Blueprint for recovery of Tendring after Covid-19 set out

A strategy to help Tendring district recover from the impact of Covid-19 has been approved.

Tendring District Council’s (TDC) Back to Business programme sets out a number of initiatives to help residents and businesses overcome the challenges caused by the pandemic.

Back to Business was approved by TDC’s Cabinet today (Friday, 13 November), along with a budget of £862,000 towards delivery of the programme.

Neil Stock OBE, TDC Leader, said Coronavirus had significantly changed the way we work and live our lives as well as impacting on the economy locally and nationally.

“In its role as a community leader, we are committed to supporting the district’s recovery towards a brighter future,” Cllr Stock said.

“Our Back to Business programme establishes how we will do that, with initiatives ranging from those that support business, to helping people struggling with mental health, and improving our environment.

“This pan-council approach, with money behind it to achieve it, contains some concrete outcomes – but will also need to be flexible as we continue to adapt to the changing circumstances caused by Covid-19.”

Initiatives within the programme include refurbishing Clacton Skate Park, seeking funding for employment advisors to help people into work and giving redundant IT equipment to disadvantaged children to support their studies.

The council will also review its procurement rules to see if it can put more of a focus on using Tendring-based firms, continue to improve the district’s tourism offer to attract visitors and investment, and re-prioritise a number of existing projects which are seen as best-placed to help the area recover.

Cllr Stock added:

“We have a role to help everyone live well, strive for improvement and for us all to thrive – and together we can reach a better quality of life for everyone in Tendring.”

A more detailed action plan will be developed now following Cabinet’s approval.

In addition to the above, further guidance is due imminently on various business support grants from Government, and the council aims to be ready to launch local applications for such financial support next week.