Agenda item

To receive reports or announcements from the Leader and members of the Cabinet on matters falling within their area of responsibility:

(a)        Report of the Leader;

(b)        Report of the Assets and Economic Development Portfolio Holder; (attached)

(c)        Report of the Environment Portfolio Holder; (attached)

(d)        Report of the Finance Portfolio Holder; (attached)

(e)        Report of the Governance and Development Management Portfolio Holder; (attached)      

(f)        Report of the Housing Portfolio Holder; (attached)

(g)        Report of the Leisure and Community Services Portfolio Holder; (attached)

(h)        Report of the Planning Policy Portfolio Holder; (attached) 

(i)         Report of the Safer, Greener and Transport Portfolio Holder; (attached) and

(j)         Report of the Technology and Support Services Portfolio Holder (attached).

(a)        The Leader of the Council

The Leader added to the comments made by the Environment Portfolio with regards to the ‘question by members under notice’ and advised that it was encouraging to see that the waste and recycling contract had stabilised to a large extent and he wanted to reassure Members that no one would be complacent in making sure that the contract ran smoothly in the future, so that residents got the service they deserved.

The Leader of the Council advised that he had attended various meetings on behalf of the Council. On the 8 October he had hosted a visit by the Chairman and Chief Executive of the London Stansted Cambridge Corridor, which explored opportunities for economic development in District. He was able to communicate the importance of the TfL Central Line into the District and the new developments in the District such as the Shopping Retail Park in Loughton and the St John’s site. He also attended a meeting with Essex County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, Councillor Kevin Bentley which explored further joint working and partnership arrangements for the District.

The Leader advised that he had attended the Epping Forest Youth Council, Youth Conference hosted at the Civic Offices. This involved young people across the District debating the UK’s Membership of the European Union and resulted in the majority of young people expressing a view in favour of the UK remaining in EU. 

Furthermore the Leader advised that he had met with Leaders of the neighbouring authorities in Harlow and Uttlesford, to discuss a range of issues that would be included in the proposals being developed by the Essex Authorities for a Devolution Bid. The Cabinet had discussed this issue at their last meeting and agreed to still consider the issue but had been clear about a number of “red line issues” relating to  governance arrangements and funding. He advised that at the recent Essex Leaders’ meeting on devolution, Epping Forest had appeared to be one of the few authorities who had formally considered the issue and had a mandate.

Finally, the ongoing programme of workshops in relation to the Local Plan were continuing and had been well attended by upwards of 40 representatives of the District and Town and Parish Councils and he encouraged Members to carry on supporting these events.

(b)        Governance and Development Management Portfolio Holder

The Governance and Development Management Portfolio Holder, Councillor J Philip updated Members that following the Local Government Ombudsman (LGO) decision regarding the dismissal of financial compensation for missed refuse collections. Councillor J Philip advised that it had been clear that the Council had made sound decisions with good governance, which had demonstrated that although problems had occurred with the waste collection service, the Council had been judged on how it had dealt with the problems. Councillor J Philip quoted that “the Council considered the relative issues and explained the reasons for their decisions” and therefore the Council was confident that a clear explanation had been provided to residents and that the right decision had been concluded by LGO.

(c)        Planning Policy

The Planning Policy Portfolio Holder, Councillor R Bassett advised that the Local Plan workshop held on 2 November 2015 regarding Natural Environment, Green Networks, Open Space and the Historic Environment had been well attended by District, Town and Parish Members and proved to be useful and interesting. There were further Local Plan works shops on 19 November 2015 regarding Economic Strategy, Food Production, Glasshouses, Tourism, Live/Work and 24 November 2015 regarding Affordable Housing and Housing an Ageing Population.