Our achievements highlighted in new reports
Millions of pounds of investment, action to combat climate change, and support for thousands of residents and businesses are amongst our achievements captured in two reports published this week.
Titled ‘What have we done for you?’, the reports outline the impact of work carried out by Babergh District Council and Mid Suffolk District Council since the district council elections in 2019.
They note the progress, achievements and key events as councillors on both authorities near the end of their term of office – with local elections in May 2023.
Cllr Suzie Morley, leader of Mid Suffolk District Council, said:
I am proud of how our council has delivered for residents, communities and businesses during an extraordinary four years.
This report really shows how our work makes a long-term, positive difference to the lives of many thousands of people and further improves our already wonderful district.
Cllr John Ward, leader of Babergh District Council, said:
We’ve faced some unprecedented challenges, but can be proud of how we stepped up to those. We’ve been there for residents and businesses during some incredibly tough times, and will continue to be so.
But this report is not just about how we’ve responded to the challenges. It shows how we’ve improved communities and helped drive economic growth and opportunities for people too.
The reports cover the full breadth of the
Councils’ work including economic development, planning, supporting communities and tackling climate change.
They outline the support given to thousands of residents and businesses during the pandemic, and the initial work during the cost-of-living crisis.
They also map where millions of pounds in Community Infrastructure Levy payments have been made across both districts. These payments have funded school extensions, to village hall improvements.
The reports are also available to view on computers in local libraries and at our customer access points in Stowmarket, Shotley, Hadleigh and Sudbury.
Some of the report highlights include:
- Driving economic growth across both districts – including the Gateway 14 project near Stowmarket which will see retail giant The Range move in and create 1,600 jobs
- Tackling climate change - the first rural authorities in the UK to switch bin lorries from diesel to hydrotreated vegetable oil – an 89% CO2 reduction per kilometre – and the councils also carried out a pioneering tree canopy study. More than 1,000 solar panels have been installed at leisure centres
- Investment in new facilities - such as the Duck & Teapot café at Needham Lake
- High Street support – the councils’ Innovate Local project and Virtual High Streets providing valuable help to firms
- Investment in leisure centres – more than £6m spent in Hadleigh, Sudbury and Stowmarket
- More affordable homes – many hundreds have been delivered in each district, including more council homes
- Support for families – the councils’ Holiday Activity Fund programme was enjoyed by hundreds of families