Government broke the law by failing to disclose PPE contracts, court rules

West Suffolk MP and Secretary of State for Health, Matt Hancock, failed to comply with a public procurement law that requires the government to publish contract awards within 30 days. said High Court judge, Martin Chamberlain.

East Suffolk Lib Dems have been appraised of the growing disquiet locally about the large crude oil deposit on North Lowestoft/Gunton Beach featured recently in the Lowestoft Journal and the apparent lack of action by the responsible authorities.

It is reported that the recent storm has apparently exacerbated the problem and added to concerns that more oil buried may be exposed as a result of coastal erosion and increase the risk of the contamination of other local beaches and be a potential threats to people, animals and wildlife in the area.

Suffolk County Council agree on 4% council tax rate for 2021/22

Another piece of the annual Budget jigsaw was put into place yesterday as the Conservative led County authority set the budget for the coming year and agreed a rise of 4%. This will be added to respective precepts from Districts, Borough and local town and parish Councils and the Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner to form the final bill to taxpayers. The Council had the option to go for a maximum of 5% which would have provided more funds for the crisis ravaged social care sector. The decision will result in a budget of £597.9m an increase of £41m and an extra £53.55 for a Band D property on this year's bill.

Suffolk Liberal Democrats

Suffolk Liberal Democrats County Coordinating Committee are launching a new website this week bringing together news, views and features on Liberal Democrats people and campaigns across the County.

With local elections for the County, Ipswich Borough and numerous outstanding by-elections scheduled for May 6th the new website will aim to present visitors with a front row seat and a social media link to the five local Suffolk parties, the work of our Lib Dem Councillors, local election candidates, the Lib Dems Manifesto for Suffolk and election results.

HMD 2021: Be the light in the darkness

Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD, 27 January) is a national commemoration day in the United Kingdom dedicated to the remembrance of those who suffered in The Holocaust, under Nazi Persecution, and in subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur.

Millions of people were stripped of their humanity and murdered during the Holocaust and Nazi Persecution. Each person was unique, with their own interests, friends and family.

The inauguration of the 46th US President

As fellow democrats we congratulate you and send our best wishes in your desire for unity, equality and peace, your wish to rejoin the international community and in the global fight to save the planet.

'Historically important day for humanity, decency and democracy'

Voting safely in this year's elections

East Suffolk residents will go to the polls to have their say on who they want to represent them at Suffolk County Council and as the Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner on Thursday 6 May 2021. In some Wards voters will also have a chance to vote in outstanding by-elections for vacant seats on the East Duffolk District Council. East Suffolk currently has a total of 26 of the available 75 Suffolk County Council seats.

East Suffolk Council is preparing to help residents stay safe when casting their votes in next year's local elections. Registered voters have the option to vote by post or by proxy and electors who are not registered as postal voters can apply now if they would like to vote in this way.

Anyone can apply to vote by post. You don't need to give a reason.

To download a form for a postal vote

Postal vote application form (England, Scotland and Wales)

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Electoral Registration Officer for East Suffolk Council said: "The elections next year are very important and an opportunity for residents to have a say on who represents them on issues that directly affect day-to-day life in East Suffolk.

"Regardless of how you choose to cast your vote in May, you will be able to do so safely. We are already preparing for this in line with the current guidelines, which means that you can expect many of the same measures you've become used to in the shops over recent months, such as hand sanitiser, floor markings and face coverings. However, should the guidelines change prior to the elections, we are prepared to take the necessary steps to meet these.

"There is also an option to vote by post or by proxy and we are currently contacting some members in our communities to highlight the option to vote by post. Any electors who are not registered as postal voters can also apply now if they would like to vote in this way."

Further information on elections, how to register to vote, or how to apply to vote by post or by proxy can be found here.

Local Electoral Registration Officer contact addresses for completed postal vote applications

Electoral Services

Babergh & Mid Suffolk District Councils

Electoral Registration Officer

Endeavour House
Russell Road
Ipswich
IP1 2BX

Electoral Services- East Suffolk

East Suffolk District Council

East Suffolk House

Riduna Park, Station Road

Melton, Woodbridge

IP12 1RT

Electoral Services East Suffolk

East Suffolk District Council

2 Canning Road

Lowestoft

NR33 0EQ

Electoral Services Ipswich BC

Ipswich Borough Council,
Electoral Services,
1E Grafton House,
15-17 Russell Road,
Ipswich,
IP1 2DE

01473 432000

Electoral Services West Suffolk

West Suffolk Council,

West Suffolk House,

Western Way,

Bury St Edmunds,

Suffolk, IP33 3YU

Sources:

Gov.UK

East Suffolk Communications Team - December 2020

All change for the Liberal Democrats in the east for 2021

Liberal Democrats internal elections have now been concluded and the results have produced a number of changes in the leadership of the party in Suffolk and the East.

East Suffolk Liberal Democrats, embracing the former Suffolk Coastal and Waveney parties have elected John Mercer as their new Chair for 2021. John was former local party Secretary.

Suffolk Lib Dems select James Sandbach to contest Police & Crime Commissioner election in May

Justice campaigner and former Parliamentary Candidate James Sandbach has been selected as the Liberal Democrats' candidate for the upcoming Police and Crime Commissioner election in Suffolk.

James is well known in East Suffolk having has been involved in Suffolk politics for several years having been the Lib Dem Parliamentary candidate in Suffolk Coastal (2015 and 2017) and Central Suffolk and North Ipswich (2019). James lives in Saxmundham where he is Town Councillor.

East Suffolk Liberal Democrats response to the Consultation on changes to the Sizewell C project

East Suffolk Liberal Democrat's (ESLD) have now submitted their response to EDF plans for a new nuclear power station at Sizewell and the party remains firmly opposed to the construction and operation of Sizewell C