RTS switch off in June
RTS (Radio Teleswitch Service) boxes are an old technology, introduced in the 1980s, attached to electricity meters in homes with an all-electric supply. Their purpose is to tell the meter when to switch between peak and off-peak and they are a vital part of keeping costs under control for all-electric customers.
At the end of June, all RTS boxes will stop working.
As such it is the responsibility of the utility providers to help their customers with this, by switching them to SMART meters. However, our research has shown that information on the subject is not that easy to find and, although we believe that the utility companies have written to their customers, we know that some people have a mistrust of SMART meters. We know of customers in West Norfolk who have refused to switch for this very reason.
Our concern is that some vulnerable customers will find their bills soaring in June, when their meter will stop differentiating between peak and off-peak, so they will be charged peak prices for all consumption.
BBC EAST
Planned Housing Development in West Winch
Some people are still yet to hear from Hopkins Homes about their planned land purchases in the development area.
Clare Worden, a BBC East - West Norfolk Reporter - would like to talk to anyone with views about the plans for the BBC's coverage.
You can contact Clare at Clare.Worden@bbc.co.uk
22 January 2025
New Hospital Programme update
Yesterday the Government released the revised New Hospital Programme (NHP) plan reaffirming The Queen Elizabeth Hospital's (QEH) position as a key priority within the national programme.
This announcement gives the Trust a clear, structured pathway towards delivering a modern, innovative, and future-ready hospital that provides the highest quality care for patients and the best possible working environment for staff.
Alice Webster, CEO at The QEH, said: “The revised plan will allow us to move forward with confidence and focus, ensuring we continue to progress at pace.
“We remain committed to delivering a new hospital for our local community. The timescales in this plan indicate our new hospital will not meet the previous deadline of 2030 – we have been nationally assured that work is underway to prioritise bringing these timescales forward where possible.
“As a Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) hospital, the safety of our current building remains our priority and our failsafe programme is progressing well. Yesterday’s announcement outlines the need for a site-by-site survey report commissioned by the Government on each RAAC hospital – we await more information on this work.”
Key highlights from the released plan are:
- Patient-centred: Plans are built around patient care, safety, and experience with services designed to meet the needs of the local community.
- Modern construction methods: Embracing innovative building techniques, to deliver an efficient, sustainable and future-proofed hospital.
- Financial confidence: A phased funding approach giving the stability needed to plan and deliver effectively.
- Collaboration and engagement: Working closely with NHS England, regional partners, and the local community to build a hospital fit for generations to come.
Tracey Bleakley, Chief Executive of NHS Norfolk and Waveney ICB, said: “We have already done a lot of work locally to plan for the two new hospitals and we will do everything we can to get them built as quickly as we can. In the meantime, our absolute priority will be to ensure that services continue to run safely and effectively at the existing hospitals until the new buildings are ready.”
News From BCKLWN
Council Tax premium for second homes
Information on the 100% council tax premium for second homes starting on 1 April 2025
Council tax is a charge on most homes, and it is used to pay for local services. In West Norfolk, the money raised goes to Norfolk County Council, Norfolk Police, King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council and town/parish councils in the borough. There is more information about this on the Your Council Tax explained page.
From 1 April 2025 owners of second homes in West Norfolk will have to pay an additional premium of 100% on their council tax bill. This means they will pay double council tax on their second home.
Frequently asked questions
We have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about the Second Homes Premium. These can be found on our second homes premium FAQs page.
Legislation
Section 80 of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 allows councils to add an additional charge of up to 100% to the council tax bills for second homes. This legislation is aimed at local councils whose income (and ability to deliver services) is affected by the number of second homes in their district or borough. West Norfolk is one of these councils.
The decision to charge the premium in West Norfolk
There are more than 3,000 second homes in West Norfolk, which is about 1 in 20 of the borough’s residential properties. Where there are a lot of second homes in an area it can have an impact on services.
This has been a concern in West Norfolk for a while and several parish councils are taking steps through their Neighbourhood Plans to limit the number of second homes in their areas.
Under the 2023 Act, each district or borough council can decide whether to charge the premium on second homes in its area. In January 2024, the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk decided that the number of second homes in West Norfolk was at a level where it was appropriate to charge the premium.
Disabled relief
How to apply for a Council Tax reduction if you're disabled
Who can apply
You may be able to get a reduction on your Council Tax bill if you, or someone living with you, is permanently disabled.
Your home must have one of the features below:
· an extra bathroom or kitchen for the specific needs of the disabled person
· an extra room (other than a bathroom, kitchen or toilet), used mainly by the disabled person for their needs
· extra space inside your home for wheelchair use
To qualify, the extra room or space must be of vital importance to the disabled persons well-being. Without it, they may find it extremely difficult to live in the home.
How much is the reduction?
If the relief is awarded, we'll charge Council Tax at the valuation band below the one your home is in. This will ensure the disabled person is not paying more because of a need for extra space.
For example, if your home is in band D, your bill will be reduced to a Band C. You'll get a part reduction even if your home is in band A.
Apply for disabled relief
https://forms.west-norfolk.gov.uk/COUNCILTAXCHANGEOFCIRCUMSTANCES/launch?NRD=true
What you'll need to apply:
- your Council Tax account number (you can find this on your bill)
- details of the adaptations in your home
Remembrance Sunday 2024
Wreaths laid by Councillors Thrower and Collier
Families, friends, and neighbours unite at St Mary's Church Middleton's war memorial, to participate in the solemn service of remembrance. Together, we stand in solidarity, offering our heartfelt gratitude to those who have served and sacrificed for our freedom.
Councillor Thrower laid the wreath on behalf of the West Winch Parish, along with a wreath laid by Councillor Collier.
Thank you to all who took a moment to pause and reflect on the profound significance of this day.
NITROUS OXIDE BAN
From the Home Office - Nitrous oxide becomes a Class C drug
Nitrous oxide used to be controlled under the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 but it was reclassified as a Class C drug in 2023, making possession illegal.
What is nitrous oxide?
Nitrous oxide is a colourless gas, also known as ‘laughing gas’. It can be misused for its psychoactive effects – or to ‘get a high’ – by inhalation.
What changes to the law have been made?
We have updated the law to make possession of nitrous oxide illegal if it is, or is likely to be, wrongfully inhaled, by classifying it as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
It is now a criminal offence to be found in possession of the drug where its intended use is to be inhaled ‘to get high’.
In technical terms, “wrongful inhalation” means inhalation for anything other than for medical or dental purposes.
Why have we made these changes?
We have been growing increasingly concerned about the misuse of nitrous oxide and its impact on society.
Heavy nitrous oxide use can result in serious health harms such as neurological damage and even death due to the risk of falling unconscious and/or suffocating from the lack of oxygen.
There have been numerous reports of anti-social behaviour in connection with the abuse of the drug which causes harm to local communities and to the environment.
This includes group gatherings to abuse the drug in public spaces, such as children’s parks or high streets, and subsequent littering of the discarded canisters.
What should you do if you see someone inhaling nitrous oxide?
You can report anti-social behaviour by contacting your local neighbourhood policing team via https://www.police.uk/
Call 101 to contact the police and report a crime that is not an emergency.
You can also contact Crimestoppers to report a crime anonymously. They will pass the information about the crime to the police at www.crimestoppers-uk.org
Telephone: 0800 555 111
More information
Daniel Spargo-Mabbs Foundation – A Quick Guide to Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide or ‘laughing gas’ - Re-Solv: Solvent Abuse Charity
Home Office circular 006/2023: Control of nitrous oxide under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971
Latest Scams, Consumer Alerts and News from Norfolk County Council Trading Standards
Information Alert - Avian Influenza Update
Scam Alert - Automated telephone cold calls claiming to be from HMRC
Rogue Trader Alert - Doorstep cold callers offering roofing work
Cold Calling Alert - Doorstep cold callers offering insulation
Scam Alert - Emails claiming to be from 'Apple Security'
Cold Calling Alert - Telephone cold callers regarding solar panels
For more information, click here to visit our Consumer Alerts page
Recall Alert - Product Recall for Fantasma Magic Deluxe Top Hat Show
Smyths Toys are voluntarily recalling four batches of Ref.: 198567 'Fantasma Magic Set Deluxe' due to possible issues with small parts (the eyes of the plush rabbit) detaching too easily. This may present a choking hazard for younger children.
Product: Fantasma Magic Set Deluxe Top Hat 150+ Magic Tricks
Product Reference: 198567
EAN: 0816344015286
Batch code This recall affects the following batch codes only:
2401-6009ML-BK
2406-6009ML-BK
2407-6009ML-BK
2408-6009ML-BK
If you have bought the above product you should stop using the recalled product immediately and keep it out of the reach of children. Please return the product to your local Smyths Toys Superstores for a full refund.
Click here for more information
Recall Alert - Product Recall for Cowboy E Bike Model C4 ST (Edition MR)
Cowboy are recalling specific serial numbers of their 'Cowboy E Bike Model C4 ST (Edition MR)' as it presents a serious risk of injuries as the welded joint between the headtube and downtube can fail. This could cause the frame to break, which could result in a fall and injuries to the user.
Affected bikes can be identified by their serial number and frame supplier. To check these details through the Cowboy app, tap the ‘settings’ icon and then tap ‘advanced.’ If your frame is listed as ‘Edition MR’ then it may be affected. Serial numbers and frame suppliers can also be checked via the more information link below.
If your frame is affected, Cowboy will provide a free of charge frame replacement.
