The Maldon District Independent Group

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The Maldon District Independent Group

This page give information on Independent Councillors in the Maldon District. The independent group is the largest group at the District Council.

23/07/2026

We're developing a new Women’s Safety Charter and want to hear from as many residents as possible to help shape that work. 🙋‍♀️

The Charter is focussed on women’s safety, but we want views from everyone in the community about how safe they feel in the District. Residents can let us know by completing a short online survey.

The survey is open between 17 July and 17 August and can be completed by going to the link in in our bio. 🔗

There will be more news about the Women’s Safety Charter itself in the Autumn. ℹ️

10/07/2026

Phase 2 Applications Now Open for Maldon District Council’s ‘Where Quality of Life Matters Fund’

We are really pleased that the second phase of the fund has now been launched. This community fund established by the independent administration for the first time in Maldon District Council 's history is now open for the second phase. ‘Where Quality of Life Matters Fund’, is a community grants initiative designed to support projects that enhance the wellbeing and quality of life for residents across the district.

Eligible groups can apply for up to £10,000 to support initiatives that make a meaningful difference in their communities. Applications are open from 10 July 2026 until 30 September 2026 and can be submitted on the Council’s website at https://www.maldon.gov.uk/communitygrants.

Please get involved and apply. Applications can from a wide range of community organisations, charities, and voluntary groups working to improve social inclusion, health and wellbeing, the local environment, and more.

22/06/2026

Flo Shaughnessy

Wonderful to see the new plaque unveiled at Flo’s Place, commemorating a fantastic person who was a great woman and dedicated councillor, and who always did the right thing.

The play space is amazing and is a fantastic asset to the area.

The plaque is a fitting tribute.

16/06/2026

We are really pleased to welcome Cllr Kevin Jennings to the Maldon District Independent Group. Kevin will be a real asset to our group, having lived in Maldon all his life, we know he is passionate about the town and District. Kevin is a Councillor for all the right reasons and we know his values match our own.

Cllr Jennings said:
I’m really excited to join the Maldon District Independent group, and work positively with like minded councillors. I want to ensure that the Maldon District and Maldon north is well looked after.

We are so lucky to have a mile long high street that is still thriving, I am looking forward, to working with my fellow group members in enhancing the high street and supporting our dedicated business owners across the District.

12/06/2026

For the past three years The Maldon District Independent Group has led a minority administration at Maldon District Council. We have done that by working together with other political groups to ensure that we deliver for the district. This has created stability for the council, and in the past three years there has been more investment in the district’s assets than there had been in the previous fourteen years. We also transformed the council so that it is more effective in its service delivery, and this transformation is now being implemented.

Unfortunately, this stability and working together was not enough for other three political groups and at the 2026 statutory annual meeting, the Conservative, District Support Group and Reform voted for a change, and the Conservative party is now in administration. This decision excluded the Liberal Democrats, the Maldon District Independent Group, and the non-aligned councillors.

At the Essex County Council elections, two Conservative candidates and two ‘truly’ Independent councillors stood on anti-reform agendas, saying that they were only way to stop Reform. A week later, they nominated and voted for Reform councillors to be in Chair positions at Maldon District Council. It is interesting to note that the ‘truly’ independent councillors all voted for national political parties at Maldon District Council. So, from their perspective, perhaps it is ‘Vote independent; get Reform.’

We are pleased to say that Cllr Fittock and Cllr Bassenger were appointed Chair and Vice Chair of the Strategy and Resources Committee, despite the best efforts of the other groups to prevent this from happening.

It will be interesting to see how this ‘coalition’ holds together, and whether any of the previous history at MDC will repeat.

The Maldon District Independent Group know that through cooperation, in the last three years we have achieved more than the previous conservative administrations did in the previous 14 years. The council and the district are in such a better place than previously, and the legacy we have created will continue to be implemented whilst the authority continues to exist. This is also the same view of residents, who in the last survey, have said that 90% of services have improved or stayed in line/

As councillors we will not desert residents or the district, and we will continue to work hard for both. We know we can hold our heads up high and be proud of what right-minded Councillors have achieved.

25/03/2026

Earlier today, the Government confirmed their 'Minded to' decision to approve the creation of 5 unitary authorities to represent the people of Essex, replacing the current county/district/city/borough councils.

We welcome the Government's decision for a new configuration of local councils across the Greater Essex area — and we’re especially pleased that the Government has listened and adopted our preferred model. This approach keeps local people and local places at the heart of local government, bringing us together with Chelmsford and Brentwood.

We will now step up our collaborative work with partners across Greater Essex to help deliver this change smoothly, with minimal disruption for residents.

We know many people will have questions, and we’ll be working hard over the coming weeks and months to keep everyone informed as plans are developed and implemented.

For now, we want to reassure you that we will continue delivering local services right up until Maldon District Council becomes part of a new authority on 1 April 2028. We’ll also work to ensure the reorganisation brings opportunities for even better, more joined‑up services in the future.

Cllr Richard Siddall, Leader of the Council, said: “I welcome today’s announcement and I am pleased that Government has listened and adopted our preferred model, keeping local government local. We will now step up our collaborative work with all partners across Greater Essex to deliver the change so that it best serves the interests of our local communities and residents of Maldon District. We need to ensure that the change happens with minimal disruption and that the Maldon District benefits from the reorganisation.”

More information at https://www.essexlgrhub.org/stronger-greater-essex. 🔎

10/03/2026

We're pleased to announce the official launch of a new Banking Hub, operated by Cash Access UK, which opened to the public on Wednesday 4 March 2026. 🥳

The hub provides a much‑needed banking facility for Maldon and the surrounding area, following the closure of several high street branches in the town centre over recent years. By bringing essential banking services together in one location under one roof, the hub will ensure residents and businesses can continue to access the facilities and support they need locally. ℹ️

The hub is staffed by Heybridge General Store & Post Office and will be open Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm, and residents can use the hub regardless of who they bank with, and access a full range of everyday services, including:

▶️ Paying in cash (notes and coins) and cheques. 💷

▶️ Withdrawing cash (notes and coins). 🪙

▶️ Checking account balances. 🔎

▶️ Paying utility bills. 🛁

▶️ Topping up gas and electricity. 💡

Alongside the counter service, the hub also offers a Community Banker Service, providing residents with face‑to‑face support and personal banking advice in a dedicated private space. 🗣️

Different banks will be represented throughout the week, including Lloyds Bank, Santander, NatWest, Barclays, and Halifax. This will give customers the opportunity to discuss account‑specific queries directly with their bank on a rotational basis. 🏦

Cllr Richard Siddall, Leader of the Council, said: “The banking hub is great news for the district. We’ve worked closely with Cash Access UK to bring these services into the heart of our community, especially after seeing so many local banks close. We have created a true community hub at the Council Offices — with the Banking Hub, Citizens Advice Bureau, Maldon & District CVS, NHS and Police all under one roof. It’s a prime example of how we’re supporting residents and businesses with essential services, advice and practical help. Having a place where people can talk to their bank, pay in cash, or get support face‑to‑face really matters. It’s about making life easier and keeping vital services local.” 💬

Residents are encouraged to visit https://www.cashaccess.co.uk/hubs/maldon-essex or call 01621 730494 for more information about the Maldon Banking Hub and the services available, or to speak to the Banking Hub team in person at the Council Offices.

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