that individuals who clear snow from footpaths, in front their property for example, make themselves liable for personal injuries if someone slips over in that area. Clear legal advice from NCC lawyers states that is not the case, providing people follow normal practices such as using a broom or shovel to clear snow. Do not use hot water to simply melt the snow which then re-freezes, forming sheet ice. In many cold countries, it’s either a legal obligation or expected practice for residents to clear snow from bordering footpaths etc and that is one reason why they seem to cope much better than we in the UK. Finally, your personal safety on ice and snow depends greatly on your footwear; always ensure


you wear boots or sturdy shoes with good open tread soles so that you have maximum grip. Smooth soles and fashion footwear will give you no grip and inadequate ankle support. The County and District Councils Budgets and Council Tax – for 2018/9 Norfolk County Council still faces huge budget challenges because it must cope with reducing central government funding and rising demand, particularly in Children’s Services (education and care) and Adult (social) Services. It has to find savings £125m over the next 4 years so there will be changes to services provided and certain charges. A public consultation is in progress on those proposals not consulted on in previous years. One very controversial proposal is to charge for all waste and recycling materials taken to the recycling centres; there would be none free of charge. This would encourage much more Fly-Tipping at the roadside and on private land and the cost of clearing this would be unfairly paid by others. I would encourage you to look at the Consultation proposals and make your views known soonest. It’s likely NCC will raise its share of Council Tax for next year (3% for Adult Services + 1.9% for other needs); but I will press for ways to be found to reduce increases next year. North Norfolk District Council faces a similar challenge with reductions in the Rate Support Grant from central government and greater demand for services. However, NNDC has worked hard to reduce costs and create new income streams and for the past 7 years it hasn’t increased Council Tax. I expect there will be a need for a small increase next year but that hasn’t been decided. NNDC has planned well ahead so that it is financially stable and lives within its means while still delivering value for money services. Update on Scottow Enterprise Park (SEP) This is the former RAF Coltishall site, excluding the area used to create HMP Bure, that was bought by Norfolk County Council (NCC) in Jan 2013 as a regeneration opportunity, rather than letting it stand empty and decay as has been the fate of many ex airfields. SEP has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Local Government Chronicle Awards for 2018; these are the biggest and most prestigious awards for the local government sector. The winners will be announced in a ceremony at London’s Grosvenor House on 21 Mar 2018. A summary of the achievements to date include: Supporting the creation of 356 jobs and 21 start-up businesses; 96 tenants operating on site; creation of a new Enterprise Zone within a Conservation Area; a 250 acre 49.9Mega Watt solar farm generating power for up to 15,000 homes; it operates on a commercial basis delivering a surplus of £500,000 for NCC. All of this has happened before it celebrates its 5th


in the pipeline. Finally, as we approach the festive season I take this opportunity to thank you for your


Inputs by 15th Please 25


anniversary in Jan 2018 and there are more exciting business growth and job prospects


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