September 2025 meeting

The September meeting will be held on Tuesday 16th September and not on Tuesday 2nd September as previously advertised

National Emergency Alert test to be held on 7 September

On the 7th July, the government announced that mobile phones in the UK will be sent a test Emergency Alert at around 3:00pm on Sunday 7 September 2025, as part of plans to strengthen the country’s preparedness.

The Emergency Alerts system is used to warn if there is a danger to life nearby, including extreme weather. It allows vital information and advice to be sent to people rapidly in an emergency.

During the test, mobile phones will vibrate and make a loud siren sound for roughly ten seconds, even if they are set to silent. A message will also appear on phone screens, making it clear the alert is only a test. There are approximately 87 million mobile phones in the UK.

The test will be the second of its kind and follows a government commitment to test the system regularly to make sure it works optimally and familiarise the public with the alerts.

Ahead of the national test, the government will be running a public information campaign to notify people that the test is taking place, including communications targeted at vulnerable groups, such as victims of domestic abuse. The campaign will also feature products in British Sign Language.

The government will raise awareness of https://prepare.campaign.gov.uk/ which gives information on simple and effective steps people can take to be more prepared for an emergency.

The Cabinet Office has produced a frequently asked questions document about the upcoming national Emergency Alert test taking place on 7 September. Councils are encouraged to share this information as appropriate.

New Councillor

We would like to welcome Derek Henderson to the Council.  Derek was co-opted at the meeting on 1st July 2025 and brings a wealth of local knowledge and experience to the Council.

Local Government Reorganisation

Have you heard? 

Big changes are coming to local government. In 3 years’ time, the 15 district and county councils in Essex will be replaced by a smaller number of unitary councils. This change does not impact town and parish councils. 
 

Colchester City Council is working on options, and it can’t make important decisions about the future without you.  
 

So, please complete this survey. It should take about the same time as making a cup of tea. 
 

Complete the survey now: https://bit.ly/44grbwH 

For more information published earlier, please see the links below under the same heading.