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Cambridgeshire County Council backs green investment and recycling upgrades in 2026/27 budget

Cambridgeshire County Council’s draft business plan and budget proposals for 2026/27 have received unanimous support from the Environment and Green Investment Committee, reflecting a continued commitment to environmental services and sustainability initiatives. The committee’s recommendations will now be considered by the Strategy, Resources and Performance Committee on 29 January ahead of Full Council debate on 10 February.

The Environment and Green Investment Committee plays a key role in overseeing the council’s environmental responsibilities, including waste management, flood protection and renewable energy schemes. Members emphasised that the proposals align with the council’s ambition to create a green and sustainable Cambridgeshire.

Key elements of the draft business plan include:

£4.28 million of capital investment for upgraded Household Recycling Centres, with new facilities planned for March and Milton during 2026/27.
£53.9 million of continued investment across services such as waste disposal, flood risk management, biodiversity and nature conservation, renewable energy management, economic growth initiatives, and projects supporting carbon reduction goals.

The proposals follow initial discussions by the Strategy, Resources and Performance Committee in December and have now undergone scrutiny by the Environment and Green Investment Committee. Feedback from other policy and service committees, residents’ consultations, town and parish councils, local authorities, business representatives and trade unions will be debated again at the end of January, before a final business plan and budget are put forward to Full Council.

The council’s overall 2026/27 business plan will outline the allocation of £1.2 billion to deliver public services across Cambridgeshire. Rising demand, particularly in children’s and adults’ social care, is placing pressure on the budget, with nearly two-thirds of expenditure already dedicated to social care. Other significant areas of spending include Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), home-to-school transport, and highways maintenance.

For the coming financial year, the council faces a remaining budget gap of £6.4 million, requiring careful consideration of income generation, investment priorities, and potential savings. Councillor Ros Hathorn, Chair of the Environment and Green Investment Committee, said:

“We are making sure the council stays financially sustainable by taking a prudent, long-term approach to business and budget planning that is informed by our residents’ priorities, so we can keep investing in and prioritising core services.

“The increasing financial challenges also mean we need to get the most out of every pound we spend whilst delivering services across the county. However, it’s still really important that we continue our journey to a green and sustainable Cambridgeshire. By prioritising investment in services and infrastructure such as our household recycling centres and carbon reduction projects we are responding to residents’ concerns and taking further steps to mitigate against the impacts of climate change on our county.

“Government has recognised it needs to respond to the SEND crisis nationally but has yet to share what that will mean for councils, schools or parents and carers. The lack of Government funding for these vital public services means that for 2026/27 the council will face a further £22 million in financial challenges than were identified in February 2025. That means further and even more difficult decisions about how to allocate resources and balance its budget will be required.

“We are committed to ensuring the council delivers value for money in the services it provides. That is why this committee supports the proposals today.”

The views of all policy and service committees, along with feedback from residents, local partners, business representatives, and the outcome of the Local Government Finance Settlement, will be considered by the Strategy, Resources and Performance Committee on 29 January. A final recommendation will then be made to Full Council, which will debate and approve the business plan and budget on 10 February 2026.

Ipswich Mayor tours Suffolk Fire and Rescue to learn about community safety

Mayor of Ipswich, Councillor Stefan Long, spent a day with Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) on Tuesday 20 January, gaining first-hand insight into the organisation’s community safety, operational response and firefighter training work.

The visit followed an initial discussion last year between the Mayor and members of the SFRS Prevention Team at a Care Fayre in Kesgrave. After learning about the Service’s extensive work in community safety, Councillor Long expressed interest in seeing more of its operations. Chief Fire Officer Jon Lacey subsequently invited him to spend a full day with the Service.

Councillor Long began his visit at SFRS Headquarters at Endeavour House in Ipswich, where Deputy Chief Fire Officer Henry Griffin provided an overview of the Service’s strategic priorities. He then moved on to Princes Street Fire Station, meeting Group Manager Lee Wilkins, Temporary Station Manager Ann Hurst, and the Protection and Prevention teams to hear about their work keeping Suffolk residents safe at home and at work.

At the station, the Mayor toured facilities and met the on-duty crew, learning more about the operational capabilities used to respond to emergencies across Ipswich and the wider county. The visit continued at the SFRS Control Centre at Beacon House, where Station Manager Georgina Trownson introduced him to the team managing emergency calls and coordinating fire and rescue operations.

In the afternoon, Councillor Long visited Wattisham Training Centre, where Group Manager Dale Nunn showed him the specialist training facilities used by firefighters to maintain and develop essential skills.

Commenting on the visit, Councillor Long said: “It was a privilege to spend the day with Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service and see first-hand the dedication, professionalism and community spirit that runs through every part of the organisation. The breadth of work carried out across the Service plays a vital role in keeping people safe, and I appreciated gaining a deeper understanding of the commitment shown throughout the organisation to serving our county.”

Chief Fire Officer Jon Lacey added: “We were delighted to welcome the Mayor and provide an insight into the broad range of work our teams undertake every day. From prevention and protection to emergency response and training, our staff are committed to keeping Suffolk safe, and it’s always valuable to share that work with our civic leaders.”

Braintree Man Jailed for Cocaine Following Vehicle Stop

A 36-year-old man has been sentenced to more than two years in prison after being caught with cocaine during a vehicle stop in Braintree. The arrest was made by two neighbourhood policing officers conducting a targeted patrol on 7 October 2025.

Officers observed the car, driven by Aulon Cani, in Coggeshall Road. A subsequent search of both Cani and the vehicle under section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act uncovered multiple bags of white powder hidden in a panel within the car, along with £370 in cash. The seized cocaine was estimated to have a street value of up to £800.

Cani admitted to possession with intent to supply cocaine, as well as acquiring, using, or possessing criminal property. He appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court on 15 January and was sentenced to a total of two years and three months in prison.

PC Aris Sahin, the investigating officer, said: “We will continue to target those like Cani who think they can profit from drug dealing, ensure they are brought before the courts and prevent drugs from reaching our communities and causing untold harm.”

The court also ordered the forfeiture of the cash, the destruction of the drugs, and the destruction of a mobile phone associated with the offences. Cani, of Wideford Drive, Romford, was additionally required to pay a victim surcharge.

King’s Lynn Quayside Gets New Dryside Facilities for Visiting Mariners

Work has started to transform a long-empty building on King’s Lynn’s quayside into a new facility for visiting mariners, as part of wider plans to bring more activity to the historic riverfront.

The Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk is converting the annexe to the former Sommerfeld and Thomas warehouse. The upgraded dryside facility will provide showers, toilets, washing machines, visitor information, and water bottle refills for leisure craft owners mooring at the South Quay pontoons.

The project is the latest investment under the King’s Lynn Town Deal regeneration programme. It also supports the council’s partnership with the ‘Sail the Wash’ initiative, which aims to attract more visitors into the town via the river, boosting local businesses and enhancing the vibrancy of the riverfront and town centre.

Internal works are expected to take around four months to complete, with access maintained for residents and businesses. Externally, the annexe will retain a similar appearance to the listed warehouse next door.

Cllr Simon Ring, Deputy Council Leader, said: “Following the granting of Listed Building Consent for the Custom House, it’s great to announce work starting on the dryside as part of our wider plans to revive the whole of this amazing riverside, connecting the past with the present by creating a vibrant attractive destination for residents and visitors.

“Dryside facilities were requested by people who use the pontoon and will provide an even warmer welcome to King’s Lynn, as well as bringing an empty building back into valuable use. This is another step forward under our emerging Masterplan vision to link up both ends the riverfront with renewed activity.”

Andrew Stevenson, riverfront project champion on King’s Lynn Neighbourhood Board, added: “Revitalisation of the historic riverfront is part of a wider vision to maximise the potential of the historic riverfront, recognised as a currently-underused asset, and attract more people to the area, while protecting, respecting and preserving its unique heritage. I’m really excited to see work starting to breathe new life into this empty annexe and look forward to welcoming our first users this summer.”

Olly Parker of EN Suiter and Sons Ltd, the council’s contractor for the project, said: “As a King’s Lynn-based, family-run business, EN Suiter & Sons Ltd is delighted to be part of the dryside facility remodelling and refurbishment scheme. This is a fantastic local project, and we’re really pleased to be working with the Borough Council to help deliver high-quality new facilities for the town and its community.”

The project, led by the borough council in partnership with King’s Lynn Neighbourhood Board, forms part of a wider Town Deal programme designed to unlock the potential of the town’s heritage assets, create new opportunities for residents, and strengthen the local economy.

Information on accessing the new dryside facilities will be available soon on the council’s website and via the ‘Sail the Wash’ website, www.sailthewash.com. The initiative provides information and navigation advice to encourage leisure craft visitors to destinations around the Wash.

Peterborough City Council records major improvement in KS2 attainment

Peterborough City Council is marking a significant improvement in Key Stage 2 performance, following new data showing the authority as the most improved in the eastern region. The results reflect sustained efforts to raise educational standards across the city.

Validated data released in December confirms that, for the 2024/25 academic year, Peterborough recorded the largest regional improvement in the proportion of pupils achieving the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined. This places the city at the top of the regional improvement rankings for KS2 attainment.

Key Stage 2 assessments measure outcomes for pupils aged 10 to 11. Achieving the expected standard requires a scaled score of 100 or more in national tests. The latest results indicate that a growing number of pupils in Peterborough are meeting this benchmark.

The improvement represents a notable shift over time. In 2016, Peterborough was ranked at the bottom of the national KS2 attainment league table, with 43 per cent of pupils meeting the expected standard. In 2024/25, that figure has risen to 61 per cent. This includes a six per cent increase on the previous year, the largest annual rise in the eastern region, and a 32 place improvement in national rankings since 2022/23.

The council attributes this progress to long term collaborative working between schools, education leaders, the local authority and the wider community. Teachers and school leaders, supported by the council’s education team, have maintained a sustained focus on improving outcomes for pupils.

Councillor Katy Cole, cabinet member for children’s services at Peterborough City Council, said: “We are absolutely thrilled with the progress our primary schools have made and will continue to work closely with all schools, whether maintained or academies, to continue this excellent work.

“This is a real team effort and I want to thank our staff, teachers, pupils, and the entire community for their tireless work. We never rest on our laurels and will strive for even greater outcomes in future.”

Nick Brompton, Head of All Saints Church of England Primary School and Chair of the Peterborough Primary Heads, highlighted the role of collaboration across the city. He said: “There has been much positive change in education across Peterborough in recent years. Schools are collaborating much more, sharing best practice and there is a united front all pulling in the same direction. This is a particularly unique achievement, considering the complete range of schools we have in the city, but as a collective – we see the bigger picture and work effectively together.

“We’ve got some excellent schools and there is a genuine willingness to help others, for example Head Teachers will speak to each other regularly, but so will English Leaders and Maths Leaders. Whereas in the past the temptation may have been to focus on the reasons why we were not doing so well, now we develop solutions and learn from and support each other. Our attitude is that if we have an issue or a problem, we can find the answer together. I personally have always felt that when addressing the challenges that we face, 95% of the answers are within our own city’s schools. This positive approach is testament to everyone involved in education locally, including the council themselves in facilitating, supporting and encouraging school clusters and increased collaboration which has made a positive difference.”

Mark Woods, CEO of Meridian Trust and Chair of the Peterborough CEO’s Group, described the results as evidence of system wide change. He said: “Peterborough’s journey in recent years has been remarkable. Moving from the bottom of the league table to becoming the most improved authority in the region reflects big, systemic change and a lot of hard work from colleagues across the city.

“Schools, multi-academy trusts, the local authority and wider partners have come together with a shared determination to raise standards for every child. The progress seen at Key Stage 2 is reflective of a culture of collaboration, high expectations and professional generosity. While it is right to celebrate this achievement, it also strengthens our ambition as a group to go further and ensure every child, in every school in Peterborough, has the opportunity to achieve.”

Several contributing factors have been identified, including strong leadership, a consistent emphasis on high expectations, and the sharing of good practice across schools. Engagement with parents and carers has also played a role in supporting pupil progress.

The council’s education team continues to work closely with schools on areas affecting outcomes, such as leadership, attendance and inclusion, and intends to build on the current progress.

In addition to KS2 results, Peterborough has also been recognised as the most improved authority in the region for the proportion of pupils achieving a Good Level of Development at the end of Reception. This assessment is based on teacher judgements and learning undertaken during the Reception year, alongside early years education in nurseries and pre schools.

Lemn Sissay to lead poetry celebration at University of Suffolk in Ipswich

Award-winning poet and broadcaster Lemn Sissay will visit the University of Suffolk this March for a special evening of readings and discussion. The event, taking place on Monday 23 March at the Waterfront campus in Ipswich, will celebrate Sissay’s latest collection, Let the Light Pour In.

The book features short poems written daily at dawn over the past decade. Life-affirming, witty, and full of wonder, the collection reflects Sissay’s personal journey and his resilience in the face of adversity. His work often explores themes of identity, family, and the care system, drawing on his own experiences growing up in care.

Sissay, who is British and Ethiopian, is a prolific writer of poetry, theatre, and radio. His memoir My Name Is Why was a Sunday Times number one bestseller, and his Landmark Poems are displayed on buildings in cities including London and Addis Ababa. He has received an MBE and OBE for services to literature and charity, and was awarded the PEN Pinter Prize in 2019.

The University of Suffolk is also hosting Poetry for Life: An Afternoon of Workshops earlier on 23 March. The series of workshops, run in partnership with Poetry in Aldeburgh, will offer sessions on reimagining sonnets, exploring home and family, and drawing inspiration from the work of photographer and artist Eliza Stephens. The workshops are open to all, regardless of prior poetry experience, and include a free exhibition of Stephens’ work.

Dr Amanda Hodgkinson, Director of the University’s Centre for Culture and Heritage, said: “We are thrilled to host a really special afternoon of creativity at the University of Suffolk. These workshops are open to everyone, and all are welcome. They will be followed by an evening of poetry with Lemn Sissay, who will share works from his new collection in what is bound to be an inspirational evening of readings and conversation.”

Tickets for the events must be booked in advance via the University of Suffolk website. The evening with Lemn Sissay costs £20, while individual workshops are £15 each or £25 for two. Both events will take place at the Waterfront Building on 23 March, with workshops running from 1.30pm to 4.45pm and the poetry evening beginning at 5.30pm.

The visit highlights the University of Suffolk’s ongoing commitment to community engagement, creativity, and learning, offering opportunities for local residents and students to experience world-class literary talent firsthand.

Peterborough council puts historic Fletton Quays Goods Shed up for sale

Peterborough City Council has approved the sale of the former Goods Shed at Fletton Quays on the open market. The historic railway building, acquired by the council in February 2024, had previously been marketed as a potential food hall with grant support for design and construction, but no deal was completed.

Cabinet granted officers permission to invite offers from all interested parties, including those who may wish to pursue the original concept of a food hall. The council says it hopes the sale will attract a buyer who can restore the building and create a new city centre destination.

Councillor Mohammed Farooq, Cabinet Member for Growth and Regeneration, said: “This is an important site as part of the Fletton Quays development which offers a fantastic opportunity to develop a new attraction that drives footfall and local spending, boosting the wider city centre economy.

“We are now hoping to secure a buyer who will breathe new life into this historic, yet neglected building, which in turn could act as a catalyst for further investment and development in this area. We welcome all offers for the building including those who are interested in delivering our original vision of turning it into an exciting food hall that could strengthen the city’s already thriving hospitality sector.”

The council says the sale represents an opportunity to secure long-term use for the building while supporting regeneration and growth at Fletton Quays, an area already undergoing significant development. Interested parties are invited to submit proposals as the property is placed on the open market.

Cambridgeshire council backs children’s services in draft 2026-27 business budget plan

Cambridgeshire County Council is preparing for a new round of investments in children’s services after the Children and Young People Committee reviewed the draft 2026-27 business plan and budget. The proposals, supported by a majority of committee members on 20 January, aim to continue funding essential social care, fostering and adoption services, as well as education and transport provision for young people across the county.

The draft plan includes targeted funding increases, such as £10.4 million for children entering care, £3.8 million to support home-to-school transport, and £406,000 to boost direct payment packages for children and young people with disabilities. Other priorities include reducing reliance on agency social workers, improving access to benefits for families as the Household Support Fund ends, and delivering a three-year Travel to Learn programme to promote safe, independent travel for learners.

The draft business plan and budget have been examined by multiple committees and will continue through the council’s consultation process. Feedback from residents, town and parish councils, trade unions, and local businesses will be considered alongside committee recommendations before the Strategy, Resources and Performance Committee meets on 29 January to finalise proposals for Full Council debate on 10 February.

The council anticipates a challenging financial year, with projected increases in costs driven by a growing population and higher demand for children’s and adult social care. Social care will continue to account for nearly two-thirds of spending, alongside commitments to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services, home-to-school transport, and highways maintenance. Despite careful planning, the council faces a remaining £6.4 million budget gap for 2026-27.

Cllr Edna Murphy, Chair of the Children and Young People Committee, emphasised the council’s approach: “We are making sure the council stays financially sustainable by taking a prudent, long-term approach to business and budget planning that is informed by our residents’ priorities, so we can keep investing in and prioritising core services.

“A majority of the budgeted spending discussed today is for services that the council has a statutory duty to provide. Nonetheless, I’m pleased that we continue to look beyond our statutory duty wherever possible, operating with a whole family approach so that interventions are considered holistically across the needs of the household.”

Cllr Murphy added that the committee supports proposals that balance cost reduction with targeted investment in prevention-focused services. She highlighted ongoing financial pressures, including a national lack of funding for SEND services, which could add an additional £22 million in challenges for the council in 2026-27.

The committee has also recommended that the council explore whether extra funding could help families transition from the ending Household Support Fund to the Government’s new Crisis and Resilience Fund.

Residents can view papers from the committee meeting and watch the session on Cambridgeshire County Council’s website and YouTube channel. The council plans to invest a total of £1.2 billion in services across the county next year, aiming to deliver value for money while supporting children, young people, and families through targeted interventions and ongoing statutory services.

DigiFest returns to Norfolk libraries with hands-on tech workshops for young people

Norfolk libraries are inviting young people to explore the world of technology this February with DigiFest, the county’s annual festival of digital creativity. The month-long programme offers a wide variety of free activities for children and teenagers up to the age of 16, with events designed to spark curiosity and build practical skills in coding, robotics, animation, and more.

Over 130 events are planned across libraries throughout Norfolk, many taking place during half-term to give children plenty of opportunities to get involved. From stop-motion animation to hands-on robot programming, DigiFest encourages participants to experiment, problem-solve, and enjoy technology in a supportive environment.

Councillor Margaret Dewsbury highlighted the impact of the festival, saying: “DigiFest is a fantastic way for young people to try something new and discover skills they may not have encountered elsewhere. Libraries continue to offer more than books – they are hubs for learning, creativity, and exploration.”

A number of sessions will feature expert partners alongside library staff. Children can join Cyber Shields workshops, in partnership with Tech Skills for Life, at Dereham Library on 10 February and Watton Library on 11 February, learning about online safety while creating personalised ‘Cyber Shields.’

For those interested in coding, ICT Solutions will run Sphero robot sessions at libraries in Great Yarmouth, Sprowston, Millennium, and Wymondham throughout mid-February. Participants will programme the robots to complete challenges, including football matches and obstacle courses, introducing them to basic programming concepts in an engaging way.

Other highlights include a Cybersecurity Escape Room at Great Yarmouth Library on 19 February, where children can solve a mystery as part of a team, and virtual reality demonstrations at Cromer and Great Yarmouth Libraries. AI workshops will also be available, giving young people the chance to create websites and apps using Google Studio under the guidance of Adult Learning tutors.

While all events are free, many require advance booking. Families are encouraged to reserve their places via the Norfolk County Council website at www.norfolk.gov.uk/digifest.

DigiFest offers a creative and interactive approach to digital learning, showing how libraries continue to provide exciting, educational experiences for the next generation of coders, creators, and digital explorers.