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 various initiatives | Targeted support to access food and essential goods. Additional support for the most vulnerable to help address the underlying challenges of the cost-ofliving crisis. Support for people to access physical and emotional health and wellbeing support. |
March 2028 |
| 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 2028 |
| Deliver the housing and homelessness strategies to respond to the national plan to end homelessness | Homelessness strategy updated to embed prevention as the core principle. Strengthened duty to collaborate implemented across services and partners. Alternative accommodation pathways identified reducing the reliance on B&B’s. |
March 2028 |
| Improvements to Halstead Leisure Centre | Overlay of the two flat roofs at Halstead Leisure Centre to improve the leisure facilities and reduce operational costs. | December 2026 |
Priority 2
Provide affordable, high quality and safe homes that meet the needs of our residents.
| Title | Outcome | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Work with partners to develop an approach to a Supported Housing Strategy | Strategy developed alongside an action plan to enhance supported housing options and provide tailored support that meets residents’ needs. | March 2028 |
| Respond to the requirements of the Renters Rights Act | All policies, procedures and documentation align with statutory requirements. Landlord database effectively managed. The Council fulfils its new statutory obligations and duties. |
March 2028 |
| Review and deliver temporary accommodation that is fit for purpose for the district | Provision of temporary accommodation Reducing the reliance on nightly lets |
March 2028 |
Priority 3
Reduce social isolation and loneliness and support communities to build positive social networks and connections.
| Title | Outcome | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| 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 and build positive social networks and connections. Implementation of targeted interventions to address loneliness and social isolation. |
March 2028 |
| Complete the build of Witham Community Centre and handover to Witham Town Council | Provision of a modern Community Centre bringing people of all ages together for various activities and events. | September 2026 |
| Improvements to Silver End Village Hall |
Investment in community assets through the installation of a new heating system, roof replacement, solar panels and fire improvements at Silver End Village Hall reducing operational costs. |
October 2026 |
| Improvements to Marks Farm Community Centre |
Investment in community assets through the installation of a new hot water and heating system at Marks Farm Community Centre reducing operational costs. |
September 2026 |
Priority 4
Develop safer and more resilient communities, empowering residents to take ownership of local projects and initiatives.
| Title | Outcome | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Deliver a Councillor Community Grant Scheme for Councillors to support local projects and groups in their ward | Distribution of funds across the district to nonprofit organisations for community projects and initiatives. | September 2025 |
| 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 2027 |