Extra funds for climate action in Essex, pavements, mental health + young people were proposed today by Essex Liberal Democrats. The proposals were tabled at the Essex County Council budget meeting on 23 February.

The Lib Dem proposals:-

Climate Change action

• Promote a sustainable approach to growth, development and a low carbon future.
• Implement measures to improve the green infrastructure of Essex and increase biodiversity.
• Improve the environmental quality, attractiveness and recreational potential of public spaces in ECC ownership.
• Implement measures to reduce waste, lower energy consumption and improve air quality in identified hot spots and introduce Clean Air Zones.

Essex Conservatives have dropped 'sound finance' from their 2021/22 budget and kicked the financial can down the road, according to the Liberal Democrats.

Essex County Council is proposing a budget that depends on £46 million of un-named cuts that even their own finance officer says have a "risk of not being delivered". Essex CC has also delayed a 3.5% rise in Council Tax to next year (2% general fund and 1.5% social care).

A wide range of community improvements costing £10.2 million can now go ahead, following a vote of the Lib Dem led Chelmsford City Council's Cabinet on 8 September 2020.

The following projects will benefit from the funding:

• Affordable housing initiatives, including the infrastructure at Chelmer Waterside to maximise housing delivery
• 28 projects for improvements and investments across the city's parks, green spaces and strategic sports facilities
• Tindal Square pedestrianisation
• Beaulieu Secondary School
• A range of GP surgery improvements

Chelmsford City Council is enabling local food delivery businesses by providing extra free parking, helping them to provide services to residents during the coronavirus crisis.

The new measure means that any companies delivering food, whether as an established or new part of their business, can apply online for two dispensations to park within the city. These permits will apply to the company rather than individual vehicles, giving businesses more flexibility for their deliveries.

The Lib Dems took control of Chelmsford Council on 22nd May. Stephen Robinson was elected Leader of the Council and Marie Goldman Deputy Leader. The Lib Dem Group made proposals to reform the Cabinet structure to reflect Lib Dem priorities, as set out in the election manifesto.

The new Cabinet posts are:

Residents, road users and businesses are being asked for their views on plans to transform Tindal Square and Chelmsford High Street.

The ambitious plans would see a new public space created outside Shire Hall with paving, public seating, planting and a two-way cycle route.

The proposed scheme, which would be delivered by Chelmsford City Council and Essex County Council, will be on show at two public events at High Chelmer Shopping Centre between 10am - 2pm on Saturday 8 June and 3pm - 7pm on Friday 14 June.

You can find out more information and share your views by visiting www.essex.gov.uk/tindalsquare between 4 June and 16 July.

A motion to protect all 74 Essex libraries was voted down at today's Extraordinary Full County Council Meeting, the first in 25 years. That means Conservative proposals to close 25 libraries and possibly 19 more remain on the table.

The debate was preceded by well-researched and thought-provoking questions, which were asked by residents from a packed public gallery.

An Extraordinary full meeting of Essex County Council will be held on 12th March at 10am to debate the future of Essex Libraries. The Lib Dems on Essex County Council have worked with the two other opposition groups to secure this meeting.

This follows widespread opposition to the threat of closure or downgrading of the county's 74 Libraries.