Good Morning {{first_name | Reader}},

Welcome to December!
If this weekend didn’t make it clear, Christmas has officially arrived. The street lights are on, Hoddesdon put on a fantastic show on Sunday and the festive mood is everywhere. A lot has happened in a short space of time. McDonald’s has finally opened in Cheshunt Brookfield. On Friday, all 11 Hertfordshire districts submitted their reorganisation options to the Government. Waltham Cross Library has also been busy, with another event happening today.

In today’s issue:

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Cllr Steve Jarvis, Leader of the Council, expressed frustration that the Budget made little reference to local government and offered no new funding to meet rising pressures, including the national living wage increase.

He noted that while the Government’s pledge to fully fund SEND from 2028 is positive, it does not address current demand, the council’s projected £389m deficit by 2028–29, or the risk that future funding will still fall short of children’s needs.

He also raised concern that additional council tax collected from higher-value properties will go directly to the Treasury rather than supporting local services, stressing that Hertfordshire needs these funds.

He added that the council now awaits the December financial settlement and the Fair Funding Review, which is expected to reduce the council’s budget by around £50m and increase pressure on essential services.

Hertfordshire County Council has published an updated list of fifty free or low-cost activities for families to enjoy across the county during the December Christmas break. The list is designed to help residents make the most of the festive season without stretching household budgets, especially at a time when many are feeling financial pressure.

The council emphasised that there is a wide range of support available for families struggling with rising costs. Guidance and resources can be found on the council’s Help to Manage the Cost of Living webpage.

Residents are encouraged to get outdoors and enjoy the season, with winter walks, nature spotting and cycling among the suggested activities. Those looking for an affordable way to get around can explore second-hand adult and children’s bicycles available at local Reuse Shops.

The full “Fifty Thrifty” list is available to download, with each activity including locations and helpful links. The council hopes the guide will inspire families to explore Hertfordshire and enjoy time together

Hertfordshire County Council has released a quick guide to places offering free or low-cost meals for children during the winter school holidays. With many families feeling the strain, these deals help make eating out more affordable.

Several major chains are running offers, including free or low-cost kids’ meals at Asda, Morrisons, Café Rouge, Dobbies, Premier Inn, Travelodge and Yo! Sushi. Others such as Bella Italia, Brewers Fayre, Beefeater and Franco Manca also provide discounts or free meals when an adult main is purchased. IKEA offers meals from 95p, with extra discounts on Fridays.

Families are encouraged to check each restaurant’s terms before visiting.
Support with rising costs is available at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/costofliving.

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Broxbourne MP Lewis Cocking has challenged the Prime Minister in Parliament over the impact of persistent traffic jams and roadworks on local residents and the wider economy. Speaking during Prime Minister’s Questions, he highlighted that delays across Broxbourne are more than an inconvenience, arguing they cost the economy billions each year.

Cocking criticised the Prime Minister for failing to recognise the scale of the problem and urged the Government to treat roadwork disruption as a national priority. He reaffirmed his commitment to pushing for change and encouraged residents to continue sharing their experiences at lewiscocking.uk/roadworks.

On Friday 28 November, Hertfordshire’s 11 councils submitted their joint proposal outlining options for the future structure of local government in the county. With the submission now complete, the process moves fully into the hands of central government.

The Government will launch a formal consultation in spring 2026, followed by a final decision in summer 2026. Residents will then learn whether Hertfordshire will shift to two, three or four new unitary authorities, and which boroughs will be merged together.

The implications are significant. Broxbourne Borough Council, along with every existing district and borough council, faces the end of its current form if a unitary model is approved. Hertfordshire County Council’s days are also numbered under every option on the table.

Local government in Hertfordshire is now entering a once-in-a-generation transition, with final restructuring decisions resting solely with the Government.

Waltham Cross Library hosted the launch of its Centenary Art Scroll last Saturday, marking a creative milestone in the celebrations for 100 years of Hertfordshire Libraries.

The scroll was pre-designed by artist Tiah Algalarrondo, who attended the launch event. Her artwork incorporates elements of the library service, beloved book characters, and significant local history.

A lively atmosphere filled the library as members of the community joined in to add their own creative contributions to the design. The Mayor of Broxbourne, Councillor Patsy Spears, was among those in attendance and added her own mark to the collaborative artwork.

Library staff expressed their appreciation for the turnout and enthusiasm shown by participants.

For those who missed the launch, opportunities to contribute remain. The scroll will travel to various locations across the local community over the coming months.

The first outreach event takes place on Saturday 6th December at Lowewood Museum, where visitors can drop in between 10am and 3pm to add their artistic contribution to the growing project.

Waltham Cross Library will hold its final slipper swap event of 2024 tomorrow, Tuesday 2 December, from 10am to 1pm.

The free drop-in event is part of a local initiative supporting residents to stay safe at home during the colder months. Older people and those with disabilities can pick up free anti-slip slippers and receive professional advice on staying well. Occupational therapists and community partners will be on hand to offer support.

Worn-out slippers are a common cause of slips and falls. The new slippers include secure fastenings and sturdy soles to help reduce the risk of injury.

Visitors can also enjoy refreshments and access a range of wellbeing services, learn about local social groups, explore memory boxes from the library’s reminiscence collection, and book a Home Fire Safety visit. Cost-of-living advice will be available, along with free Warm in Winter gift bags and information on the Carers Library Card and Home Library Service.

No booking is required. Residents can drop in anytime between 10am and 1pm.

More details: https://orlo.uk/bKKio

Broxbourne resident Bhavna Tailor has been recognised on BBC’s The One Show with a “One Big Thank You” for her remarkable work in supporting families affected by Stargardt’s disease, a rare inherited eye condition that causes progressive central vision loss and currently has no cure.

Bhavna founded Stargardt’s Connected after her seven-year-old son was diagnosed with the condition. Discovering that no charity existed solely dedicated to Stargardt’s, she created one herself, determined to raise awareness, build a supportive community and fund research. Today, the charity has grown into a global network for families seeking guidance and connection.

The One Show, working alongside Saturday Kitchen Live, surprised Bhavna with the award. Family members, friends and charity supporters shared emotional tributes to her dedication and impact, acknowledging the passion that has driven the charity’s expansion and influence.

The segment can be watched here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m002mdzv

More information about the charity is available at https://stargardtsconnected.org.uk, and the team can be contacted at [email protected].

Hoddesdon kicked off the Christmas season in style as Love Hoddesdon delivered a packed weekend of festive celebrations. Perfect winter weather set the stage for a lively Santa Dash, a vibrant parade and a stunning aerial drone display that lit up the evening sky. The high street looked spectacular under its Christmas lights, creating a warm and welcoming scene for families and visitors.

Organisers, volunteers and local businesses helped bring the event to life, turning the town centre into a festive hub of activity and early Christmas shopping. The drone photography, captured by B G Droneshots, added an unforgettable visual highlight to the celebrations.

Photos from the weekend are shared below.

If you haven’t voted yet, this is your chance. Voting closes this weekend and the competition is extremely close. Our two finalists are going head to head, and your vote could decide the winner.

Take a moment to read their stories and cast your vote through the link below. Your support helps recognise the people who make a real difference in our community.

£1,950,000 | 5 Bed Detached | 3,215 sq ft | Freehold

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Tuesday

11°C 🌡 4°C | ☀ Sunny intervals and a gentle breeze | ☀ Sunrise 07:45 Sunset 15:53

Wednesday

10°C 🌡 6°C | ☀ Sunny interval and gentle breeze | ☀ Sunrise 07:47 Sunset 15:53

Thursday

9°C 🌡 2°C | 🌦 Light rain and a gentle breeze | ☀ Sunrise 07:48 Sunset 15:52

Friday

15°C 🌡 11°C | 🌦 Light rain and a gentle breeze | ☀ Sunrise 07:49 Sunset 15:52

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Wishing you a fantastic rest of your day!

Cheers,
Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya

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