Inside EBC today

The people of Erewash voted for change in this year’s local elections. At the same time, the new administration has been entrusted with delivering efficient services for residents across the borough.

The greatest challenge is doing so in the teeth of a cost-of-living crisis. While the council itself has been badly squeezed – not least by years of government cuts to local spending – it is you, the good citizens of Erewash, who are suffering most. Local people continue to see bills for fuel, food and keeping a roof over their heads skyrocketing.

This is why your new leadership at Erewash Borough Council has vowed that our No1 priority is helping residents through the cost-of-living nightmare.

There is no magic pot of money to do this. The council is already having to identify any new savings it can make while finding ways to use far less cash to maintain the vital services it already runs.

We are determined to live within our means. That involves working with partner organisations wherever we can to deliver on the cost-of-living pledge –while wringing every ounce of available funding from the government.

EBC Newsletter

The communications team at EBC will be launching a bright new and more regular newsletter in the spring of next year.

Our readers will be able to select the news information that they would like to receive by signing-up to the online news stream via the council’s website and social media platforms.

I would like to thank all our readers, contributors, and advertisers for helping to make EBC today a great success over the years’ – as this is likely to be

James Dawson, Leader of the Council

Levelling-up money from Whitehall is transforming the centre of Long Eaton.

In Ilkeston there are plans to launch a free shuttle bus to the top of town.

Again, this is NOT council tax money paying for it. Erewash fought to get what is in effect “use it or lose it” funding from the government.

Being honest with residents is another key pledge by the new town hall leadership.

The council is facing tough choices we would sooner not have to make. To just maintain services as they are would mean a budget black hole of more than £1million next year.

We are determined to balance the books and find a sustainable way of operating.

But having said that, our promise to residents amid the unprecedented costof-living squeeze remains. We WILL deliver on your priorities.

Changing People’s Lives

the last issue. The first issue of EBC today was launched in 2010 and the final issue will be number forty-nine. Great memories, great stories and well read!

Look out for the newsletter sign-up information on our website and social media platforms over the coming months.

Stewart A Millar, Editor EBC today.

£76m

Fund To Combat Squeeze

FRONTLINE community organisations supporting those on low incomes have until 16 October to apply for a share of a £76million fund.

Grants are worth between £10,000 and £75,000 to charities and other non-profit groups in Erewash that can demonstrate they offer critical services.

The focus amid the economic squeeze is on small to medium-sized organisations providing food and emergency supplies, emergency shelter, safe spaces, warmth and financial or housing advice.

The Community Organisations Cost of Living Fund (CCLF) has been launched by the government with help from The National Lottery Community Fund.

For more information visit www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk