Samford October Report 2025
1. Devolution & Investment
• The Suffolk Business Board strongly supports a new Mayoral Combined County
Authority for Norfolk and Suffolk, seeing it as a catalyst for growth, local leadership, and
investment.
• The Board’s open letter highlights Suffolk’s £21 billion economy and the benefits of
devolution: local decision-making, guaranteed long-term funding, and greater influence
at the national level.
• Councillors overwhelmingly approved the deal, which will bring £1 billion in investment
over 30 years, with a starting annual fund of £37.4 million. The new mayoral authority
will support projects in infrastructure, housing, education, and skills.
• Cllr Richard Rout and Cllr Matthew Hicks emphasised the historic nature of the decision
and its potential to transform the lives of 1.7 million residents.
2. Suffolk Fire and Rescue Awards
• Over 200 people attended the annual awards, celebrating excellence in operational
response, community safety, and teamwork.
• Awards recognised firefighters, volunteers, Trading Standards staff, and members of the
public.
• The event raised funds for charities including YANA, SMART, and the Fire Fighters
Charity.
• Notable awards included Team Achievement, Volunteer of the Year, Excellence in
Community Safety, and Lifetime Achievement.
3. Recycling Centres Raise £500,000 for Charity
• Suffolk’s recycling centres, in partnership with The Benjamin Foundation, have raised
over £500,000 and repurposed 4,200+ tonnes of waste.
• The initiative repairs and resells white goods, supporting local families and reducing
carbon emissions.
• Over 603,000 items have been sold, with significant CO₂ savings and affordable
appliances for families in need.
4. Kinship & Foster Care
• The council celebrates Kinship Carers—family or friends who step up to raise a child
when parents cannot.
• The new fostering awareness film, “The Run,” highlights the urgent need for more foster
carers and the challenges faced by children in care.
• Suffolk’s Kinship Team provides training, home visits, and support, and has developed a
‘Kinship Local Offer’ to help carers navigate available resources.

5. Mental Health Support
• Suffolk Fire and Rescue marked World Mental Health Day by reinforcing its commitment
to staff wellbeing.
• Support includes Mental Health First Aiders, Critical Incident Stress Management, peer
support, and access to The Fire Fighters Charity.
• The council shared practical advice for managing stress and promoted local support
services such as Suffolk Mind and Wellbeing Suffolk.
6. Margaret Catchpole Letters & Local History
• Margaret Catchpole’s letters, written during her exile in Australia, are on display in the
UK for the first time as part of the “Behind Bars” exhibition.
• The exhibition explores Suffolk’s criminal past, notable crimes, and the evolution of
justice and policing in the county.
7. Budget Consultation
• The council invites residents to help shape the 2026/27 budget, with a focus on
maintaining essential services amid rising demand and costs.
• £805 million is budgeted for the year, with 77% allocated to adult social care, children’s
services, and public health.
• The consultation is open until 25 November, seeking input on service priorities and
council tax.
8. Secondary School Admissions
• The deadline for secondary school applications is 31 October 2025.
• Last year, 92% of applicants received their first-choice school.
• Parents are encouraged to apply on time and consider school travel arrangements.
9. International Partnership
• Suffolk has signed a five-year partnership with the Ukrainian region of Poltava, focusing
on economic development, education, science, agriculture, arts, renewable energy,
healthcare, tourism, and humanitarian assistance.
• The agreement aims to foster innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth through
regular dialogue and joint projects.
10. Ipswich’s Anglo-Saxon Past
• A new book, “Gipeswic: The Anglo-Saxon Town of Ipswich,” details 50 years of
archaeological excavations, confirming Ipswich as one of England’s oldest continuously
occupied towns.
• The book highlights the town’s role as a port, craft centre, and site of Viking and Norman
activity.

11. Children’s Services Improvement
• Ofsted’s focused visit found early signs of improvement in Suffolk’s Front Door
Children’s Services, with prompt responses to children at risk and strong council
support.
• Areas for improvement include monitoring systems and consistency in decision-
making.
• The council is developing an ‘Integrated Front Door’ for social care and early help
services.
12. Sizewell Silver Coin Hoard
• A hoard of 321 silver coins from the 11th century, discovered during Sizewell C
excavations, will remain in Suffolk’s archaeological archive.
• The coins, minted during the reigns of Harold I, Edward the Confessor, and Harthacnut,
will be available for research and public display.
13. Home Fire Safety Visits
• Home Fire Safety Visits have increased by 70% in two years, with a focus on vulnerable
residents.
• The SPARK programme delivers fire safety education to children and young people, with
over 5,700 reached in the past year.
• The Prevention Team’s achievements were recognised with a Cabinet Member Award for
Team Achievement.
14. Digital Mapping Milestone
• Suffolk County Council has completed the first phase of its Definitive Map digital
consolidation project, updating the legal record of public rights of way.
• The new digital maps are clearer, easier to interpret, and accessible online.
15. Tribute to Councillor Melanie Vigo di Gallidoro
• The council pays tribute to Councillor Melanie Vigo di Gallidoro, recognising her service,
warmth, and dedication to Suffolk’s heritage and communities.
16. National Cycle Network Investment
• Suffolk celebrates five years of investment in the National Cycle Network, with over £5
million spent on improving routes, signage, and safety.
• The council is piloting two Quietways—low-traffic rural routes—to encourage active
travel.