Matt Knight

2 months ago | bbc.com | Matt Knight

Development is 'game-changing' for city's homelessMatt KnightMatt Knight/BBCRob Saggs, chief executive of Chess, at the new Turning Point development The head of a homeless charity has hailed a development that will create 24 new homes for rough sleepers or those who have fallen on tough times. Rob Saggs, chief executive of Chess, based in Chelmsford, said the pre-made modular homes would "ramp up" what they are able to offer homeless people.

2 months ago | bbc.com | Matt Knight |Ben Fryer

Hospice chief warns of consequences of NI riseMatt Knight & Ben FryerSt Helena HospiceMark Jarman-Howe is the chief executive of St Helena Hospice in ColchesterA hospice boss has warned the government of the "very real consequences" of increasing cost pressures as he cuts the number of inpatient beds. His team is cutting services and implementing a recruitment freeze despite "record demand" after it was left facing a £1.1m funding gap.

Sep 12, 2024 | ca.news.yahoo.com | Matt Knight

A Labour council leader says he is having to "roll with the punches" amid the backlash to his party’s decision to remove universal winter fuel payments. Gavin Callaghan, the leader of Basildon Borough Council, says he "fully supports" Prime Minister Keir Starmer on improving the country’s financial position. But Labour MPs faced criticism after voting in parliament to remove a £300 payment to all pensioners in favour of a means-tested system.

Sep 5, 2024 | yahoo.com | Matt Knight

Matt Knight - BBC Political Reporter, EssexSeptember 6, 2024 at 3:06 AM·3 min readVolunteer police officers will get money off their council tax or be exempt from paying it altogether under plans approved by Southend City Council. Councillors came together to approve the idea to offer financial help to unpaid police officers after a motion was put forward at a full council meeting.

Aug 21, 2024 | ca.news.yahoo.com | Matt Knight

Residents are determined to make a stand against the proposals [BBC]More than 1,000 people have signed a petition against plans to build a new gas-powered electricity plant in a village. Residents in Dobb's Weir, near Roydon, Essex, have united with neighbours in other parishes to oppose plans by energy firm Statera.