Your Epping Forest
1. Introduction – our commitment to you
Councillor Chris Whitbread – Leader of Council
Welcome to Epping Forest District Council’s Corporate Plan, setting out our ambitions for 2023-2027.
In recent years, we have faced remarkable challenges—from the global impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, to higher interest rates, fuel costs, and a persistent cost-of-living crisis.
Like our residents across our towns and villages, the council has navigated these unpredictable waters in a world that is evolving faster than ever.
Despite these challenges, Epping Forest District Council has remained an ambitious council; delivering new council homes, keeping its promise to deliver a new swimming pool and sports centre in Epping, and employing our own highways rangers to carry out work across the district.
However, these events have profoundly impacted us and our communities, emphasising the need for resilience, efficiency, and innovation in our approach moving forward.
Looking ahead, our “Fit for the Future” programme will play a pivotal role in seizing new opportunities and ensuring that Epping Forest District Council remains adaptable and proactive.
Embracing change: Fit for the future
At the core of our corporate plan is transformation. We are committed to shaping a district council that not only meets current challenges but thrives despite them.
Recognising the need to innovate, our Fit for the Future programme is central to reshaping our services and operations to better serve our community’s evolving needs. This initiative focuses on enhancing efficiency, improving service delivery, and forging closer collaborations with other local councils.
Shared services and partnership working
We are proud to lead in Essex by embracing shared services with other local authorities, pooling resources to streamline operations, to enhance our resilience. This forward-thinking approach will enable us to deliver higher-quality services, manage economic pressures more effectively, and bridge gaps between our income and the cost of public services.
Partnerships are fundamental to our strategy. We are dedicated to nurturing strong relationships with local businesses, community groups, and stakeholders. By uniting our efforts, we can achieve more together, ensuring our initiatives align closely with our community’s needs and aspirations. Our joint endeavors prioritise economic development, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability.
Pride in place
We cherish our district’s rich heritage and natural beauty.
Our goal is to enrich our community’s sense of place and belonging by preserving historical landmarks, enhancing public spaces, and promoting cultural activities.
Through these endeavours, we aim to foster a profound connection to our local identity, instilling the pride we feel among all residents.
The establishment of the ‘Place Fund’ supports projects that enhance local areas, facilities, and community pride, ensuring our district remains vibrant, attractive, and a desirable place to live, work and visit.
Digital transformation
A key component of our strategy is embracing digital transformation. By leveraging the latest technologies, we aim to streamline our processes, enhance service delivery, and improve the overall customer experience.
From online services that make it easier for residents to interact with the council to advanced data analytics that help us make informed decisions, technology is at the heart of our efforts to increase efficiency and responsiveness. Our goal is to provide more accessible, user-friendly services while reducing costs and optimising resource use.
Planning and development for the future
Strategic planning is vital as we navigate future challenges. Our approved Local Plan seeks to balance growth with the preservation of our natural environment. Our planning initiatives will prioritise sustainable development that meets current needs while safeguarding resources for future generations, preserving our district’s unique character.
We are committed to ensuring that all new developments adhere to the highest environmental standards and contribute positively to our community.
Enhancing local services, housing, and affordable living
Investing in local services, housing, and affordable living is paramount. We are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all residents, focusing on supporting vulnerable groups, reducing inequalities, and ensuring universal access to essential resources.
We are actively increasing the availability of high-quality homes to meet the needs of our growing population. Our approach emphasises sustainable building practices, community integration, and affordability to ensure everyone has a safe and comfortable place to call home.
Service Development
A cornerstone of our plan is the implementation of a new waste contract designed to enhance waste collection and recycling services across the district, minimising our environmental footprint while meeting the needs of our community sustainably.
The introduction of the new Epping Leisure Centre exemplifies our commitment to enhancing residents’ quality of life with state-of-the-art facilities promoting health and wellness district-wide.
Conclusion
Epping Forest District Council’s corporate plan is a comprehensive strategy designed to enhance residents’ lives, foster community pride, and ensure a resilient future. It reflects our steadfast commitment to navigating challenges with resilience and foresight. The “Fit for the Future” programme will drive our transformation, ensuring we remain a council responsive to current needs and prepared for future opportunities.
Together, we can create a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive community where everyone thrives.
Councillor Chris Whitbread
Leader of Epping Forest District Council