As the cost of living crisis continues to go unaided by the government here are some (limited) schemes that may be able to help ease the burden
Green Homes Grant Local Authority Delivery Scheme
If you're an Essex homeowner with a household income below £30,000, you may be eligible for up to £10,000 of work to make energy efficient improvements to your home.
This could include fitting loft insulation, cavity or solid wall insulation or energy efficient heating (does not include gas or oil). The funding covers the entire cost of the improvements, up to £10,000.
The Government announced in February that an Energy Bill Rebate will be provided to households in England from April 2022 to help protect residents from rising energy costs. This includes a one-off payment of £150 to most households in Council Tax bands A-D.
A new outdoor gym featuring seven pieces of equipment and a calisthenics centre is being installed in Priory Country Park.
Outdoor gyms have become increasing popular, and this new gym in Priory Country Park will bring a high quality facility to a popular and well-used, Green Flag award-winning park.
The Liberal Democrats have selected Cllr Sarah Dyke as their candidate for the Somerton and Frome constituency.
Sarah lives in the constituency and is from a Somerset farming family which can be traced back over 250 years to the local area. Sarah worked in the agricultural industry and is Portfolio Holder for the Environment on South Somerset District Council where she is spearheading rewilding programmes, investment in electric vehicle charging points and the council's zero-carbon targets.
Liberal Democrats won right across the country in May's local elections with successes from the Scottish Highlands to Somerset, from Kingston-Upon-Thames to Kingston-Upon-Hull, from Powys to St Albans.
Liberal Democrats elected 868 Councillors, a net gain of 224!
We are winning again because we are listening to people. Because we hear their concerns and their frustration. Because we are standing up for our values, standing up for our communities, and fighting for a fair deal.
A worrying decline in the physical and mental health of Essex children was noted on Tuesday 10 May at an Essex County Council meeting. The Liberal Democrats backed two different sets of proposals to address these concerns.
The Lib Dems called on Essex CC to rapidly roll out a programme of "School Streets" - safe zones that would support physical health, by encouraging pupils to walk or cycle to school.
Dementia Action Week is a national event that sees the public coming together to take action in supporting people that are affected by dementia. This year, there are free activities at The Higgins Bedford for all who are interested in or are affected by dementia.
Tibbs Art Activitea at The Higgins
Monday 16 May, 2pm - 3:30pm
Five of Southend-on-Sea's beaches will be proudly flying prestigious Blue Flags once again following the announcement made by Keep Britain Tidy. The Blue Flag awards, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, is an international award for well-managed beaches with excellent water quality.
We were all delighted with Darryl's success on the 5th of May. Darryl has been a tireless campaigner for his ward and this success was long overdue. Darryl received an impressive 1098 votes putting him well clear of the Conservative incumbent, Jon Cloke who was seeking re-election.
Darryl will be an excellent local champion for the ward. On behalf of all in the party I want to wish Darryl all the best as he takes up this richly deserved position.
Work on the solar farm at the new Bedford Green Technology & Innovation Park is progressing well as all 8,004 solar panels have now been installed. Meanwhile, Bedford Borough Council have also launched a new group-buying scheme which offers residents and businesses cheaper access to solar panels.