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Have your say on council budget
The Suffolk Council has launched an online consultation to inform residents about its current
financial situation and to gather opinions on proposed changes to Council Tax and spending
priorities. The consultation will cover how the council manages its finances, cost-saving
measures, and potential ways to raise funds to support services.
It seeks feedback on which services residents use, their views on increasing Council Tax, and
areas they believe should be prioritized in the budget. Responses will be considered along
with input from businesses, public sector partners, and council members as part of the budget
planning for 2025. The consultation runs from November 1st to December 16th, 2024, and
the results will be included in the final budget report in February 2025.To participate,
visit www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/2025_26_budget
Suffolk Launches Good Health at Work Programme
Suffolk County Council has launched the Good Health at Work Programme, aimed at
improving the health and wellbeing of the working-age population in Suffolk. The 18-month
initiative will support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly those with
employees at higher risk of health inequalities, such as low-income workers or those with
long-term health conditions. Delivered by Get Set UK, the programme includes:
• Online Resource Hub: Provides tools, advice, and strategies for creating healthier
workplaces.
• Ambassador Network: A community of employers committed to promoting good
work practices, with tiered recognition for progress.
• Navigator Service: Offers personalized support to SMEs, helping them assess and
improve their workforce wellbeing.
• SMEs in Suffolk are encouraged to participate and access these resources.

Businesses can explore the available resources and learn more about the Good Health at
Work Programme by visiting www.goodhealthatwork.co.uk
Suffolk celebrates as local organisations are awarded the King’s Award for
Voluntary Service
It has been announced that five voluntary organisations in Suffolk have been awarded the
King’s Award for Voluntary Service.
Created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and previously known as
The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS), the Award has been shining a light on the
fantastic work of voluntary groups from all across the UK for many years.

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Equivalent to an MBE, KAVS is the highest Award given to local voluntary groups in the UK,
and they are awarded for life.
The local organisations are:
• Ipswich Outreach
Supporting the homeless people of Ipswich to improve their health, wellbeing and
life opportunities.
• Let’s Talk Reading
Working to improve literacy of children and adults in Ipswich.
Website:
• Still Good Food
Rescuing surplus food, reducing waste and redistributing it to benefit the
community.
• Tattingstone Good Neighbour Scheme
Providing vital support, promoting social interaction and community integration in
Tattingstone.
• The Caribbean and African Community Health Support Forum
Promoting a community legacy of health and wellbeing in Suffolk.
Department for Education welcomes SEND improvements and evidence of
impact, but recognises challenges

The Department for Education (DfE) met with senior leaders from Suffolk County Council and
the NHS to assess progress on special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) services. A
letter from the DfE highlighted the positive developments, acknowledging improvements in
Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs), academic progress for children in specific
interventions, better collaboration between partners, and a decrease in permanent
exclusions.

However, challenges remain, including improving governance, data use, consistency across
families, and ensuring children and families’ voices remain central. The meeting reviewed
progress since the November 2023 Ofsted and CQC inspection, with the next review
scheduled for May 2025.
EPIC new strategy positions Suffolk at cutting edge of UK economy
Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet will review an ambitious new Economic Strategy,
developed by the Suffolk Business Board, which aims to position Suffolk as a leader in
sustainable growth and innovation. The strategy, focusing on clean technology and
economic prosperity, outlines key goals for 2045, including a £14 billion increase to the
economy, 45,000 more people qualified to Level 3 or higher, and 35,000 more people
participating in the workforce.

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Central to the strategy is the EPIC Suffolk framework, built on Economic Wellbeing,
Productivity, Inclusivity, and Clean Growth. Key growth sectors identified include clean
energy, agri-tech, ports and logistics, and technology industries such as ICT and AI. The
strategy also emphasizes workforce development and infrastructure investments to support
continued growth.
A comprehensive investment plan aims to attract £4 in private investment for every £1 of
public funding. The Suffolk Business Board, established in May 2024, is responsible for
overseeing the strategy, and the Economic Strategy will be discussed at the Cabinet meeting
on December 3, 2024.Papers for the meeting can be viewed
at https://committeeminutes.suffolk.gov.uk