Title

ECONOMIC GROWTH

£50k business grants

Rochford DC has handed out £50,000 in grants to local businesses in a bid to help boost economic growth in the district.

Rochford DC has handed out £50,000 in grants to local businesses in a bid to help boost economic growth in the district.

The money was secured from the Business Southend growth hub and went to a variety of local companies and social enterprises.

‘The money will be spent on some practical initiatives, such as expanding workshops and office areas, and building an optimised website,' said portfolio holder for enterprise, Cllr Mike Steptoe.

ECONOMIC GROWTH

MJ Regeneration: A Budget to build from

By David Blackman | 17 September 2026

Chancellor John Healey’s commitment to regional economic growth predates the Burnham Government by about 30 years, says David Blackman. His Budget will need ...

ECONOMIC GROWTH

Dealing with LGR limbo

By Neil Merrick | 15 September 2026

Councils face renewed uncertainty over staffing, finances, contracts and long-term planning as ministers review local government reorganisation. Neil Merrick...

ECONOMIC GROWTH

Seizing a key opportunity to deliver affordable and social housing

By Vince Maple | 14 September 2026

Councils should be at the heart of delivery for the Social and Affordable Homes Programme to be a once-in-a-generation success, says Vince Maple.

ECONOMIC GROWTH

Deadlock over December deadline

By Joe Lepper | 08 September 2026

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is bullish on enforcing a statutory deadline of December for councils to submit their local plans, ...

-->