Minutes:
The Leader presented his report and stated that prevention of homelessness was the Council’s aim, by ensuring that people were offered support and advice at the earliest opportunity. The Housing Options Team had managed over 370 cases, working with individuals and families who had been threatened with homelessness or were homeless.
The Leader was delighted with the work nearing completion of five flats for veterans at Stapleford. They would provide a welcome addition to the Council’s housing stock for people who had served the Country and often faced difficulties in finding settled accommodation. He was also pleased with the cross party support for the new development scheme in the South of Broxtowe with the aim of 51 new homes for social rent and shared ownership.
It was stated that the Food Clubs that had been up and running across the Borough. Food clubs helped families purchase lower cost good quality fresh food and provided help and support to convert the food into nourishing family meals. He stated that the Council was working with the County Council to help people in need of extra support over winter. Nottinghamshire had been allocated £5.6 million to support households who would otherwise struggle to buy food, pay essential utility bills, or meet essential living costs. At least 50% of the funding was ring-fenced for vulnerable households with children.
The Leader announced that following approval in November of the six core projects from the Stapleford Town Deal Programme, The Town Deal Executive Board had announced the launch of the first project, The Town Centre Recovery Fund. A total of £1 million had been made available for the fund in Stapleford as part of the Towns Fund bid.
The Business Continuity Grant aimed to support business resilience and growth over the long term sustaining occupancy levels within Stapleford Town Centre and support existing businesses that were looking to expand the way they distribute their services. It was anticipated a maximum of £200,000 would be spent on this. The Building Development Fund would look at creating buildings for the future by improving accessibility, energy efficiency and the look and feel of Stapleford Town Centre. It was anticipated a maximum of £800.000 would be issued.
All Town and Parish Councils had been invited to submit proposals that met the criteria of the ‘Welcome Back Fund’ for initiatives to promote footfall to all of the Town Centres.
The Leader stated residents around Toton, Chilwell, Stapleford and Long Eaton had been asked for their views on a Strategic Masterplan for the development of the area around Toton. The consultation would close on 14 January 2022. The closure of the historic Chetwynd Barracks and the potential of the large and important Toton strategic growth area provided a once in a lifetime opportunity to map out the future for the area, create significant numbers of jobs, cycle pathways, green spaces, new schools, healthcare facilities and modern communities, that would offer affordable and carbon neutral homes. Leaflets had been sent to over 80,000 residents asking for their views. People could view the plans and leave their comments in a ‘virtual’ display room.
The Leader stated that five Broxtowe open spaces had retained their Green Flag awards. During COVID-19 the parks had become popular as people had stayed local during the restrictions. The Leader thanked the environment team who worked tirelessly to ensure the parks and open spaces were in good condition. Thanks were given to Chris Riley for his work on securing funding contributions of £50,000 for Pasture Road park.
The Green rewards scheme had been launched in Broxtowe. The Leader explained that the app people can use helped guide and incentivise the behaviour and help to reduce their carbon footprint. Residents could sign up to Green Rewards for free at https://notts.greenrewards.co.uk/ Broxtowe residents had so far avoiding emitting 11 tonnes of Carbon.
The Council had undertaken a significant amount of tree planting along with the additional investment of a rainbow of twelve cherry trees at Mansfield Road recreation ground, Eastwood to create a place of reflection for people who had lost loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Leader updated Members that nearly 200 people in Broxtowe had given up smoking in the year ending March 2021 after being referred to ‘’Your health Your Way’’ A new smoking reduction plan had been approved.