As energy prices soar and the cost of living crisis worsens, the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has launched Solar Together, a group-buying scheme for solar panels and battery storage.
This innovative scheme aims to help home-owners to buy solar panels and battery storage at lower prices, helping them to cut their energy costs while also reducing their carbon emissions. There is also an option to have electric vehicle charging points fitted.
Cllr Trish Hardy
Cllr Trish Hardy, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing said:
“With their gas and electricity bills set to rocket and inflation rising to the highest rate in 40 years, households across Sefton will be looking at ways to reduce their bills.
“This scheme is a good step in helping more residents achieve that through environmentally friendly means.”
Solar Together Liverpool City Region (www.solartogether.co.uk/lcr ) will help Sefton’s homeowners feel confident that they are paying the right price for a high-quality installation from pre-approved installers. The scheme is also open to small and medium-sized enterprises and places of worship.
The project builds on four years of highly successful Solar Together programmes run across the UK. To date Solar Together has delivered over 7,000 installations and over 130,000 tonnes of avoided lifetime carbon emissions.
Sefton residents can now join the group-buying scheme which offers solar panels with optional battery storage and Electric Vehicle charging points. There is also retrofit battery storage for residents who have already invested in solar panels and are looking to get more from the renewable energy they generate as well as increase their independence from the grid.
It is free to register and there is no obligation to go ahead with an installation. The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority is working in partnership with Sefton Council to make the transition to clean energy as cost effective and hassle-free as possible.
At their meeting today, Sefton Council’s Cabinet endorsed actions planned to help the Borough’s residents and business cope with the growing Cost of Living crisis.
Sefton Council has already set up a dedicated Cost of Living section on its website, at www.sefton.gov.uk/cost-of-living where people can find quickly information on a range of topics including Fuel Bills and Energy Saving and help with Rent and Council Tax. Health & Wellbeing, Foodbanks & Food Pantries and Jobs & Volunteering are also covered.
Factsheet
It is also producing an accompanying easy-to-print factsheet detailing ways people can get support and advice. It also reminds readers there is free computer and Wi-Fi access at all Sefton Council Libraries for people who don’t have access to an online computer or smartphone.
Additionally, the Council is committed to showing strong leadership and working with partner organisations to reduce the impact of the crisis on local people. It will work to protect local jobs and incomes by providing what support it can to companies and organisations across the Borough if they are struggling to stay in business in the face of steeply rising operational costs.
And the Council will continue to work at the highest levels nationally to influence policies towards tackling poverty. It will also highlight the harmful physical and mental health impacts that poverty can have and how young people’s long-term life chances are restricted as a result.
In addition, the Council is producing a quick reference fact sheet that can be printed off as well as downloaded, providing people with quick links on where to go for support and advice.
Heartbroken
Introducing the report to at today’s meeting, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing Cllr Trish Hardy, said: “I’m shocked and heartbroken that Sefton Council has this report on the agenda today.
“For years we have worked hard to mitigate Government policy that has hurt our communities – whether that has been the roll out of universal credit and the system failings leading us to support a network of food banks across the Borough, the systematic cuts in funding to public services, an NHS service in crisis that relies on our social services provision and of course supporting the most vulnerable children in this Borough.
“The social security framework and welfare state in this country has been hollowed out – expecting people to survive on low paid, long hours with no protection and nothing more than a zero-hour contract. Incomes and prospects have been routinely downgraded – not matching prices and bills. Central Government safety nets have more holes than net.
Storm
“And now this cost-of-living crisis. We use the word crisis a lot in the UK – I feel we are teetering on the edge of a catastrophe. Some of the families and residents of this Borough cannot withstand this storm being unleashed on them.
“As we meet today, inflation in the UK stands at around 10%, the highest level in 40 years, which means people across Sefton and the UK are facing steeply rising prices in shops, for basics and for vital services.
“In April, households across Sefton and the UK faced a 54% price hike in their gas and electricity bills, the equivalent of an average £700 extra per year. We haven’t even had a Winter at these prices before we are told the cost must increase again.
“In October, those bills are forecast to go up by a further 82% meaning the average energy bill could shoot up to £3,582.
“A further rise in January could see those bills top £4,000 next year.
Eye-watering
“These are eye-watering figures that are going to affect the finances of all but the most affluent households across the country. And let’s not forget these so-called caps are no such thing – many households in Sefton will face bills much higher – not because of posh houses but because families with disabilities, babies living in poorly insulated homes will have to spend more to heat badly insulted homes. Let’s not forget that the Tories have also slashed funding for home insulations.
“In Sefton, where over 20% – or around 58,000 residents – live in the poorest areas, those effects are going to be huge. In some cases, unthinkable.
“Unthinkable the pressure being felt by people who are already struggling to make ends meet and are having to make difficult decisions.
“By people who use foodbanks but are worried about the cost of cooking the food they collect from them.
“By people who have struggled to afford uniforms to send their children back to school in.
“By pensioners where the cost of energy is over half the UK state pension by January.”
By businesses contemplating their survival and having to close businesses and lose local jobs
“When they know these frightening price hikes are just around the corner and that there is nothing, they can do about it.
Debt
“Yesterday we found out that debt is already soaring on credit cards. I just pray that people don’t turn to loan sharks and find themselves hocked up with debt with people who are mercenary at best and criminal at worst. But when you are cold and hungry with nowhere to turn, I can see how it will happen.
“That is why it is vital that Sefton Council, working with its partners, does all it can to help and support our communities.
“Our officers and our partners are already working to develop a range of ideas and proposals to support local people in crisis.
“We are working on ways through our website for instance to highlight the wide range of support that is currently available.
“Next month’s Cabinet will be considering the Council’s Child Poverty Strategy which will be underpinned by a partnership Action Plan.
“And we will do what we can to prevent organisations and businesses across our Borough crumbling under the weight of rocketing outgoings, which would further threaten local jobs and incomes.
Life chances
“We will also continue to work at the highest levels nationally to influence policies towards tackling poverty and highlight the harmful physical and mental health impacts that that poverty can have and how those young people’s long-term life chances are restricted as a result.
“It’s disgusting that the effort here in Sefton doesn’t seem to be being matched in both government and the Tory leadership hustings.
“We haven’t seen those at the highest levels of Government taking much interest in the survival of our communities facing a winter of misery.
“Since being deposed by his party, our Prime Minister has been even more notable by his absence than usual and has refused to get involved, beyond making some vague claims that ‘something must be done’. And as the newspapers reported with surprise on its front page recently, actually turning up for a meeting.
“Meanwhile, the two candidates battling to replace Mr Johnson as Conservative Party Leader and Prime Minister have not spelled out any specific measures to help households survive over the coming months.
“Let’s hope that when the 0.2% of the electorate – Conservative Party members – have voted and the leadership battle is resolved in a few days’ time, Minsters will be able to stop accusing each other very publicly of their decade or more of failings in Government and focus on the people they are supposed to represent.
Investing
“In this absence Labour has set out a very real plan to get us through the Winter – both to stop prices rising and investing in long term energy and insulation measures.
“Sadly, we haven’t got a Labour government.
“We have got a Labour Council though.
“So, in the meantime, I can assure people across Sefton, this Council and it partners do care – very much
“Throughout the pandemic, people and communities across the Borough have shown how they can stand together.
“I want to let them know that Sefton Council will be standing with them.”
Next month’s Cabinet will also be considering the Council’s Child Poverty Strategy which will be underpinned by a partnership Action Plan.
A 1.7-metre-high globe designed by artist Amy Bourbon will be placed in The Strand in Bootle as part of The World Reimagined, a ground-breaking art education project.
The World Reimagined is a national initiative to transform how we understand the Transatlantic Trade in Enslaved Africans and its impact on all of us.
Sefton’s main globe is entitled Echoes of the Present and is the sixth step on the overall Journey of Discovery the globes represent. It focuses on how the Transatlantic Slave Trade has present day negative consequences such as systemic inequalities and injustice and entrenched racism and prejudices. It also looks at the generational echoes their traumatic physical, behavioural, psychological and material consequences.
As well as the main installation a community learning globe has been placed in the foyer of Southport’s Atkinson theatre. This has been co-produced by Christ the King School in Southport working with the Southport Against Racism community group. Significant individuals important to both global and local history, including civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. and Liverpool football player Mo Salah will be featured on the community learning globe.
Additionally, smaller globes have been awarded to six Sefton schools, to help teach pupils more about the history they represent. As the project is being launched during the summer holidays, the globes have been displayed in the foyer at Crosby Library and will be transferred to the schools themselves once the project concludes at the end of October.
The globes will bring people together and allow them to engage in complex conversations around who we are as a society; stimulate dialogue, raise consciousness, and create social change. It goes beyond just exploring the legacy of the Transatlantic Enslavement of Africans – as the project celebrates and champions the story of people of African origin.
The main globe was originally placed in Waterloo’s Marine Gardens before being removed due to acts of vandalism. Merseyside police later introduced a Dispersal Zone in Crosby following reports of antisocial behaviour caused by groups of youths in the area. The globe was then repaired before being prepared to move to its new location.
Cllr Trish Hardy
Cllr Trish Hardy, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing said: “I am so glad we are hosting a globe as part of this national initiative to raise awareness of the Transatlantic Slave Trade’s impact, although I was saddened at the vandalism that has resulted in the globe being moved to Bootle Strand.,
“The history represented by The World Reimagined and the history of our Borough are intertwined, and I am looking forward to seeing our communities and schools engage with the globes both to become more aware of our past but also in discussing our future.”
Michelle Gayle, Co-Founder of the project said: “There is such a huge part of the British educational system – the history – that omits Britain’s true role in the Transatlantic Trade of Enslaved Africans and the impact its legacies have on our world today. I have seen some of the incredible works these artists have put into designing their globes, and cannot wait for everyone across the country to experience the wonder, vibrancy and impact of art.”
Businesses across Sefton and the Liverpool city region are being offered places on free workshops in both digital media and marketing.
Funded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, the workshops are being delivered by training provider Training Unlimited.
Online digital platforms
Both workshops last for two days. The digital media course offers an introductory understanding of how to use online digital platforms. Helping businesses understand their “unique position in their sector” will be the central theme of the marketing workshop.
To register an interest in attending the workshops, firms need to email jan@trainingunlimited.co.uk after which there is a quick process where firms are asked to register online and confirm their interest.
One or more
Businesses applying will be asked to supply the names of people they would like to submit for training. They can register as many learners as they wish. A quick check is then carried out by the Combined Authority’s compliance team to ensure applicants’ eligibility.
Les Transformations De Southport scheme’s first phase is all set to ‘commence’ after a £2.5 million business case for the proposals was approved by government.
Set to support Southport’s return to the grandeur of Victorian England, “Les Transformations de Southport” focuses on improving physical connections and routes across the town centre.
It will also see also new public event spaces at the heart of what was the country’s second most popular tourist destination.
Phase One
Phase One of Les Transformations De Southport involves:
Market Street
Creation of a traffic free section on Market Street alongside the market, from the junction of King Street.
Increased space for additional footfall and event hosting provision.
Conversion of the existing carriageway to a new paved surface that will provide level access for pedestrians as well as service vehicles.
New tree planting and raised floral planters.
New street lighting.
Maintaining traffic provision from Market Street to Princes Street with a new two-way section.
King Street
Introduction of a new one way traffic flow arrangement on King Street, from Eastbank Street to the junction with Market Street.
Widening of the pavement to provide more space for pedestrians and for use by businesses.
Eastbank Street
Improved pedestrian crossing provision.
Introduction of a 20mph speed limit along Eastbank Street from the junction with Virginia Street to the junction with Lord Street.
Provision of a new, wider paved surface along sections of both sides of Eastbank Street.
Installation of raised planters to enhance the street environment
Chapel Street
Upgrades to street furniture.
Investigation into potential improved lighting.
Working with station property owners to encourage further improvements.
Consultation
A public consultation held earlier this year showed a very positive response from residents and visitors to the proposals.
However, Sefton Council is keen to ensure anyone affected by the works is kept closely informed and that any potential issues are addressed to minimise disruption.
The Council has written to residents and businesses in the area to keep them up to speed with Phase One of the project’s progression. The Council will also be consulting further with businesses and other stakeholders in the Market Street area to ensure that any issues that they have are identified and can be addressed as part of the design process.
Early 2023
Work is expected to start on the changes to Market Street, King Street, Eastbank Street and Chapel Street in early 2023.
The future phases of the project are being developed and will be delivered as funding becomes available.
Emperor Napoleon III
Emperor Napoleon III
Cllr Marion Atkinson, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills, said: “We all know the famous story that, while living in exile in Southport in 1838, Prince Louis Napoleon, later Emperor Napoleon III, was so inspired by the grandeur of Lord Street that he ordered Baron Haussmann to model the reconstruction of Paris on it.
“Les Transformations de Paris made the French capital the “Southport of the South”. Les Transformations de Southport will ensure we again fulfil the potential of our public realm spaces
“When we first carried out our extensive Les Transformations De Southport consultation, the need for maintenance of existing infrastructure to create safe spaces accessible for all emerged strongly as priorities and we received strong and broad support to press ahead with a series of improvements.
“Phase One of those improvements will focus on the areas around Market Street, King Street and Eastbank Street, which has already seen a huge uplift in footfall thanks to the addition of the incredible Southport Market revamp.
“These works are a key next step in the delivery of Southport Town Deal and complement the exciting projects of the Marine Lake Events Centre and the Enterprise Arcade.
“Sefton Council and our partners on the Town Deal Board want to see Southport transformed into a thriving, vibrant visitor destination.
“We want to give people a reason to visit and stay for longer.
“We believe that projects and attractions such as these, along with the recently completed Southport Market, will act as a catalyst for emerging private sector investment across the town centre and will create a genuinely unique visitor experience and will only serve to strengthen our visitor economy.
“We’re putting Southport back on the map. Vive la Southport!”
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The project builds on four years of highly successful Solar Together programmes run across the UK. To date Solar Together has delivered over 7,000 installations and over 130,000 tonnes of avoided lifetime carbon emissions. 
The World Reimagined is a national initiative to transform how we understand the Transatlantic Trade in Enslaved Africans and its impact on all of us.
As well as the main installation a community learning globe has been placed in the foyer of Southport’s Atkinson theatre. This has been co-produced by Christ the King School in Southport working with the Southport Against Racism community group. Significant individuals important to both global and local history, including civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. and Liverpool football player Mo Salah will be featured on the community learning globe.
People can find out more about the World Reimagined project and the Journey of Discovery at 
