ESSEX County Council have set out their new ‘levelling up’ strategy, with rural Braintree a priority area to provide help to.

The Council have set out the work that will go towards helping communities and families across the county.

The new initiatives include a £500,000 community challenge fund that will provide access to small grants for communities in the priority areas and a new financial wellbeing programme to help people manage their finances.

In addition to this they have also set out to establish a Family Friendly Employers Charter and will work with local employers to implement and promote flexible, family-friendly working arrangements.

The council also announced the continuation of the Essex holiday activity clubs over the next three years, supporting young people and families who are eligible for free school meals and other families most in need of support during the school holidays.

The priority areas being focused on are Tendring, Basildon, Colchester, Canvey Island, Harlow, and rural Braintree.

Deputy Leader of the County Council Louise McKinlay said: “Essex has a great many strengths, but we need to widen opportunities, so that more people can fulfil their potential.

“We are very clear that Levelling Up is about taking action and working with our public and private sector partners, businesses, schools and communities.

“I look forward to rolling out our newly announced initiatives over the coming months.”