Your Epping Forest

Delivering our plan

We deliver a huge range of services. We also work in partnerships for joined up services. Our list of partners is constantly growing and evolving.

Some of what we do

• Building control
• Council housing
• Private sector housing (landlords)
• Grants
• Waste and recycling
• Planning applications, enforcement, and the Local Plan
• Leisure, arts, culture, health, and wellbeing
• Environmental health
• Housing benefits and Council Tax collection
• Community safety
• Local democracy and elections
• Economic development
• Commercial property
• Car parks
• Grounds maintenance (parks, verges, and public spaces)

Public sector partners

Central government plays an important role in the regulation of what we do. It also provides significant funding for local projects and services.

Other significant partners include:

• Essex County Council
• Police Fire and Crime Commissioner, in association with
  • Essex Police
  • Essex County Fire and Rescue
• National Health Services, in association with
  • The West Essex Integrated Care Board
• Town and parish councils
• Department of Work and Pensions (DWP)
• Environment Agency
• Lea Valley Regional Park
• The Corporation of London
• Homes England
• The Innovation Corridor – linking London and Cambridge
• The DIZ – Digital Innovation Zone
• NEPP (North Essex Parking Partnership)

We represent the interests of our community further afield too. We talk with neighbouring London boroughs, the Mayor of London, Transport for London, and many other organisations outside our district.

Voluntary sector partners

The voluntary sector makes a vital contribution to our community. Local organisations are coordinated and supported by Voluntary Action Epping Forest. The development of council-supported community hubs combines the expertise of the council with other government organisations such as the DWP, and voluntary organisations such as Epping Forest Food Bank and Citizens Advice.

Commercial partners

We work with commercial partners to deliver many of our services.

Major contractors include:

• Qualis – a group of private companies created by and wholly-owned by the council
• Biffa – household waste and recycling
• Places Leisure – leisure centres and swimming pools

Qualis is one of our most significant innovations. As the sole ‘share-holder’ of Qualis, it gives Epping Forest District Council a competitive edge and access to private sector know-how.

Qualis is delivering major developments in Epping and Waltham Abbey. It is maintaining the Council’s housing for more than 6,000 tenants and their families. Qualis is making commercial property investments to provide further long-term income returns to the Council. Money earned supports public services.

We also support services and keep Council Tax low through commercial partnerships at North Weald Airfield, Epping Forest Retail Park, industrial estates, and retail units. We have innovated beyond traditional income. The arrival of Regus (office lettings) on the top floor of the Civic Offices has created another income stream.

We will continue to develop income from assets such as North Weald Airfield (Masterplan), to support front-line services and keep Council Tax low.

Harlow and Gilston Garden Town

Partnerships cross boundaries. Epping Forest District Council is working hard with other councils to meet the demand for new housing. 16,000 sustainable new homes are planned across Harlow and Gilston Garden Town (HGGT) by 2033, of which 3,900 are proposed in the Epping Forest council area.

HGGT comprises:

• Epping Forest District Council
• Harlow District Council
• East Herts District Council
• Essex County Council
• Hertfordshire County Council

People need more than houses. HGGT is building sustainable communities. Transport, employment, schools, and health services are all factored in. Infrastructure will include everything from water and electricity to broadband for environmentally friendly communities.

Advocate for our community

Apart from Epping Forest District Council, many organisations provide local public services.

For example:

• Essex County Council
  • Highways
  • Social Services
  • Schools
• Utility companies
  • Gas
  • Electricity
  • Water
  • Broadband
• Open spaces
  • The Corporation of London – Epping Forest
  • Lee Valley Regional Park
• Public transport
  • Transport for London buses and trains

We work to engage, influence, and encourage other organisations on behalf of our residents.