Salt Bag Partnership

During periods of extreme weather; such as heavy snow experienced in past winters, communities and individuals can do a lot to help themselves and others. Self-help is actively promoted as it is about communities coming together to help each other on a voluntary basis to target their local needs and build their resilience.

We operate the Salt Bag Partnership scheme which is designed to help local communities support themselves during periods of heavy snow. One tonne of bagged salt, delivery and a support pack is provided, free of charge, to help County Councillors and Parish Councils organise the scheme and to provide helpful information to volunteers. It is also an opportunity to plan ahead and think about how your community will be ready for winter.

During periods of extreme weather; such as heavy snow experienced in past winters, communities and individuals can do a lot to help themselves and others. Self-help is actively promoted as it is about communities coming together to help each other on a voluntary basis to target their local needs and build their resilience.

We operate the Salt Bag Partnership scheme which is designed to help local communities support themselves during periods of heavy snow. One tonne of bagged salt, delivery and a support pack is provided, free of charge, to help County Councillors and Parish Councils organise the scheme and to provide helpful information to volunteers. It is also an opportunity to plan ahead and think about how your community will be ready for winter.

How does it work?

Each participating council/urban area is given one tonne of palleted salt (approx 40 x 25kg bags) for use on locations they consider important in their local community, such as footpaths outside doctors surgeries, local shops and services and access routes to main bus stops. Remember you don't need to salt those sites already on the salting route.

These priority areas will then be cleared by volunteers in the event of snow.

Once we know the list of participants we will publish it on this page. You can use this to check if your local council/urban area are taking part.

How do I sign up?

We contact all Parish/Town Clerks by the end of May with a link to the online form where they are asked if they still have enough salt from last year, if they require more salt, or do not wish to participate for that year. The salt bags will be delivered to the person named on the form prior to the start of the winter season.

Can I volunteer to help?

Parish and Town Councils and urban areas participating in the scheme always need reliable local volunteers to help them clear snow from the pavement and salt during the winter. If you would like to get involved in your local community and want to volunteer in your local area, please contact your participating Parish / Town Council.

The documents in the Support Pack below are produced to help Parish and Town Councils and Essex County Council members covering urban wards (un-parished areas) to organise their local scheme. They provide you with all the information about the scheme, some things you will need to consider and helpful tips.

For further information, please see our Frequently Asked Questions.

Salt bag partners 2026/27

The following parish councils, town councils or urban divisions have signed up to participate in the Salt Bag Partnership.