Ambitious plans to ensure the recovery for Essex post-Covid19 have been unveiled by Essex County Council Conservatives.

The ruling party has outlined how it will tackle getting life back to normal as lockdown restrictions start to relax. Covering care for adults, children and families, the economy, the environment, transport and education and all aspects of life in the
county. The plans were laid out recently by the Leader of Essex County Council, Cllr David Finch.

One of the highlights was the announcement of The Nightingale Bursary and Nursing Apprenticeship scheme. Named after Florence Nightingale, 200 years after her birth, this total pot of £1.1m aims to support up to 100 people from the county’s most deprived communities to achieve social care qualifications, or to support existing care workers to achieve further qualifications and also help others achieve nursing qualifications.

Other measures include summer camps and activities for children to help all families but particularly those just about managing to carry on working during the summer school holidays following months of schools being closed. The package also includes measures to assist and support children back to school in September.

Getting the Essex Economy moving again is also at the top of the agenda as the Conservatives, the party of business, works with organisations and groups to encourage people to stay and buy local. Tourism plays a multi-billion part in Essex’s
economy and the Conservatives are working with hospitality and catering as well as visitor attractions to get back on their feet.

Part of this work is around putting in social distancing measures to help with cycling and walking and plans are underway to assist cafes and restaurants to use open spaces. The environment also benefits from less cars on the road and having set up the Essex Climate Change Commission, The Conservatives are working hard to bring about change that will improve air quality and the health of every single resident.

Cllr David Finch, said: “This has been and still is an extraordinary time and I would like to pay tribute to everyone at the Council and in our communities who have worked hard to support people, especially those more vulnerable and those in
greater need. Now is the time to ensure Essex bounces back and I am proud of the work that we as Conservatives have done and will now do to make this happen."

Cllr Andrew Baggott, Leader of Basildon Conservatives, added: "We all have a role to play in the recovery, not just in Basildon but across Essex, and it is our job as local politicians to make that task as easy as possible. I believe the set of plans outlined by Essex County Council will do just that to the benefit of all.”

A Recovery Advisory Board to provide clear thinking on these plans has been set up and will help to ensure their implementation across the county.