Equality & Diversity

We are committed to building a thriving Greater Essex economy through collaboration, innovation, and investment. By pursuing a devolution deal, we aim to unlock new powers and funding to accelerate growth and prosperity. Major infrastructure projects, including the opening of Beaulieu Park Station and improvements to key transport links such as the Army and Navy junction and Fairglen Interchange, will enhance connectivity and support housing and job creation. Alongside this, we will publish a new economic growth strategy and launch initiatives like the Essex Renewal Fund and inward investment partnerships to attract businesses, spotlight opportunities, and regenerate places across the county.

Our approach prioritizes inclusivity and sustainability by addressing skills gaps, supporting emerging sectors, and creating pathways to employment for all residents. Through programmes like Backing Essex Business, the Essex Year of Opportunity, and expanded adult learning, we will help businesses grow and residents gain the skills for quality jobs. We will champion green growth, digital connectivity, and cultural development, while leveraging Freeport opportunities and international partnerships to strengthen Essex’s global position. Together, these actions will create a resilient economy that benefits communities, drives innovation, and secures long-term prosperity.

We are committed to creating a cleaner, greener, and more connected Essex by investing in sustainable transport, energy, and infrastructure. Our plans include delivering a new Local Transport Plan, improving roads and bridges, and investing £17.8 million in bus service enhancements, alongside introducing 55 all-electric buses and expanding DigiGo for rural communities. We will encourage active travel through new cycling and walking strategies, while installing 4,000 additional electric vehicle chargepoints to support cleaner transport. At the same time, we will work toward net zero through Local Area Energy Planning, community-owned renewable projects, and affordable energy schemes such as Essex Energy Switch and Solar Together.

We will also protect and enhance Essex’s natural environment and biodiversity. By eliminating landfill use by 2025, expanding recycling services, and promoting circular economy projects, we will reduce waste and environmental impact. Our Green Streets Programme will plant and manage trees across highways, while maintaining Green Flag status in our country parks and delivering biodiversity net gain initiatives. We will invest in flood management schemes, support climate action in schools and communities, and provide carbon literacy training for 1,000 council employees. Together, these actions will create a sustainable, resilient environment that improves quality of life for residents and future generations.

We are committed to improving health and wellbeing across Essex by tackling inequalities, promoting healthy lifestyles, and supporting mental health. Our Healthy Weight Strategy will deliver local plans in areas of greatest need, while campaigns and school-based programmes will encourage positive mental wellbeing and physical activity. We will expand the Working Well programme to improve workplace health, train 500 people in mental health awareness, and work toward a smoke-free Essex by 2030. Through initiatives like Move With Us and Essex ActivAte, we will help children and families stay active and healthy, while continuing to provide essential child health checks and support for families through the Essex Child and Family Wellbeing Service.

We will also empower independence for all ages by investing in housing, technology, and community support. Our strategies include reducing rough sleeping, expanding supported accommodation, and helping care leavers and adults with disabilities live independently. We will deliver the Meaningful Lives Matter disability strategy, support over 4,000 carers through our All-Age Carers Strategy, and provide care technology to 16,000 older and disabled residents. By promoting inclusive employment, digital transformation in adult social care, and community-led initiatives, we aim to create a county where everyone can access the support they need to live well, stay active, and maintain independence throughout life.

We are investing in education and childcare to give every child the best start in life. This includes over £25 million for net-zero carbon school buildings, creating 380 new mainstream places and replacing temporary classrooms with permanent, low-carbon facilities. Alongside this, we are investing £16 million to expand SEND provision, building a new 190-place special school and increasing capacity in existing schools. Through the Essex Education Taskforce, we will deliver initiatives like the Year of Numbers, financial literacy programmes, and ECO refill shops, while our Early Years and Childcare Strategy will expand nursery places, before-and-after school clubs, and funded learning for eligible two-year-olds. We will also promote good school attendance and provide training to help more children achieve a Good Level of Development.

Beyond education, we are strengthening support for families and protecting children’s welfare. Our Outstanding children’s services will continue to safeguard those at risk, while transformation programmes will expand fostering capacity, open new council-owned residential homes, and pilot multi-disciplinary teams to prevent children entering care. We will embed anti-racist practice, improve support for children with disabilities, and enhance collaboration between adult and children’s social care. By investing in youth services, digital innovation, and community partnerships, we aim to create safe, inclusive environments where children and families can thrive, learn, and grow together.