Don’t miss your chance to win a £1,000 B&Q gift card
in this month’s super draw with the Epping Forest Community Lottery
From fresh paint and power tools to plants and outdoor furniture
£1,000 could go a long way in bringing your next home project to life – whilst making a real difference to your favourite good cause
You have until Saturday 31 May for your chance to win this great prize
You will also be helping raise money for local good causes as at least 60% from each ticket sold goes to support community projects in Epping Forest
The local lottery has been set up by Epping Forest District Council (EFDC) to help raise money for charities and good causes throughout the district
Draws will take place every Saturday at 8pm
The lucky winners will be informed by email and will have the money transferred automatically into their bank account
We were delighted to be a part of the Epping Forest Community Lottery
it helps to raise our profile as well as funds
We have so many greyhounds in our care looking for homes so highlighting our cause in every possible way is always welcomed
Our supporters are also always looking for new ways to fundraise and this is a great way for them to donate and potentially win a prize in return
We would encourage other charities to join to raise awareness of all the good causes in Epping Forest
Retired Greyhounds Charity is proud to be one of those causes
Visitors to Epping Forest are being urged to help protect its iconic bluebells by sticking to designated paths and resisting the temptation to pick these delicate
Chalet Wood in Wanstead Park – managed by the City of London Corporation as a registered charity as part of Epping Forest – becomes a breath-taking sea of bluebells
But with this growing popularity comes an increasing risk to the very flowers people come to enjoy.The UK is home to nearly half of the world’s bluebells
which are legally protected under Section 13(2) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
Under the Epping Forest and Wanstead Park Byelaws
it is prohibited to damage or injure any plant in the Forest – this includes trampling or picking bluebells
both of which can harm their long-term survival.Chairman of the City Corporation’s Epping Forest and Commons Committee
said:“Bluebells are a spectacular sight and a vital part of the Forest’s ecosystem
supporting important pollinators such as bumblebees and butterflies
But they are incredibly fragile – just one footstep can crush their leaves
affecting their ability to photosynthesise and store energy for the following year
“Even when they aren’t visible above ground
so trampling them can have lasting consequences
That’s why we’re asking visitors to stay on the designated pathways in Chalet Wood and avoid picking bluebells anywhere in the Forest
we want people to enjoy the beauty of the Forest while also helping us protect it
make a big difference in preserving this incredible display for future generations
Epping Forest stretches from Manor Park in the south to Epping in the north
covering around 8,000 acres and attracting over 10 million visitors annually
It is one of the last remaining extensive natural woodlands in southern England and holds national and international conservation status as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area of Conservation
A report revealed that Epping Forest is worth around £64.4 million a year in public benefits
with a present value of £1.9 billion over 50 years
Protecting habitats like the bluebell woodlands ensures the Forest continues to provide these benefits for years to come
The City of London Corporation protects 11,000 acres of green space across London and the southeast
Most of these sites are run as charitable trusts
at little or no cost to the communities they serve
The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile, dedicated to supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally successful UK – www.cityoflondon.gov.uk
Chalet Wood in Wanstead Park is one of the most popular bluebell sites in Epping Forest
with designated pathways in place to protect the flowers
Native English bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) take five to seven years to establish and are highly sensitive to foot traffic and disturbance
Image caption: A carpet of native English Bluebells in Chalet Wood
There will be no Essex County Council election this year
The Essex County Council election scheduled to take place on 1 May was suspended in February due to the proposed Local Government Reform and the creation of an Essex Mayor
We’ve been contacted by residents concerned they have not received poll cards for the May election – this is because there is no county council election in 2025
The Government confirmed that Essex County Council elections scheduled for May this year will be suspended with the first Mayoral election taking place in May 2026
This is part of the devolution deal for Greater Essex
Council Tax rates for 2025/26 were set at the meeting of Epping Forest District Council on 21 February
The weekly household payment by a family in an average Band D property to Epping Forest District council will increase by less than 10 pence per week
Agreeing their own 2025/26 budget earlier in the meeting
Epping Forest District councillors also confirmed what is expected to be one of
if not the lowest district council precept in Essex
Council Tax charge for an average band D property
Of the £2,186.69 collected by Epping Forest District Council for an average Band D household
The balance of £2,014.70 is collected by Epping Forest District Council and redistributed to Essex County Council
Epping Forest District Council has no control over the lion’s share of the Council Tax which mostly goes to Essex County Council
District councillors have strived to contain Epping Forest District Council costs as they seek to protect important public services within a balanced budget
The council relies on other methods of generating income to support the vital services it provides
the Council Tax the council receives represents 13% of the Epping Forest District Council’s total income.
Leader of Epping Forest District Council regretted the increase in the district council precept even though it equates to less than 10 pence extra a week for an average Band D property.
Echoing points made by Finance Portfolio Holder Holly Whitbread
he expressed his disappointment with the government’s financial settlement which effectively cancels out the 2.99% increase in the district council precept
Inflation and the effect of the increase in employers national insurance contributions have also impacted the budget.
Councillor Chris Whitbread was clear that while significant savings have been necessary to balance the district council budget
Epping Forest District Council remains in a much stronger financial position than many other councils in large part due to the investments it has made and the efficiency of its services
he said that the district council tax represented incredible value for money
Epping Forest District Council receives most of its income from a large property portfolio
In addition to large assets such as the Epping Forest Shopping Park and North Weald Airfield
the council has a large property portfolio of retail and industrial units providing a regular income
The recent sale of land to Google resulted in a large capital receipt
interest from the £88 million sale is also making a significant contribution to public service delivery
The development of the district council budget has evolved with close collaboration of all councillors though Cabinet and the Overview and Scrutiny Committee
A further significant costs was identified through the need to transfer direct ownership of Cottis Yard car park from Qualis to the council
district councillors worked hard to remove cuts to Citizens Advice Bureau which retains the same contributions as last year
The scale of reduction in funding for Voluntary Action Epping Forest has also been reduced
while Community Transport has also been protected
Perhaps one of the biggest disappointments for councillors is the cessation of additional funding for Essex Police
Epping Forest District Council continues to invest for the future
Following the highly successful introduction of the new waste contract under TVS
completion of the permanent depot hub at North Weald continues
Construction of the new North Weald Airfield control tower is now underway as the council reemphasises its commitment to aviation
local residents can see the daily progress as the new Epping Leisure Centre rapidly takes shape
Further investment is programmed for refurbishment and redevelopment of industrial units in Waltham Abbey.
The Housing Capital Programme of almost £150 million over the next 5 years is split between improvements to existing stock and the building of brand-new council housing for people on the housing waiting list
As well as 85 new build council houses in the pipeline
a further 66 units are anticipated through open market acquisitions by Qualis
Councillor Holly Whitbread highlighted some of the challenges facing the council including the impact of local government reform on the medium-term financial strategy
Setting a budget in the current economic climate is an incredibly difficult task
Protecting one service often comes at the expense of another
I know that local government is never perfect
Our responsibility is to make the best possible decisions for local people
I urge members to pragmatically support this budget tonight
Councillor Chris Whitbread updated councillors on his work with other Essex council leaders and chief executives on local government reform and devolution as we move forward following the government’s white paper published in December 2024
Councillor Whitbread explained the next piece of work is due in mid-March and there much work to be done ahead of the spring.
A report on members allowances were approved with no change
Members allowances have seen no increase and are the second lowest in Essex.
The Local Council Tax Support Scheme was approved and will remain unchanged this year
meaning residents that need it will continue to receive the same level of financial assistance
Councillors also approved the implementation of a new policy that will introduce Council Tax premiums on empty and second homes to encourage homeowners to bring empty properties into use
This policy will bring Epping Forest District Council in line with other Essex councils.
Portfolio Holder for Commercial and Estates shared some updates from Qualis
a development in Epping has a practical completion date of 28 February 2025
Waltham Connect a development of four new high-specification industrial units was sold on budget and ahead of schedule
Qualis are also ready to start development at Brooker Road in Waltham Abbey
a development which the council will own after completion
Councillor Matthews also explained that the council budget is supported by £2 million of annual income from Qualis Group and that since taking over commercial management
Qualis has brought in an addition £3 million for the council over the years
making sure we get best value out of our commercial properties.
The financial landscape is evolving as Epping Forest District Council prepares for crucial meetings in February when the 2025 / 2026 budget will be set
finance portfolio holder signalled the changing situation as she provided a short budget update to Cabinet on Monday 13 January
The government financial settlement received just before Christmas presents further challenges
The government grant will be reduced by an equivalent amount to the maximum permissible rise in Council Tax of 2.99%
Other issues include the knock-on effect of increases in National Insurance employer contributions
the downturn in development returns from Qualis housing projects
All have added to the challenges identified in balancing the books
Councillors will also be taking account of the recent devolution and local government reform announcements as they review spending plans over the longer term
Chairman of Overview and Scrutiny (O&S) also picked up the financial theme
reporting on the productive budget discussions held with members of the Cabinet at his last meeting in December
Cabinet and O&S meet again on 28 January to assess the latest challenges presented by the financial settlement
ahead of the main budget reports to Cabinet and Council in February
Councillor Holly Whitbread expressed thanks to Councillor Baldwin for the constructive and pragmatic approach of his committee
Councillor Smruti Patel presented the latest pay policy statement to Cabinet for publication on the council website
Councillors approved the recommendations of Councillor Tim Matthews for the transfer of Cottis Yard car park back under direct council ownership
The transfer will now become part of the budget deliberations by councillors at Overview and Scrutiny
Cabinet concluded with a review and approval of the updated Qualis business plan
Residents who are registered to vote and have a postal vote are being asked to renew their applications
Anyone with an existing postal and postal proxy vote who applied before 31 October 2023
will need to reapply by 31 January 2026 to retain their existing arrangements
Some residents have already been reminded via email or text message to reapply for their post vote with details of how they can do this
Although there are no scheduled local elections for Essex in 2025 after the announcement of Local Government Reform and Devolution, we are encouraging residents to renew their applications within plenty of time before the deadline to ensure all their details are correct
This will allow ample time to process applications
meaning you’ll avoid that last-minute rush
The quickest and easier way to reapply is online
The form can also be downloaded from the gov.uk website and sent to the Epping Forest District Council (EFDC) Elections Team at:
Deadline for applications is 31 January 2026
Please contact the Elections Team if you have any queries or require more information
District councillors faced with tough choices should follow their consciences and always work together in the best interests of residents
no matter how tough or unpopular their decisions
That was the message from Council Leader Chris Whitbread at Epping Forest District Council on Tuesday 8 April
The meeting commenced with a tribute by Councillor Chris Pond to former Councillor John Markham who passed away recently
Remembering John’s determination as his sight declined
Chris Pond spoke fondly of his dedication through great adversary
John retired to Sommerset following retirement from the Council in 2014
An interruption in the public gallery briefly paused the meeting
When it resumed Councillor Whitbread made a short statement on The Bell Hotel
We have consistently raised our objections since the Home Office moved the very first asylum seekers into local hotels
While the fires at the Phoenix and The Bell have focused public attention
we have always argued that these hotels are unsuitable for other fundamental reasons
Refugees or asylum seekers from beyond our shores require complex and comprehensive support measures
the Home Office appeared to partially listen to reason when it previously closed The Bell
The decision to reopen it is therefore very disappointing indeed
I want to make clear to all councillors and residents
that the decision to reopen The Bell was taken by the Home Office over our objections
It simply does not meet the basic requirements we believe to be necessary
I do not want to raise expectations unrealistically
The Home Office has previously dismissed our concerns and may well do so again
I have asked for matters of planning authorisation to be explored
In particular what planning permission the hotel owners and Home Office may be operating under and what due diligence was carried out before reactivating The Bell last week
Councillors are concerned that local residents don’t know enough about Local Government Reorganisation
Councillor Whitbread gave his whole-hearted support to localism
including the role of town and parish councils
Responding to questions by Councillors Stephen Murray and Sheree Rackham
Councillors Whitbread and Tim Matthews emphasised the importance the council attaches to high street businesses
and the excellent progress being made on the refurbishment of the Broadway
Councillor Ray Balcombe confirmed that residents would soon receive new blue-lidded recycling wheelie bins
and that special allowance would be made for side waste at Christmas
He also confirmed that different size bins would be made available
As rubbish piles up on the streets of Birmingham
Councillor Balcombe was very pleased to reassure councillors of the ongoing high performance of Terra Verde Services (TVS)
In the first 6 months of the new refuse contract TVS has achieved collection rates of 99.9 percent
Responding to a question by Councillor Tom Bromwich
Councillor Chris Whitbread agreed that the closure of the Epping to Ongar Underground line was a real loss
the current infrastructure and private ownership of the line makes the re-establishment of a public commuter line very unlikely
Councillors approved 2 reports by Audit and Governance Chairman Councillor Jon Whitehouse
Councillors welcomed the adoption of the council’s updated Anti-Fraud and Corruption Strategy before moving on to endorse the Treasury Management and Capital strategies
Vice-Chairman of the Constitution Working Group also received Council endorsement of the Code of Conduct and Scheme of Delegation review before going on to support revisions to the layout and principles of the Council Constitution
Business continued with the formal appointment of Acting Chief Executive Andrew Small as the Council’s Returning Officer and Electoral Registration Officer
Following the previous appointment of Andrew Small as Chief Executive
Councillor Chris Whitbread was also pleased to recommend the appointment of Mr Owen Sparks as the Council’s new Section 151 Officer
In the final substantive business of the evening
Councillor Roger Baldwin updated Full Council on the business of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee
Epping Forest District Council has issued a letter to affected residents
with an update on the grass verge damage on Beaconsfield Road
We are writing to inform you about the damage to the grass verge on Beaconsfield Road in Epping
Epping Forest District Council is aware of the issue and wants to keep you informed on what has happened
Works have been taking place in the area by a utilities subcontractor responsible for bringing power to the new Epping Leisure Centre site
While the subcontractor previously completed initial works and made good the area
during the collection of remaining cable drums and excavators
vehicles operating on behalf of the subcontractor caused damage to the green
The utilities subcontractor is now back on site to complete the final section of electrical cabling
with work expected to last approximately three weeks
We have intervened to express our dissatisfaction and obtained an apology
along with assurances that the area will be reinstated by making good and reseeding as soon as the work is completed
We apologise for any inconvenience this has caused residents and would like to reassure you that we will inspect the works once they are completed to ensure everything is in order
Public questions anticipated the main debate as Epping Forest District Council’s Cabinet endorsed the South Epping Masterplan strategic framework and design code at its meeting on 19 March
Following the presentation of the report by Councillor Ken Williamson
Councillor Holly Whitbread acknowledged that while people such as her would have preferred not to have this site
the implementation of the Local Plan provided an important defence against over development
especially in view of the Government call for even more housing in Epping Forest and elsewhere
Councillors supported the aspiration that affordable housing for South Epping should be primarily for local people
The Masterplan is not a planning application
and councillors emphasised the facilities and infrastructure such as schools
leisure and transport they would like to see the developer to bring forward
Councillors also suggested that Overview and Scrutiny might invite the Integrated Care Board (ICB) to discuss enhanced medical provision and what more the ICB might do
It is 50 years since the last reorganisation of local government in Epping Forest district
Councillors endorsed the interim Local Government Reorganisation report for submission to government on 21 March
Councillor Chris Whitbread Leader of Epping Forest District Council highlighted the cooperation between the 15 Essex councils in producing the report which provides a starting point for further exploration and refinement
While some of the councils have suggested the creation of five new unitary councils
Councillor Whitbread emphasised the importance of gathering all the evidence necessary to ensure the final number of councils was both democratically accountable and financially sustainable
In response to a question by Councillor Graham Wiskin
Councillor Whitbread explained that while the government white paper makes little mention of town and parish councils
he foresaw an important role for town and parish councils in the new structure
Councillor Whitbread agreed with Councillor Jon Whitehouse that Local Government Reorganisation presented formidable challenges
while also emphasising the important opportunities
including bringing some services such as education and social care closer to the communities they serve
Councillor Whitbread also emphasised that Epping Forest District Council must continue to deliver the best possible services local residents require and deserve
Council tenants can look forward to lower energy bills and more comfortable homes
Housing portfolio holder Councillor Nigel Bedford was delighted to announce excellent news
Epping Forest District Council has received confirmation of a successful bid leading to a £2.2million grant towards the delivery of an energy efficiency retrofit programme
It was agreed to appoint Morgan Sindall Limited to deliver the programme
Councillors went on to approve contracts for the installation of various maintenance repairs and uPVC double glazing contracts for the district’s council housing
Cabinet approved smoke control areas for Epping Forest district
the Essex Procurement Partnership Collaboration Agreement
better health outcomes through the integrated care system
the council’s CCTV strategy and anti-social behaviour policy
They also agreed the transfer of land between the Housing Revenue Account and General Fund for the Chequers B housing development in Loughton
and permission to dispose of land at Pyles Lane
His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester has today (14 February) celebrated his ‘golden jubilee’ as Ranger of Epping Forest with a special visit to the “green lungs of London”. Stretching from Manor Park in east London to Epping in Essex
the Forest covers nearly 8,000 acres — roughly nine times the size of New York’s Central Park. Managed by the City of London Corporation as a registered charity
it is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest and Special Area of Conservation
home to the UK’s largest collection of veteran pollarded trees. Upon arrival
His Royal Highness was presented with the key to Queen Elizabeth I’s Hunting Lodge [pictured] before officially opening a new exhibition at the Epping Forest Visitor Centre at Chingford which explores the royal connections that have shaped the Forest through the centuries
The visit also marked the launch of two major projects set to be completed later this year:The ‘Gloucester Ride’ path
will connect the Epping Forest Visitor Centre with Connaught Water
making the Forest more accessible for a range of users. The first sculptures of a Brambly Hedge trail [pictured]
inspired by Jill Barklem’s illustrated children’s books
The sculptures will allow children and those with accessibility needs to navigate the site better
Chairman of the City Corporation’s Epping Forest and Commons Committee
said: “We were delighted to welcome The Duke of Gloucester back to Epping Forest to celebrate this remarkable milestone
His Royal Highness has played a vital role in protecting this internationally significant landscape
ensuring its beauty and biodiversity thrive while providing over 10 million visitors each year with high-quality green spaces for recreation
"A key legacy of the Ranger’s Golden Jubilee celebration has been inspiring the next generation of volunteers
We now offer opportunities for people of all abilities
and our volunteering activities for children and young families have been particularly successful.”
The Duke of Gloucester met with young representatives from the City Corporation’s Youth Natural Environment Board
Discussions focused on ‘The Future of Epping Forest,’ highlighting the importance of youth involvement in conservation efforts
In a letter to these volunteers ahead of the event
the impact that volunteers like yourself are having in both conserving this internationally important asset and in supporting the City of London Corporation in the public services provided to Epping Forest’s millions of visitors annually. “I recognise that volunteers are critical to the charity’s continued success
I do hope you have enjoyed your time volunteering and will share your skills and experience with others
growing the network of volunteers to benefit the Forest for years to come.”
Addressing both The Ranger and Local Councillors
Epping Forest District Youth Councillors said:
"Epping Forest is more than just a green space; it is our legacy
It holds the stories of the past and the hopes for the future
“The young people of the Epping Forest District ask you all to commit today to do whatever we can to preserve this irreplaceable treasure
ensuring that future generations may walk its paths
The role of Ranger of Epping Forest was established under the Epping Forest Act of 1878
ensuring the continuation of the centuries-old Royal association with the Forest
working alongside the City of London Corporation as Conservator
and the elected Verderers who present the views of local residents
Since its creation under the Epping Forest Act of 1878
only three individuals have held the position of Ranger:
Epping Forest’s connection with the Royal Family dates back to Henry II in the 12th century
but following the City of London Corporation's purchase of the land
who officially opened the Forest on 6 May 1882
declaring it would be 'for the use and enjoyment of my people for all time.'
Prince Harry dedicated Epping Forest as part of the Commonwealth Canopy
Queen Elizabeth II recognised it as one of just 70 ancient woodlands for her Platinum Jubilee
His Majety King Charles III marked his Coronation by donating a tree to the Forest
The City of London Corporation manages a network of 11,000 acres of internationally important open space across London and southeast England
has been awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award for 22 consecutive years
recognising it as one of the very best managed green sites in the world
The Forest has also received Green Heritage Site Accreditation in recognition of its publicly accessible historic features
and for being one of the few remaining extensive ancient forests in western Europe
The Youth Natural Environment Board brings together current pupils and alumni from its Family of Schools
providing a platform for young voices to influence the City Corporation’s environmental policies
and cultivate leadership and advocacy skills in sustainability
The awards recognise and celebrate people from across Epping Forest district who tirelessly work to support their communities
This year’s Civic Awards 2025 was held at the Delta by Marriott Hotel in Waltham Abbey on Friday evening (14 March)
Each year we hold the Civic Awards to recognise the efforts of the remarkable people within our district
who make a difference and inspire others to do the same
These people strive to make our world a better place
We also recognise and celebrate our emergency services
Our Citizen of the Year Award recognises the people in the district who go the extra mile to support their communities
As Chairman of the Colebrook Royals Football Club
John Eagleton’s experiences meant he was the ideal person to help the Limes Farm Community Group to set up a football club for the young people on the estate
knowledge and care into helping the Limes Farm Colts become the club it is today
is fully inclusive and has been pivotal in reducing anti-social behaviour on the estate
meet new friends and learn vital skills like teamwork and communication
John has assisted the club in writing funding applications and has mentored members of the community as they gained their coaching qualifications
dedication and constant support have strengthened relationships across the estate and further afield
families and friends have bonded over this beautiful game and the team has become a vital part of the Limes Farm community
The Young Citizen of the Year Award is a highly contested award
This year we had a number of outstanding nominations
juggles the demands of studying for his GCSEs and being a young carer
He gives back by volunteering at the Young Carers youth club
Described as a “phenomenal person,” he is hardworking
Kayden’s dedication and passion for helping others have made a significant impact
As the youngest Head Police Cadet at the Epping Forest Volunteer Police Cadets and Cadet of the Year
he represented Essex at Trooping of the Colour
embraces every challenge despite his dyslexia
As a member of 414 Squadron Epping and North Weald Air Cadets
he volunteers at community events and shares his dyslexia journey to help others overcome their own difficulties
His story was featured by the National RAF Inclusion Team
Team of the Year provides an excellent opportunity to recognise teams throughout the district that deserve special recognition
This year’s Team of the Year award winners are the Waltham Abbey voluntary fire service crews have made a tremendous impact this year
Their fundraising efforts included car washes for the Epping Forest Christmas Giving Campaign and starter kits for families affected by domestic abuse
They also transformed an overgrown garden at a local school into a safe space for neurodiverse students
Our district is fortunate to have a very strong sporting community legacy and it is important to acknowledge our young people’s sporting achievements through Active Epping Forest Sports Award
Harry has been part of the Chigwell Riding Trust community since he was 3
Harry aims for a career working with horses
he was the overall class champion in the walk/trot/canter dressage open test
scoring the highest points across all age groups
He’s determined to qualify for European para competitions and plans to attend Fortune College in Hampshire to gain the necessary qualifications
The Creativity Award is offered to young people and organisations that show promise and make creative contributions to the arts within our district
Milan Sangar is a versatile and dedicated artist
His passion for storytelling shines through his collaborations
Milan’s acting skills and commitment to developing complex characters have pushed him to grow with each performance
Milan is giving back to the Epping Forest community by helping produce a local show that brings people together
The emergency services play a vital role in protecting us all and it is our honour to recognise the work of these services
Sally Pattie was Essex’s first female paramedic
and determination in a male-dominated service paved the way for others
Sally has saved countless lives and touched the hearts of patients and colleagues
A true pioneer in healthcare and an inspiration to future generations
Loughton and Harlow Red Watch crews responded to an overturned car in a river in Harlow
Both crews displayed extreme courage and determination
working together in dangerous conditions to rescue the two men trapped in the car
The crews have been commended by Chief Fire Officer Rick Hylton for their incredible skill and bravery in handling this risky situation
Sergeant Jamie Shepherd has shown tremendous commitment to combating local issues
His focus on reducing retail crime has strengthened relationships with the business community and significantly impacted public safety
Sergeant Shepherd’s Retail Crime Plan addresses police response actions and includes preventative measures to reduce crime affecting business owners
His proactive approach demonstrates how commitment
and community engagement can create lasting change
The youth councillors are the voice of the district’s younger generation
giving the council a fresh perspective on the issues our younger residents face
A dedicated youth council member that always goes the extra mile to help others
Her organisation and kindness make her an excellent role model and youth council ambassador
he is passionate about community engagement
advocating for young people’s concerns
demonstrating incredible diligence and creativity
Her efforts led to nearly 3,000 pupils participating
His leadership in designing project merchandise and public speaking at the Christmas Carol Service showcases his growth and commitment
Fulfilled his ambition of becoming a youth councillor
His excellent attendance and enthusiasm highlight his commitment to positive change
Recently re-elected to the Young Essex Assembly
Epping Forest Community Champions were recognised for their dedication and commitment to making the district a better place
the 23 Community Champions have contributed an average of 400 volunteer hours each month
and events all with the goal of improving the health and wellbeing of our local communities
celebrating those unique people in our district who go that extra mile
it is people like you who make the world a better place
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Epping Forest District Council (EFDC) is partnering with leading housing association
to deliver shared ownership at Borders Lane in Loughton called Treeside
These new homes will be Network Homes’ first development in Essex
The Treeside apartments have been designed to meet the needs of a range of local people who live or work in the Epping Forest district
from those commuting regularly into London for work to families with young children
The first phase of apartments available includes 14 shared ownership properties
The apartments are currently under construction
To be eligible to purchase a shared ownership home at Treeside with Network Homes
All applicants will be subject to approval by EFDC
Treeside is close to local shops and services
being close to Epping Forest and a stone’s throw from central London
Debden Underground Station is just a 9-minute walk away
There is a good choice of well-regarded primary and secondary schools nearby
Epping Forest District Councillor Holly Whitbread
Cabinet member for Housing and Strategic Health Partnership said:
The council is committed to providing affordable housing and support to local people
This is another incredible opportunity to help first time buyers get a foot on the property ladder
It’s thanks to a great ongoing partnership that EFDC can deliver more affordable shared ownership homes for those who live and work in the district
Head of Sales and Build to Rent at Network Homes comments:
We are delighted to be launching our first shared ownership homes in Essex at such a well-located site
The homes at Treeside will enable people who live and work in the Epping Forest District Council catchment area to access high-quality homes in the charming
Network Homes will be working with the local Sales Agent – Site Sales who will be managing the Shared Ownership sales
on the local government reform and devolution for Essex
Councillor Chris Whitbread has written to fellow councillors and employees of Epping Forest District Council following the decision of Essex County Council earlier today to apply to the government’s priority devolution and local government reorganisation programme
Epping Forest District Council is expected to become part of the devolution and local government reorganisation process outlined in the recent government white paper
following endorsement of the proposals by Essex County Council on Friday 10 January
The county council decision echoes similar endorsements by Thurrock and Southend-on-Sea Unitary Councils earlier in the week
Southend and Thurrock will now write formally to the government requesting inclusion in the government’s priority programme
The councils will now wait to hear from the government on whether Essex has been accepted as part of the priority programme
devolution and local government reorganisation has already taken place across many parts of the UK
The government made clear in its white paper that it expects remaining areas to be reorganised before the end of this Parliament
Inclusion in the priority programme includes an incentive for local areas to lead the reorganisation process
while the government may impose its own proposals in those areas that do not take the initiative
Should the government accept the inclusion of Essex in its priority programme
the current 2-tier arrangement of district and county council in Epping Forest will be replaced by a new unitary authority
The new unitary will assume all the roles currently carried out separately by the district and county
The government white paper suggests that new unitary councils will be larger than the districts they replace
At the core of these changes must be in the interests of our residents
We know how confusing the 2-tier system can be for our residents
let alone for officers and councillors at times
We also know the potential benefits of economies of scale
But we also know the importance of local accountability
The government says it expects new unitary councils to have a population size of 500,000 people or more
The population of Essex is approximately 2 million
That suggests fewer new unitary councils will be much larger than the 2-two district
We would be replaced by a new unitary council made up of us and several of our neighbours
It’s too early to say exactly what the new local government map of Essex will look like
but we would obviously look to our closest neighbours as our most likely partners
The other key component of the proposals is a combined authority governed by an elected mayor for the whole of Essex
responsible for the strategic coordination of the new unitary councils and new powers devolved from central government
The mayor would also take on the police and fire service responsibilities currently held by the Police and Fire Crime Commissioner
More information can be found on the Essex County Council website:
Epping Forest District Council (EFDC) is excited to announce the second wave of its tenant satisfaction measures (TSM’s) survey
EFDC is conducting a telephone survey with a sample of its tenants; wave 1 was carried out in October 2024
with wave 2 being carried out in February 2025
To ensure the survey is conducted effectively and accurately
EFDC has partnered with Acuity Research & Practice Ltd
With their extensive experience in surveying tenant satisfaction
they will begin making calls for the second wave on the Council’s behalf from Monday 17 February 2025
approximately 500 tenants were surveyed by Acuity for the first wave of the survey
The second wave aims to survey another 500 tenants; totalling over 1,000 tenants surveyed across both waves
Acuity will only call between 9am-8pm on weekdays and 10am-6pm on Saturdays
Your response will help EFDC gauge your satisfaction with your home and its services
Acuity and Epping Forest District Council will not share your personal information with other organisations
All answers given will be treated as confidential
The survey ensures EFDC is complying with the Regulator of Social Housing requirements
It will also provide the Council with valuable insights for comparison with previous surveys
The results of 2023-24’s tenant satisfaction survey can be found on our website: Housing key reports and consultations – Epping Forest District Council (eppingforestdc.gov.uk)
To learn more about the Regulator of Social Housing and tenant satisfaction measures, please visit the Tenant Satisfaction Measures Standard on GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
street sweepers and other vehicles hit the streets last week as Epping Forest District Council launched its new refuse and recycling collection company Terra Verde Services (TVS)
Departing from their base in North Weald Airfield
TVS’s first week of service saw the refuse team collect 125,146 bins
with only 96 missed collections – a clearance rating of 99.92%
The current base of operations at the airfield is a temporary facility that includes office space with ICT equipment
The temporary office facilities and interim maintenance facility will be used while the main construction work on their office is carried out
has reported a very promising start to the new contract
There were practically no technical glitches
any significant missed collections or additional calls to the Council’s Customer Services Contact Centre
The TUPE transferred staff attended induction training in October to be ready for the launch
They practiced driving the brand-new refuse freighters
learning how to use technical equipment and received their new TVS uniforms
Cabinet Member for Contracts Delivery said:
I am really pleased to see the launch last week has gone so well
Waste and recycling collection is a vital service
The launch of TVS gives control back to the council for such an important provision so we can deliver a reliable and improved service
I hope it will continue to be a service the council and its residents can be proud of
Officers across the council have worked very hard to make the launch of TVS a success
I thank them all for their dedication and commitment
The day your waste is collected has not changed
Residents are reminded to place their bin on their property boundary by 6:30am on collection days
The Government has launched a public consultation seeking views on the creation of a Mayoral Combined County Authority in Greater Essex
Information and questionnaires went live on the Government’s GOV.UK website on Monday 17 February 2025
Details are available through the following links:
The consultation closes at 11.59pm on Sunday 13 April 2025
including those who live and work across Greater Essex on the effect of establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority in the area
It includes questions on the proposed geography and how the Combined County Authority will make decisions
together with questions on the effects of working across this geography through a Mayoral Combined County Authority
this consultation is not about the Local Government Reorganisation of Epping Forest and other district and borough councils into unitary authorities
That process will take place separately and subsequently
the Government is asking Essex County Council
and all the district and borough councils of Essex to support and promote the consultation to as broad an audience of residents and stakeholders as possible
We are expecting further marketing materials to help us promote its publicity campaign
In the meantime I have asked for the publication of the basic information to the council website
The creation of a Mayor for Greater Essex is an opportunity to shape the delivery of public services for decades to come
I would urge as many residents and stakeholders to respond as possible for the benefit not only of our own local communities