Category Archive News

North East Lincolnshire Council will distribute £4.5-million to eligible local businesses as part of the Government’s Covid-19 Additional Relief Fund.

The Government created the £1.5-billion fund to support businesses affected by the pandemic but not eligible for existing business rate support.

Cabinet members met on 8 September to discuss a report about the fund and how it will be distributed.

Now that it has been approved, North East Lincolnshire Council (NELC) will distribute the money in the form of business rate relief refunds for the tax year 2021/22.

The relief will be paid to businesses outside the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors (who have already benefited from other types of relief).

Guidance from the Government sets the criteria the Council must follow when allocating the fund.

Councils must:

• Provide direct support to business ratepayers who have been adversely affected by the pandemic and have been unable to adequately adapt to the impact.
• not award relief to ratepayers eligible for other certain reliefs
• not award to unoccupied properties (unless temporarily closed due to Covid).

There is no need for businesses to apply for the funds. The Council will use data from the Office for National Statistics, the Valuation Office Agency and its own records to identify the businesses most affected by the pandemic and apply relief directly to their business rates accounts.

Councillor Stephen Harness, portfolio holder for Finance, Resources and Assets, said:

“This additional support is excellent news for businesses in our area who were hit by the pandemic but weren’t eligible for other types of business rate relief.

“We expect 770 businesses in North East Lincolnshire will benefit from the £4.5-million support package.

“More information will be made available to eligible businesses in the coming weeks.”

Article from NELC.

North East Lincolnshire Council is reviewing and updating the Local Plan, the document which sets out how the borough will develop over the next 20 years.

The Local Plan provides the planning framework for development of the borough, setting out land for specific uses including housing, employment and retail as well as covering issues such as the environment, and access to education and healthcare. Importantly, it sets the basis for decisions on planning applications – achieving a blueprint to develop a borough where people will enjoy living and working.

Between 26 September and 4 November 2022, the first informal public engagement on the Local Plan review will be held. Individuals, groups and businesses around the borough will have the opportunity to comment on the Local Plan providing the council with the thoughts and queries of local people.

Drop-in sessions will also be held, to give people the opportunity to speak with officers about the Local Plan and then post their feedback. People are invited to the following:

• Monday 10 October, Immingham Library, 8.30am – 12.30pm and 1.30pm – 5.30pm.
• Tuesday 11 October, Grimsby Library, 8.30am – 5.30pm.
• Wednesday 12 October, Cleethorpes Library, 8.30am – 5.30pm.

The revised Local Plan will need to go through several rounds of engagement during its preparation and once all appropriate revisions are made, it will be submitted to the Government for formal examination. The steps are as follows:

• September 2022: start engagement with local residents and stakeholders.
• 2023 to 2024: Draft Local Plan is developed. This includes two iterative rounds of statutory consultation on the Draft Local Plans.
• Late 2024: Submission to the Secretary of State for formal examination.
• Early 2025: New Local Plan adopted.

Announcing the start of the process, North East Lincolnshire Council leader, Cllr Philip Jackson, encouraged people to get involved: “The Local Plan is crucial to the future of the borough as it helps set the framework for development.

“Shaped by the feedback from local people, it will help us to build a future for North East Lincolnshire that sets the correct balance and blend of industrial, commercial and housing development, with environmental and green considerations at the fore. Together we want to build a better future for our young people and families,” he added.

To find out more about the Local Plan review and provide your feedback, please visit https://nelincs-consult.objective.co.uk- external site or pop down to one of our drop-in sessions.

Article and image from NELC.

Nominations are open now in the 2023 Civic Awards.

Cllr Stephen Beasant, Mayor of North East Lincolnshire, launched the awards during a ceremony at Grimsby Town Hall.

North East Lincolnshire Council’s Civic Office has partnered with HMT St Hugh’s Hospital to stage the awards and celebrate community spirit in North East Lincolnshire.

This year, there are seven categories and each one has a presenter who will champion their category, these include:

1. Mayor’s Community Impact Award (Mayor of North East Lincolnshire, Cllr Stephen Beasant)
2. Charity of the Year Award (Ashley Brown from St Hugh’s)
3. Environmental Impact Award (Jordan Brompton, myenergi)
4. Sporting and Wellness Impact Award (Jason Stockwood, Grimsby Town FC)
5. Business in the Community Award (Mark Webb from eFactor)
6. Inspirational Young Person Award (Mark Blundell from Onside Youth Zone)
7. Good Neighbour Award (Sam Delaney from Creative Start).

Say thank you to someone who is making a difference by nominating them at www.nelincs.gov.uk/CivicAwards

Article and image from NELC.

A DIFFERENT cinema for a different audience’.

As people are asked for their views on a redesigned Freshney Place, the owner of the Parkway Entertainment Group has spoken about the new cinema that will open within the development.

Richard Parkes is excited about the Grimsby venture, explaining how it will complement the company’s successful complex in Cleethorpes. As revealed earlier this summer, Parkway will be the anchor leisure tenant when the redevelopment of the western end of Freshney Place takes place.

“Our Cleethorpes cinema is the biggest independent cinema in the country, and is a real fun, family-focussed seaside style offer,” he said.

“What we’re planning for Grimsby is very different and we’re sure there’s an audience for a different choice and style,” added Richard, whose family business was founded by his parents and is now run by himself, his brother and their ‘amazing team’.

Three weeks of public consultation starts today (Monday 26 September from 9am), ahead of plans being finalised for the Freshney Place Market Hall and Leisure Development. Until Sunday 16 October people are being asked to visit www.freshneyplace.co.uk/markethallandleisuredevelopment- external site to view the initial artists’ impressions and give their feedback on the designs.

From Monday 10 October to Sunday 16 October, there will also be a static display in the window of a Freshney Place unit at Market Square, 1-3 Friargare, Grimsby, DN31 1ED (located in front of the Starbucks, facing the Top Town Market internal entrance). For three of those days – Monday 10, Thursday 13, and Saturday 15 October – the unit will be staffed between 10am and 3pm, for people to ask questions and complete the feedback forms.

Meanwhile, at a North East Lincolnshire Council meeting last week Cabinet members formally approved the scheme’s next stage – with actions supported to prepare for a full planning submission. The Cabinet report highlighted again the need for the town centre to diversify and lessen its reliance on retail so it can survive and thrive.

The council, which now owns Freshney Place, has won significant grant monies for the transformation of its western end with the new cinema, more leisure opportunities, and a new Market Hall.  A Levelling Up Fund Bid has been submitted to central Government to support the scheme, however pre-secured monies from the Future High Streets Fund could be used if necessary.

Council Leader, Cllr Philip Jackson, said: “We have a unique opportunity here to offer Grimsby Town Centre a new future and that is what we are driving to achieve. People need a good, healthy, and vibrant town centre, which offers day and evening attractions.

“If you look at this project alongside other schemes planned, including the business use of St James’ House, the Horizon OnSide Youth Zone project and new housing in the Alexandra Dock and Garth Lane areas, there is wholescale change planned. We are determined to do our best to create a better environment and future for all – especially our young people in order that they see opportunity here and want to stay and achieve,” he added.

Development manager for the project is Queensberry, a market-leader in urban regeneration schemes. The company’s Senior Development Manager Mike Norris, said: “We are looking forward to engaging with residents and businesses during the consultation period. Each time we do these, we learn something new and it’s important we develop a scheme that is right for Grimsby that reflects the town’s personality. We will work closely with the council and the community  to restore civic pride and deliver a sustainable long term future for the town.”

Article and images from NELC.

North East Lincolnshire Council leader, Cllr Philip Jackson, today applauded his authority’s ambition to grow arts and culture within the borough.

In doing so, he wanted to highlight how that work would continue at a local level, meaning the authority would not be pursuing any partnership with other regional local authorities at this stage.

Commenting on reports that North East Lincolnshire Council was interested in partnering with two other district councils and one city council in Lincolnshire to work up a county City of Culture bid for 2029, he said:

“Of course we will watch with interest the progression of any such bid. However, the authority here is not in any position to actively take part at this stage. I wish to be clear too of the importance that North East Lincolnshire Council puts on considering the whole of Greater Lincolnshire when looking at future partnerships.”

Of the local North East Lincolnshire arts and culture sector, he added: “We have made great strides in our arts and culture offer locally in recent years and will continue to do so. I would like to take this opportunity to thank organisations, such as Arts Council England for their support.

“We have been successful in winning significant grant funding for projects that are changing our borough’s perception of art, heritage and culture. Grimsby Creates in particular, has done some fantastic work and it continues to do so. This is where our focus will remain presently – to change our cultural landscape within North East Lincolnshire.”

Events and activities across North East Lincolnshire recently have included The Festival of the Sea, the mural artwork across Grimsby (the Town Centre artwork is pictured), and this weekend’s Grim FalFest. Future events include Edible Grimsby, next month. For more about Grimsby Creates go to www.grimsbycreates.co.uk- external site and for more on all events across the borough go to www.discovernortheastlincolnshire.co.uk

Article and image from NELC.

North East Lincolnshire has been invited by Government to be part of early discussions on the creation of a new “investment zone”, designed to drive business growth, create jobs and increase wages.

The council is one of 38 areas listed by the Government following the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s budget statement delivered in the Commons this morning.

According to Government, these new investments zones will apply to specific land areas and will have more liberal planning rules to release land and accelerate development. 

The proposals could see a cut in taxes for businesses on these sites for the first ten years, with the Chancellor announcing a variety of benefits such as:

• accelerated tax reliefs for structures and buildings
• 100 per cent relief on qualifying investments in plant and machinery used on the sites
• no stamp duty on purchases of land and buildings for commercial or new residential developments
• no business rates on newly occupied business premises
• for every new employee the business will pay no national insurance on the first £50,000 they earn.

Cllr Philip Jackson, leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “Along with our other bids in to the Levelling Up Fund, the potential benefits for North East Lincolnshire are huge, and would make our industrial sites even more attractive to investors.

“Thanks to the support from Government, we have already invested a huge amount in our business community, and have lots of businesses interested in what we have here. To have the tax benefits on a potential range of sites in North East Lincolnshire as well would be highly desirable for any investing business.

“We are looking forward to having productive discussions with Government in the coming weeks and months to try to secure that Investment Zone status and boost business growth and wages for local people.”

Read more about the Government’s proposals for Investment Zones: The Growth Plan 2022: Investment Zones factsheet – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Article from NELC.

A public consultation has been launched to give parents the chance to influence childcare in North East Lincolnshire.

North East Lincolnshire Council has published a public consultation on the childcare that is on offer to families.

Under the 2006 Childcare Act, all Council’s in England are required to secure sufficient childcare for working parents, or parents who are studying or training for employment, for children aged 0-14 (or up to 18 for children with a disability).

To do this, the Council is asking local residents about their childcare needs and about the childcare opportunities already on offer in the area.

Councillor Margaret Cracknell, portfolio holder for children, young people and education at North East Lincolnshire Council, said:

“We carry out this consultation every year to ascertain how local childcare is meeting the needs of our parents and families.

“It’s important that as many parents as possible respond to the consultation so we can gauge whether we need to encourage more childcare solutions.”

Take part in the consultation at www.nelincs.gov.uk/have-your-say/. The survey closes on 2^nd October 2022.

If you need to speak to someone to give your views or ask any questions or you need a copy of the survey posting to you, you can ring the Engagement team on 01472 324380 or send an email to fis@nelincs.gov.uk or call 01472 326292(option 1). Large print surveys are available.

Article from NELC.

On Sunday, local proclamations for King Charles III occurred in Grimsby and Cleethorpes on the steps of the town halls.

Local people are invited to witness the local Proclamation of our new Sovereign following the passing of our late Sovereign, Queen Elizabeth II.

On Sunday 11 September, the Proclamation will be read twice locally:

Location details:

Grimsby: Town Hall steps, 3pm:

Cleethorpes: Town Hall steps, 4pm.

Road closures and marked diversions will be in place during the time of both Proclamations.

The ceremonies, performed by The Mayor of North East Lincolnshire, Cllr Steve Beasant and attended by Council Leader Philip Jackson will mark the formal Proclamation to the people of the Borough of North East Lincolnshire of the beginning of our new King’s reign. They follow the formal readings nationally and in Lincoln.

In line with official protocol all flags will be raised today (Saturday, 10 September) to coincide with the principal and first Proclamation at St James’ Palace, London. They will be lowered again tomorrow afternoon.

The Proclamation of the new Sovereign is a very old tradition that can be traced back over many centuries. It does not create a new King but is an announcement of the accession that takes place immediately on the death of the reigning monarch.

As part of the ceremony, an old tradition is observed. When the Monarch visits a borough, the Mace (the symbol of the Mayor’s authority) is inverted in recognition of the authority of the Crown.  In the ceremony the Mace will be inverted as a similar signal of recognition that the Crown has passed from our late Sovereign to her Successor.

Article from NELC.

BOOKS of condolence have opened at Grimsby Town Hall and Immingham Civic Centre, as residents of  North East Lincolnshire join the nation in mourning the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Books of Condolence: Mayor Cllr Steve Beasant and the Leader of the Council, Cllr Philip Jackson officially declared the Grimsby Book open at 10am yesterday, (Friday 9 Sept) and invited residents to join them in adding their names to it. The Town Hall will be open Monday to Saturday next week (12 – 17 September) from 10am until 4pm.

A book at the Civic Centre in Immingham is also open at the same times and the Cleethorpes book will be open at the resort’s Town Hall on Monday from 10am. An official Letter of Condolence signed by the Mayor, the Leader of the Council and the authority’s Deputy Chief Executive will be sent to King Charles III. Additional Books of Condolence are being opened across the Borough at different areas. An online Book of Condolence is available at www.royal.uk- external site

Flags: Union flags have been lowered across civic buildings in the borough and, aside from being raised ahead of the Proclamations, that will remain the case until after the funeral of Her Majesty, The Queen.

Cllr Jackson said: “I share the thoughts of our whole nation today in paying a heartfelt tribute to Queen Elizabeth and what was a magnificent reign. It is a time of great sadness but also of reflection for us all both here in North East Lincolnshire and across the country.”

Proclamation Ceremonies: The National Proclamation Ceremonies will occur today, Saturday September 10. These will be followed by a regional Proclamation in Lincoln on Sunday, September 11, at 1pm. Following that, the Mayor of North East Lincolnshire, Cllr Steve Beasant, will travel back from Lincoln to lead the borough Proclamations at 3pm on the steps of Grimsby Town Hall and then at 4pm on the steps at Cleethorpes Town Hall. In line with official protocol all flags will be raised this morning (Saturday, September 10) to coincide with the principal and first Proclamation at St James’ Palace, London. They will be lowered again tomorrow (Sunday), afternoon. Road closures and traffic diversions around both Town Halls will be put into place shortly before both ceremonies until shortly after their completion.

Services: A special Service is also being planned at Grimsby Minster ahead of the funeral, with more details to follow.

Local events: North East Lincolnshire residents may see some changes to public events up to and including the date of the funeral will be held and details of any changes will be posted, along with updates, at Queen Elizabeth II 1926-2022. – NELC | NELC (nelincs.gov.uk)

Article from NELC.