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 Reminder: English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill introduced On the 10th July, MHCLG introduced into Parliament the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill. The Bill will deliver further on the government’s commitment to deepen and widen devolution in England, rebalancing power away from central government so that local leaders have the tools to increase growth and prosperity for local people. Mayors’ powers to speed up housebuilding and infrastructure will be standardised and strengthened by the Bill. It will bring a reset to local government as the foundation for devolution, and empower communities to save and take charge of local pubs, high street shops and community facilities. The Bill will establish a new form of government in England, the “Strategic Authority” (which includes Combined Authorities and Combined County Authorities, alongside the Greater London Authority). It will also establish a devolution framework in statute – consistent powers, functions and duties which will apply to future Strategic Authorities automatically – and provide a clear route to taking on greater responsibilities over time. It will also deliver reforms to local government by delivering on the manifesto commitment to overhaul the local audit system, including by establishing the Local Audit Office and simplify local authority governance by abolishing the committee system and preventing new local authority mayors. The Bill will place a duty on councils to have effective neighbourhood governance, and establish a new Community Right to Buy, so communities can protect local assets like pubs, theatres and sports grounds. Press notice:https://www.gov.uk/government/news/landmark-devolution-bill-brings-new-dawn-of-regional-power |
 National Emergency Alert test to be held on 7 September On the 7th July, the government announced that mobile phones in the UK will be sent a test Emergency Alert at around 3:00pm on Sunday 7 September 2025, as part of plans to strengthen the country’s preparedness. The Emergency Alerts system is used to warn if there is a danger to life nearby, including extreme weather. It allows vital information and advice to be sent to people rapidly in an emergency. During the test, mobile phones will vibrate and make a loud siren sound for roughly ten seconds, even if they are set to silent. A message will also appear on phone screens, making it clear the alert is only a test. There are approximately 87 million mobile phones in the UK. The test will be the second of its kind and follows a government commitment to test the system regularly to make sure it works optimally and familiarise the public with the alerts. Ahead of the national test, the government will be running a public information campaign to notify people that the test is taking place, including communications targeted at vulnerable groups, such as victims of domestic abuse. The campaign will also feature products in British Sign Language. The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Rt Hon Pat McFadden MP, has also unveiled a new Resilience Action Plan today (8 July) to improve the way the government prepares for and responds to emergencies. The Resilience Action Plan sets out: The government will raise awareness of https://prepare.campaign.gov.uk/ which gives information on simple and effective steps people can take to be more prepared for an emergency The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is investing £370 million to better secure the UK’s telecommunications networks through research and investment in new technology and infrastructure The National Situation Centre and the Devolved Governments are going to sign a data sharing memorandum of understanding (MOU) to ensure that every nation in the UK has the best available data to prepare and respond to crises. The Cabinet Office has produced a frequently asked questions document about the upcoming national Emergency Alert test taking place on 7 September. Councils are encouraged to share this information as appropriate. |
 Have you or someone you know been affected by a road traffic collision in Essex?As part of National Road Victim Month, we’re inviting residents, families, businesses and communities to share their personal stories. Behind every statistic is a life changed forever- by loss, injury, or a near miss. Sharing your experience helps raise awareness, encourages safer driving, and supports Vision Zero, our ambition to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on Essex roads. If you’re willing to share your story, please email: serp.communications@essex.gov.uk |
 NALC has partnered with Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) to launch a new survey designed to help parish and town councils enhance their flood resilience. The short survey will capture what information and support parish and town councils need to better plan for flooding. The results will directly shape the development of practical resources tailored to local needs, ensuring that any future resources are genuinely helpful and relevant.Alongside ACRE, we are particularly keen to ensure that the voices of parish and town councils are heard so that we can provide support that addresses real on-the-ground challenges. Member council participation will help both organisations deliver meaningful action that improves community resilience. Parish and town councils are encouraged to respond to the survey by 23:45 on 29 August 2025. To ensure a broad and representative range of input, we request one response per parish or town council. This initiative supports Action 20 of the Rural Flood Resilience Partnership Action Plan, which aims to help communities plan for flooding. The survey link is here. |
 Essex County Fire and Rescue Service leads national conversation on inclusion Essex County Fire and Rescue Service proudly hosted the 2025 Asian Fire Service Association (AFSA) Summer Conference, leading national conversations on inclusion, leadership and the role of emergency services in supporting and protecting the communities they serve. Held at the Colchester United JobServe Community Stadium under the theme “Inclusive by Design”, the national conference welcomed delegates from across the country to explore how inclusion can be embedded into every part of the fire and rescue sector – from leadership and recruitment to engagement and prevention. Opening the conference, Rick Hylton, Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive of Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, said inclusion must be at the heart of how fire and rescue services operate – shaping decisions that build trust and lead to better outcomes. He said: “Inclusion isn’t optional. It must be built in from the start. “When people feel heard, seen and respected, we build the kind of trust that ultimately saves lives.” One of the clearest examples of this approach is Essex County Fire and Rescue Service’s Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP), shaped by conversations with thousands of residents, community groups and partners. It shows how listening carefully to communities can lead to smarter decisions and more focused support. The plan has already driven more targeted prevention work, stronger links with adult social care, and better planning for long-term risks such as climate change. The two-day conference featured keynote speakers from across fire and rescue services and other public services. Neil Basu QPM, former head of UK counter-terrorism policing, spoke about leadership and trust. Professor Paresh Wankhade called for better use of data and local insight to drive progress, and Phil Garrigan, Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council, addressed the need for cultural change across the sector. The conference also took a lead in the national conversation on violence against women and girls (VAWG), working alongside partners to promote prevention, accountability and cultural change. Chief Inspector Sam Girdlestone, from Essex Police, spoke about challenging misogyny and changing workplace culture, while Lynne Elliot, CEO of White Ribbon UK, outlined how emergency services can lead the way in preventing violence through awareness, training and action. Workshops throughout the two days focused on practical change – exploring inclusive communication, youth engagement, allyship and interfaith work. Delegates also heard powerful personal stories in the “This is Me” sessions, which celebrated the impact of inclusive leadership. Firefighter Dewi Kaylene, who joined Essex Fire and Rescue Service after serving as a cadet, shared how the Service’s Firebreak programme helped him overcome challenges in his youth. His journey began in 2019 as an on-call firefighter in Maldon, before moving to Clacton and later securing a full-time role with Brentwood’s Blue Watch. Now, he delivers Firebreak courses himself – supporting at-risk young people, mentoring cadets, and leading Duke of Edinburgh programmes across Essex. Dr Sidra Naeem DL, the first Asian woman to be appointed Deputy Lieutenant of Essex, called for more visible role models in public service and urged others to lead by example and inspire the next generation. The event closed with a powerful message from Rick Hylton, Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive of Essex Fire and Rescue Service, who reflected on the importance of hosting the event in Essex. He said: “Bringing AFSA to Essex was absolutely the right thing for the people we serve. It’s given us the opportunity to learn, to experience different perspectives, and to grow stronger as a fire and rescue service. “This is an investment in our people and in the services we provide.” He concluded: “Inclusion is the foundation – how we lead, how we serve, and how we show up for each other every single day.” Harjit Singh, Chair of the Asian Fire Service Association (AFSA), added: “This conference has shown that inclusion must be hard-wired into the very structures and systems of how we work – not as an afterthought or an add-on, but as a fundamental principle of service delivery and leadership. “Let the knowledge we’ve gained over the past two days guide our strategies, helping us move beyond good intentions to measurable impact.” |
| News from our CEO – Charlene Slade |
 Power Shift 2025: Putting Local Councils at the Heart of DevolutionOur Chair Mike Eldred and I were proud to attend Power Shift 2025, a major national conference hosted by the National Association of Local Councils (NALC), focused on placing parish and town councils at the centre of England’s devolution journey. Held as part of a series of national assemblies and open days, the event brought together local council leaders from across the country to discuss how we can shape the future of local government. With access to senior government figures, policy updates, and inspiring success stories, the conference was a powerful platform for learning and advocacy. Key sessions explored how councils can: Secure funding and resources Influence national decision-makers Empower communities through local control The event featured key speaker, Baroness Sharon Taylor of Stevenage, a former politician, also a council-focused exhibition and networking opportunities, allowing us to share best practices and build valuable connections. Power Shift 2025 wasn’t just a conference—it was a call to action. We left inspired and better equipped to champion parish and town councils in Essex in the national conversation on devolution. |
| West Hanningfield Parish Council Earns Bronze Award for Good Governance We’re pleased to announce that West Hanningfield Parish Council has been awarded the Bronze Award in recognition of its commitment to transparency, accountability, and best practice in local governance. The award highlights several areas where the council is performing well: Transparency: The council’s Register of Interests is clearly directed to Chelmsford City Council, meeting the Bronze criteria. Planning: Full planning agendas are made available to the public, ensuring openness and community involvement. Policies: All council policies are up to date, with a recommendation to include review dates for even greater clarity. This award is a great step forward and reflects the hard work of the council and its Clerk. With a few small changes, West Hanningfield is well on its way to achieving Silver! |
 Good Easter Parish Council Honoured for Outstanding Community LeadershipGood Easter, Essex – June 25 In a heartwarming presentation held at the Village Hall on a warm summer evening, Good Easter Parish Council was presented with the Local Council Bronze Award in recognition of its exceptional dedication to improving the lives of parishioners and fostering a more connected, inclusive, and forward-thinking village. The award, presented by the Essex Association of Local Councils, celebrates the Council’s proactive approach to addressing key community issues through transparency, accountability, and resident engagement. Chair of the Council, Cllr. Graham Seeley, accepted the award on behalf of the Council, stating, “This honour reflects the hard work and commitment of the Clerk, every councillor, volunteer, and resident who contributes to making Good Easter a better place to live.” The Council’s Action Plan, a dynamic document guiding its priorities and progress, was highlighted as a model of strategic planning. Key initiatives include: Reducing traffic speed to improve safety for pedestrians and drivers alike. Annual policy reviews to ensure governance remains current and effective. Bi-monthly newsletters to keep residents informed and involved. Training for councillors and volunteers, promoting professionalism and inclusivity. Affordable housing development, addressing local needs and sustainability. Rebuilding the Village Hall at the Sportsfield, creating a modern hub for community events. Expanding allotments, encouraging local food production and green spaces. The Council’s commitment to securing grants and budgeting responsibly has enabled progress on several fronts, including preliminary designs for the new Village Hall and consultations on traffic calming measures. As the Council looks ahead, it remains focused on its mission to empower residents and shape a vibrant future for Good Easter. The award serves not only as recognition but as motivation to continue striving for excellence in community service. |
| Training News |
 July Training coursesUpcoming training course in July: Local Council Awards Workshop 28th July 1-3pm Via Zoom £25.00 Wednesday 30th July – New Clerks Course £125+vat 10.00am-3.30pm All of the July courses will be at 42B High Street, Great Dunmow CM6 1AH. These will be the last courses to be held at our premises in Great Dunmow. Booking form |
 Training HubsWe have been busy visiting potential training hubs and have now identified training hubs covering the whole county of Essex. The location for the following courses has now been confirmed. September Courses Councillor Training Day 1 & 2 – 9th & 16th September £125/day Maldon Town Council – Conference Room Budget & Precept – 10th September £84 will be online via Zoom Chair Training Day 1 & 2 (this course has been re-written for Sept 2025 and will now take place over just 2 days) – Saturday 13th & 20th September £136.50 Maldon Town Council – Conference Room Financial Regulations 15th September £125 Witham Town Council Chamber + HYBRID October Courses Committees & Delegated Powers – 2nd October £84 Coggeshall Village Hall Routine playground Inspectiion & Exam – 8th October £200 each Foakes Hall – Dunmow Co-option Casual Vacancy & Election – 9th October £84 Online via Zoom Code of Conduct – 15th October £84 Online via Zoom Advanced Councillor Training Day 1 & 2 – 16th & 30th October Coggeshall Village Hall The location for the remainder of training Sept-Dec is in the process of being finalized and will be announced shortly. Going forward training will be rotated around the county to give everyone an opportunity to attend face to face training at a location convenient to them. |
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 ESSEX RURAL PARTNERSHIP MEMBERS MEETING – SAVE THE DATE! Date: Wednesday 15th October 2025 Time: Meeting start 2pm (light lunch provided beforehand at 1pm) Venue: Rivenhall Oaks Golf Centre, Evans Way (off Forest Road), Witham Essex CM8 2PS – Directions |
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| Consultations & Surveys |
 NALC has partnered with Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) to launch a new survey designed to help parish and town councils enhance their flood resilience. The short survey will capture what information and support parish and town councils need to better plan for flooding. The results will directly shape the development of practical resources tailored to local needs, ensuring that any future resources are genuinely helpful and relevant. Alongside ACRE, we are particularly keen to ensure that the voices of parish and town councils are heard so that we can provide support that addresses real on-the-ground challenges. Member council participation will help both organisations deliver meaningful action that improves community resilience. Parish and town councils are encouraged to respond to the survey by 23:45 on 29 August 2025. To ensure a broad and representative range of input, we request one response per parish or town council. This initiative supports Action 20 of the Rural Flood Resilience Partnership Action Plan, which aims to help communities plan for flooding. |
 COMMUNITY SAFETY SURVEYEssex residents are asked for views on community safety to help the PFCC, police, fire and rescue service and local authorities tackle crime, anti-social behaviour and prevent fires. The anonymous Community Safety Survey by Safer Essex, a partnership which includes the PFCC, Essex Police and Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, asks a range of questions to focus multi-agency efforts in different parts of the county. Residents can take part in this year’s Community Safety Survey until 3 August 2025 at Community Safety Survey 2025 – Essex County Council – Citizen Space |
 Saffron Walden Town Council is seeking the views and opinions of Saffron Walden residents and businesses on the future direction of the Tourist Information Centre (TIC) service. The Town Council wants to better understand what are the most important elements of the TIC service to local users. SWTC is also keen to hear from those that do not currently use the services to understand why this is the case.Your response will help to inform the future direction and services offered from the Tourist Information Centre in Saffron Walden. Data will be used to deliver a more financially robust and efficient TIC service. To have your say visit the online survey at https://forms.gle/uJ1Ga8kuykdWSJQn8. The survey closes at 12:00 noon on Friday 25th July 2025. Paper copies are available from the Tourist Information Centre. The Town Council will further host a market stall on a Tuesday and Saturday in July (dates tbc), to support the consultation process. |
 Local Government Pension Scheme in England and Wales consultation On 15 May, MHCLG launched a consultation on a package of reforms to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).The LGPS provides financial security in retirement to nearly seven million public servants. The majority of members are women, often working part-time and on low pay. The consultation includes measures to: better understand and work to close the gender pension gap, making unpaid weeks of maternity leave pensionable with the cost paid by the employer ensure that survivor benefits entitlement are not impacted based on sex better understand why members opt out of the LGPS, through better data align the LGPS forfeiture rules with those of other schemes, closing loopholes and making the process more transparent This consultation closes on 7 August. If you have any questions, please email: memberbenefitsconsultation@communities.gov.uk |
W/C Toilet
Kitchen Facilities
50 people (approx)
50 people
15 people
30 people
Kitchen Facilities
180 people (approx)
W/C Toilet
Kitchen Facilities
25 people
W/C Toilet
25 people
Tomorrow (Saturday 19 July) we’re off to the Story Garden!