Greetings!

I hope you are doing well. Let us know if we can help with anything.  This month I am leading on Tackling the Cost of Living increases.

 

Support

Grants for Local Wellbeing Activities

Grants of up to £5,000 are available for community groups to increase local wellbeing. Deadline 2nd December. 01529 305825 or 07591 916 305 It’s from the Community Foundation, part funded by the Councils. Might be that you give direct support or train peers to help others. Please apply.

 

Good Cost of Living Support is here

Lincolnshire Independents put proposals to full Council at County and District for better support in a community grant and a good website for information. It’s good to see both are now in place.

 

Are you “Off Grid”?

Homes not on piped gas, but on LPG or heating oil are not protected by a price cap.  I raised the issue of “off grid” properties with the minister previously, as so many of ours are not on mains gas. Speaking to residents in Welbourn who are part of the local `buying syndicate’ they have managed to get topped up before the price rise and have a guarantee in place for a period.  There is still the risk that a low charging company closes and another steps in, but definitely worth it. For example,  Fuel Fighter, Lincolnshire Fuels

 

There is a good article on price comparisons here and may offer a better deal up to 30% less they claim. Energy Cost Comparison – Nottingham Energy Partnership (nottenergy.com)

 

When there is no cap, there is still an advantage in occasionally shopping round to get a better deal.

If you are not getting the Government rebates off your Council tax and reduced electricity prices, please contact the Council 01529 414155.

Pensioners get an extra £300, those with disabilities get a one off of £150, and those on benefits £650. In the meantime, I will be lobbying for a cap on other heating fuels.

Businesses and schools now have a similar “Energy Bill Relief Scheme” to householders. This gives a price guarantee between October 2022 and March 2023. This is estimated to pay two thirds of the electricity bill and over half the gas bill.

Although the cap is promised to be held until next year’s elections in May, it can rise and fall with wholesale prices, so not guaranteed. The government is expecting to borrow £1000/household per year to support the new prices of the energy-producing companies.

Even with the cap, people have seen a huge increase in their gas and electricity costs, from an average of £1,277 last October to £2,500 this year. The increase is £1,200, more than the £400 rebate. France still owns its energy companies, so have a better lever.

 

Improving relations in Europe

At the French-English Local Government conference in Nancy recently, on behalf of the Foreign Office, our cross-party delegation of councillors set about improving relations for trade and shared good practice on locally tackling the cost of living and climate change. This was in addition to my usual work with CEMR, councils across Europe.

Sharing Good Practice

As Leader of the Independent Group of the Local Government Association, I have responsibility for supporting over 3,000 councillors, Independents and some Green and Plaid Cymru councillors.This month I listened and gave talks at Conferences in Harrogate, in Llandudno and hosted the Independent Group Conference in London. We have good relationships with members of the House of Lords and this month discussed how to make housing affordable and energy efficient as part of tackling the spiralling fuel costs and reducing our impact on the environment at the same time. Economy Experts gave brilliant insights which helped to build our case to support local services.

Tackling Climate Change COP27

I have been asked to speak on your behalf at COP27 in Egypt about what our Councils are doing to make a difference. I shall be part of the team sent by CEMR, representing all Councils in Europe. I shall mention that North Kesteven has just updated two important policies that Lincolnshire Independents had first proposed.

 

Refreshed Environment Policy

The policy promises to ensure that the Council makes all decisions in line with protecting the environment and helps everyone to do the same.

“The decisions we make at all levels consider the climate emergency, reaching net zero, and protecting and enhancing the natural environment.” And to “empower everyone within NKDC to act to protect and enhance the natural environment, take action to address the climate emergency, and work towards our net zero 2030 targets.”

Revised Climate Emergency Action Plan

Over £1m is set aside at our District Council for tackling climate change and adaptating to the consequences. The strategy and new action plan has been revised this month. There are plenty of good actions described but little or no measurement of the impact against the target of reducing emissions to net Zero by 2030. With no costs allocated and no measure of impact possible it is very hard to assess which are the most cost-effective measures. Progress is currently behind target and we are working to get improvement, but we are certainly in the right direction.

 

Safety and Care

Scams

Please take care that anyone asking you for work is properly qualified, will dispose of the waste legally and will do the whole job, not just part of it! If something seems too good to be true – it probably is! Defeating scams is a priority with our neighbourhood police as incidences are rising. There is free training for volunteers;  safeguarding_training@lincolnshire.gov.uk

 

Keeping homes safe from burglary this winter

Thanks to PCSO Will Jones for posting very good advice for us on Next Door Burglary — Nextdoor

Ring 999 to stop a crime in progress or 101.

 

Communities to thrive during Poverty Pandemic

Our Lincolnshire Independent Group raised both at County and District level a series of proposals to support people through the tough time ahead. This included a fund which local groups could access to support residents. This is now being created, joined together for the whole region by the Lincolnshire Community Foundation. They have launched the campaign to raise £1M, so our local communities can thrive during the Poverty Pandemic. To apply, please register here or donate.

 

Children in care

The County Council is corporate parent to over 500 children, who start from a disadvantaged position.  Our Council has invested in them to improve their life chances and has made good progress.  We are now legally corporate parents until they reach 21, and required to support until 25.  It used to be that no children could get as far as University, and there are 18 attending this year. Still 40% are not in work, training or employment and a very good new strategy was passed at the County Council Executive this week to ensure clarity in what is being done here. (The officer is Andrew Morris)

Flooding farmland for water

Anglian Water are consulting on two new reservoirs, each 5km², one at Wisbech in Cambridgeshire and one in Lincolnshire, south of Sleaford.

The idea is to get planning, using funds from our water rates, then invite tenders from the private sector to own and build it, with a guaranteed profit, in a PFI scheme. Seems to me it would be worth having it in public ownership, if it was going to be built at all.

At the consultation, I met some residents of the 20-30 homes that will be destroyed, along with livliehoods, trees, badger setts and archaeology. The 1,235 acres of farmland currently produce an estimated 5,000 tons of grain every year. The water would have to be pumped out of our rivers (Witham and Trent) to go into the reservoir, then pumped out to go to Cambridge and East Anglia. We were told it is needed for the 175,000 new dwellings planned over the next five years in the area.

A new water resources management plan out shortly, will show their calculation of need. Certainly we need to use less, “love every drop” and make sure the pipes are not leaking. Please comment before midnight on 21st December. info@lincsreservoir.co.uk and a copy to me is useful. For more info www.lincsreservoir.co.uk

 

Water Pollution

Meanwhile, the privatised water companies are releasing large amounts of untreated sewage into our water courses. It should only be in rare exceptional cases, but without proper fines, it continues. One of the worst in our area is at Helpringham, near the proposed reservoir, which ditched raw sewage for over 187 hours last year. There are also outflows at Navenby and Sleaford that are not even  monitored, not yet required by law.

https://theriverstrust.org/sewage-map

 

Funds for Services: Mini-budget Gone?

The new PM and cabinet have started off by reversing most of the damaging mini-budget voted for by the Conservative party members. The 45p corporation tax threshold and the rise in National Insurance is back. Confidence will take longer.

Our Councils are busy recalculating how to deal with the increased pressures of more homelessness, higher wages and spiralling fuel costs,  added to the underlying shortfall on long term care.

By contrast, Europe is paying for fuel subsidies by applying a “solidarity contribution” to fossil-fuel energy-producing companies, effectively taking a windfall tax.  In the UK, the energy cap is paid by the taxpayer. Can we get the Government to change that?

#Saveourservices Councils are making the case for adequate funding in the hope that the £18bn shortfall for Councils will be filled. We have taken out all the easy wins. Now, less money means poorer roads, lack of help for older people and children, homelessness and mental health. Please add your voice to the petition. Our cross-party letter to the Chancellor is here.

 

New Rural Fund – How to spend £3m in NKDC

The UK Prosperity Fund replaces the European Fund to support capital projects for new and existing small businesses, and community infrastructure. The Fund is looking for new products and facilities that will be of wider benefit to the local economy. This includes farm businesses wanting to diversify and community assets. The Council will submit bids before 30th Nov and spend it over the next two years, April 2023-March 2025.

Invite to North Kesteven Voluntary Sector Forum

Thursday 17th November 2022 10.30am – 12.30pm

St. Deny’s Church Hall, 7-8, Market Place, Sleaford

Book here or jody@voluntarycentreservices.org.uk

 

Are you a North Kesteven District Council Tenant?

 

1.What do you think about the rent? Government guidelines allow a 10% or more increase. However we believe that a rent increase of 6% would allow current services and progress to continue, as well as providing tenants support and assistance. Let me know your view.

 

2 How would you like to be contacted?

The closing date for this survey is Sunday 2nd October 2022. Contact tenant_participation@n-kesteven.gov.uk

Offer of IT help: Drop-in Digital Hubs

Bring your device to the surgery!

Every Tuesday Sleaford Town Hall 10.30am-noon

Every Wednesday Metheringham Library 10.30-noon

Every Thurs Waddington Community Hub 1-2.30pm

 

Warm Hubs and Pubs

There is a number of warm hubs opening where anyone can turn off the heating at home and go along for sociable chat or just read.

  • Our local library at Navenby in the Venue is open Monday morning 10-noon, Wednesday and Friday afternoons 3-5 and 2-4pm, thanks to volunteers.
  • Monthly Coffee Shop at Welbourn Sat 19th
  • Beckingham Social Club Members Wed 2-4pm
  • Leadenham Wed 2-4pm Third Wed monthly
  • Bassingham Hammond Hall Nov 19th 10am-noon

There are lots of clubs and events – welcome!

Carlton le Moorland Art Club Exhibition and Sale

Withamside Group Mondays at Norton Disney 1-4pm

 

More About Grants

 Supporting business – Social Enterprise

If you would like to start or grow a business for social enterprise, there are grants of £8,000 for start-up and £18,000 to grow. Apply before December 31st.

UnLtd – Awards |

 

Grants for Charities to support disadvantaged adults

Thomas Wall Trust Deadline Jan 2023 £5,000

 

Sports Equipment for children up to £750

Apply for Support | Poundland Foundation

 

Youth Music Incubator Fund to businesses or not-for-profit collectives to help young people into work. Up to £30K Apply before Dec 2nd  youthmusic.org.uk

 

Directory of Social Change Search 800 Funds on line

www.fundsonline.org.uk

 

Lincolnshire Community Foundation

£5-£10k is available from the tampon Tax to support women learn new skills, build social networks.          Useful Advice: 7 things to do before applying

Central Lincolnshire Local Plan

Hearing runs 15 Nov – 9th Dec at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel, Brayford Wharf North, Lincoln LN1 1YW.

Local Events

Huge thanks for the lovely cake makers and organisers of the monthly Welbourn Coffee Shop. Congratulations to all the children who entered the Halloween Fancy Dress – so impressive! Well done.

Fungi Hunt

Twenty-eight helped find around 45 different kinds of Fungi as part of a long term research study at Twyford Woods. This one was new, a Willow Sheild. The event was held jointly between the Royal Society of Biology where I am a committee member and the West Kesteven Wildlife Watch Group which we run locally. We have lots of great outdoor events, welcome.

Contact jcmartin0448@gmail.com We have just refreshed our training at an excellent Conservation day for volunteers and staff run by the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust.

Some More Local Events

November

8th Bassingham Lunch Club noon Carmen 788996

19th Withamside Pre-Christmas Bazaar

19th Navenby WI Bazaar 11am-3pm The Venue

20th Praise and Pizza

22nd Bassingham Lunch Club noon Carmen 788996

24th Waste not, Want not St Michael’s Church, Bassingham. Bring 9.30-11.30am, Collect 1-3.30pm

27th Nov 2-4pm Aubourn Clock Tower Bring and Buy

 

December

3rd Children’s Christmas Party, Hammond Hall, Bassingham £5 per child up to 6, BYO party food

10th Christmas coffee morning Norton Disney

17th Carlton le Moorland Over 60’s Christmas Lunch Vill. Hall 1pm 01522 788303 to help or attend

17th Musical Christmas Carlton le Moorland £5 Children free Tickets 01522 788748

17th Wellingore Christmas event noon-4pm

 

New Bus timetables https://lincsbus.info/

Norton Disney Archaeology https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHAZe0HrXNI

 

Best Wishes and thank you for all you continue to do in our communities and your kind support.

 

Marianne

Marianne Overton MBE

Working together to support people and planet

 

Useful Information

Local shops for healthy eating

East Midlands Dairy 01636 614760

Nick Streeter’s fish etc. 01400 272547

The Old Forge, Brant Broughton 01400 273796

Greens, Bassingham 01522 788200

Welbourn Post Office and Stores 01400 272242

Leadenham Farm Shop 01400 273988

Our local pubs – for warmth and good company

Royal Oak, Aubourn 01522 788 291

The Tempest, Coleby 01522 810258

Thorold Arms, Harmston 07971 029 534

The Bugle Horn, Bassingham 01522 789773

The Five Bells, Bassingham 01522 788269

The Red Lion, Wellingore 01522 810071

The Marquis of Granby, Wellingore 01522 811100

The Joiners Arms, Welbourn 01400 279356

Black Swan, Beckingham 01636 626474

Kings Head, Navenby 01522 810367

Generous Briton Brant Broughton Tues-Sat 01400 272119

Akash Indian Takeaway 01522 811126 Navenby

Navenby Chinese Takeaway 01522 810773

Pre-cooked meals

Hot lunches for senior citizens 01522 404025 Bassingham, £5 for two courses.  Book by Sunday 5pm

Primary hot lunches Thurs and Sat 01522 788488

Age UK will deliver 21 small single person meals for £20, plus £7 delivery 03455 564 144

Hollynelstropcatering@gmail.com – weekly meal boxes

Business Advice is free from NKDC Phil Means on      07920 472671 www.businessnk.co.uk @BusinessNK www.businesslincolnshire.com

Monthly webinars are on www.teamlincolnshire.com

 

First Aid Course online

St John Ambulance stjohnambulance@email.sja.org.uk

Parish Offices for local support and information

Navenby Venue Tuesday to Friday 10-noon

Witham Office at Bassingham in the Hammond Hall,

LN5 9HQ 01522 789758 Open Mon, Wed, Thurs 9-1pm

Local Police Statistics https://www.police.uk/

 

Access to Wellbeing Services and Care

Covid Helpline continues 01522 782189

The Carers service 01522 782224

carers_team@lincolnshire.gov.uk

Support for Adult care is available 01522 782155

Supporting People www.wellbeinglincs.org

Umbrellas events supporting all ages with additional needs and their families umbrellaslincoln@outlook.com

#EveryMindMatters advise on coping with anxiety and improving your mental health: https://qoo.ly/35q2xs

Mental health  www.connecttosupport.org

Bereavement Helpline St Barnabus 0300 303 1897

tracy.tuffs@stbarnabashospice.co.uk

Befriending Service Lincolnshire YMCA 01529 301965

www.citizensadvice.org.uk 0800 1448444 free 8am-6pm

 

 

Church Services

Www.graffoechurches.co.uk with Michelle Godbold

Christine Goldsmith   rectorleadenham@gmail.com

www.withamsidechurches.org.uk

Navenby Methodist Church 01522 685226 http://lincolnmethodist.org.uk/circuit-services-weekly-live-stream/ David.lawton@methodist.org.uk

Bassingham Church Facebook page

 

Venue Finder

420 Lincolnshire Village halls are registered here. www.lincscommunitybuildings.org.uk

 

Useful Advice for Charities

https://www.charityhowto.com/blog/

 

To protect a house or business against flooding

http://www.marydhonau.co.uk/information/how-do-i-protect-my-home-from-flooding/

 

Roadworks www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/transport-and-

 roads/overnight-roadworks

roadworks@lincolnshire.gov.uk  Twitter #lincscc roads

 

Register to vote or get a postal vote

Search “Postal vote .Gov” or link here.

 

Community Larders

Sleaford Community Larder at the Newlife Centre

http://www.communitylarder.co.uk/

Bassingham Church last Thurs monthly, donate before 11.30am  Parishioners can collect a box 1.30pm-3.30pm.

 

Help save lives and keep countryside clean

Report Potholes 01522 782070

http://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/potholes

Or use “Fix my street” on line – works well.

http://www.FixMyStreet.com

Report Litter 01529 414155

customer_services@n-kesteven.gov.uk

Report illegal parking 01522 511142 or

ParkingServices@lincolnshire.gov.uk

Adult Concern 01522 782151

Police: Sgt Ken Whyte, plus PCSO’s 101 or www.police.uk

07973 846537/235/5827

Floodline 24/7 on 01522 782082

Highways, Transport and Travel

Good newsletter from lincscountycouncil@gmail.com

Roadworks www.one.network  lincolnshire roadworks.org

Transport www.accesslincoln.co.uk shows all the options, or ask accesslincoln@lincolnbig.co.uk 01522 581906

Call Connect 8.30am – 7pm Weekdays and to 5pm Saturdays 0345 234 33 44 or 01522 553143 www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/callconnect/35955.article

Dial a ride 01522 544983 Disabled door to door

Car-sharing www.lincshare.co.uk

Trains www.thetrainline.com

Facebook Hykeham town rural NPT T @hykeham NPT

Buses www.lincsbus.info or Traveline 0871 200 22 33

Ready for a free buspass? 0345 456 4474

 

Mobile Library 01522 782010 or www.lincolnshire.gov.uk

Planning on line

See and comment on applications to get your voice heard. Search “planning on line north Kesteven”

Local Plan www.central-lincs.org.uk 01529 308084

Village websites

Withamstaple.com; yourbassingham.co.uk

www.carltonlemoorland.org.uk www.facebook.com/groups/WhatOnInNocton

www.facebook.com/groups/455116074527966/ Navenby and Wellingore business parishes.lincolnshire.gov.uk

www.harmston.info  www.navenby.net dunstondossier.org.uk    nocton.blogspot.co.uk

Welbourn, Leadenham and Coleby are on the LCC site     E.g. https://leadenham.parish.lincolnshire.gov.uk

Branston www .tucann.co.uk/the-sheepwash-times Branston Library 01522 880426

www.mrssmithscottage.com

County Events- Good web page here

www.lincolnshire.gov.uk search on “county news”

Wheelchair loan: No Name Lodge Geoff Nelson 788213

Young People Grants Carlton Le Moorland 07943760155

Ukraine Refugee Support

 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/hurlnet

  • Donate: Support for refugees already here, I suggest the Lincolnshire Community Foundation

www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/LincolnshireCF-Ukraine

  • British Red Cross https://donate.redcross.org.uk

Grants for Energy Efficiency

www.citizensadvice.org.uk 0808 278 7942. Veterans www.turn2us.org.uk Also ask your Parish Council