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British energy firms told to offer ‘zero’ standing charge tariff by next winter

David Bratton
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British energy firms told to offer ‘zero’ standing charge tariff by next winter

Energy suppliers will be told by Ofgem to offer customers the option of paying no fixed-rate charges on their bills, reducing costs for households across the country.

All households currently pay a fixed daily charge that covers the costs of connecting to a supply – but there have been widespread calls for these fees to be scrapped.

Ofgem wants suppliers to offer a one price-capped tariff that includes the standing charge, and another that loads these costs on energy usage charges instead so that customers could choose which one suits them best.

Some suppliers already offer low-or no-standing charge tariffs but the regulator said the practice was not universal.

When Ofgem asked for the public’s views on standing charges it received an unprecedented response of 30,000 submissions.

The majority were against standing charges – fixed fees, typically totalling more than £300 a year, that are paid irrespective of how much energy households use.

Under Ofgem’s price cap, standing charges have risen by 43% since 2019.

Those with low energy usage, such as people who live alone, argued that even if they further reduced how much gas and electricity they used, they saw little difference in their bills. They wanted more control over their bills.

Customers would need to make a choice, but some campaigners want those with low energy use to automatically move onto a standing charge-free deal.

“The problem with presenting a choice of price caps is many vulnerable people won’t make that choice,” said Martin Lewis, founder of Money Saving Expert.

The planned overhaul for next winter, also raises the possibility of some unpaid bills that built up during a recent high-price crisis to be written off. This intervention comes at a time when households are struggling to clear what they owe with the level of debt and arrears reaching £3.8bn in September, up 91% in two years.

Councillor “confident” Nottinghamshire County Council will balance budget by April

Lauren Monaghan
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Councillor “confident” Nottinghamshire County Council will balance budget by April

Nottinghamshire County Council is predicting its overspend to be under £1 million by the end of April 2025 – dropping by over £3 million.

In a report from the start of November 2024, the council’s predicted overspend by next April was around £4.4 million.

Now in an updated report from December 9, that figure has fallen by more than £3 million with the council forecast to have an overspend of £903,000 by the end of the financial year.

The Conservative-run council is still overspending in some departments – by £10.5m in adult social care and £3.5m in the children and families department.

This is balanced out by underspending in other areas.

Councillor Richard Jackson (Con), cabinet member for finance, says the figures have been achieved through means like vacancy control, management of the council’s cash flow and assessing the spending controls of different departments.

He said: “What it shows is it’s from careful management rather than reducing services which is always the approach we take to things.

“It reassures people we can manage our finance prudently without the need for significant service reductions that people would notice.”

Cllr André Camilleri (Con), Deputy Cabinet Member for Finance, is “confident” the council will balance its budget by April.

He said: “We’re prudent in the way we manage, we have regular meetings with departments, we ask the difficult questions- if they come to us with an overspend, we will ask them why, what can you do to get it back?”

Responding to the overspend in children’s and adult social care, Cllr Camilleri said: “It’s very difficult to budget adult care, people cross over from being a child to an adult- we work with what they’ve got.

“Adult and child care will always be difficult, but we manage to do it, we’re not in any financial difficulty [at present].”

He added that this could change however – depending on potential added costs to the council on the new national insurance figures and the projected £30 million extra spend on adult social care.

County Councillor Rachel Madden (Ind), Executive Lead Member for Finance, Revenues and Benefits at Ashfield District Council said: “Nottinghamshire County Council have consistently failed to spend within its budgets unlike councils like Ashfield, who were recently praised by the LGA for its financial stability and excellence.

“I will repeat my offer to the County Council to make our officers from Ashfield available for advice on how to balance the books.

“Whilst this represents a smaller, in-year overspend than they initially thought – the reality is that Nottinghamshire County Council still faces a budget shortfall of millions by 2027/28.

“The latest figures are no cause for celebration as the County Council, face an uncertain future fuelled by 14 years of Conservative austerity and the massive financial impact of the Labour Government’s recent budget. We are now waiting with baited breathe for the imminent Local Government Settlement – which could spell more bad news for the cash strapped council.”

Responding to the council’s updated position, Cllr Kate Foale (Lab) said: “This is just the latest example of creative accounting from the Tories in County Hall.

“Instead of responsible governance and increase efficiency, the bulk of the supposed reduction in this year’s overspend is due to more money coming in from national government and projects being kicked into the next financial year.”

“Although, disappointingly, we have not yet been given a chance to properly scrutinise this report, this smacks of the Tories playing politics with the council’s finances: they overinflate the projected overspends one month, and then artificially reduce them the next.

“The public deserve honesty about how their taxes are spent. That’s what they’ll get from a Labour administration following the elections in May.”

Cllr Jackson and Cllr Camilleri say the council will work to reduce this overspend even further before April.

Between 2025 to 2026 to 2027 to 2028 the council projects a budget shortfall of £36 million across the duration of its Medium-Term Financial Strategy.

Full list of road closures and roadworks planned across Gedling borough

Gedling Eye
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Full list of road closures and roadworks planned across Gedling borough

There are a number of road closures in place across Gedling borough this week that drivers should be aware of.

Some roads are closed while others have lane closures. Temporary traffic measures or diversion routes may also be in place on roads in the region. Motorists are urged to make allowances for these closures and alter their travel arrangements if necessary.

If you’re planning to travel through the borough over the next few weeks take a look at the list below to see whether your journey will be affected.

Arnold

Redhill Road, Arnold
10 December – 12 December
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Openreach

Coppice Road, Arnold
10 December – 12 December
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Brookfield Road, Arnold
13 December
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Valetta Road, Arnold
13 December
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Burton Joyce

Grove Close, Burton Joyce
10 December – 12 December
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Openreach

Carlton

Burton Road, Carlton
11 December
Delays possible due to lane closure
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Frederick Avenue, Carlton
12 December
Roadworks, Delays likely due to road closure for carriageway patching
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Carlton Hill, Carlton
15 December – 18 December
Roadworks, Delays likely
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water and Vodaphone

Foxhill Road Central, Carlton
16 December – 18 December
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Roadworks

Gedling

Stoke Lane, Gedling
16 December – 17 December
Roadworks, Delays possible to refresh Level Crossing stoplines adjacent to Level Crossing area.
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Arnold Lane, Gedling
18 December – 20 December
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Netherfield

Moor Street, Netherfield
13 December
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Colwick Loop Road, Netherfield
16 December – 18 December
Roadworks, Delays possible near the rail bridge
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Frederick Avenue, Carlton
16 December – 18 December
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Ravenshead

Kighill Lane, Ravenshead
13 December
Roadworks, Delays possible at the junction with the A60 and Kighill Lane
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Nottingham City Transport confirms £3 fare cap for 2025

Lucy Linton
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Nottingham City Transport confirms £3 fare cap for 2025

Nottingham City Transport (NCT) has confirmed its participation in the government’s £3 single bus fare cap from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025.

The cap ensures that the cost of an adult single journey remains affordable, including popular routes to Loughborough, Southwell and Calverton.

While the single fare remains accessible, regular travellers are encouraged to explore day and season tickets for additional savings. For those making two or more journeys within the Nottingham City Zone, the All-Day Ticket costs £5.30, offering better value than purchasing separate single fares.

Alternatively, customers can buy ten journeys via the NCTX Buses app for £27, saving £3. Frequent travellers can further reduce costs with NCT’s Easyrider Everyday or Anyday passes.

The cap ensures that the cost of an adult single journey remains affordable (PHOTO: NCT)

Under-19 single fares remain capped at £1.70, while students and passengers under 22 can access single tickets for £2.30 – available exclusively through the NCTX Buses App.

In the Outer Zone, those making two journeys a day should ask for a return ticket, which is capped at £6. But those making three journeys or more should buy an All-Day Network Ticket, priced at £7.80 for adults and £5.50 for under-19s.

The £2 fare cap scheme, introduced during the cost-of-living crisis in January 2023, saw a rise in bus usage, with 80% of passengers agreeing it helped reduce financial pressures.

Although the fare cap has increased, NCT remains focused on affordability. David Astill, NCT’s Managing Director, said, “NCT continues to offer some of the lowest bus fares in the country and with our high frequency services, we offer a genuine alternative to using the car.”

Bus fare can be purchased on board with Contactless Tap&Go, using cash (the exact fare is needed), via the NCTX Buses App, or with Robin Hood Pay As You Go cards.

For more details on fares and tickets, visit www.nctx.co.uk/fares-and-tickets or download the NCTX Buses App.

WEEKLY WALKS: A picturesque circular walk around Linby, Newstead Abbey Grounds and Papplewick

Graham Finch
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WEEKLY WALKS: A picturesque circular walk around Linby, Newstead Abbey Grounds and Papplewick

This week’s circular walk takes you from the picturesque village of Linby, through into the historic grounds of Newstead Abbey, then onwards to Papplewick before returning you to the start of your journey.

Distance: 8.78 km
Calculated time: 2h 40
Difficulty: Easy

Map of the walk


Visorando

Linby

From the Top Cross in Linby village walk up the hill to the traffic island. Turn right onto the path signed Linby Trail and National Cycle Network. This is along a railway cutting which follows the route of the Great Northern Railway. Here you will walk alongside a pond and see plenty of wild flowers and plants associated with railway lines.

At one point on the left some of the present day railway line called the Robin Hood line which runs into Nottingham can be viewed. To the right there are large conservation areas. This straight path continues for some considerable time until some large boulders are seen ahead partially blocking the path. Here the path turns sharply to the right still signposted the National Cycle Network alongside a woodland walk which may be visited if time allows.

Newstead Abbey estate

The walk will take you through the historic grounds of Newstead Abbey

The path then joins a tarmac road at one of the lodges to Newstead Abbey estate. Passing through this gate (there is no charge for walkers) follow the road until Newstead Abbey ruins come into view. The road is mostly flat apart from a couple of short climbs through glades. There are views over the country side and horses grazing in the fields on either side. As the road descends towards Newstead Abbey the upper lake and stable block can be seen to the left followed by a waterfall and then the magnificent aspect of Newstead Abbey comes into view with the garden lake to the right. Although originally an Augustinian Priory built in 1170 it is best known as the ancestral home of Lord Byron. There is a charge to visit the museum which houses Byron memorabilia and gardens. On the grassy areas in front of the Abbey there is usually an abundance of ducks and peacocks grazing.

Papplewick Hall

Follow the road round to the left between the ruins and the upper lake. Ahead is the stable block and bell tower. After passing a car park on the left and the cricket pitch to the right there is a crossroads. Turn right here and follow the tarmac road winding through the woods until a pair of wrought iron gates appears ahead. This it the entrance to another lodge, a footpath for walkers is marked to the right of the gates and follows alongside a hedge. At the other end there is a metal kissing gate to pass through before following a wide grassy path ahead with hedges on either side. At the end proceed through a metal gate and onto an unmade road which bears to the left and has large properties on either side. Follow this road called Hall Lane until a tree can be seen ahead in the middle of a small grassy area with a seat where the path meets the main road B683. Papplewick Hall can be seen immediately to the right at this junction.

Papplewick Village

Turn right along the road, with a footpath, following it into Papplewick village. It bears sharply right past a row of cottages and then right where there is a wide gap after Papplewick lodge showing a sign to The Church of St James Papplewick and a public footpath signposted to Linby. Pass through the wooden gate and follow this tarmac road in the direction of the church, which unfortunately is kept locked when not in use. Before reaching the church there is a well trodden signed path on the left through the fields to Linby. At the end of the field pass through a metal gate and over a wide footbridge over the river Leen and then continue alongside a hedge bordering an arable field until it emerges onto the main road B6011 into Linby.

Return to Linby

Turn right and follow this road into the village passing the Bottom Cross on the right and the old village school. On the left hand side, next to the bus shelter is an interesting Parish Map of Linby explaining the history of the village. Continue up the hill to the Top Cross to the start of the walk.

  • Have you got a suggested walk around the borough you want to share with our readers? You can email details to news@gedlingeye.co.uk

Parliament set to be told of risk of marrying first cousins

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Parliament set to be told of risk of marrying first cousins

Marriages between first cousins could soon be banned in Britain if a new proposal makes it through Parliament.

Tory MP Richard Holden introduced the Marriage (Prohibited Degrees of Relationship) Bill in the Commons yesterday (10) – where he argued that such marriages are linked to higher rates of birth defects and can “reinforce negative structures and control women”.

UK law currently prohibits marriages between siblings, parents and children, but not between first cousins, according to the Marriage Act 1949.

The Sexual Offences Act 2003 also criminalises sexual activity with certain family members – but though this does not include first cousins.

Holden’s proposed changes would require amendments to both these pieces of legislation.

Placing restrictions on first-cousin marriage would require changes to the Marriage Act 1949 and potentially the Sexual Offences Act 2003

Studies show that first-cousin marriages are associated with “approximately double the rate of birth defects compared to the general population”, the Basildon & Billericay MP said.

Holden has pointed out that the controversial form of marriage is “cultural rather than religious” in “some of the communities where it is more prevalent”.

Holden said: “Building on my previous work to ban hymenoplasty and so-called virginity testing in the last Parliament, I will urge the Government to reconsider the legality of first-cousin marriage in the UK.

“Many nations and states have taken action on this issue in recent years and it is time for us to do the same.”

Justice Minister Alex Davies-Jones, in response to a written parliamentary question on clamping down on first-cousin marriages, said: “Section one of the Marriage Act 1949 sets out that any marriages that take place within prohibited degrees of relationship are void.

“Under the legislation, prohibited degrees of relationship for marriage include marriages to a sibling, parent or child, but not marriages between first cousins.

“The Sexual Offences Act 2003 also makes sexual activity with the above family members, amongst others, a criminal offence, but this does not include first cousins.

“Placing restrictions on first-cousin marriage would require changes to the Marriage Act 1949 and potentially the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

“We are aware that all aspects of weddings, including first-cousin marriage, are important issues. We will take the time as a new Government to properly consider our marriage law, including the Law Commission’s 2022 wedding report, before publicly setting out our position.”

‘Heartfelt thanks’: Mapperley Greek restaurant Kalimera will grill ‘final gyros’ on Saturday as it prepares to close for good

Emily Sanchez
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‘Heartfelt thanks’: Mapperley Greek restaurant Kalimera will grill ‘final gyros’ on Saturday as it prepares to close for good

A popular Greek restaurant in Mapperley has announced the sad news it will close its doors for good on Saturday (14)

Kalimera announced the sad news on their Instagram account earlier this week.

The restaurant on Plains Road, which has been opened for half a decade, revealed the reason for closing in the post.

They posted: “On Saturday, December 14, Kalimera will be grilling its final gyros

“It’s now time for Theo to concentrate on his journey to a full recovery after his kidney transplant.

“Theo and Dora would like to give their heartfelt thanks to everyone for their custom, support and loyalty over the last 5 years.”

Customers expressed their sadness in comments.

One wrote: “You will be missed very much. We have loved our brekkies there over the years. We wish you well with your recovery.

Another posted: “The best gyros, Greek sandwich and pastries. You’ll be missed. All the best with your recovery.”

We reviewed their amazing breakfast three years ago…

Two men arrested in Arnold town centre as knife, cash and laughing gas seized

Gedling Eye
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Two men arrested in Arnold town centre as knife, cash and laughing gas seized

Two suspects were arrested and a knife, cash, and canisters of laughing gas were seized by patrolling officers in Arnold town centre.

Members of the Gedling North neighbourhood policing team were on patrol when their suspicions were peaked by a car spotted in a car park off High Street. 

The occupants were stopped and searches were carried out which resulted in officers finding a bag inside the vehicle which contained a hunting knife. 

Nitrous oxide cannisters and balloons, as well as a large amount of cash, were also seized while officers carried out their inquiries around 11.20pm on Friday (6). 

Two men, aged 22 and 27, were arrested on suspicion of possession of a knife in a public place and possession with intent to supply nitrous oxide – which is a Class C drug – for wrongful inhalation. 

PC Michael Callan, of the Gedling North neighbourhood team, said: “This was a really good stop by Gedling North’s proactive beat team.

“The whole team was involved and I hope it reassures members of the public that the local night-time economy is regularly patrolled as part of our daily work to crack down on crime and protect people from harm.

“I also hope our arrests and seizures serve as a reminder to people that we will take robust action against anyone suspected of carrying a knife or any other weapon on our streets and also that nitrous oxide, while legal to buy, is considered a controlled drug when possessed and used for wrongful inhalation.

“As a team we will continue to patrol in hotspot areas to deter anyone thinking about committing any kind of crime.

“Anti-social behaviour, violence and drug use will not be tolerated in our communities, and we hope our presence in these areas and our proactive work will assist those who need us on a night out, as well as making people feel safer.”

Public could soon be asked to share views on proposals for new Gedling heritage centre and Arnold park and ride site

David Bratton
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Public could soon be asked to share views on proposals for new Gedling heritage centre and Arnold park and ride site

Residents could soon be asked for their views on how cash given to the council from developers of local housing projects could be spent to improve parts of Gedling borough.

Gedling Borough Council’s Cabinet will meet on Thursday (12) and decide on if to go ahead with the recommendation of a new report about consulting the public over a number of projects that could be funded that include creating a new Park & Ride site near the A60 in Redhill, a heritage centre in Gedling Country Park and a leisure centre in Carlton.

The cash to pay for the proposed projects would come from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) which is a charge from local authorities on developers when there is new development in their area. It is used to help them deliver the infrastructure needed to support development in their area.

Now that the council has fulfilled its commitment to part fund the construction of the Gedling Access Road (GAR) now known as Colliery Way, through £4,448,120 of CIL and a visitor centre at Gedling Country Park – spending of £1,454,360 of CIL cash to cover the construction costs – two new projects can be selected.

A view of Gedling Country Park. PHOTO: Terry Lock
A new heritage centre could be constructed at Gedling Country Park. PHOTO: Terry Lock

The report proposes a number of projects that could be put before the public to share their views on.

These include a new bus-based Park and Ride Facility near Leapool Roundabout on the A60 which is not deliverable with the current level of funding available at present.

The report stated: “The land identified for the Leapool Park and Ride remains safeguarded and further design work will continue whilst future funding opportunities, such as the strategic CIL, are investigated.”

The cash could also be spent on improving pedestrian and cycle routes along the northern bank of the River Trent within Gedling, the Calverton Mineral Line and Gedling Colliery and Mapperley Plains.

It proposes that the recently-announced strategic vision for Arnold Town Centre called “Ambition Arnold” could also be delivered through CIL.

Money could also be used for the development of a new Carlton Leisure and Community Wellbeing Centre.

The report said: “Given the significant costs expected to arise from the development of a new Centre it is considered likely that a funding gap will exist in relation to the wider infrastructure works required to deliver this. As such it is considered that CIL receipts could be appropriate to help meet any potential funding gaps.”

Finally, the construction of a Heritage Centre at Gedling Country Park has also been proposed to display and educate visitors about the history of the site would again further encourage visitors into the Borough and enhance one of Gedling’s key Green Spaces.

The cabinet meet on Thursday to discuss plans and the meeting will be streamed live on YouTube. You can find the link HERE

Carlton developer celebrates success of Nottingham’s ‘Carnaby Street’ creation 

David Bratton
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Carlton developer celebrates success of Nottingham’s ‘Carnaby Street’ creation 

A Carlton-based developer who championed the regeneration of Bridlesmith Gate has celebrated the realisation of his vision of creating a thriving ‘Carnaby Street’ in Nottingham. 

Arran Bailey, managing director of ALB Group, bought 14 properties in Bridlesmith Gate and Byard Lane and seven in Lister Gate in a bid to maintain the prestigious, and once thriving, thoroughfares. All properties are now let. 

ALB Group have their headquarters on Cavendish Road in Carlton.

The developer, who embarked on the project in 2021, said the regeneration programme was achieved despite “disappointing” setbacks surrounding the Broad Marsh regeneration. 

Arran said: “I’m Nottingham born and bred and so knew the history of this area of town. My aim was to re-establish its vibrancy and appeal. By buying up empty units and injecting the spirit of creativity back into the area, I knew it would draw in independent as well as established retailers and re-establish its prestige.”

Bridlesmith Gate has been regenerated by the Carlton-based developer

Flexible rent agreements and unit sizes ranging from 400 sq. ft to 5,000 sq. ft have ensured a mix of high-calibre tenants at the locations, from established premier retailer Fred Perry Nottingham, to start-up coffee shop and private dining restaurant Table 47, music store Fopp and Coco Tang Cafe and Cocktail Bar.

Following the multiple property acquisitions, five local artists were enlisted to design and create murals on some of the high profile Bridlesmith Gate and Byard Lane buildings.

 One mural in Byard Lane adorned the first ever Paul Smith store. The building, now home to Brik Barbers, celebrated the Nottingham legend in artform and was honoured with a visit from the world-renowned fashion designer.

Arran said: “We had a fantastic reaction to the art installations, especially when Paul Smith himself came down. They’ve been a huge talking point and immensely instagrammable and, in my opinion, have absolutely helped achieve my vision of creating a thriving ‘Carnaby Street’ in Nottingham.” 

The developer is now turning his attention to Lister Gate. High-end retailer Flannels has already established its Nottingham store there. Sports Direct is moving into a unit previously occupied by H&M in early 2025. 

Arran has long been an advocate for retailers. He previously urged the City Council to offer rate discounts to businesses to secure the future growth of the area.

 He said: “Our approach to re-establishing the area’s appeal has been a huge success. Bridlesmith Gate has been reinvigorated and is back to being the thriving location it was before the Broadmarsh Centre closed. 

 “The closure was massively upsetting, as were the delays to the decisions on the site’s future. However, the new Broad Marsh Green Heart park is now open and has created an attractive gateway into the city. It is definitely another step in the right direction.

“The future is bright for Nottingham.” 

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