Communities
Communities
To create a district of opportunity – a place where our communities can thrive, our people prosper and our environment is cherished for all to enjoy.
Priority 1
Improve the health, wellbeing and quality of life for individuals and families and reduce health inequalities focusing on prevention and early intervention.
| Title | Outcome | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Support residents and communities impacted by the cost-of-living crisis through initiatives raised by the £1m new homes bonus. | Targeted assistance provided enabling residents to easily access food and essential goods. Additional support reaching those most in need to help address the underlying challenges of the cost-of-living crisis. Young people can access physical and emotional health and wellbeing support. |
August 2026 |
| Deliver activities to support the priorities of the LiveWell Strategy | Reducing health inequalities, improving mental well-being, promoting active lifestyles, empowering residents, supporting the vulnerable and enhancing community capacity. | March 2026 |
| Administer the Health and Wellbeing Panel Grants | Distribution of Public Health Grant funding to projects across the district that reduce health inequality | March 2026 |
| Procure and implement a 3-year contract for leisure services in the Braintree District | Residents and visitors to the district will have access to improved leisure facilities Achieve value for money through a cost-effective agreement |
October 2025 |
Priority 2
Provide affordable, high quality and safe homes that meet the needs of our residents.
| Title | Outcome | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Revise the Local Plan in line with recent changes to the National Planning Policy Framework. | To set a refreshed framework for sustainable development across the district until 2041. | June 2026 |
| Work with Essex County Council on the outcomes of the research from the Housing Learning and Improvement Network to develop a Supported Housing Strategy | Strategy developed alongside an action plan to enhance supported housing options and provide tailored support that meets residents’ needs. | December 2026 |
| Establish a Landlord Register as part of the regulations introduced by the Renters Rights Bill | Create a transparent system where landlords must be officially recognised and held accountable for their properties ensuring only compliant landlords are permitted to operate. | March 2027 |
| Through the Homelessness Prevention Partnership distribute the rough sleeping winter pressure fund. | Additional support provided to safeguard vulnerable people at risk from sleeping rough | March 2026 |
| Develop options and feasibility to provide Temporary Accommodation that is fit for the future needs of the district | Provide affordable temporary accommodation options that meet the needs of our residents. | March 2026 |
Priority 3
Reduce social isolation and loneliness and support communities to build positive social networks and connections.
| Title | Outcome | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Build Witham Sports Ground 3G Pitch | Provision of a high quality, all weather playing surface that will encourage more people to get involved in sports. | June 2025 |
| Continue to work with partners to deliver activities and initiatives supporting people experiencing loneliness or social isolation. | Providing opportunities for individuals to connect with each other. Implementation of targeted interventions to address loneliness and social isolation. |
March 2026 |
| Build Witham Community Centre |
Provision of a modern Community Centre bringing people of all ages together for various activities and events. |
July 2026 |
Priority 4
Provide affordable, high quality and safe homes that meet the needs of our residents.
| Title | Outcome | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Deliver projects to prevent violence against women and girls in public, neighbourhood crime and anti-social behaviour in Halstead, with the support of the safer streets funding | Delivering practical support and change for women and girls across communities within Halstead. Investment in transformative crime prevention initiatives. Change in attitude and behaviours, lowering crime rates. |
September 2025 |
| Deliver a Councillor Community Grant Scheme for Councillors to support local projects and groups in their ward. | Distribution of funds across the district to non-profit organisations for community projects and initiatives. | March 2026 |
| Work with partners to deliver the Community Action Safety Plan to increase awareness of child exploitation, domestic abuse, fraud and cybercrime. | Collaboratively addressed community safety issues and interventions implemented to reduce crime and disorder enabling residents and communities to feel safe in their local area. Strategic assessment carried out to aid future local, strategic decision making. |
March 2026 |
| Support local investment in communities through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (year 4). | Funding provided for community activities and initiatives to support a wide range of interventions building pride in place and improving life chances. | March 2026 |
Download the Annual Plan for 2025/26