Essex County Council Launches 100-Day Plan for Economy and SEND

Essex County Council launched a comprehensive 100-Day Plan on July 10, 2026, targeting both regional economic revitalization and systemic improvements to special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) services.

The economic initiative focuses on attracting investment and job creation through a partnership with the Greater Essex Business Board. The council aims to secure funding for infrastructure projects, including the A12, A120, and Ely Junction rail upgrade, while establishing a Heavy Goods Vehicle Taskforce and a "Made in Essex" campaign. To support these goals, the council is investing £5 million in Stansted Airport College and backing a new Construction Skills College to align workforce training with industry needs in manufacturing, life sciences, and digital technology.

Simultaneously, the council is implementing a reform drive to address SEND support failures identified by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission. The plan prioritizes clearing the backlog of Education, Health and Care Needs Assessments and speeding up access to support. As part of these efforts, the council is expanding support within mainstream schools and strengthening coordination between health and care services. A new inclusion hub will be established in Burnham-on-Crouch to provide localized inclusive support.