Local and regional news
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Article: Dec 3, 2020International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Many disabled people have seen their finances hit as a result of the pandemic
As we celebrate, we should also remember the economic and social barriers faced by so many people with disabilities.
Recent figures for example suggest a significant number of disabled people have seen their finances hit as a result of the pandemic. And far too many have had services and support reduced or even withdrawn and feel isolated and overlooked.
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Article: Nov 26, 2020New Covid restrictions for Suffolk as County is put into Tier 2.
Tier 2: High alert
This is for areas with a higher or rapidly rising level of infections, where some additional restrictions need to be in place.
In tier 2:
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you must not socialise with anyone you do not live with or who is not in your support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place
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you must not socialise in a group of more than 6 people outside, including in a garden or a public space - this is called the 'rule of 6'
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businesses and venues can continue to operate, in a COVID-Securemanner, other than those which remain closed by law, such as nightclubs
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pubs and bars must close, unless operating as restaurants. Hospitality venues can only serve alcohol with substantial meals
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hospitality businesses selling food or drink for consumption on their premises are required to:
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provide table service only, in premises which sell alcohol
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close between 11pm and 5am (hospitality venues in airports, ports, transport services and motorway service areas are exempt)
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stop taking orders after 10pm
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hospitality businesses and venues selling food and drink for consumption off the premises can continue to do so after 10pm as long as this is through delivery service, click-and-collect or drive-through
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early closure (11pm) applies to casinos, cinemas, theatres, museums, bowling alleys, amusement arcades, funfairs, theme parks, adventure parks and activities, and bingo halls. Cinemas, theatres and concert halls can stay open beyond 11pm in order to conclude performances that start before 10pm
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public attendance at outdoor and indoor events (performances and shows) is permitted, limited to whichever is lower: 50% capacity, or either 2,000 people outdoors or 1,000 people indoors
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public attendance at spectator sport and business events can resume inside and outside, subject to social contact rules and limited to whichever is lower: 50% capacity, or either 2,000 people outdoors or 1,000 people indoors
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places of worship remain open but you must not socialise with people from outside of your household or support bubble while you are indoors there, unless a legal exemption applies
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weddings and funerals can go ahead with restrictions on numbers of attendees - 15 people can attend wedding ceremonies and receptions, 30 people can attend funeral ceremonies, and 15 people can attend linked commemorative events such as wakes or stonesettings.
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organised outdoor sport, and physical activity and exercise classes can continue
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organised indoor sport, physical activity and exercise classes will only be permitted if it is possible for people to avoid mixing with people they do not live with (or share a support bubble with). There are exceptions for indoor disability sport, sport for educational purposes and supervised sport and physical activity for under-18s, which can take place with larger groups mixing
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you can continue to travel to venues or amenities which are open, but should aim to reduce the number of journeys you make where possible
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if you live in a tier 2 area, you must continue to follow tier 2 rules when you travel to a tier 1 area. Avoid travel to or overnight stays in tier 3 areas other than where necessary, such as for work, education, youth services, to receive medical treatment, or because of caring responsibilities.You can travel through a tier 3 area as a part of a longer journey
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for international travel see the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office travel advice for your destination and the travel corridors list
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Article: Nov 24, 2020Sizewell C More proposed changes out for consultation but will they be enough?
The applicant for Sizewell C (NNB Generating Company(SZC Ltd) have now submitted further proposed changes to their application to the Planning Inspectorate accepted for examination on 24th June.
With the latest Government announcements about a series of UK mini nuclear plants and suggestions of home based investment of Sizewell C the applicant will be hoping that these changes will be sufficient to appease the opposition and the Suffolk Coastal project may be given a reprieve. Clearly significant continuing opposition from the communities impacted by the development added to opposition from within local Councils will have undoubtedly played a part in these latest changes being brought forward.
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Article: Nov 13, 2020Defend local planning and ensure your community's voice is heard
An open letter hosted by CPRE, the countryside charity, and Friends of the Earth to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government has already been signed by over 1500 elected representatives.
The open letter is about the government's proposed changes to the planning system, as announced in August 2020 in the White Paper - Planning for the Future.
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Article: Nov 10, 2020Joe Biden and Kamala Harris's victory isn't just democratic, it may have saved US democracy.
In 70 days we will be looking forward to the inauguration of a new US President. In President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice President-Elect Kamela Harris we must hope for an end to chaos and a return to sanity in US governance and foreign policy and a return to international cooperation and renewed support for international humanitarian agencies and global agreements.
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Article: Nov 6, 2020By Ed Davey
Ed Davey and East Suffolk Lib Dems say: During Covid-19, this support for our veterans and members of the armed forces is more important than ever.
With coronavirus restrictions in place across the country, this is a difficult year for the Poppy Appeal.
Ordinarily around 40,000 volunteers help make the appeal happen. Through their dedication the Royal British Legion can continue to provide support to members and veterans of our armed forces, as well as their families.
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Article: Oct 30, 2020Constitution, Democracy & Rights Commission
Your chance to tell the Select Committee you want electoral reform!
The 2019 Conservative manifesto promised to set up a "Constitution, Democracy & Rights Commission" to review aspects of the UK's political system.
The Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee has launched a survey to invite views on what issues the Government prioritises when it forms its new Constitution, Democracy and Rights Commission.
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Article: Oct 28, 2020Families deserve a Christmas that is as normal as possible says Sir Ed
Lib Dem Leader Ed Davey is working with the Alliance Party in Northern Ireland and calling for a four nations summit to make a plan for Christmas that works for families across the UK. pic.twitter.com/yGqhl34QRm
Speaking at PMQs, Ed Davey said,'the Govt has been badly prepared and slow to act at every stage throughout this Covid-19 crisis. That can't happen again, especially for Christmas. 2020 has been terribly hard on people - 'Many families across the UK have had an extremely difficult year being separated from their loved ones. They deserve a Christmas as normal as possible.
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Article: Oct 22, 2020Suffolk Coastal and Waveney Tory MPs help to vote down proposal to extend Free School Meals
Peter Aldous (Waveney) and Therese Coffey (Suffolk Coastal) voted against a motion to extend free school meals in England over the school holiday periods until Easter 2021 and whilst the pandemic continues to impact deprived areas especially and hit poorer families.
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Article: Oct 10, 2020
Ed Davey Connecting with Electors across the UK
The Liberal Democrats are here for you says Ed
We want to help people get on, and build a fairer, greener, more caring future
Since becoming leader of the Liberal Democrats Ed Davey has spent a fair amount of his time travelling the country listening to people of all political persuasions about what are the issues they want addressed by politicians. He has made a short video of what he has found so far which can be seen by pressing