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People living or working in Essex can consider running for election to the county council at the upcoming elections on 7 May 2026.

A county councillor represents local residents by shaping and scrutinising decisions on vital services such as transport, social care, education, highways, health, libraries and more.

County councillors also champion local needs, influence budget priorities and ensure the council is transparent, accountable and responsive to the people it serves.

In-person and virtual events are being held for those considering becoming a county councillor. These will cover the role of a county councillor, useful information and where they can learn more.

Individuals can fill out the online form to register their interest in attending the events or contact the elections team at elections@essex.gov.uk

Further information, including a guide about becoming a councillor, is available on the county council website. There is also a guide for disabled people by the Local Government Association.

Prospective candidates must have lived, worked or owned or rented land in Essex for at least 12 months before the elections. They must also be at least 18 years old and a British, Commonwealth or qualifying EU citizen. To find out more about eligibility to stand, visit the Electoral Commission website.

Joanna Boaler, Assistant Director: Democracy & Transparency at Essex County Council, said: “We encourage people who live or work in Essex to think about representing local residents by running for election to Essex County Council.

“Further information, guidance about the process and how to stand as a candidate can be found on our website.

“We also remind Essex residents to register to vote by Monday 20 April at midnight and apply for a postal vote ahead of the elections on 7 May 2026. Don’t miss your opportunity to have your say.”

Cllr Peter Schwier  ISEP

Cabinet Member for Environment, Waste Reduction & Recycling, Chair, East of England Regional Climate Change Forum

Hedingham Division, Essex County Council

Renewal, Equality & Ambition

Safer, Greener, Healthier

Young Essex residents can meet employers and receive expert careers guidance through a series of events.

Free events taking place across National Apprenticeship Week (9 to 15 February) will help young people in Essex discover local opportunities and get personalised support with their next steps.

The Apprenticeship Hub is a free service by Essex County Council designed to help 14 to 25-year-olds understand the apprenticeship pathway, connect with employers and receive advice from qualified careers professionals.

It is part of the Essex Year of Opportunity, a £1.33 million campaign by the council for 2025/26. Through projects and partnerships with organisations, the campaign removes barriers into work and education for all ages by providing access to essential skills.

The Apprenticeship Hub also supports businesses looking to hire apprentices and grow their workforce.

Events taking place around National Apprenticeship Week include:

Get Sorted – The Paddocks, Canvey Island, 11 February

Hosted by the youth movement We Rise, young people aged 14 to 25 can meet local employers and training providers, explore apprenticeship and course options, get support for English and Maths and access mentoring to guide their future choices.

Apprenticeships in Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing – online webinar, 11 February

Year 10 to 13 students can hear from local employers in the sector, find apprenticeship vacancies and gain practical guidance to help plan their next steps.

1‑to‑1 Apprenticeship Support Sessions, 16 to 20 February

During half term, Year 11 to 13 students and their families can meet with one of the Apprenticeship Hub’s specialist careers advisors – in person or online – for personalised, impartial advice.

Councillor Tony Ball, Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Lifelong Learning and Employability at Essex County Council, said: “National Apprenticeship Week is a brilliant opportunity for young people to explore the wide range of pathways available to them.

“These events hosted by our Apprenticeship Hub give students and young people direct access to employers, training providers and expert advisors who can help them make informed choices about their future. This is exactly what our Essex Year of Opportunity campaign is all about.

“Apprenticeships continue to be a valuable route into skilled, sustainable careers. I’m delighted to see so many local employers getting involved across Essex.”

More information and details on how to attend these events can be found at https://www.essexopportunities.co.uk/events/

Cllr Peter Schwier  ISEP

Cabinet Member for Environment, Waste Reduction & Recycling

Chair, East of England Regional Climate Change Forum

Hedingham Division, Essex County Council

Renewal, Equality & Ambition

Safer, Greener, Healthier

One week remains for Essex residents to share their views on the future of health and wellbeing across the county.

The emerging Essex Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy (2026–2029) is being designed by the Essex Health and Wellbeing Board, led by Essex County Council.

It is the product of work across the system, involving the NHS and other health partners, local and county councils and other agencies like the police.

The strategy sets out a shared vision for health partners, highlighting the key priorities needed to help people in Essex live healthier, happier lives.

The strategy looks beyond healthcare to the wider factors that influence health. This includes jobs, housing, education, transport and the environment.

Residents are being asked to share their views on four key priorities that will shape health and wellbeing in Essex. These are:

1. Improving life chances for children and young people – ensuring children grow up happy, safe and free from the effects of poverty
2. Helping more people into and stay in work – supporting employment and skills development for future opportunities
3. Building healthy, resilient and connected communities – creating places that promote health, connection and easy access to support
4. Creating opportunities to improve health and reduce the impact of poor health – encouraging healthy lifestyles, supporting mental wellbeing and reducing substance misuse

Councillor John Spence, Chairman of the Health and Wellbeing Board and Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care and Integration at Essex County Council, said: “Our new Health and Wellbeing Strategy comes at a time of major change for Essex. Its purpose is to help health partners focus on what matters most, to improve health and wellbeing for residents in Essex.

“By working together and addressing issues like housing, education and jobs, we can build a healthier and stronger Essex for the future.

“We want to hear your views on the key priorities we’ve set out, so please have your say and help shape the areas you think we should focus on as health partners.”

Essex residents can take part in the consultation until 3 February at https://consultations.essex.gov.uk/equalities-and-partnership/essexjhws-2026-29/

Cllr Peter Schwier  ISEP

Cabinet Member for Environment, Waste Reduction & Recycling

Chair, East of England Regional Climate Change Forum

Job Title: Citizens Advice Braintree Adviser

Salary: Up to £11,500 gross per annum

Hours: Part time – 15 hours per week

Location: Braintree, Halstead & Witham

Contract Type: Fixed term contract initially until 31^st of March 2027

We are seeking to employ a Citizens Advice Outreach Adviser to join our Braintree District advice team. 

This includes a regular weekly outreach in Braintree at Causeway House and a monthly outreach in Halstead. 

While previous experience delivering Citizens Advice services is desirable it isn’t essential, training can be provided. This is an ideal opportunity to start an exciting new role developing your skills while working for a well-known local Charity.

More details including an application pack can be found here: https://hr.breathehr.com/recruitment/vacancies/45177

Essex County Council has set out budget proposals for 2026/27 which focus on protecting essential services, supporting the most vulnerable and investing in the county’s future – while keeping council tax as low as possible, through one of the lowest increases any council has proposed.

Plans, published ahead of a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday 27 January, outline how the council intends to spend more than £2 billion across the services it is responsible for.

At the heart of the proposals is a commitment to keep pounds in residents’ pockets, while continuing to deliver the services people rely on and investing in long-term growth for Essex.

More than 1,300 residents took part in the council’s recent budget consultation, helping to shape the proposals.

Once again, the condition of Essex’s roads and pavements was identified as a top priority. Residents also highlighted support for vulnerable people, improvements to infrastructure and the creation of good jobs as key areas for investment.

Reflecting this feedback, the council is proposing an additional £82 million of investment across key portfolio budgets in 2026/27.

The budget has been developed against a challenging national picture, with high inflation, costs of living pressures and rising costs for services.

Government policies, including the increase in the National Living Wage announced in the Autumn Budget, will also place further pressure on council finances.

During the consultation, more than 70 per cent of respondents said they would understand if council tax were to increase next year.
 
Despite an expectation from the Government council tax would increase by the full amount allowed this year, 4.99%, the council is limiting the increase as much as possible.

The council is proposing a 3.95% increase in council tax for 2026/27, made up of:

• 1.95% general increase
• 2% Adult Social Care precept

For an average Band D property, this would mean an increase in the County Council element of council tax of £1.20 per week, or £62.37 per year.  

Councillor Chris Whitbread, Chancellor of Essex, said: “This is a budget that is firmly on the side of residents and businesses in Essex. It makes good on our promise that we will not tax people a penny more than we absolutely have to.

“We are doing everything we can to keep the pounds in our residents’ pockets, while maintaining the standards of services they rely on.

“We are proposing what we believe is the lowest council tax rise for an authority our size in the country, yet our proposals still deliver on residents’ priorities and on our Everyone’s Essex strategy.

“The budget continues record levels of investment in highways, focuses on protecting the most vulnerable so that nobody falls through the net, and uses our capital programme to invest in the long-term future of Essex.

“Local government finances are under pressure across the country. However, thanks to our strong track record of financial management, efficiency and productivity, we are able to deliver a balanced budget that meets residents’ needs.”

To help manage ongoing pressures and future funding gaps, the council will deliver £41 million of savings in 2026/27, while continuing to protect frontline services.

The council’s Cabinet will consider whether to recommend the Everyone’s Essex Annual Plan and Budget 2026/27 at its meeting on Tuesday 27 January.

The proposals will then be debated for final approval at a meeting of Full Council on Thursday 12 February.

The annual plan and budget proposals can be found at: https://cmis.essex.gov.uk/essexcmis5/CalendarofMeetings/tabid/73/ctl/ViewMeetingPublic/mid/410/Meeting/5713/Committee/36/SelectedTab/Documents/Default.aspx

Cllr Peter Schwier  ISEP

Cabinet Member for Environment, Waste Reduction & Recycling

Chair, East of England Regional Climate Change Forum

Hedingham Division, Essex County Council

Renewal, Equality & Ambition

Safer, Greener, Healthier

Unkept trees, hedges, and ditches can quickly become a safety hazard if not maintained.

Landowners are being reminded that trees, hedges, ditches and other vegetation close to highways needs to be maintained before bird nesting season begins.

Overgrown vegetation can prevent roads and paths from being safe by blocking paths and restricting the view of the highway.

Landowners are responsible for maintaining foliage on their land, even if it is close to a road or pavement. They have a duty of care to take reasonable steps to prevent risk.

Overgrown vegetation can restrict paths, reduce sight, and cause floods when ditches and drains become clogged.

It is important to cut back vegetation at this time of year, before the bird nesting season arrives.

Landowners should carry out work such as:

• remove overhanging branches that obscure the view of the road
• remove overhanging branches that lower the road’s clearance for tall vehicles, such as double-decker school buses
• trim or remove trees that are in danger of falling onto the pavement or road

Essex Highways’ has cleared a total of 95 hedges it is responsible for this financial year.

Overgrown vegetation which is Essex Highways responsibility can be reported using the Tell Us tool: www.essexhighways.org/tell-us. It will then be inspected.

Councillor Mark Platt, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport, said: “It is essential that landowners keep vegetation on their property properly maintained to ensure the safety of pedestrians and road users on our network.

“We appreciate the cooperation of landowners in carrying out these essential maintenance tasks. They play a crucial role in creating a safer, greener and healthier Essex, so we can all take pride in our great county.

Cllr Peter Schwier  ISEP

Cabinet Member for Environment, Waste Reduction & Recycling

Chair, East of England Regional Climate Change Forum

 Hedingham Division, Essex County Council

Renewal, Equality & Ambition

Safer, Greener, Healthier

Essex’s £30.7 million Connect to Work programme has reached a major milestone in its efforts to break down barriers to employment, with three specialist providers now on board. 

Connect to Work offers personalised employment support to residents with long-term health conditions, disabilities, or those in priority groups.

Funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), the scheme is being delivered in partnership with local authorities and expert providers across Essex, Southend-on-Sea, and Thurrock.

The three providers confirmed to be delivering the programme in Essex are:
•    Shaw Trust
•    Essex Cares Limited (ECL) 
•    Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT)

From one-to-one coaching and skills training to job-matching services, the programme is designed to give people the confidence and opportunities they need to secure meaningful, sustainable work.

Councillor Tony Ball, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Lifelong Learning and Employability, said: “We’re proud to be delivering the Connect to Work programme in Essex and it’s hugely exciting to have all three of our fantastic, expert providers now on board to support residents.

“Connect to Work will help thousands of people across Greater Essex to re-enter the workplace over the next five years, supporting those with complex barriers to employment to find good jobs. 

“The programme is about employment, but also inclusion and spreading opportunity, helping residents of Greater Essex to fulfil their potential.”

Shaw Trust is a leading employment charity which helps people who face barriers to work to achieve their full potential. 

Richard Clifton, Shaw Trust Chief Commercial Officer, said: “As an employment charity, we want everyone – regardless of their background or circumstances – to find good work.

“All too often, people with disabilities and health conditions are at a disadvantage. In Essex, the latest census showed that 70,000 people have poor health, and more than double that figure have a disability. On top of that, there are fewer jobs to go round, with a jobs rate that’s below England’s average. We’re determined to help people find a way forwards.

“Over the next five years, we’re aiming to support 7,800 people across Greater Essex into work. Through accessing the right health and employment support at the right time, we can help residents find lasting, meaningful jobs that fit around their needs.”

ECL supports people with learning disabilities, learning difficulties, or neurodivergence overcome barriers to work. Its supported employment services are available across Greater Essex. 

Peter Fairley, ECL Managing Director, said: “ECL’s mission is to make a positive difference to people’s quality of life through its services. The Connect to Work programme mirrors this, which is why we are thrilled to be a part of the project. 

“Empowering people to be as independent as possible by supporting them to achieve their goals is what we do best. Our Supported Employment service is well positioned to help those in the Connect to Work programme having already helped hundreds of people with learning disabilities and autism achieve their ambitions of paid work in Essex.

“By offering tailored guidance, workplace training, and ongoing support to both job candidates and employers our experienced job coaches deliver outcomes that last.”

EPUT provides community health, mental health and learning disability services for more than 100,000 patients at any one time.

James Sawtell, Associate Director of Social Care at EPUT, said: “Our employment specialists have been supporting people with mental health conditions to find or retain employment for many years and we’re delighted to be part of Connect to Work to help even more people. We know how being in good quality employment can have so many positive impacts on a person’s health.

“We work with our clients to build their confidence and find good quality and fulfilling employment, where they can use their skills and talents, and also build important social connections to reduce feelings of isolation.”

EPUT has been part of Essex’s Connect to Work programme since August 2025 and has already started supporting 190 people with long term mental or physical health conditions.

Find out more and get involved in Connect to Work today at: https://www.essexopportunities.co.uk/connect-to-work/.

Connect to Work is also open to employers across Greater Essex, helping them build more inclusive workforces and access motivated, job-ready candidates. 

The council is hosting a webinar for employers to find out more about the programme. Sign up today: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/finding-and-supporting-talented-staff-connect-to-work-employer-webinar-tickets-1979872004462. 

Cllr Peter Schwier  ISEP

Cabinet Member for Environment, Waste Reduction & Recycling

Chair, East of England Regional Climate Change Forum

Hedingham Division, Essex County Council

Renewal, Equality & Ambition

Safer, Greener, Healthier

Do you know an outstanding educator?

Pupils, parents and school staff can give a teacher the recognition they deserve with a nomination for the Essex Teaching Awards 2026.

The awards – now in their 12th year – are run by Essex County Council and recognise the outstanding contribution made by teachers and school staff across the county.

The awards celebrate individuals working in a range of settings, from early years to further education and support roles.

This year’s categories are:

• Early years team of the year
• Childminder/childminding team of the year
• Further Education team of the year
• Headteacher of the year in a primary or secondary school
• Teacher of the year in a special school
• Lifetime achievement
• Making a difference – primary school of the year
• Making a difference – secondary school of the year
• School partnership
• Inclusive practice
• Outstanding new teacher of the year
• Teacher of the year in a primary school
• Teacher of the year in a secondary school or post 16
• Teacher of the year in a special school
• Teaching assistant of the year
• Impact of digital innovation
• Support staff (member of our school community)

The Essex Teaching Awards 2026 are sponsored by the University of Essex, Daisy Education, MITIE and Able Canopies.

Claire Clilverd, Deputy Director of Marketing and Student Recruitment at the University of Essex, said: “We’re proud to sponsor the Essex Teachers’ Awards and celebrate the incredible dedication and impact of Essex educators.”

Nominations will close on 27 March 2026 and the awards ceremony will take place in June 2026. Nominations can be made at https://www.essex.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/essex-teaching-awards

Councillor Tony Ball, Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Lifelong Learning and Employability, said: “Everyone spends time in the formal education system and it’s the actions of individuals working in these settings that can influence some of the biggest decisions we’ll ever make.

“The Essex Teaching Awards give us the opportunity to ensure those individuals get the recognition they deserve, allowing us to not only identify and celebrate them, but also share best practice across the wider education sector.

“Over the past 11 awards, we have acknowledged outstanding teachers and headteachers, teaching assistants, governing bodies and school teams who work in Essex. I’m excited we have the opportunity to celebrate our staff across the whole spectrum of education.

“I would encourage pupils, parents and other school staff to think about the excellent contributions made in education and nominate anyone you feel is deserving of an award.”

Cllr Peter Schwier  ISEP

Cabinet Member for Environment, Waste Reduction & Recycling

Chair, East of England Regional Climate Change Forum

 Hedingham Division, Essex County Council

Renewal, Equality & Ambition

Safer, Greener, Healthier

This Sexually Transmitted Infection Question (STIQ) Day, Essex County Council is encouraging open and honest conversations about sexual health.

STIQ Day, marked on 14 January each year, is dedicated to promoting informed discussions about Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and general sexual health.

It encourages individuals to ask questions, seek reliable information and hopes to create a stigma-free environment to address sexual health concerns.

Essex Sexual Health Service (ESHS), commissioned by Essex County Council and delivered by Provide Community, offers free support to adults and young people on their sexual health.

Offering everything from emergency contraception to in-clinic and at-home STI testing, as well as a free condom postal service, ESHS is rated Good or Very Good by 98% of users (9,202 respondents).

The service focuses on accessibility, inclusivity and outreach, to help meet the diverse needs of the Essex community.

During the last financial year (April 2024, March 2025), Essex Sexual Health Service delivered: 

• 71,261 clinic appointments – ensuring broad access to sexual health services
• 34,681 home test kits – making testing more convenient and accessible
• 6,708 Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) devices were fitted – supporting long-term reproductive health choices
• 15,496 condoms distributed – promoting safe sexual practices
• 166 outreach sessions reaching 6,209 individuals
• 131 professional training sessions
• 47 SEND sessions, engaging 584 young people
• HIV support services to 141 individuals
• 178 relationships, sex and health education session delivered, supporting 4,577 young people
• free sanitary products introduced in clinics, reflecting user feedback

Alongside clinic-based services, ESHS has invested in digital transformation to improve accessibility. 

It offers online clinics, tailored resources and utilises social media channels such as TikTok to better reach specific audience groups such as young people. 

Councillor John Spence, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Adult Social Care, Public Health and Integration, said: “STIQ Day is an important reminder that sexual health is a vital part of overall wellbeing. We want everyone in Essex to feel confident asking questions and accessing the support they need without embarrassment or stigma. 

“Essex Sexual Health Service has made incredible strides in improving accessibility and inclusivity, from expanding digital resources to delivering thousands of clinic appointments and home testing kits. These efforts ensure that residents can make informed choices about their sexual health in a way that works for them.”

Susan Luty, ESHS Sexual Health System Lead, added: “The Team at Essex Sexual Health Service strive to ensure the residents or visitors to Essex have access to contraception, sexual health care and support when they need it. 

“We offer a range of preventative measures including vaccines and medication to prevent the transmission of HIV and STIs to people who believe they are at higher risk. It has never been easier for us to take control of our sexual health and wellbeing.”    

To support ongoing service user engagement, Essex County Council published a Essex Relationships, Sex and Health Education Survey in June 2025. A total of 4,850 11 to 25-year-olds took part. 

Find out more about the support offered by ESHS: https://essexsexualhealthservice.org.uk/. 

Cllr Peter Schwier  ISEP

Cabinet Member for Environment, Waste Reduction & Recycling

Chair, East of England Regional Climate Change Forum

 Hedingham Division, Essex County Council

Renewal, Equality & Ambition

Safer, Greener, Healthier

We are astounded at the generosity of the donations we received in December.  You really have helped others.  The below list is compiled of the items that we are still in need of, whether it is food or toiletries. 

Our outreach team has  been working hard to help those who find themselves in a difficult situation receive advice and care that they need. 

Your donations are greatly appreciated.