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Good morning and happy FriYay!

Half term has come to an end, and while some may welcome the return of the school routine, others might be feeling a little less enthusiastic. As we head into the final weekend of February, we’re also bidding farewell to the second month of 2025.

In our last edition, we floated the idea of a Broxbourne-themed Monopoly board game, and the response has been nothing short of incredible! Businesses are eager to feature on the properties, Chance and Community Chest cards, and even explore sponsorship opportunities. The enthusiasm has been overwhelming, and I’m thrilled to share that plans for the game are moving forward. If you’d like to suggest a landmark or discuss sponsorship, don’t hesitate to get in touch or complete the survey if you haven’t already.

On another note, we’re making progress with the Broxtown Discount Card. So far, five restaurants have signed up, and we’re working hard to bring that number to ten. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting loyalty program.

Today’s edition is packed with important updates, including a warning to residents about rising energy prices, the latest on the Broxbourne Borough audit statement, and details about Broxtown’s free promotion for charities in March.

A warm welcome to all our new subscribers—thank you for joining the Broxtown family! Got thoughts or suggestions? We’d love to hear from you. Let’s make Broxtown your go-to for everything local!

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News at a Glance

Martin Lewis Issues Urgent Warning for British Gas, EDF, Octopus, and OVO Customers

Renowned money-saving expert Martin Lewis has issued an urgent warning to households across the UK, including those in Broxtown, who are customers of major energy suppliers such as British Gas, EDF, Octopus, and OVO. The warning comes as energy prices continue to rise, putting additional financial pressure on families and individuals.

Key Points from the Warning:

1. Rising Energy Costs: Energy prices are increasing significantly, and many households may face higher bills in the coming months. This is due to a combination of factors, including global energy market fluctuations and the lifting of the energy price cap.

2. Direct Debit Increases: Some customers have reported sudden and substantial increases in their direct debit payments. Martin Lewis advises customers to check their direct debit amounts and ensure they are accurate. If the increase seems unreasonable, customers should contact their supplier to challenge it.

3. Meter Readings: Lewis emphasizes the importance of submitting regular meter readings to avoid being overcharged. Estimated bills can often be higher than actual usage, so providing accurate readings ensures you only pay for what you use.

4. Switching Suppliers: While switching energy suppliers was once a way to save money, the current market conditions make it less advantageous. Lewis warns that most fixed-rate deals are now more expensive than the price cap, so switching may not be beneficial at this time.

5. Financial Support: For those struggling to pay their energy bills, Lewis highlights the availability of financial support, including government schemes and grants from energy suppliers. He urges customers to explore these options if they are facing financial hardship.

Advice for Residents:

• Review Your Bills: Check your energy bills and direct debit amounts regularly to ensure they reflect your actual usage.

• Submit Meter Readings: Provide regular meter readings to avoid estimated charges.

• Seek Help if Needed: If you're struggling to pay your bills, contact your energy supplier to discuss payment plans or financial support options.

• Stay Informed: Keep up to date with energy market changes and advice from experts like Martin Lewis to make informed decisions about your energy usage and payments.

Did you know you could save on your monthly expenses by merging your utility bills? Some providers offer the convenience of combining all your services—gas, electricity, broadband, and more—into a single bill. From personal experience, this has helped me shave a few pounds off my monthly outgoings.

If you're interested in exploring this option, I’d recommend looking into it. Feel free to reach out to me if you need guidance or help getting started with merging your services to save money!

Broxbourne’s Response to the National Audit Backlog

The Borough of Broxbourne, like many local authorities across the UK, has been impacted by the national public sector audit backlog. The 2023/24 audit, conducted by KPMG, experienced delays due to broader systemic challenges rather than any local mismanagement. It is important to clarify that previous reporting may have inadvertently given the impression of mismanagement, which is not the case. The delays are part of a nationwide issue stemming from post-COVID disruptions and a general backlog in public sector audits.

The backlog has been driven by several factors:

• Post-COVID Disruptions: Delays in financial reporting and resource availability.

• Auditor Shortages: A lack of qualified auditors has created bottlenecks.

• Complex Reporting: Issues such as property valuations and reserves require extensive verification.

• Regulatory Changes: The dissolution of the Audit Commission has contributed to inefficiencies.

For Broxbourne, these national challenges resulted in delayed valuations, reconciliation issues, and unresolved audit queries. Final valuation reports were only received in January 2025, leaving insufficient time for full verification before the government-imposed deadlines.

To address the backlog, the government introduced a ‘backstop date,’ effectively drawing a line under any incomplete audits. This measure mandated the following deadlines:

• 2022/23 audits to be completed by December 2024.

• 2023/24 audits by February 2025.

• 2024/25 audits by February 2026.

Auditors are now able to issue disclaimed opinions for areas of the audit that could not be completed by the backstop date. It is important to note that these disclaimers do not indicate mismanagement or errors but reflect the inability to complete certain audit processes within the given timeframe.

Broxbourne has taken proactive steps to improve audit outcomes and ensure future compliance:

• Strengthening Financial Controls: Enhancing the accuracy of asset registers and valuation processes.

• Earlier Data Submission: Working closely with auditors to meet deadlines.

• Improved Coordination: Building stronger relationships with external valuers and advisors.

• Governance Enhancements: Ensuring robust compliance and financial transparency.

The national audit backlog has posed significant challenges for Broxbourne, impacting financial oversight and planning. However, it is crucial to emphasize that these issues are part of a wider, post-COVID national crisis and not a reflection of local mismanagement. By implementing stronger processes and adhering to new audit frameworks, Broxbourne is committed to restoring confidence in its financial management. Moving forward, continued diligence, accuracy, and collaboration will be key to preventing future disruptions and ensuring transparency.

Broxtown’s Free Promotion for Local Charities – March Opportunity!

Broxtown is delighted to offer registered charities in the borough a special opportunity this March! If your charity has events or campaigns to promote, we’re providing free promotion on our platform to help you reach a wider audience and engage with the community.

This is your chance to increase visibility, connect with supporters, and showcase your work—all at no cost. Simply reach out to the Broxtown team with details of your event, and we’ll ensure it gets the attention it deserves.

Don’t miss this opportunity to amplify your impact. Contact Broxtown today to arrange your free promotion and let us help you make a difference!

MEME of The Day

UPCOMING EVENTS

Last Dash to Cedar Nature Centre This Half Term!

Half term is almost over, but there’s still time for one last adventure! 🐢

Join the Cedar Nature Centre team for a day of budget-friendly fun. They’re open from 10am and can’t wait to welcome you! 🦔

For just £2.40 per person, enjoy:

• All daily meet and greets 🐍

• Our exciting "Whose Poo at the Zoo?" trail 💩

Don’t miss out on the fun—SSSSee you soon! 🐍

📍 Cedar Nature Centre
⏰ Opens at 10am
💰 £2.40 per person

Let’s make the most of the last days of half term! 🌿

Hertfordshire Zoo’s Viral Dance Challenge!

A viral dance video from Hertfordshire Zoo has taken social media by storm! Think you can beat their best dancer? Now’s your chance! Join the fun this half-term and take on the challenge before time runs out!

🐾 What’s Happening? Step up and challenge the zoo’s star dancer in a fun and friendly competition!

🐾 What Else? Enjoy animal encounters, family activities, and more while making the most of the last days of half-term.

🐾 When? Visit before half-term ends to join the excitement!

🐾 Why Go? ✔ Challenge the viral sensation and show off your moves.
✔ Experience a day of dancing, laughter, and fun.
✔ Explore the zoo’s incredible wildlife.
✔ Be part of the social media buzz!

📍 Hertfordshire Zoo
📅 Before half-term ends
🎟️ Don’t miss out—join the fun!

Windrush Legacies Presents: Community Pop-Up Event

📅 Date: 17th May 2025
⏰ Time: 12 PM - 5 PM
📍 Location: Waltham Cross

Join us for an exciting Community Pop-Up Event hosted by Windrush Legacies in Waltham Cross! This is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate culture, heritage, and local businesses while connecting with the community.

🎉 What to Expect: 

✔️ Local Businesses & Vendors
✔️ Food & Drinks Stalls
✔️Wellness stalls
✔️ Cultural Exhibits
✔️ Family-Friendly Activities

🚀 Book Your Stall Today! 🚀
Have you booked your stall yet? Spaces are limited and filling up fast! Secure your place now to showcase your products, services, or crafts to an engaged and vibrant audience.

🔗 For stall bookings and inquiries, click the link below;

Don’t miss out on this unforgettable celebration—mark your calendar and join us on 17th May 2025! 🎊

Page One Returns to Hoddesdon Library!

Hoddesdon Library is thrilled to announce the return of Page One, a fun and interactive book group designed for children aged 8-11. This year’s theme, Journey to the Mystery Planet, promises an out-of-this-world experience filled with games, art, drama, and intergalactic adventures!

The four weekly sessions will launch on 7th March at Hoddesdon Library, offering young explorers a chance to dive into creativity and imagination. Spaces are limited, so parents and guardians are encouraged to visit the library to sign up and secure a spot for their child.

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity for children to embark on a cosmic journey while making new friends and discovering new skills. Blast off into fun with Page One! 👽

📍 Location: Hoddesdon Library
📅 Start Date: 7th March
👧 Ages: 8-11
🎟️ Sign Up: Visit the library to reserve your place!

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure to the Mystery Planet! 🚀

🎙 Join Our Podcast! 🎙

Got something to say? We’d love to have you on our podcast! If you’re interested in recording with us, let us know. Bring your topics, and if they align with our brand, we’re all in!

Our goal is simple: to keep the community informed, educated, and connected—all with good vibes.

💡 Interested? Send us a mail using the link below, and we’ll get in touch to organise it. Let’s make it happen!

Weekend Weather 🌧️ 

Friday 21st February

15°C 🌡️ 9°C | 🌧️ Light rain and a fresh breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 07:03 Sunset 17:25

Saturday 22nd February

13°C 🌡️ 5°C | ⛅️ Sunny intervals and a gentle breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 07:01 Sunset 17:27

Sunday 23rd February

11°C 🌡️ 9°C | 🌧️ Gusty winds and rain | ☀️ Sunrise 06:59 Sunset 17:29

Get a Birthday Shoutout When Your Refer Us

While sharing Broxtown with your friends is a huge favour to us, we want to make sure your efforts don’t go unnoticed. To show our appreciation, we have some special rewards lined up for those who go above and beyond in helping us grow! 🏆🌟

• Get 3 friends or family to sign up and we will give you a birthday shout out.

• Get 5 folks to join and we will give you and your best mate a birthday shout out

• Get 15 and we’ll pay for your dinner with a friend at a secret restaurant in the Borough.

• Get 100 and I’ll give you a free Broxtown branded hoodie (£65 value).

• And if you somehow get 1,000 I will buy you a Spa Weekend for you and your best friend anywhere in Hertfordshire.

Thanks for Reading—See You Tuesday!

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Wishing you a fantastic rest of your day!

Cheers,
Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya

P.S. Want to sponsor our newsletter? Email us at [email protected]