Reach out to TouchPoint if you have concerns about fuel payments this winter, urges F&GP’s Cllr John O’Brien
We are now starting our preparation for the 2025/26 Annual Budget at a time when Parish Councils, being at the bottom of the Local Government food chain, are wondering what and how further cuts in services from those higher up will affect them.
One cause of concern for us is that, after 5 years, Essex County Council have yet to sign the Lease of the Library space in this building.
We have a new Government who has informed us, what we knew already, that the UK’s financial position is in bad shape. The greatest concern is for those pensioners who are facing financial difficulties through the cuts in the Winter Fuel Allowance.
I urge all those pensioners affected, and those on low incomes in Stansted, to seek as much advice as possible to find if they may be eligible to claim other benefits.
To this end, I recommend they make use of the excellent help from the wide range of services offered by Touchpoint, the charity based here.
As stated some time ago, we were hoping to combine the Parish Council’s energy contracts this year to obtain greater bargaining power. Unfortunately, our consultants have recommended that, owing to the continued volatility of the energy markets, we postpone doing so until February 2026.