October Report for Samford Division 2025
Nature Recovery in Suffolk
• Suffolk County Council is leading the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) to reverse
the decline in local wildlife and habitats.
• The strategy, shaped by over 50,000 engagements, aims to create wetlands, restore
peatlands, and plant trees.
• Final approval is expected by October, in partnership with Norfolk County Council.
Sustainable Suffolk Investment
• A new investment scheme aims to raise £1 million for local carbon-cutting projects.
• Open to all, with a minimum investment of £5, offering 4% annual interest over five years
and matched funding from the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.
• Projects will run from April 2026 to March 2027.
Solar Together Suffolk
• The group-buying scheme has installed over 32,000 solar panels and 1,768 battery
systems in Suffolk homes, reducing 1,900 tonnes of CO₂.
• Free registration for quotes; the scheme also offers battery storage and EV chargepoints.
New Homes in Newmarket
• Edmundham Developments (a partnership with Suffolk County Council) is building new
2–5 bedroom homes at Astley Place.
• Homes feature high energy efficiency, triple glazing, and renewable energy systems.
• Shared ownership options available.
One Suffolk Plan
• Proposal to replace Suffolk’s six councils with a single unitary authority, aiming to save
£39.4 million annually after five years.
• The plan promises improved services, lower council tax, and a £40m investment fund for
market towns.
• The business case has been submitted to the government for consideration.
Electric Vehicle Safety Operation
• Over £1.3 million of unsafe electric vehicles were seized at Felixstowe Port in a multi-
agency operation.
• 340 dangerous electric bikes and scooters were detained, preventing risks to public
safety.

Culture Project Fund
• The second year of the £500,000 fund is open for applications, supporting arts and
museum projects across Suffolk.
• Grants up to £20,000 are available for organisations and freelancers, with a focus on
health, wellbeing, and inclusion.
Firefighters’ Charity Challenges
• Suffolk firefighters completed the Ipswich Half Marathon carrying a stretcher for charity,
raising funds for the Fire Fighters Charity and ASD Club.
• Other staff participated in the Autumn Wolf Run, highlighting the importance of mental
health support.
NSIP Support for Parish Councils
• A proposal to fund support for parish councils dealing with major infrastructure projects
was blocked by Ipswich Borough Council, raising concerns about county-wide
cooperation.
Get Suffolk Working
• The new “Connect to Work” programme, backed by £9.5 million, will help over 2,700
residents with health conditions or barriers into employment.
• The strategy focuses on collaboration between health, skills, and employment services.
New Pippins Footbridge
• A new, accessible footbridge has opened in the Gipping Valley, replacing an unsafe
structure and improving access for walkers and wheelchair users.