More than 1m of some of the country's most disadvantaged workers will receive a pay rise tomorrow when the minimum wage rate increases by just over 4 per cent to £5.05 an hour. Despite protests from business that higher labour costs would cause massive job losses, the introduction of a national minimum wage in 1999, then £3.60 an hour, is generally regarded as having been a success.
Lib Dem councillor Pat Brooks is concerned that some residents did not receive correct information when their refuse collection day changed. Some residents did not receive information leaflets and some collections were missed by the contractors.
Over summer the district council has consulted with residents and councillors about the revised local plan. The local plan sets out the issues that the council will take into account when deciding planning applications, so it is very important to get the details right.
Local councillor Pat Brooks has welcomed proposals for new safety measures in Upshire Road, Ninefields and Parklands.
Waltham Abbey Heritage Economic Regeneration Scheme (HERS) has now closed although work is still being completed.
Liberal Democrats have expressed concern at the decision of Conservative and BNP councillors to privatise the management of council leisure centres including Waltham Abbey Swimming Pool.