Southwell Liberal Democrats

The Winners of our draw done last month were 1st 80 and 2nd 92

It seems that Southwell has the same problem as many other locations in the country when it comes to river and watercourse pollution. The River Greet has experienced 48 occasions during the last two years when raw sewage entered the watercourse. At various locations, like the one in the picture in Riverside Park, contaminated stormwater is discharged. There is an ongoing investigation by the Environment Agency so anyone noticing future discharges can report this.

After two failed attempts at creating a Unitary Authority for Nottinghamshire, the County Council promised to work more closely with the nine Borough and District Councils. By combining and devolving responsibilities it aims to deliver better local services.

In February this commitment was thrown into doubt when the Government published its own devolution plans. It offered more local powers for Healthcare, Transport, Education and Planning. However to get those powers a new combined authority would have to be created along with a directly elected Mayor. Borough and District Councils would no longer have any powers but could expect to be consulted.

The County Council has finally realised that its road maintenance scheme isn't working. In the last five years a mind boggling 476,043 potholes have required filling in Nottinghamshire. No wonder that our county has been declared the pothole capital of the UK. The area around Southwell is one of the highest with 25,046 repairs. So instead of filling in one pothole only to have a new one open up nearby, the Council will now repair larger sections of road aiming for a longer lasting solution.

COVID has delayed many much needed repairs and improvements to the town, however important changes are now underway.

For several years the Saturday market has been in decline with fewer stalls and customers. To bring back shoppers, new canopies have been installed to give the market a brighter and more inviting look. A real effort has been made to attract more stallholders.

Following a survey of benches by Lib Dem Councillor Steve Perry, a number of damaged benches were identified. Some were found to be beyond repair and required replacing, whilst others proved to be repairable.
The Town Council Environment Committee chaired by Cllr Peter Harris were consulted and agreed to repair or replace benches as necessary.

Southwell Town Council supported a proposal by Councillors Karen Roberts and Lyn Harris to rejuvenate both Squires' and Edward Cludd ponds. The former was created in the 1970s by Doug Squires founder of A&V Squires' Plant.
Apart from enhancing biodiversity and creating a better environment for wild life, the work will make the ponds more accessible and will provide educational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.
Work has already started with the removal of silt from the larger pond, over 300 hedge whips have been planted and some remedial tree work, but this is a long term project and it is anticipated that it will take a year to complete all aspects.

The Government has promised a £150 one-off Council Tax rebate for households living in band A-D properties. It will be paid in May to offset the latest Council Tax increases.
After the extra £53 added to this year's figure, band A taxpayers will benefit by £1.87 per week. For band D it will be £1.52 per week.
Council tax payments made by Direct Debit will have the rebate paid direct to bank accounts. Nearly 14,000 households in Newark and Sherwood who pay by other means will need to make a claim to the District Council. District Councillor Peter Harris will be pressing the Council to make sure no Council Tax payers miss out.
For more information visit https://newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/counciltax

As the rising cost of living really begins to bite, a tax increase is the last thing needed. Yet Council tax has risen by 3.7 percent adding £79 to band D bills.
Nearly 60 percent of the increase will be added to the social care levy. The Conservative Government introduced the levy in 2016 to provide extra funding for local social care. It now adds £197 to band D Council Tax.
The latest National Insurance hike was originally planned as a long term solution to funding social care. Now the extra money will have to be used to clear NHS waiting lists. So for the next three years at least there will be more increases to the Council levy to tackle rising social care costs.

A big thank you to everyone who has given time, money and support to help Ukrainians fleeing the invasion of their country. Once again there has been a caring and compassionate response with donations and the organisation of care packages.

A number of local residents are willing to open their homes to Ukrainian families once the Home Office obstacle course of red tape has been overcome. From Syria and Afghanistan to Ukraine, we have continued our proud history of welcoming refugees into our local communities.