolk Climate Emergency Plan, and with COP26 on the horizon we will all need to focus on how we
can all lower our carbon footprint and help make Suffolk a carbon neutral county.”
How does it work?
• Until 27 September: Householders can register to become part of the group, for free and
without obligation, at www.solartogether.co.uk/suffolk
• 28 September: Pre-vetted UK solar PV installers participate in an auction. They are able to
offer competitive pricing as the volume and geographic concentration makes it possible for
them to realise greater efficiencies, which they pass on with lower prices for installations.
• After the auction, registered households will receive a personal recommendation which is
specific to the details they submitted in their registration.
• If they choose to accept their recommendation, the specifics of their installation will be
confirmed with a technical survey after which a date can be set for the installation of their
solar PV system.
• Telephone and email helpdesks are on-hand throughout the whole process which, together
with information sessions, will allow households to make an informed decision in a safe and
hassle-free environment.
Suffolk County Council brings Solar Together Suffolk to residents as part of the Suffolk Climate
Change Partnership, on behalf of all of Suffolk’s local authorities. This is in partnership with
independent experts iChoosr to make the transition to clean energy as cost effective and hassle-free
as possible. Across the UK, iChoosr has delivered almost 5,000 installations to date and over 80,000
tonnes of avoided lifetime carbon emissions.
Marie-Louise Abretti, iChoosr UK Solar Manager added:
“The Solar Together group-buying scheme offers a simple process and the reassurance of a trusted
and vetted installer for residents of Suffolk who are looking for ways to reduce their carbon
emissions, save on energy bills and increase their independence from the grid.”

What other Suffolk residents have said:
“All very painless and straightforward. Being part of a large group gives you the confidence that
problems will be resolved should they arise, but none did!” Peter, Bury St Edmunds; 16 panels
installed.

“Excellent! Solar Together Suffolk took all the hassle of finding a provider, and the group-buying
secured me a better discount than trying to do this on my own. It was a no-brainer. Richard, Bures St
Mary; 24 panels installed.

Suffolk health chiefs alarm as covid cases shoot up ahead of sunny
bank holiday weekend
On August 26
th
it was stated that the number of Covid cases in Suffolk have risen by 22% in the last
week and this increase is set to continue.
This has prompted Suffolk’s Director of Public Health to issue an urgent warning ahead of the Bank
Holiday weekend.
Stuart Keeble made the warning after Suffolk’s weekly case hit 231.1 cases per 100,000 population.
This is in comparison to 189.9 per 100,000 the previous week and is a steep rise compared to case
growth in the East of England.
In the week to 25 August, there were 1,904 new cases of COVID-19 in Suffolk, compared to 1,597
cases up to 18 August. Each of the five districts have experienced a week-on-week increase, with a
high number of cases recorded in Newmarket and Lowestoft in the last two weeks.
Areas around north Newmarket have the highest weekly rates with 702.7 cases per 100,000
population and Lowestoft and Kirkley are the second highest with 517.1 cases per 100,000
population. Other areas around Lowestoft are also seeing higher than average cases (Gunton West
with 392.5 per 100,000 and Lowestoft Central 379.1 per 100,000).
There has also been an almost doubling in the case rate in Suffolk’s 60+ population over the last
month with a rate of 80.9 per 100,000 on 19 August, up from 42.2 per 100,000 on 17 July.
The number of hospital beds occupied by positive patients has also risen in Suffolk’s four hospitals
with 76 patients and there have been two COVID-19 deaths in the most recent week of data.
Ahead of the Bank Holiday Weekend, Mr Keeble, Director of Public Health at Suffolk County Council,
is encouraging people to enjoy the weather but warning them do it carefully and with consideration
for other people. This including sticking to Covid-safe measures, such as mask wearing and keeping
your distance.
Mr Keeble said:
“We want people to get out and about this bank holiday weekend – whether that’s building
sandcastles at the beach, enjoying a proper pint with friends or going on adventures throughout our
beautiful county. But we need everyone to do so carefully, and be kind to people who are still very
vulnerable to COVID. Sadly, this disease is still very much in our communities – and while it is hugely
important that we live our lives to the fullest and enjoy all that Suffolk has to offer, we must do this
with caution.
“This means wearing a mask or keeping your distance when you feel it is appropriate or to protect
vulnerable people around us. Every act of kindness and consideration to those around you, helps us
keep one another safe and stop the spread of the virus.”

A new video has been launched by the Suffolk Resilience Forum ahead of the Bank Holiday to
encourage people to Add Kindness to their daily lives and help keep people Covid-safe. View it here.
The Add Kindness campaign aims to encourage people to act with consideration for others when out
and about. This may include wearing a mask, or keeping your distance, when appropriate.