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Cabinet member for housing and community safety
I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful summer. I certainly made the most of our beautiful parks and green spaces here in Norwich, and I was thrilled to see six of our parks awarded a Green Flag in July. This achievement is a true testament to the dedication of our volunteers and staff who work tirelessly throughout the year to maintain and improve these vital spaces.
It’s also been inspiring to witness the enthusiasm of our communities as they get involved in local projects to enhance their neighbourhoods, making them even more enjoyable places to live.
In this issue, you’ll find stories about the NR5 Community Hub, which has revitalised a neglected area with the help of a ‘Love Norwich’ grant, and the Growing Matters community group, where a team of committed local gardeners has transformed an unused green space into a thriving community garden.
These stories are a source of inspiration, and I look forward to celebrating more successes in future editions.
On a broader scale, Angela Rayner, the deputy prime minister, recently reached out to local authorities across England, including our city council, with the government’s ambitious plans to tackle the housing crisis. Some key points include the introduction of “Golden Rules” to ensure that at least 50% of homes in new developments are affordable, alongside the necessary infrastructure such as GP surgeries, schools, and transport links. Additionally, a new £450 million fund will support local authorities in acquiring homes for families at risk of homelessness.
The government also plans to temporarily lift restrictions on the use of Right to Buy receipts, giving councils greater flexibility in replacing homes sold under the scheme.
I believe Angela Rayner’s letter underscores the government’s commitment to building more homes swiftly while ensuring that developments are sustainable and meet the needs of our communities—an endeavour I wholeheartedly support.