Mayor’s Awards
The Mayor of Erewash, Councillor Donna Briggs, says: “I know there are lots of people across the borough who will be worthy of recognition, including those who have helped others and shown kindness throughout the pandemic. If you know someone who would be a worthy winner then get nominating so that their achievements can be celebrated.”
Erewash Borough Council is calling on its residents to nominate someone they admire for their valuable voluntary work in the borough. The popular Mayor’s Awards salute those who go the extra mile and deserve a pat on the back for their tireless work for the community. Nominations are now open for the annual awards ahead of the closing date of Friday 25 March, with the presentation of awards due to take place on Thursday 28 April.
Royal times
This stunning Royal Emblem embroidery has been presented to Erewash Borough Council by Tom McDonald of Hucknall-based civic specialist Spurcroft Civic and is a fitting tribute for the Queen’s platinum year. A framed copy of the piece will be hung in the reception areas at Ilkeston and Long Eaton Town Halls for visitors to view.
Please note that serving councillors of the county, borough, parish councils and their employees are excluded from nomination. Nomination forms are available at Ilkeston and Long Eaton Town Halls and online at erewash.gov.uk or send full details in a letter to Susan Dunkley, Democratic and Civic Officer, Town Hall, Wharncliffe Road, Ilkeston, DE7 5RP. Email sue.dunkley@erewash.gov.uk or call 0115 907 1115.
The countdown is underway to events that will celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and Erewash Borough Council is offering small grants for street parties held over the June Bank Holiday weekend. See page 11 for details and information on Beacon Lighting events and the return of the patriotic planting. We also take a look back to royal celebrations of the past on pages 12-13.
Council Tax
A recommendation that Erewash Borough Council raises its share of council tax for 2022/23 by 2.54% - a £5 per annum increase - was expected to be approved at the council’s budget setting meeting. It means that the council’s charge for a band D property will increase from £196.59 to £201.59 per annum, an increase of 10p a week. The expected increase comes as the council continues to face pressures caused by the pandemic. Continuing uncertainty of additional costs and reduced income due to the impact of covid-19 means setting budgets is challenging. The delay in any changes to how much business rates revenue councils can retain, along with the unknown factor of how many businesses impacted by the pandemic will recover, make forecasting future income levels even more uncertain. Councillor Wayne Major, Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Resources, says: “We have been a strong and robust council with a healthy financial record. I can assure everyone that we will continue that hard work as we face new challenges. We are committed to ensuring that Erewash remains strong.” Only 11% of the total council tax bill that residents pay goes to the Borough Council. The rest is for services provided by Derbyshire County Council, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue and Parish Councils – Erewash has no control over the charges set by these organisations. 3
