"Our focus is on strengthening local services, helping those in need and creating the right conditions for a prosperous and sustainable district."
Strengthening local services, supporting communities and protecting the environment, while preparing the organisation for future change, are among the key actions set out in Braintree District Council’s new two-year plan.
The plan was approved at a meeting of Braintree District Council’s Cabinet on Wednesday, 20 May, and outlines how the council will deliver its key priorities for residents and businesses between now and March 2028.
The council’s vision - to create a district of opportunity where communities can thrive, people prosper and the environment is cherished for all to enjoy - underpins the activities and projects planned for the coming two years.
The plan commits to supporting residents through the cost-of-living crisis by funding ongoing initiatives such as social supermarkets, food banks and community fridges. The council will continue to work with partners to increase the availability of affordable homes, while working with local providers to expand supported housing options for residents who need them.
A revised Local Plan will be brought forward alongside the adoption of neighbourhood plans, helping to ensure new development is well planned, well connected and shaped by local communities. Supporting the local economy and working with partners to attract new businesses and high quality jobs is another key priority. District-wide job fairs and school-based careers events will help residents find training, apprenticeships and employment opportunities.
The plan also includes the continued distribution of councillor community grants, enabling greater support for local projects, alongside the delivery of Witham’s new community centre, which will provide a welcoming space for people to come together and take part in a wide range of social activities.
A range of council-led schemes and government-backed programmes will continue to help households and businesses reduce energy use and cut bills, while modernising the waste service in line with national reforms will make it easier for people to recycle, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill.
Over the duration of the plan, the organisation will also prepare, together with its partners in Colchester, Tendring and Essex County Council, for the transition to the new North East Essex Council. The aim is to ensure this transition is managed smoothly, maintaining essential services while laying the foundations for a strong and resilient future council.
Cllr Graham Butland, Leader of Braintree District Council, said: “With this two-year plan, we are supporting residents, communities, businesses and our environment. Our focus is on strengthening local services, helping those in need and creating the right conditions for a prosperous and sustainable district. It also recognises the importance of preparing responsibly for the future, ensuring we continue to deliver essential services while laying strong foundations for the next chapter of local government in North East Essex.”