Council Tax Bill for Rochford residents agreed for 2019/2020 (21/2/19)
The final Council Tax bill for Rochford residents has now been agreed for 2019/2020. Rochford District Council had already agreed its budget for the next financial year; however the elements of the Council Tax that will be collected on behalf of other authorities have now also been finalised.
Rochford District Council had previously announced that despite £400,000 of savings being identified in 2019/20 a residual funding gap of £300,000 necessitated a 2.98% rise in its portion of the Council Tax, equating to 13 pence per week for the average band D property (an increase from £223.65 in 2018/2019 to £230.31 in 2019/2020).
Essex County Council has raised its council tax by 2.99%, along with a 1% increase due to the Social Care Levy. Essex Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner has announced a rise of 14.16%, Essex County Fire & Rescue a 2.94% rise and the average town/parish council increase across the district equates to 5.99%. Ultimately, residents in the Rochford District will face an average increase of 4.9% in their total Council Tax for the 2019/2020 financial year, amounting to a total bill of £1,814.82 for the average band D property. The total will vary across the district due to the different precepts taken by Town and Parish Councils.
The breakdown of annual Council Tax for a Band D property would be:-
Essex County Council £1179.63
Essex County Council Social Care Levy £90.81
Essex County Fire and Rescue £72.45
Essex Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner £192.96
Average Town / Parish Councils £48.66
Rochford District Council £230.31
Total £1,814.82
£500,000 of funding to tackle domestic abuse in south Essex. (19/2/19)
The South Essex Domestic Abuse Hub (SEDAH) has received a funding boost of more than £500,000, which will enable it to enhance the service it provides to local residents at risk of harm. The service, launched in 2017, will now be able to continue operating for a further two years and expand its capacity following a successful funding bid made to the DCLG (Department for Communities and Local Government).
This funding will enable it to continue to provide 28 refuge spaces and a domestic abuse co-
The joint bid was made by Rochford District Council, Basildon Borough Council, Thurrock Borough Council, SERICC (South Essex Rape and Incest Crisis Centre), Changing Pathways, Castle Point Borough Council and Brentwood Borough Council. The service provides for satellite hubs, held at Rochford District Council and Basildon Borough Council offices, where a domestic violence coordinator is on hand to offer support and advice. The timings of these drop-
In total, SEDAH has dealt with176 referrals from individuals and families between its launch in August 2017 and 31 March 2018. These came from a variety of people, including six men and seven over 65s, as domestic abuse can affect people from all demographics and backgrounds. Also operationally involved in the delivery of SEDAH and its functions are Changing Pathways, whose teams provide outreach support, refuge services, counselling and other therapeutic services, and a ‘crash pad’ available for short term stays to meet urgent safety needs ; Essex Police; Safer Places IDVA who provide additional support to higher risk victims of domestic abuse; and a solicitor whose pro bono services have been secured by the Domestic Abuse Coordinator. If you or someone you know is suffering from Domestic Abuse there is a Safer Places support line which is funded by the PCC for Essex, 03301 025811. This is for individuals who require Safe accommodation or support around Domestic Abuse. In the event of an emergency always dial 999.
Hundreds of FREE tickets to be won as part of the Essex Big Weekend (21/2/19)
A public ballot is being held to win hundreds of FREE tickets to a range of attractions across the county, as part of the Essex Big Weekend. We’re all guilty of overlooking what’s on our own doorsteps, but on the weekend of April 6 and 7 you can have the opportunity to win tickets to enjoy all that our unique county has to offer. The aim of the event, held during English Tourism Week and organised by Visit Essex, is to encourage local residents to discover and experience the many wonderful activities available in their home county – and spread the word to others.
All you have to do is register at www.essexbigweekend.co.uk between February 21 and March 17. Two tickets per household will be allocated by ballot to the lucky winners, although some family tickets will be available as well.
And remember to join the conversation using #essexbigweekend2019 Good luck!
The exclusive VIP events available in the Rochford District are:
Personalised VIP escorted tour of Hockley Woods
Led by an experienced local guide; learn about the historic nature of this beautiful SSSI site, the work undertaken to manage the ancient woodland and the indigenous flora and fauna. A rich oasis in the heart of Hockley, covering more than 130 hectares, take time out of your busy day to get back to nature!
VIP tour of Rayleigh
You will be led by a local guide and historian with huge knowledge of the town and its heritage. Get the inside knowledge of the history of this busy market town and see all the interesting facets which most people overlook. Includes a tour of Rayleigh Town Museum.
VIP tour of Ashingdon Minster
Every school child has heard the story of King Canute but did you know he was present here in the heart of Essex? Take a guided tour led by a local historian who will explain all about the history of King Canute, the Battle of Assandun and the origins of the church..
Historic Rochford VIP Guided Tour
Rochford is a medieval market town, recorded in the Domesday Book. Steephed in history, Rochford Town has many tales to tell. Your in-
Old House Guided Tour, Rochford
The Old House is a gem among Rochford’s numerous listed buildings and a ‘must see’. Originally built in 1270, it is the oldest secular building in the area and reputedly haunted. Over the years the building has housed large families with servants, a haberdashery, cobblers, chandlers and solicitors. Built of a timber frame with wattle and daub panels, the house really was the height of luxury in Medieval England.
Tour of RSPB Wallasea Island
This is a landmark conservation and engineering project – the largest of its type in Europe. With an experienced RSPB guide, explore some of the 115 hectares of lonely saltmarshes, tidal inlets and estuarine islands which form this wild and ever-
Private guided tour of Rayleigh Windmill
Come and visit this award-
Nominations now open for Rochford District Awards, sponsored by Fusion Lifestyle (15/2/19)
Do you know somebody who works tirelessly to make a difference to our local community? Has your local sports club achieved success in the past twelve months or helped someone to achieve their potential? If so, now is your chance to give them the recognition they deserve, by nominating them in the 2019 Rochford District Awards.
In a combined Ceremony, to be held in Rochford on Friday 10 May 2019, local residents, sports clubs and schools will be recognised for their achievements for the benefit of the whole local community. So now’s your chance to nominate someone, or an organisation, you think deserves recognition for the difference they are making and to say thank you for their hard work and commitment.
Nominations are open to individuals and groups located within the Rochford district.
The categories for the Citizen of the Year Awards are:
Young Citizen (under 18)
Charitable Support (over 18)
Community Spirit (over 18)
In all three categories, nominations should explain how the person makes a difference, whether to the district of Rochford as a whole or to individual residents as well as their dedication to what they do. For more information or to request an application form, contact 01702 318128 or email CivicOfficer@rochford.gov.uk, or go to https://www.rochford.gov.uk/citizenoftheyear
For the Sports Awards, the categories are:
Sports Personality of the Year (all ages) -
Sports Club of the Year – A local club or team that has made a significant impact. This can be success in competition or by having a positive impact in the local community.
School of the Year – A school, college or early years setting that gives its pupils a wide range of opportunities to participate in high quality physical education and extra curriculum support.
To nominate someone for the Rochford Sports Awards please visit www.rochford.gov.uk/sportsawards or email leisure@rochford.gov.uk to request a nomination form. Nominations are open to individuals and groups located within the Rochford district.
The closing date for entries is Friday 29 March 2019.
Council plans for investment of up to £1m in playgrounds across the Rochford District (14/2/19)
Rochford District Council will be investing almost £700,000 in new equipment which will benefit play spaces across the district. The investment will be further boosted by grant funding and contributions from parish councils, which could make the project worth over £1million.
Funding of £45,000 has already been secured from Enovert Community Trust (ECT) for Sweyne Park Open Space and a further £45,000 has now been offered by ECT for Great Wakering Open Space to overhaul outdated play items, including the supply of a new toddler multiplay unit, junior swings, toddler swings, nest/basket swing, roundabout and various sensory items, as well as adult gym equipment.
The announcement comes as the Council sets its budget for the 2019/2020 financial year, which includes provision within its capital programme for this major new project which aims to help local families pursue healthy lifestyles.
Designs and concepts for the various sites should be ready in March with delivery expected during the 2019/20 financial year.
Portfolio Holder for Finance, Cllr Simon Smith, said: “Over the past few years there have been a good number of new homes for families built in the district, for which the Council has received a bonus. With careful management of the finances, it’s now time to give some of this bonus back. We’ve all heard the news about children spending less time outside than prisoners, and about childhood obesity rates, and we strongly believe in helping to reverse this trend by promoting healthy lifestyles and providing social spaces for families. We believe this can be done by providing high quality play spaces, as children are our future and deserve the best we can do for them.”
Rochford District Council agrees its 2019/20 budget (13/2/19)
Rochford District Council has set a budget for 2019/2020 which aims to deliver high quality services and value for money for residents.
The authority is seeking to build on its strong history of financial prudence and has identified savings of £400,000 for the next financial year through measures including the introduction of new income streams such as animal licensing and weddings at the ‘Old House’ in Rochford.
The residual funding gap of £300,000 has necessitated a small increase in Rochford District’s council tax for the 2019/20 financial year, which equates to 13 pence per week on a Band D property.
This means that there will be a 2.98% rise in the Council Tax element which goes to Rochford District Council, an increase from £223.65 in 2018/2019 to £230.31 in 2019/2020 for the average band D property.
Rochford District Council has also developed an innovative Asset Strategy which anticipates a reduction of future costs in excess of £300,000 a year over the medium term, through the rationalisation and regeneration of six of its strategic sites.
This will help ensure Rochford District remains in a sound financial position for the future, despite financial pressures including the removal of the Revenue Support Grant, population growth, inflation and increasing demand for its services.
In a recent Budget Survey, which ran for six weeks until January 13 2019, residents highlighted that they felt the Council should pursue income generation and act commercially where possible, whilst reducing costs and pursuing different ways of working. These responses were fed into the budget-
Leader of the Council, Cllr Terry Cutmore, said: “We have a long history at Rochford District Council of being prudent with tax payers’ money, and have no current borrowing at all. This common sense approach continues with the setting of the budget for the 2019/2020 financial year.
“At the same time, we are always horizon-
Portfolio Holder for Finance, Cllr Simon Smith, said: “I would like to thank the Councillors from all parties and the council officers who have worked so hard to balance the budget for the 2019/2020 financial year. We have had to introduce a small increase to our element of the Council Tax this year however we do seek to keep costs as low as possible for residents while also providing the best service we possibly can.”
“Although we are the authority that collects Council Tax, the total bill residents pay funds not only the district council’s expenditure but also the police and fire services, as well as county, parish and town councils, who all set their own Council Tax rates.”
£4.5m awarded to south Essex for gigabit connectivity (11/2/19)
Schools, GP surgeries, care homes and village halls across South Essex are set to enjoy from some of the fastest broadband connections in the UK thanks to a £4.5m boost secured by South Essex councils. Homes and local businesses are also expected to benefit from the programme. The broadband boost is the result of a successful bid to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) by South Essex councils working under the banner of the Association of South Essex Local Authorities (ASELA). The funding will deliver improved connectivity to 214 sites in the South Essex corridor, including locations in Basildon, Brentwood, Castle Point, Rochford and Thurrock. The money will help take gigabit speed broadband to rural and hard-
The funding will see the extension of gigabit fibre connectivity to a number of rural public sector sites within the corridor and in doing so will allow the private sector to build from this connectivity and supply homes and businesses in the vicinity.
Cllr Louise McKinlay, Leader of Brentwood Borough Council and Chair of ASELA, said: “It is fantastic news that collectively we have secured funding that will have a huge impact on the whole of south Essex and start to improve local and regional infrastructure across the area. The power of connectivity is continuing to shape the way we work, live and play, and so it is very important that we continue to lead and innovate in the future. Whilst ASELA has only been formed for a short time now, the work that has already taken place shows the very positive impact that collaborative working and talking across district and borough boundaries can have across our region.”
Minister for Digital, Margot James, said: "We're building a Britain that's fit for the future, and our plans for a national full fibre broadband network underpin our modern Industrial Strategy. This £4.5 boost for gigabit speeds in South Essex will build on the tremendous work already being done by Superfast Essex and I congratulate ASELA on their successful bid."
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