Grant to help businesses reopen safely
The Government revealed its roadmap out of lockdown last week and businesses are reminded they can apply for a grant to help them reopen safely. (more…)
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Coronavirus
Coronavirus news releases
National lockdown: Stay at Home
- You must stay at home. This is the single most important action we can all take to protect the NHS and save lives.
- You must not leave your home unless necessary.
- Stay 2 metres apart from anyone not in your household or bubble.
Find out what you can and cannot do
News
News stories from Epping Forest District Council on the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
District Council confirms Council Tax Freeze
Efforts to maintain the lowest possible level of Council Tax were in evidence when Epping Forest District Council met on Thursday (25 February) to set the new charge for 2021/22. (more…)
Council Tax Freeze – Epping Forest District
No increase is planned in Epping Forest District Council’s Council Tax. The zero increase was recommended at the Council’s latest Cabinet meeting on 11 February. The budget for 2021/22 will now go to Full Council for approval on 25 February.…
Overview and Scrutiny 2 February
The latest Overview and Scrutiny meeting on Tuesday 2 February 2021 discussed the parking partnership, elections in May and HRA assets. (more…)
COVID test offered to Nazeing residents in EN10 postcode
Adult residents in the EN10 area, which includes some homes and businesses in Nazeing, are being encouraged to get a COVID-19 test whether they have symptoms or not. (more…)
Community COVID-19 testing moves to Lateral Flow Tests
A change in government policy on COVID-19 testing in Essex means our collect and drop off (PCR) centre at Lindsey Street Community Centre is closing. (more…)
Cabinet 21 January
The latest meeting of Epping Forest District Council’s cabinet held a strong focus on post-COVID economic recovery, investment in the district and enhancement of the local environment. (more…)
Spot the signs of domestic abuse
Coronavirus has prompted a huge surge in domestic abuse, yet victims of abuse are reporting difficulty in accessing help and support. (more…)
Supporting youth clubs to get back on their feet
Grants to help children’s clubs and youth groups in the Epping Forest district reopen in a COVID safe way are available. (more…)
Grants available to help Essex residents self-isolate
We have received extra funding from Essex County Council to reopen our scheme to provide one-off support payments to those who have to self-isolate. (more…)
Fast COVID testing centre opens
A new fast testing centre is up and running for Epping Forest district residents who do not have symptoms of COVID-19. (more…)
Qualis continue to offer repair service during lockdown
During the new national lockdown, Qualis Management is committed to continuing to provide a full repair service to customers renting their homes from Epping Forest District Council. (more…)
Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition postponed
Following the latest Coronavirus guidance, the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition will be postponed until 2022. (more…)
Help Essex by following Tier 4 rules this new year
As many of us will see in the new year tonight, leaders across Essex say now has never been a more important time to follow Tier 4 rules to minimise the spread of coronavirus. (more…)
Looking forward to better times
A message for the new year from Councillor Chris Whitbread, Leader of Epping Forest District Council. (more…)
COVID-19 pressure on the NHS prompts ‘major incident’
COVID-19 pressure on the NHS and health system prompts ‘major incident’ declaration by Essex Resilience Forum (more…)
Christmas bells
Epping Forest District Council Chairman Helen Kane will be joining others around the county on Christmas Eve by ringing a bell to show support for key workers and to spread much-needed cheer. (more…)
Essex Business Adaptation Fund (EBAF)
To provide further support for small businesses affected by COVID-19, Epping Forest District Council has received £242,000 from the Essex Business Adaptation Fund (EBAF). (more…)
Christmas Support Payment
A Christmas Support Payment is available for wet-led pubs – those that mostly serve alcohol rather than food – and have been severely impacted over the festive season due to temporary local restrictions. (more…)
Icelandic Christmas book treat for local families
Parcels sponsored by Costa coffee and The Reading Agency are being delivered to 600 families across Epping Forest District this Christmas. (more…)
Chairman’s Christmas Message
A Christmas message from the Chairman of Epping Forest District Council, Councillor Helen Kane. (more…)
Qualis Management housing repairs transfer success
Following the transfer of council housing repairs and voids services to Qualis Management, Qualis has seen a reduction in waiting times for tenants and a significant increase in productivity. (more…)
Local Restrictions Support Grant
A new series of grants to support businesses through the current COVID situation has been introduced by the Government. (more…)
Cabinet meeting 3 December
Expansion of council housing and improvements to estates, help to local business bids for council contracts and an innovative new public transport trial. (more…)
Protective winter blanket of support
Essex County Council is wrapping a protective blanket around the most vulnerable this winter, providing warmth, food, emergency grants and support to residents hit by the pandemic. (more…)
Dancing in the streets
People in Shelley and Ninefields, Waltham Abbey have been joining our Community team in dancing on their doorsteps and gardens to stay active during lockdown. (more…)
Show your support
With COVID-19 cases increasing across our district we are urging people to uphold the restrictions and help stem the spread. (more…)
Youth Council launch new wellbeing project
Epping Forest Youth Council introduce their next project, MiLife C19 to address young people’s health and wellbeing with a new film. (more…)
Cabinet meeting 16 November
Councillors began the latest meeting of Epping Forest District Council’s Cabinet with announcements on a series of new grants to support local businesses through the COVID-19 restrictions. (more…)
A ramble in the countryside
A ramble in the countryside around Ongar is one of the activities created as part of the Doorstep Activity Challenge. (more…)
Track and trace to protect your loved ones
Download the NHS track and trace app to help protect your family, friends and those you come into contact with. (more…)
Residents take part in Doorstep Activity Challenge
Residents in Shelley, Ongar and Ninefields, Waltham Abbey are taking part in a series of Lockdown Doorstep Activities. (more…)
Essex COVID-19 survivors as plasma donors
Essex COVID-19 survivors needed as plasma donor centre opens in Chelmsford (more…)
It’s up to you!
Please read this important statement from the Leader of Epping Forest District Council, Councillor Chris Whitbread. (more…)
Youth Council’s #yoursay survey results
Epping Forest Youth Councillors presented the results of their lockdown survey to Cabinet members in October. (more…)
Remembrance Day video messages
Remembrance across the Epping Forest district will be different this year due to COVID restrictions. (more…)
New National restrictions from 5 November
The Prime Minister has proposed a 4 week national lockdown, beginning on Thursday 5 November. (more…)
The flu vaccination – who should have it and why
This year it’s more important than ever to get the flu vaccination. (more…)
Remembrance ideas for 2020
Acts of Remembrance across the Epping Forest district will be very different this year due to Covid restrictions. (more…)
Overview and Scrutiny – October 2020
Mental Health, the impact of Covid-19 and key Cabinet decisions featured in Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Thursday 15 October. (more…)
Ongar Leisure Centre refurbishment visit
Councillors visited Ongar Leisure Centre to see how the £1.3m refurbishment programme is progressing. (more…)
DIZ scoops top award
Essex and Hertfordshire Digital Innovation Zone (DIZ) scoops top award for collaboration at UK digital leaders event. (more…)
Be Covid-aware as you enjoy a scare this Halloween
Play safe this Halloween is the message as families gear up for the annual festival of frights. (more…)
New restrictions to reduce the rate of spread
The focus of new restrictions in Epping Forest District and across other areas of Essex is on reducing the R number – or rate of spread of the Covid infection. (more…)
Essex County Council explains Tier 2 decision
A leaflet explaining why most of Essex is on High Level – or Tier 2 – Covid Alert has been published by Essex County Council. (more…)
Full Council focus – 29 October
Apprenticeships are highlighted in the agenda of the latest meeting of Epping Forest District Council. Public sector organisations are set national targets for the employment of apprentices. (more…)
Getting you back on your feet
With the furlough scheme coming to an end, we want everyone to know that we’re here to support you. (more…)
Essex requests move to high level restrictions
Essex Leaders and MPs request move to ‘High level’ Covid restrictions as coronavirus cases continue to rise. (more…)
Support payment for workers required to self-isolate
Workers on low incomes who are required to self-isolate can now claim a £500 Test and Trace support payment. (more…)
Building for the future
Key reports to Cabinet for October include support for residents and business during Covid, climate change emergency and building for the future. (more…)
Commuter call to work from home as local Covid cases spiral
The latest figures from Public Health England have indicated a rise in cases of coronavirus in the Epping Forest and Uttlesford District areas. (more…)
Keep your granny safe
Epping Forest Youth Councillors have produced an emotive poster urging young people to be mindful of spreading COVID-19 to older family members. (more…)
Digital project for GP surgeries to benefit thousands
COVID-19 has changed the way most of our GPs work – bringing online and eConsultations to the fore. (more…)
Survey explores service users experience of COVID-19
Essex County Council and its partners want to hear about local peoples’ experiences around COVID-19 and caring. (more…)
Warning over increased coronavirus cases
Public Health chief issues warning over increased coronavirus cases in Epping Forest and Brentwood. (more…)
Download the NHS COVID-19 app
Download the NHS COVID-19 app to help protect your loved ones, your friends and our whole community. (more…)
Businesses must download QR codes for new COVID-19 app
Businesses are being urged to download NHS QR codes to be displayed for visitors to use when they arrive. (more…)
Wash hands, cover face, make space
Wash your hands regularly, wear a face covering in enclosed spaces and stay at least 2 metres apart from others. (more…)
Time to protect your family
Epping Forest district is consistently showing the highest levels of Covid-19 in Essex. (more…)
Spotlight on Barbers and Hairdressers
Businesses that fail to protect customers and staff by flouting Covid-19 rules, risk creating a second wave of the Coronavirus. (more…)
Prime Minister announces new rules in fight against coronavirus
The Prime Minister announced on Wednesday 9 September, new rules on how people can socialise amidst rising cases of coronavirus across the country. (more…)
Crime drops as new figures released
Crime offences for burglary, personal robbery and shoplifting have significantly dropped over the past year. (more…)
Essex Police address shop staff safety
Essex Police have release there latest business Newsletter addressing the safety of shop staff under the governments COVID-19 restrictions. (more…)
Stay safe, stay alert and speak up
Together we are making progress and need to work as one to make sure we keep it going. (more…)
Councillors scrutinise new vision for Epping
Green space, leisure centre and pool, cinema and new homes are some of the improvements councillors scruitnised at a workshop held by Qualis on 13 August. (more…)
Myth busting The Bell Hotel
The Home Office has temporarily placed asylum seekers at The Bell Hotel in Epping during the pandemic. (more…)
Eat out to help out
You can get a 50% discount at restaurants, pubs and cafes with the Eat Out to Help Out scheme. (more…)
What to do if you have a potential outbreak at your business
Public Health England (PHE) have produced action cards to advise businesses what they should do in the event of a coronavirus outbreak at their business. (more…)
Face covering exemption cards
You must wear a face covering in shops and other indoor places in line with Government guidance. (more…)
New Council Tax bills issued
At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic recovery of outstanding Council Tax was suspended for 3 months – April to the end of June. (more…)
Pavement licence allows for al fresco dining
Pavement licences have been introduced across the Epping Forest district to allow the use of outdoor space for food and drink services. (more…)
Re-opening of the Broadway cash office
The Broadway, Loughton cash office – closed to customers since March as part of COVID-19 lockdown – is set to re-open next month. (more…)
Epping Forest District Museum to open
Epping Forest District Museum will be reopening on Saturday 1 August 2020. (more…)
Face Coverings to become compulsory in shops
Face coverings are compulsory in shops from Friday 24 July to stop the spread of coronavirus. (more…)
Updated guidelines for Shielding residents
Government changes guidelines for vulnerable people. (more…)
Health and wellbeing doorstep consultation
Epping Forest District Council is undertaking an important health and wellbeing doorstep (observing social distancing at all times) consultation in Waltham Abbey and Ongar. (more…)
Eat out to help out scheme introduced
The Eat Out to Help Out vouchers incentive starts today (3 August) to attract customers to restaurants, pubs and cafes throughout August. (more…)
Grants for creative projects
Top up grants for creative projects are being offered to small local businesses trading in the creative, cultural or digital sector. (more…)
Chairman attends virtual launch
The new Chairman of Epping Forest District Council, Councillor Helen Kane attended her first event as Chairman via Zoom. (more…)
Cabinet to discuss restoration and recovery plan
A wide-ranging plan for restoration and recovery in the aftermath of COVID-19 goes before Epping Forest District Council Cabinet next week. (more…)
Housing repair appointments now being taken
We are now able to take calls for housing repairs. (more…)
Reopening hospitality businesses
Hospitality businesses in the Epping Forest district are due to reopen this weekend. (more…)
Help for pubs and restaurants to reopen safely
As lockdown restrictions ease, owners of local cafes, bars, restaurants and pubs can contact us for support to help them reopen safely on 4 July. (more…)
Safer spaces – helping kickstart the local economy
Socialising in our local cafes, bars, restaurants and pubs is welcome news for businesses and residents alike. (more…)
New parking arrangements for market traders
New parking arrangements for Epping market traders come into effect on Monday. (more…)
Social distancing posters for local businesses
Social distancing posters for local businesses – FREE to download. (more…)
Creating safer spaces in our High Streets
Creating safer spaces for the reopening and recovery of our High Streets. (more…)
Council – ‘time to put us back on our feet’
Careful steps designed to help the reopening of local shops and businesses as the district moves from Coronavirus lockdown to recovery are being planned. (more…)
Making payments during the COVID-19 pandemic
Times are challenging and if you normally choose to make payments to us with cash it is particularly difficult. (more…)
Beware of COVID-19 scammers
Residents are warned to be on the lookout against scammers pretending to be from the council or other organisations. (more…)
Test and Trace to help stop COVID-19 spread
A new NHS Test and Trace service has been launched to help identify, contain and control coronavirus, reduce the spread and save lives. (more…)
Disposing of PPE at home
All Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be disposed of in your black wheeled bin. (more…)
Rejuvenation of Epping Town Centre
The Cabinet will consider a report on Monday 1 June to enable another major milestone in the rejuvenation of Epping Town Centre. (more…)
New chairman elected at virtual Council meeting
Councillor Helen Kane is elected Chairman of Epping Forest District Council. (more…)
Risk of Legionnaires Disease on reopening your business
Be aware of the risk of Legionnaires Disease on reopening your business. (more…)
Residents receive generous food donation
Local volunteers deliver meals to our homelessness hostel and sheltered housing schemes. (more…)
How are you and your children coping with lockdown?
A survey about how we are coping with lockdown has been prepared by the University of Bath. (more…)
Giving hugs with poetry
Our creative writing project have launched a book of poems entitled Hugs, to lift your mood and bring you joy and happiness. (more…)
Improving service to our customers
We’re making it even easier for our customers to do business with us. (more…)
Youth councillors film lockdown advice
Epping Forest’s new youth councillors have made a video emphasising the importance of staying home and staying safe. (more…)
Temporary parking restriction for Epping Forest
A temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) is being implemented by the North Essex Parking Partnership in High Beech, in Epping Forest, on 22 May. (more…)
Don’t stay, take it away
Takeaway customers are being reminded they should eat their food at home under the COVID-19 lockdown regulations. (more…)
Helping you through the coronavirus pandemic
We have produced a digital leaflet for residents to help them find advice and information about our services during the coronavirus outbreak. (more…)
Minute silence to commemorate key workers
A minute’s silence will be held across the UK later to commemorate the key workers who have died with coronavirus. (more…)
Post Office opening times update
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Post Office branch opening times can change or branches can temporarily close at short notice. (more…)
Clap and wave this St George’s Day
Thursday 23 April is St George’s Day. Let’s wave our flags and clap our heroes. (more…)
Coronavirus and faith
Coronavirus is affecting all our lives. It is also affecting the way we can worship, practise our faith and mourn and say farewell to loved ones. (more…)
1,300 businesses receive grants
We are proud to announce that £13 million has been paid to businesses across the district. (more…)
Recycling centres closed for Easter
Essex recycling centres are closed to ensure social distancing. (more…)
Stay at home this Easter
Easter is not going to be normal this year! Stay at home – protect the NHS – save lives. (more…)
Support team set up for Essex businesses
Essex businesses can get advice and support to help them through the challenges they’re facing due to the coronavirus crisis. (more…)
Help us to keep you safe
Gas safety checks and fire risk assessments are vital in ensuring people’s homes are safe. (more…)
Exhibition postponed
‘The Boys: Holocaust survivors in the Epping Forest District’ exhibition will be postponed until 2021. (more…)
Business rate relief and grant update
We are working hard to get business support grant payments out to eligible businesses, starting next week. (more…)
Act like you’ve got it, anyone can spread it
A new, hard-hitting Government message has been launched in an attempt to scale back the escalating number of coronavirus deaths. (more…)
Stay at home this weekend
As the weather is set to improve this weekend, we are asking residents to still follow the Government guidelines about staying at home. (more…)
Stay safe, stay at home – Chairman’s message
Message from Councillor Richard Bassett, Chairman of Council. (more…)
Business support grant payments to start soon
Business support grant payments to eligible businesses should start to go out from 8 April. (more…)
Discreet emergency help for domestic abuse victims
Experts are warning that domestic abuse cases could soar during the coronavirus lockdown. (more…)
Checking out businesses flouting the rules
Businesses operating against Government coronavirus instructions told to close. (more…)
Be alert to coronavirus scams
Be alert to coronavirus-related phishing emails and fake text messages. (more…)
Don’t be a noisy neighbour
Noise and the way it affects our neighbours is something to be aware of at this difficult time when most of us are at home 24/7. (more…)
WhatsApp chatbot service launched
The UK Government has launched a GOV.UK Coronavirus Information service on WhatsApp. (more…)
Receptions closed at council offices
All council face-to-face public receptions are now closed. (more…)
Non-emergency housing repairs cancelled
Emergency housing repairs only until further notice for council tenants. (more…)
North Weald Airfield closed
North Weald Airfield is closed to all flying, except for emergency services. (more…)
Stay safe, stay home, save lives
Never in my time as Leader of this council have I had to write a more important message. (more…)
Government business support launched
The Government has announced measures to support businesses during the coronavirus outbreak. (more…)
A matter of life and death
A message from Essex County Council Leader Cllr David Finch and Dr Mike Gogarty, Director of Public Health at Essex County Council. (more…)
Leisure Centres to close
Council-owned leisure centres in the Epping Forest district are to close in line with Government guidance. (more…)
Coronavirus fraud warning
Fraudsters are using the Coronavirus Pandemic to target elderly, vulnerable people already worried about their health and future. (more…)
Events and activities cancelled
In line with Government advice on mass gatherings we have taken the decision to cancel North Weald Market until further notice. (more…)
Community helpline for coronavirus
A new community helpline has been set up by Epping Forest District Council to help with your coronavirus concerns. (more…)
Council coronavirus statement
A local media outlet has published misleading information about Coronavirus and the council on their website and on social media. (more…)