Culture Chelmsford, an independent charity supporting arts and culture in the city, is looking for new trustees. The charity is helping to grow the cultural scene in Chelmsford, and you could join them.

To get the best for culture in Chelmsford they raise money, influence others, and work with partners like councils, universities and cultural organisations.

The Spring statement was a Sunak Swindle - hiking up people's taxes today while promising to cut them in future.

Buried in the small print is a tax bombshell that will see the average family paying £1,600 more in taxes over the coming years.

Rishi Sunak is following Boris Johnson's lead by not being up front and honest with the country.

Liberal Democrats have secured a significant win in emergency legislation being fast-tracked through Parliament to deal with dirty Russian money in the UK.

The Economic Crime Act introduces crucial anti-money laundering measures - meaning Kremlin-linked oligarchs can no longer operate in the shadows, hiding away their money and their identities.

Chelmsford is officially celebrating, after receiving the news that the city has again been awarded the prestigious Purple Flag accreditation for its evening and night-time economy - similar to the Blue Flag for beaches.

The accreditation scheme aims to raise the standard, and broaden the appeal, of town and city centres between the hours of 5pm & 5am. Areas awarded the Purple Flag are recognised for providing a vibrant and diverse mix of dining, entertainment and culture, while promoting the safety and wellbeing of visitors and local residents.

We have a housing crisis in Chelmsford and too many families cannot get the home they need. That was the declaration made by the Lib Dem majority at the recent full meeting of the City Council (but the Conservatives didn't support it).

A motion moved by Councillor Chris Davidson, Cabinet Member for Fairer Chelmsford, said, "The housing charity Shelter says, 'We live in a country that is feeling the effects of 40 years of failure in housing policy' and believes there are 'six million households whose right to a home is either denied or under threat - that is 9% of the UK population.'

These are families desperately fleeing war with their children. Let them in.

A terrible human tragedy is unfolding before our eyes, as a direct result of Putin's maniacal aggression.

Coverage of the past week has seen scores of people desperate to get out of Ukraine before it's too late, including LGBT+ people, journalists and activists who fear persecution at the hands of Russian forces. We've seen parents with children seeking safety for their families from Putin's war machine.

Scrapping Covid lateral flow tests will slap Chelmsford residents with a £7 million "tax on caring," with around 14,346 people facing costs of over £500 a year to take regular tests and visit vulnerable relatives, Liberal Democrats have warned.

Despite the easing of Covid restrictions, the latest figures show that every week an estimated 14,346 people in the Chelmsford City Council area take regular Covid tests, with 25,412 tests being taken in an average week. This includes people who take tests to protect their elderly relatives and friends, or vulnerable workers who work in people-facing industries such as hospitality and are concerned about their health.

Chelmsford City Council has approved a budget for 2022-23. The plans from the Lib Dem-led Council aim to maintain essential services and protect vulnerable residents, as well as taking action on climate change, affordable homes and a more-connected city, as promised in the Council's "Our Chelmsford, Our Plan".