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Standing up

for everyone
in the city
NORWICH LABOUR
MANIFESTO 2014
Working all year round for
a safer, fairer Norwich
USE YOUR VOTES FOR LABOUR ON 22nd MAY
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Our Norwich Labour manifesto 2014
NORWICH LABOUR
MANIFESTO 2014
USE YOUR VOTES FOR LABOUR ON 22nd MAY
Our pledges to the people of Norwich are that if you elect
Labour councillors in May 2014 we will;
n Make sure more people have good homes by building new
council homes and more afordable properties for rent,
while we tackle absentee landlords who rip of tenants
and leave homes empty
n Boost jobs by working with our contractors to make
sure they have apprenticeships and by investing in skills
training
n Make Norwich a fairer place to live by working with the
voluntary sector to make sure people have access to free,
high quality advice, support and information
n Create safer and cleaner communities by delivering more
services at a neighbourhood level, making recycling easier,
reducing energy costs and investing in our parks and open
spaces as well as a new improved pedal way for cyclists.
Every election is a choice. But a vote for Labour will help
us to deliver the changes, support and services which will
see opportunity, fairness and power in the hands of
Norwich people.
If you share our values of fairness, believe in the community
and want good quality public services being delivered at
a local level, then I urge you to not only vote Labour on
Thursday 22nd May 2014 but join and help us build this
future together.
CLLR BRENDA ARTHUR
I am proud of what Labour
has achieved in Norwich
over the past 8 years.
This manifesto shows how we will build on
our award winning record and by continuing
to put our democratic socialist values into
practice, create the real changes which can
make our city a better place to live for all
the people of Norwich.
It demonstrates clearly how Labour
councillors will ambitiously deliver
more homes, new jobs, regenerate our
communities and make our city a fairer
place to live during these tough times.
It is about the future we shall build
together. It shows how we will ensure that
Norwich City Council delivers the services
working people need in every community.
It is a manifesto
which is on the
side of the many,
not the few.
Opening up the private
rented sector and tackling
homelessness Labour City
Council delivering.

'LetNCC' is the name given to the Labour council's private sector
leasing scheme, which was launched in May 2006. It currently
manages 350+ properties in Norwich, one of the largest such
schemes in the country. Since inception the scheme has
successfully accommodated almost 1,000 households that would otherwise have faced significant housing
difficulties or homelessness. The scheme, which is self-funding, takes on the management of private sector
properties from landlords in Norwich and then uses these to provide a decent, affordable housing alternative
to those facing homelessness.
This small team provides a complete management service to both landlords and tenants.

How does the scheme work?
The property management service provided by the team ensures that LetNCC is an attractive proposition for
landlords, offering peace of mind through hassle free property rental, with a full management service and
guaranteed and competitive monthly rent. Under the scheme, a landlord can lease his or her property to Nor-
wich City Council for a period of four years. This is subject to a one year minimum agreement, during which
the lease cannot be terminated. Norwich City Council guarantee to pay the rent to the landlord whether or not
the property is let.

Rents are paid at a reasonable market rate. Landlords can choose whether to deal with their own repairs or
ask the council to deal with them.

Services to landlords and tenants
The council hands the property back to the landlord at the end of the lease in the same condition in which it
was leased, less fair wear and tear. Any damage by the tenants is put right by the council, and this is where
the management skills of the team are put to the test. Unlike the private rental sector, no rental deposits or
advance rental payments are demanded from tenants, so it is essential any such damage is kept to a
minimum.

Tenants are assured of well managed property that meets all standards. A specialist housing officer offers
support through regular visits. The team works closely with partner organisations to ensure that clients with
specialist needs receive the right help to maintain their tenancies.

The effect of the creation of these LetNCC tenancies has been to optimise the council's use of private rented
properties to allow access to this burgeoning sector from those that may otherwise have been excluded (e.g.
benefit claimants and those unable to raise a deposit).

In practice, this means putting vulnerable people into suitable homes where they would otherwise be facing
homelessness.

The positive impact of the scheme is reflected in a high number of successful homeless prevention cases and
a reduction in homeless presentations. This has been a contributing factor in the huge reduction since 2006
in the number of homeless applications made to the authority, the number of households in temporary
accommodation and therefore a significant decrease in the costs created by the above. Such provision and
related high performance has previously lead to the council being recognised as a 'regional champion' and a
'trailblazer' authority for the enhanced housing options it is able to provide clients.
NORWICH CITY COUNCIL LABOUR GROUP
NEWS, CAMPAIGNS AND UPDATES
Our Norwich Labour manifesto 2014
NORWICH LABOUR
MANIFESTO 2014
USE YOUR VOTES FOR LABOUR ON 22nd MAY
LABOUR WILL:
n Build a minimum of 250 new council homes, let at a
social rent by 2017-18 and bring at least 300 empty
homes back into use by 2018
n Substantially reduce the number of hazardous, poorly
managed and sub-standard privately rented homes
through enforcement
n Improve the councils housing stock through a programme
of upgrades and maintenance, including new kitchens,
bathrooms, windows and doors bringing them up to a
Norwich Standard
n Promote independent living through the provision of
information, disabled facilities grants, discretionary loans
and adaptations of council homes
n Continue to make tackling and preventing homelessness
and rough sleeping a key priority
n Keep improving the energy efciency of all homes in
Norwich
n Help to bring down rents by expanding the supply of all
types of low-cost private and non-council sector housing
n Look to use planning powers to limit the percentage of
houses in an area that can be Houses of Multiple Occupation
n Prioritise the building of afordable family
homes over luxury ats.
LABOUR WILL:
n Ensure that all new council-funded construction includes
training and job opportunities for the workforce and
work with our partners to help increase training and
employment opportunities in the city
n Use the councils resources innovatively to leverage
new investment into the city prioritising investment in
projects with the greatest potential to drive sustainable
jobs growth
n Work with partners to raise the citys prole and attract
visitors, students, new businesses and investment to
the city
n Build on the work to boost retailers in our city centre and
ensure Norwich stays in the top shopping destinations
n Continue to boost the local economy by seeking to use
local suppliers and workers
n Continue to work with the Universities and partners to
promote Norwich as a global centre for research energy,
engineering, science digital businesses and art and design
n Continue to publicise the reliefs and grants to which
businesses are entitled to.
LIVING NORWICH
HOUSING
Having a secure roof over your head and
a warm, comfortable home is fundamental
to health and well being. Good housing
enables families to ourish, children to
thrive and older people to live in dignity.
Norwich Labour has a proud record of
providing homes and this is something we
are committed to continuing despite the
Tory government attacks and cuts to
local government.
WORKING NORWICH
JOBS AND GROWTH
Labour understands that the City Council is
a major player in the local economy a large
local employer and a signicant purchaser
of goods and services. Responsibilities for
providing a range of vital services such
as housing, local area planning, economic
development and regeneration, waste
collection, leisure, culture and looking
after the citys
environment and
citizens wellbeing
all of great
importance to the
local economy and
local people.
A w
age to live on

Labour is proud to have turned Norwich City
Council into a Living Wage council earlier
this year.

A colourful new plaque is on display in
City Hall's main reception area, to show our
accreditation as a 'living wage' council.

The definition of a living wage is the income
required to maintain a safe and decent
standard of living, with the ability to save for
future needs. Currently, the living wage rate
is 7.45 per hour outside of London, but
approximately 30 per cent of the 81,600
people who work in Norwich are thought to
earn less than 7.35 per hour. This
accreditation recognises that our direct
employees are already paid at or above the
living wage rate, and that we have a
scheduled programme
to ensure our
non-direct employees
and sub-contractors
will receive a living
wage within a certain
timescale.

Labour's long-term aim
is to encourage
businesses to pay a
living wage. This will
not only help
employees but give
proven benefits to
employers too, such as
a lower turnover of
staff, greater employee
commitment, and a
higher degree of
productivity.
NORW
ICH CITY COUNCIL LABOUR GROUP
NEW
S, CAMPAIGNS AND UPDATES
Despite vicious Tory / Lib Dem attacks our Labour
City Council has;


1. Delivered a Living Wage authority.
2. Promoted two switch and save auctions which have
saved a large number of people significant sums of
money
3. Entered into a joint venture company which is
wholly owned by the public sector to deliver many
of services which were previously out sourced to
the private sector.
4. Started to build council homes for the first time in
30 years
5. Refused to introduce the invidious council tax
benefit scheme which the Tory government wanted.
6. Has led or promoted a number of initiatives to
inform, help and advise the most vulnerable people
who have been hit by the monstrous changes in our
social security system.
Reproduced from the
Eveni ng News
4
Evening News
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2014
NEWS
Your local news
video service
online and soon
on Freeview
Go to eveningnews24.co.uk
to watch local news videos
After funeral
buffets
Starting at 5.50pp
2mins from St Faiths
Crematorium
01603-898366
ElmFarmCountry House
Advert !D:TE70TH 32 mm by10 mm Booking Code:70TH Customer !D:70TH Colour:+ First Appearance:17f02f1+ Last Appearance:17f02f1+
Happy 70th Birthday
CHRISTINE
THOMAS
With love from
all the Family
x x x x x x x x x
Advert !D:TEDEATHS 32 mm by10 mm Booking Code:DEATHS Customer !D:DEATHS Colour:+ First Appearance:17f02f1+ Last Appearance:17f02f1+
Advert !D:+0+5+2HR
32 mm by+9.5 mm
Booking Code:+0+5+2HR
Customer !D:RYDER BARBARA
Colour:1
First Appearance:17f02f1+
Last Appearance:17f02f1+
Advert !D:+0+528HR 32 mm by13.5 mm Booking Code:+0+528HR Customer !D:RYDER BARBARA Colour:1 First Appearance:17f02f1+ Last Appearance:17f02f1+
Advert !D:TEACKN 32 mm by10 mm Booking Code:ACKN Customer !D:ACKN Colour:+ First Appearance:17f02f1+ Last Appearance:17f02f1+
Advert !D:+0++26HR
32 mm by53.7 mm
Booking Code:+0++26HR
Customer !D:BLAKE THE FAN!LY
OF
Colour:1
First Appearance:17f02f1+
Last Appearance:17f02f1+
Advert !D:TEFUND!R 32 mm by10 mm Booking Code:FUND!R Customer !D:FUND!R Colour:+ First Appearance:17f02f1+ Last Appearance:17f02f1+
JOHN. D. BROWN
01603 419397
After funeral
buffets
Starting at 5.50pp
2mins from St Faiths
Crematorium
01603-898366
ElmFarmCountry House
70th Birthdays
Happy 70th Birthday
CHRISTINE
THOMAS
With love from
all the Family
x x x x x x x x x
Deaths
RYDER
BARBARA LEONORA
(nee Williams)
Suddenly at home on
February 11th. Darling wife of
Leslie, loving mum of Sandra,
Angela and Tina, mother-in-
law to David, Graham and
Karl. Nanny and great-nanny.
Will be sadly missed. Sleep in
heaven Mum, will be loved
always.
Funeral service at St. Mary
Magdalen Church, Silver
Road, on Friday, February
28th at 10.30 a.m., followed by
interment at Earlham
Cemetery. Flowers may be
sent c/o Allcock Family
Funeral Services, Falcon
House, 96a City Road,
Norwich, NR1 2HD.
RYDER
BARBARA
Dear sister-in-law of Mabel
and Ethel and Families.
Sleep peacefully.
Acknowledgments
BLAKE
The family of the late PETER
WILLIAM CHARLES
BLAKE, wish to express their
sincere thanks to all for the
kindness and sympathy shown
to them during their recent
bereavement.
Also for the cards, letters of
condolence, floral tributes
and donations received for the
Elsie Bertram Diabetes
Centre.
Thanks to Father Tony
Snasdell for a comforting
service, to Julie Jarvis and her
staff from R J Bartram & Son
in Wymondham for their
excellent funeral
arrangements and to the staff
at the Kings Head
Ashwellthorpe for her
hospitality.
Funeral
Directors
JOHN. D. BROWN
01603 419397
From page one
finished and ready to let to people
on the citys social housing wait-
ing list by May.
A further four, two-bedroom
properties will be available to buy
on a shared ownership basis
through Orwell Housing
Association, which is working in
partnership with the city council
to deliver the scheme.
A new concept known as self-
build is being piloted in Norwich
for the first time in the building of
the shared ownership homes
with the houses built to 90pc
completion. The buyer is then
given a range of options for finish-
ing the build themselves or buying
in building services from the main
contractor.
The city council has committed
to building 250 new homes over
the next five years and leader
Brenda Arthur said today was an
historic occasion, which she
hoped would be the first of
many much needed, affordable
council-owned homes for the city.
And the councils controlling
Labour cabinet has also agreed to
spending which will see a start to
the long-awaited work on the
Three Score site.
The Three Score site is the last
remaining piece of land in
Bowthorpe not yet developed
under a plan forged for the area in
the 1970s.
The 79-acre site will eventually
include 1,000 homes, a care home
and community facilities.
The spine road through the
estate has been mapped out, while
this week will see work to cut back
trees before the bird nesting
season begins.
The councils cabinet recently
met behind closed doors to agree
As per a partnership agreement
with the Homes and Communities
Agency, which has provided
money to kick-start the Three
Score scheme, proceeds from
future development of the site will
be pumped back into regeneration
and housing schemes in Norwich.
Cash generated from the first
phase of homes, next to the hous-
ing with care scheme which
Norsecare intends to start work on
in the summer, will be used to
recoup the cost of building the
road and drainage, including two
lagoons, which the site needs.
Mrs Arthur said: This is an
exciting moment, not only for the
development at Three Score, but
also for the council as a service
provider.
By looking to take on a busi-
ness model for this development,
we hope to create a robust and
sustainable means of delivering
and funding homes for Norwich
well into the future.
It is also another way in which
we can manage our money
wisely to reduce the effects of
funding cuts on our frontline
services.
Steve Collins, head of area for
the HCA, said: We fully support
this move by the council to use
remaining funds for the partner-
ship to deliver infrastructure,
which will unlock this develop-
ment site, and their plans to
provide private sale and affordable
housing directly to the market.
Are you looking for a new
home? Make sure you visit
www.homes24.co.uk
development manager at the city
council, said the first 140 units
would be in the north-east corner
of the site and would be for a mix
of private homes for sale and rent,
plus social housing.
She said planning applications
would have to be lodged and a
construction company appointed
to build the homes, but, if it goes
ahead, work is likely to start in
summer next year and take two
years.
to make 13.2m available to design
and build the first of the homes at
Three Score.
Gwyn Jones, city growth and
An investigation has been
launched following a blaze at an
empty house in Sprowston at the
weekend.
Four fire crews and firefighters
from Sprowston, Carrow and
Earlham stations were called to
the home in Wroxham Road,
Sprowston, at about 1.45am
yesterday.
Firefighters broke into the
empty locked property after
neighbours reported a blaze on
the first floor of the house.
After establishing that no one
was in the home, crews used
breathing apparatus and hose
reel jets to put out the flames,
which left the property heavily
smoke damaged.
The firefighters were at the
scene of the blaze until 4.40am.
Station manager David Brett,
of Norfolk Fire and Rescue
Service, yesterday began an
investigation into what caused
the blaze.
He added that there had been
fears that someone could have
been in the house when the 999
call was made.
We were called to an incident
at 1.45am to the unoccupied
house. Forced entry was made
through the front door and the
emphasis was on search and
rescue and firefighting.
It was on the first floor and it
is too early to say what caused
it, he said.
Next-door neighbour Keith
Frary said no one had been living
at the property for the last two
weeks.
I could smell plastic burning
earlier and before I want to bed I
looked out at the back and there
was a red glow in the upstairs
window and I called the fire
brigade.
It does not look like there is
any structural damage and the
main concern at the time was
that we did not know if anyone
was in there at the time.
Empty house is smoke damaged following fire
I The house in Wroxham Road,
Sprowston. Picture: SUBMITTED
Authority leader hails historic
new development of homes
This is an exciting
moment, not only for
the development at
Three Score, but also
for the council as a
service provider
Brenda Arthur
I An artists
impression of the
new development
in Pointers File,
Catton Grove.
Graphics: ANNETTE HUDSON
Sleaford Green
Boston Rd
Philadelphia Lane
Angel Rd
Rackham
Rd
George Pope Rd
C openhagen W
ay
Vicarage Rd
Waterloo Park
A1402 Aylsham
Road
Site for new council houses in Pointers Field
Wendene
Bowthorpe
Three Score
Colney
Bowthorpe Chapel Break Rd
A 4 7
Housing
area
Ear lham Rd B1108
Watton Rd B1108
A1074 Dereham Rd
Bowthorpe Rd
Red area is
where the
council
plans to
build first
140 homes
Site for 1,000 houses at Three Score
All press clippings from
EDP/Evening News
Our Norwich Labour manifesto 2014
NORWICH LABOUR
MANIFESTO 2014
USE YOUR VOTES FOR LABOUR ON 22nd MAY
LABOUR WILL:
n Continue to work with the voluntary sector to help ensure
voluntary sector organisations can provide free debt and
money advice services to Norwich citizens
n Ensure that the councils money advice team continue
to provide high quality debt and money advice to council
tenants and by ofering pre-tenancy courses focusing on
nancial capability
n Continue to protect the worst impacts of the Tory
government localisation of council tax on those with low
incomes in Norwich
n Maximise fuel efciency of council properties, saving
tenants money
n Work with the private sector housing service to investigate
the provision of home improvement loans to address
excess cold hazards in properties
n Work alongside the local credit unions in their continued
development. We will continue to highlight the dangers
and pitfalls of using un-licensed loan providers, loan sharks
or high charging companies
n Continue to work closely with veterans and ex-service
personnel associations to ensure that organisations in the
City are doing all they can to support those people who
put their lives on the line for our country
n Campaign to ensure all citizens are aware of their
entitlements to benets and other services such as
winter fuel payments and TV licenses
n Support existing residents and community groups
and encourage the creation of new groups
n Provide more training for council staf advising
on welfare changes.
CARING NORWICH
FOR ALL OF
NORWICHS
RESIDENTS
Norwich Labour wants a fairer, more equal
city. Our vision is one where the wealth and
opportunities of Norwichs economy are
shared more widely, where everyone can
rely on help when theyre struggling, where
basic services are prioritised and where we
care for everyone, including the young, the
old and the vulnerable. Everyone within the
community must have their voice heard,
including those with the quietest voices or
the smallest pockets.
Our Norwich Labour manifesto 2014
NORWICH LABOUR
MANIFESTO 2014
USE YOUR VOTES FOR LABOUR ON 22nd MAY
LABOUR WILL:
n Restate our ambition to be a city that is welcoming,
diverse, inclusive and safe. Combating hate crime is a
priority for Labour
n Continue our efective working arrangement with our
anti-social behaviour team and the Police
n Not cut CCTV coverage in the city and continue to lobby
for streetlights to be turned back on
n Maintain and develop the successful Community Warden
scheme which is highly regarded across Norwich
n Implement our 12 point plan to make the night time
economy safer for those using it and less anti-social
for those living in the area
n Hold local crime summits involving residents
n Continue to improve the enforcement of littering,
dog-fouling and y tipping. We will adopt rmer policies
to control premises selling alcohol and introduce more
rigorous inspections for of-licenses
n Tackle untidy and eyesore land and gardens.
LABOUR WILL:
n Ensure increased energy efciency in council-owned
properties and promote domestic energy efciency
n Reduce the disposal of waste to landll and increasing
recycling, together with reducing the consumption of paper
and fuel in council activities
n Continue supporting and encourage sustainable transport
and delivering the Norwich Area Transport Strategy
n Continue to raise awareness of energy conservation and
good environmental practice to citizens and businesses
n Maintain and develop our popular Switch and Save
scheme giving better utility prices for Norwich residents.
It has saved thousands of Norwich residents money
n Reduce the councils carbon emissions every year
n Improve the take-up of energy efciency measures in
privately rented houses
n Work to make Norwich a recognised centre for green jobs.
Labour will continue to improve the number of green public
spaces. We believe the natural environment is important
to Norwich and we pledge to protect, retain and increase
green open spaces as well as parks
n Improve recycling information and ways of communicating
this especially for transient residents, students and those
living in Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs)
n Work with the County Council for a city-wide 20 mph
residential, school area and shopping centre speed limit.
SAFER NORWICH
COMMUNITY SAFETY
AND TACKLING
ANTI-SOCIAL
BEHAVIOUR
Everyone has the right to peace of mind,
free from anti-social behaviour, crime and
disturbance. Labour knows that it is often
the most vulnerable and poorest in our
community who sufer the hardest from
crime. Getting serious about community
safety has been a cornerstone of Labours
delivery in City Hall since 2006. We will
maintain and expand it, despite the Tory
government cuts to the police.
ENVIRONMENTALLY
SOUND NORWICH
Labour will ensure that Norwich can be enjoyed
safely by everyone. We will steward our green
spaces, parks and trees responsibly. We also
have a duty to make sure the city plays its part
in becoming a sustainable, low carbon city that
can be enjoyed by generations to come.
Our Norwich Labour manifesto 2014
NORWICH LABOUR
MANIFESTO 2014
USE YOUR VOTES FOR LABOUR ON 22nd MAY
LABOUR WILL:
n Increase availability of tourist information through
development of our website and linking this with the
Visit Norwich site
n Work efectively to improve customer satisfaction
levels for St Andrews and Blackfriars Halls, the
Riverside sports complex and the Norman Centre
n Aim to attract at least one major national event to
Norwich each year
n Continue to provide a range of free city centre events
to promote participation and engagement
n Celebrate the work of community and volunteer sport
and recognise the work of community coaches.
LABOUR WILL:
n Deliver the City Cycle Ambition programme of cycle
and other highway improvements, creating a linked
green route from east to west in Norwich. We will
continue to work with local cycling groups to extend
the cycle network
n Ensure that there is sufcient car parking in Norwich
to support a thriving city centre
n Work to implement a city-wide 20mph residential,
school area and shopping centre speed limit and
introduce residents parking areas using the limited
available budgets which the City Council has
n Keep the streets clean and keep drains clear
n Work with bus companies to improve reliability,
cleanliness and new ways of ticketing to aid greater
use of public transport
n We want Norwich to keep moving even in times of
extreme weather, so we will adopt the Snow Warden
scheme using community volunteers to keep residential
roads and pavements open at times of heavy snowfall.
VIBRANT NORWICH
CULTURE, CREATIVITY
AND SPORT
Norwich remains a special place because the
people have made our city a creative, cultural
and active place to live and work in.
Norwich Labour understands the importance
of putting culture at the heart of the citys life,
so that residents and visitors can fully take
part in the range of activities it has to ofer.
In constrained times when people dont have
as much money to spend on holidays or
going out we believe individuals and families
should still be able to access events which
are free. These activities are not simply about
entertainment but about providing people
with aspirations and dreams while also having
fun. Our policies in this manifesto will seek
to further maintain, protect and enhance this
reputation for the benet of all the people.
MOVING NORWICH
GOOD TRANSPORT
IN OUR CITY
Our Labour transport policies aim at ensuring
we have a sustainable urban community, with
a transport system that meets its needs.
This promotes travel choice, recognising the
need to maintain the economic health of
the city, with improvements for bus users,
cyclists and pedestrians.
Reproduced from electronic media. Promoted by Alan Pawsey on behalf of Norwich Labour Party, both of St Marks Church Hall, Hall Road, Norwich NR1 3HL

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