Martin Esom
Waltham Forest’s competitive edge
Martin Esom, who retires from Waltham Forest LBC this week, explains why the borough has been able to deliver for residents – even as competition for resources gets tougher.
Everything right on your doorstep
Misinformation has swirled around the concept of 15-minute neighbourhoods, says Martin Esom, but as one of the pioneers of the approach, Waltham Forest has seen a host of benefits for communities.
Working through crises to protect our future
Martin Esom celebrates the progress Waltham Forest has made so far on tackling the climate and the cost of living crises at local level
Minding the skills gap in Waltham Forest
Waltham Forest’s swift response to the HGV driver shortage is an example of a national problem with a local solution, says Martin Esom.
We’re opening up to everyone
Fellowship Square in London’s Waltham Forest will bring life to the area, business to the shops and cohesion to the community, writes Martin Esom.
A new public service
When Waltham Forest put together its new corporate strategy, it was with the belief that the extraordinary response to the pandemic should be understood and celebrated as public service, explains Martin Esom.
Our plan to aid economic recovery by reimagining Waltham Forest’s future
Martin Esom says Waltham Forest’s Economic Recovery Action Plan is built around three key phases – and the ambitious plans for housing will not fall by the wayside.
Technology delivers democracy in Waltham Forest during the COVID-19 emergency
Martin Esom outlines how Waltham Forest became the first council to pilot its monthly planning committee meeting virtually - using technology to deliver democracy during the pandemic.
We will not rest on our laurels
Waltham Forest Council won Local Authority of the Year in the MJ Awards 2019. Martin Esom and Cllr Clare Coghill believe the achievement is the result of ‘nearly a decade of relentless focus and grip’.
Changing the scenery
Significant council investment and targeted support for growth has transformed Waltham Forest over recent years. Martin Esom explains
Savings vs satisfaction?
Despite council cuts of nearly £100m since 2010, resident satisfaction in east London’s Waltham Forest is at nearly 80%. Martin Esom gives an insight into how the local authority has tackled its financial challenges and is targeting greater growth.
‘You ain’t no Muslim, bruv’
Reflecting on the Leytonstone Tube station stabbing, Martin Esom, Waltham Forest LBC chief executive and chair of the London Prevent Board, explains how councils can tackle radicalisation and improve community cohesion
Extreme measures
Early intervention against the threat of terrorism among young people is now a priority, says Martin Esom.
Whitehall must release Prevent funding
Councils are best placed to counter radicalisation while continuing to monitor and support community cohesion so the Home Office must ensure the right level of funding follows to fulfil Prevent duties, writes Martin Esom.
Building on the Olympic legacy
After an Olympic Games, host cities can often fall victim to the blues. But one area of London is determined to buck the trend, as Martin Esom explains.