Fast Funding

A Christmas message

Many of us will be saying ‘how time flies’, but the time of year is once again upon us when we will be thinking of Christmas. I am delighted to have the opportunity as Mayor of the borough to send a message to all our residents.

I am aware of the very difficult times that we have all had over the past two years with the pandemic, especially those who have suffered with the virus and those who have lost loved ones. As the virus continues to be with us, I sincerely hope that it will be manageable.

It is also a worrying time for many of our residents with the energy and economic problems we are all facing. However, Christmas is a special time for families, friends and even strangers to come together to enjoy the company of others, and I thank those organisations which arrange events for our residents. My gratitude as well goes to the volunteers and carers who give their time all year round to make such a positive difference to the lives of so many people.

As Mayor, I have seen first-hand the rich community spirit we have in our communities and it is encouraging to see groups and organisations once again meeting and continuing with their activities. I have met many people and attended events that I will remember forever.

I would like to thank all those who are working for us throughout the festive period: the NHS, the emergency services, our armed forces and all who keep us safe and secure. On behalf of the officers and members of the Borough Council, I should like to wish you all a very happy Christmas and send our very best wishes to you all. Stay safe.

Councillor John Sewell Mayor of Erewash 2022-23

Groups awarded Fast Funding

Six more local projects have been awarded almost £3,000 through the Erewash Borough Council grant scheme.

The Fast Funding Community Grant Scheme helps local organisations that need financial support for their valuable work. The scheme allows groups to apply for small grants up to £500 to help fund projects which will benefit the community. The successful applicants were: • Friends of Stanley Common, £500 for litter picking equipment • Stanley Village Hall, £500 towards acoustic panels to renovate the community space • Long Eaton Church, £500 for establishing a new volunteer group • Growing Lives, £461 to host days out for vulnerable people • Sawley Church, £150 to host a children’s party as an alternative to trick or treating • The Walking Football Club, £500 to establish a highly demanded female’s team

Fast Funding is one of the grant schemes offered to organisations in Erewash. For more information, visit the grants page at erewash.gov.uk or email ebcsmallgrants@erewash.gov.uk

Parking present

Parking will be free in all Council car parks car parks in the borough every day after 10 am, starting on Saturday 10 December 2022. The final date of free parking is Monday 2 January 2023, with normal parking charges resuming on Tuesday 3 January. The Christmas free parking scheme does not include the car park at Long Eaton Train Station.

Councillor Michael Powell, Lead Member for Regeneration and Planning, said: “Free parking is one way we can try to make this time a little easier and spread some Christmas joy.”

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Help with the cost of living

Erewash Borough Council and partner organisations have schemes in place aimed at helping people cope with the cost of living this winter.

Residents who live in homes with the lowest energy ratings will recieve a letter, offering free energy saving measures as part of the third phase of its Green Grants scheme.

In partnership with Marches Energy Agency (MEA) and E.ON Energy Solutions, the new scheme will see energy saving measures including solar panels or air-source heat pumps fitted in eligible homes. Help is also on hand for anyone who may be having difficulty keeping up with council tax payments. Residents can manage their Council Tax account online using a My Erewash account where requests can be submitted, application forms completed and help and advice requested.

People in receipt of a low income may qualify for Council Tax Support and there are other Hardship Awards that the council can provide to help people to pay. Residents can contact the council as soon as they get into arrears, with help and advice available on the council tax pages of erewash.gov.uk

Councillor Wayne Major, Lead Member for Resources, says: “We want to make sure that, during these difficult financial times, residents are claiming all of the help and support that they are entitled to. If anyone is not sure whether they may be eligible for help, or needs help filling in a form our team can offer help and advice.”

Help is also available through the Derbyshire branch of Citizens Advice. It offers free pre-payment energy vouchers, can help reduce water bills through its Big Difference scheme, make referrals for food parcels and provide sim cards with up to six months of free data, calls and texts. Call 0808 278 7954 or visit citizensadvicederbyshiredistricts.org.uk

Support for pensioners, including help available for carers, can be found on the Age UK website ageuk.org.uk

Residents are also reminded to be aware of scammers taking advantage of the cost of living crisis.

Visit actionfraud.police.uk for more information.

Homes made cheaper to heat

Using funding provided by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, homes were identified that were expensive to heat and where the household was on a low income. External wall insulation or solar panels were installed and the work resulted in nearly all the homes being upgraded to an EPC rating of C.

Pictured is resident Jacqui who had solar panels fitted on her Erewash home More than 40 homes in Erewash have already benefitted from energy efficiency measures. A partnership between Erewash Borough Council, the Midland Net Zero Hub, E.ON Energy Solutions and Marches Energy Agency saw the homes of 41 residents upgraded.

Councillor Paul Maginnis, Lead Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “The council understands that many residents are struggling to heat their homes affordably. We are identifying those who need help the most and working in partnership to reduce energy bills.”

Winter Tips

There are a few things that you can do to save money and energy this winter, such as pan frying food on a gas hob instead of using the electric oven.

When it comes to washing clothes, select a 30 degree cycle and then air dry instead of tumble drying. Turning your thermostat down by one degree - setting it at between 18 and 21 degrees - could save up to £229 a year. You should also check your loft insulation is at least 270mm thick and that cavity walls are insulated. Keep cold air out by draught proofing gaps around windows and doors. If you are a pensioner you may be eligible for winter fuel payment and cold weather payments.