Latest news with #DanielleBelton
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Tories back in power at district council
The political leadership at a local authority has changed hands following an annual council vote. Rochford District Council is now run as a joint administration by the Conservatives, Rochford District Residents (RDR) and the Rochford and Foulness Wakering Independents (RFWI). Until recently, the council was jointly run by the Liberal Democrats and independents. Its new leader, Conservative Danielle Belton, said the three groups would work together on "shared priorities". "Given the current uncertainty due to local government reform, we believe that transparent, engaging and member-led leadership is vital for the future of the district, and that is what we intend to deliver," she said. Local councils in England are due to be dismantled and replaced as part of a major shake-up of local government. RDR councillor John Mason was made the deputy leader and said his party would be "working for residents" in coalition with the other two groups. Arthur Williams, group leader for RFWI, said his party shared "common goals" with his cross-bench colleagues. No single political party has had a majority in Rochford in recent years. The Tories have 10 members, RDR have eight, Lib Dems have eight, RFWI have three and 10 other councillors are from independent groups. Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Labour takes Thurrock as Tories suffer election blows Plans for thousands of new homes 'insane' - MP Rochford District Council
BBC News
21-05-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Conservatives re-enter leadership at Rochford District Council
The political leadership at a local authority has changed hands following an annual council District Council is now run as a joint administration by the Conservatives, Rochford District Residents (RDR) and the Rochford and Foulness Wakering Independents (RFWI).Until recently, the council was jointly run by the Liberal Democrats and new leader, Conservative Danielle Belton, said the three groups would work together on "shared priorities". "Given the current uncertainty due to local government reform, we believe that transparent, engaging and member-led leadership is vital for the future of the district, and that is what we intend to deliver," she said. Local councils in England are due to be dismantled and replaced as part of a major shake-up of local councillor John Mason was made the deputy leader and said his party would be "working for residents" in coalition with the other two Williams, group leader for RFWI, said his party shared "common goals" with his cross-bench single political party has had a majority in Rochford in recent Tories have 10 members, RDR have eight, Lib Dems have eight, RFWI have three and 10 other councillors are from independent groups. Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Councillors agree plans for 2.95% council tax rise
Residents in south Essex face larger bills after a local authority agreed to increase council tax and car parking charges. Rochford District Council's 2.95% council tax increase will raise approximately £240,000, with a further £24,000 coming from increased parking charges. James Newport, the Liberal Democrat leader of the council, said: "Every penny we spend must deliver the best possible outcomes for our residents." Danielle Belton, leader of the Conservatives, said the increases were "surprising". At the full council meeting on Tuesday, councillors agreed to a council tax rise just below the maximum level, with 2.99% being the threshold. People living in a Band D property will see their bills rise by an additional £90.48 a year. Parking charges will go up, with an annual season ticket at Hockley Woods increasing by £92.33. Other car parks, including those at Websters Way, Mill Hall, and Old Ship Lane, are also set for an increase in costs, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. Belton said: "We're increasing parking to raise £24,000 despite the fact this council has a pot of money called £90,000 for priorities. "A priority for this council should be keeping as much money in our residents' pockets as possible to help businesses, high streets and individuals." Newport said: "Value for money is at the heart of this budget. "We are focused on social value, making decisions that strengthen our economy, support community wellbeing, and deliver long-term benefits for residents and businesses." Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Council tax to rise with more money for roads Council reveals plan to raise tax by maximum 4.99% Local Democracy Reporting Service Rochford District Council
BBC News
12-02-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Concern over plans to remove Rayleigh football pitches
A plan to remove football pitches from leisure centres in south Essex has drawn complaints from families and club Council and its leisure centre operator, Everyone Active, was looking at replacing sports pitches with padel courts, with one councillor describing the move as "anti-football", The Local Democracy Reporting Service said. Padel has risen in popularity in recent times and described as a more accessible version of tennis which is played with stringless racquets on smaller Active said the decision pre-dated its appointment as leisure centre operator. The council has been approached for comment. Several local football clubs were working on a petition against the Southwood, who runs the Football Fun Factory in Rayleigh, Hockley and Southend said that parents were concerned about the impact of removing pitches."This would have a massive impact on the children," he said."If they remove the pitches there will be nowhere for these children to go and play football."Rayleigh Leisure Centre is the only place children and people can play in the area. We are trying to inspire the next generation of football players."Danielle Belton, the leader of the Conservative group on Rochford Council, said: "The football community in the area is huge. "It's not just about football. The parents get a lot out of it and can go shopping, to the gym or for a coffee. There is a feeling the council is anti-football".However, Lisa Newport, chair of the council's communities, wellbeing and housing committee said no decisions had been made about replacing the football pitches at Rayleigh Leisure Everyone Active spokesperson said: "Plans for the padel courts were in the council's original management tender when selecting a new operator and was not an Everyone Active decision." Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
