MAJOR achievements in improving the life chances of Essex people now and in the future came under the spotlight today at a special event at the House of Commons in the presence of senior Ministers and MPs.

Essex County Council has an ambitious Levelling Up agenda that aims to ensure all residents in the county have an equal chance to improve their lives and ‘reach for the stars.’

A parliamentary event today (Wednesday 8 March, 2023) showcased the achievements for the first year and was an opportunity to outline the work to Minister of State for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education and Harlow MP Robert Halfon alongside parliamentary officials, MPs and a range of partners, charities and Essex businesses.

Dozens of projects are already having a positive impact on improving the lives of local residents and communities throughout the County, underpinned by £23million of funding.

Angel Cogger, from Basildon, highlighted to MPs the impact of the support she received through a community organisation called Active, Thrive, Flourish (ATF), which helped her and her family come through a difficult time. This then inspired her to learn the skills needed to help other families do the same.

The event also heard more about the Harlow Futures project, which aims to provide opportunities for children and young people and now through its recent collaboration between the Local Authority and district council, schools, settings and colleges is able to provide programmes to enhance the social, emotional and mental health support in the town.

Cllr Louise McKinlay, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council and Cabinet Member for Community, Equality, Partnership and Performance, said: “Over the last year, we have seized the Levelling Up agenda with both hands – not just responding to national initiatives, but actively creating additional opportunities for residents across Essex, giving them the support they need to make lasting improvements to their lives.

“We are committed to driving forward our Levelling Up campaign, as set out in the Everyone’s Essex strategy, and making it work for every county resident.”

Cllr Kevin Bentley, Leader of Essex County Council, said: “I am incredibly proud of all that we have achieved over the first year of our journey to level up Essex. There is much more to do and the next year will see the introduction of many more new initiatives targeted at key places and people.”

Rt Hon Robert Halfon, MP for Harlow and Minister of State for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education, said: “I am pleased to be able to host Essex County Council in Parliament today to showcase the work being done to support the Levelling-Up agenda in our local community. My thanks go out to Cllr Kevin Bentley and Cllr Louise McKinlay who have worked with me day and night to transform our region, and in particular, my constituency of Harlow.

“Over the past two years, I have been proud to secure over £40 million of levelling up funding to regenerate our Town Centre. This comes alongside the £85 million for the new Junction 7A, £16.5 million to upgrade Harlow College and open the Advanced Manufacturing Centre, £27 million for our new Enterprise Zone, £23 million to upgrade local school buildings and hundreds of millions of investment to move the UK Health Security Agency to Harlow.

“Under this Government, and through the positive collaboration with ECC, Harlow, and the Eastern Region has had investment like never before, demonstrating the power of local government in supporting our local residents. Building an even better Harlow and Eastern region will make it a great place to live, work and grow up, allowing our community to reach its full potential and deliver for generations to come.”