NORWICH CITY COUNCIL 2024: A YEAR OF PROGRESS, INNOVATION, AND COMMUNITY IMPACT
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NORWICH CITY COUNCIL 2024: A YEAR OF PROGRESS, INNOVATION, AND COMMUNITY IMPACT
In 2024, Norwich City Council is delivering on its promise to transform the city into a greener, more inclusive, and innovative place to live, work, and visit. Through bold leadership, strategic partnerships, and a clear vision for the future, the council has made significant strides in areas ranging from sustainability and public services to economic development. At the heart of this success is the council’s collaborative approach, with key figures like Tom McCabe, Executive Director of Community and Environmental Services, leading the charge toward a brighter future for Norwich.
NORWICH CITY COUNCIL
PROJECT
DIRECTED BY: JAMIE WAITE
ARTICLE WRITTEN BY: LAURA WATLING
NORWICH CITY COUNCIL
A Year of Milestones and Achievements
2024 marks a year of major milestones for Norwich City Council, with ambitious projects coming to fruition and new initiatives paving the way for longterm growth. The council’s focus on sustainability, smart city development, and community wellbeing has been at the forefront of its agenda, demonstrating its commitment to creating a thriving urban environment.
“We’ve made incredible progress this year,” said Tom McCabe. “Our initiatives are not just about solving today’s challenges, but setting up Norwich for success in the future. Whether it’s our environmental projects, improvements in public services, or support for local businesses, we’re ensuring that Norwich remains a leading city in terms of innovation and sustainability.”
Leading the Charge on Sustainability
A key focus for Norwich City Council in 2024 has been its aggressive pursuit of sustainability goals. Norwich has long been a champion of green policies, and this year, the council has taken major steps toward achieving its target of becoming a net-zero city by 2045.
One of the most significant achievements is the successful expansion of the city’s renewable energy program. Solar panels have been installed on several public buildings, including schools, libraries, and community centers, reducing both the council’s carbon footprint and energy costs. The initiative is part of a broader effort to increase the use of renewable energy sources across the city and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
“We’re incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made in reducing our environmental impact,” McCabe explained. “The solar panel program is just one example of how we’re investing in renewable energy and creating a more sustainable city. Every step we take is getting us closer to our netzero target, and this will have long-lasting benefits for future generations.”
Norse Group: a national player supporting the Norfolk economy
From its base in Norwich, Norse provides services to local authorities across the UK by forming joint venture partnerships. These range from architecture and property consultancy to waste collection, street cleansing, grounds maintenance and facilities management.
The group is one of Norfolk’s largest employers and has a daily impact on the lives of local residents, but most of its revenues come from outside the county; Norse operates as far away as Devon, Wales, the south coast, Staffordshire and Yorkshire.
Celebrating 36 years in business, Norse Group is the UK’s largest local authority trading company (LATCO), wholly owned by Norfolk County Council. The group is one of Norfolk’s largest employers and provides services across the county, including school meals, transport, highways maintenance, building repairs and property services.
The group also runs the county council’s care homes through its company Norse Care.
Although, as its ownership implies, a proportion of its work is carried out in Norfolk, Norse supports local authorities and businesses across the UK, employing 9,000 people nationwide; by bringing money into Norfolk, the company makes a significant contribution to the local economy.
Amongst Norse’s local operations, its company NEWS – a joint venture with Norfolk’s city and district councils – processes their recyclable waste in its state-ofthe-art recycling facility on the outskirts of Norwich.
“Our range of services and the experience of our team gives partner organisations the confidence to concentrate on their core operations,” said Justin Galliford, CEO. “We take a
forward-thinking and qualitydriven approach to our services, ensuring that we deliver the right solutions for our clients’ needs, whilst supporting the communities in which we operate.”
Now, Norse wants to use the foundation of its pioneering partnership model to develop its offering, with a strong focus on governance and social value. The business has made a commitment to achieve net zero by 2050. However, at the front of its mind is what additional value it can bring to its customers and partners. “We are currently exploring a groupwide suite of measures for net zero, which our local authority clients would benefit from,” explained Justin, “this includes implementing alternative, sustainable fuel for our fleet of two thousand vehicles”.
Norse supports the county council’s drive for social value, tackling the likes of food poverty by supporting
initiatives such as the Norfolk Community Foundation; this helps provide food hubs across Norfolk to combat food insecurity and make sure no one in the county goes hungry. Justin Galliford also represents the business on the prison Employment Advisory Board, providing skills training and helping prisoners find employment upon release – thus reducing their likelihood to reoffend: “If we can support prison leavers into employment they are 50% less likely to reoffend, which in turn saves the £50,000 it costs each year to house each prisoner.
As a local company with a national presence, Norse Group is proud to support Norfolk County Council and the county’s residents, and looks forward to increasing its contribution as its growth continues in the future.
norsegroup.co.uk
Another critical aspect of the council’s sustainability efforts has been the rollout of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. Norwich now boasts an expanded network of EV charging points, encouraging the use of electric cars and supporting the city’s push toward greener transportation options. The council’s leadership in this area has not only benefitted the environment but also positioned Norwich as a forward-thinking city in terms of technological innovation.
Strengthening Public Services Through Innovation
Norwich City Council has been equally focused on enhancing the quality and efficiency of public services in 2024. A key development has been the integration of smart technology into everyday services, making the city’s operations more responsive, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly.
One such initiative is the adoption of smart waste management systems. By utilizing data analytics and real-time information, the council has optimized waste collection routes, reducing fuel consumption and improving service efficiency. Residents have already noticed improvements, with more reliable collections and fewer missed pickups.
“Our approach to public services is about maximizing efficiency while minimizing our environmental impact,” McCabe noted. “By embracing new technologies, we’ve not only improved the quality of services but also made them more sustainable. This is the future of local governance, and Norwich is leading the way.”
The council has also invested in upgrading its digital infrastructure, making it easier for residents to access services online. From paying council taxes to applying for permits, more functions are now available through a streamlined, user-friendly online portal, enhancing transparency and accessibility for the public.
Supporting Economic Growth and Job Creation
While sustainability and public services have been a major focus, Norwich City Council is equally dedicated to ensuring economic growth and job creation. 2024 has seen a concerted effort to attract new businesses to the area while supporting existing local enterprises.
One of the key successes has been the ongoing development of Norwich’s thriving technology and innovation sector. By providing incentives and support for startups, the council has fostered a growing ecosystem of tech companies that are helping to drive the local economy forward. In turn, this has created high-quality jobs and positioned Norwich as a hub for innovation in the East of England.
“We’re working hard to make Norwich a place where businesses can thrive,” said McCabe. “Our support for local startups, particularly in the tech sector, is paying off. We’re seeing more companies choosing Norwich as their home, and that’s creating new opportunities for our residents.”
In addition to supporting the business community, Norwich City Council has also made significant progress in addressing housing needs. 2024 saw the completion of several affordable housing projects, providing much-needed homes for low- and middle-income families. These developments have not only addressed a critical housing shortage but also incorporated green building practices, further aligning with the council’s sustainability goals.
Engaging the Community and Fostering Inclusivity
Norwich City Council’s success in 2024 is not just measured by its environmental or economic achievements but also by its ability to engage the community and ensure that progress benefits all residents. Inclusivity has been a key theme throughout the year, with a range of projects aimed at supporting vulnerable populations and fostering a sense of community.
NORWICH CITY COUNCIL
NORWICH CITY COUNCIL
One such initiative is the expansion of community centers and recreational spaces. The council has invested in upgrading existing facilities and creating new spaces for residents to gather, learn, and engage with one another. These investments are part of a broader strategy to improve social cohesion and ensure that Norwich remains a welcoming and vibrant place for people of all ages and backgrounds.
“We’re committed to making sure that everyone in Norwich has access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed,” McCabe emphasized. “Whether it’s through housing, education, or social programs, we’re working to create a more inclusive city where everyone can thrive.”
A Bright Future Ahead
As Norwich City Council looks to the future, the achievements of 2024 have set a solid foundation for continued success. With a clear focus on sustainability, innovation, and community engagement, the council is well-positioned to meet the challenges of tomorrow while continuing to enhance the quality of life for all residents.
Tom McCabe is optimistic about what lies ahead: “2024 has been a transformative year for Norwich, but we’re not stopping here. Our vision for the future is bold, and we’re excited about the opportunities to continue improving our city. Whether it’s through our environmental initiatives, economic development efforts, or support for the community, we’re building a city that is truly fit for the future.”
In partnership with forward-thinking businesses, engaged residents, and strategic partners, Norwich City Council is on track to achieve even greater milestones in the coming years. With the foundation laid in 2024, Norwich’s future looks brighter than ever, and the city is poised to remain a leading example of progress, innovation, and inclusivity in the UK.
In 2024, Norwich City Council stands as a beacon of progress, demonstrating that with the right vision and partnerships, local governments can lead the way in sustainability, innovation, and community building. Through its ambitious initiatives and collaborative spirit, the council is ensuring that Norwich continues to evolve as a vibrant, forward-thinking city that works for all its residents.
www.norwich.gov.uk
www.norwich.gov.uk
