Agenda item

To receive reports and any 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)        Leader of the Council

The Leader advised that he had made a number of changes to the Cabinet and thanked previous Members for their contributions, as well as to the new Portfolio Holders for continuing the ongoing programme of work.

The Local Plan remained the Council’s priority and consultation on the draft Local Plan was due to begin on 31 October 2016. The Leader thanked Members for attending the local workshops and the positive contributions made, which would help shape the Local Plan and the District’s future.

Furthermore, the Leader advised that he had attended a number of meetings representing the interests of the authority across Essex. The Devolution deal had been delayed, due to the majority of Essex Leaders voting against a Mayor based system. This had resulted in consultation being required with the Secretary of State to see whether an alternative system could be considered. The Leader also advised that partnership working with neighbouring authorities had produced a much better understanding between Uttlesford, Harlow and hopefully Brentwood, and there looked to be a community of interest and other possible working partnerships. The Council had also recently hosted a meeting of the Epping Forest Locality Board, which brought together Essex County Councillors, Epping Forest District Council Cabinet Members and Local Members of Parliament.

Finally the Leader and Councillor M Sartin had met with Public Health England, to establish what opportunities were available to the District arising from the relocation to Harlow.

(b)        Finance Portfolio Holder

Councillor G Mohindra advised that he had attended a Local Government Association briefing for Business rates, where local councils were set to retain 100% of Business Rates, although that would entail them gaining additional responsibilities. Furthermore there were still outstanding business rate appeals and the Council had set aside a provision of £4 million.

The consultation on Business Rates would end on 26 September 2016 and officers were working on the Council’s response.

(c)        Governance and Development Management Portfolio Holder

Councillor R Bassett updated the Council on the prosecution of an illegal eviction. The defendant had appealed her sentence and had sought a conditional discharge. The case had been listed at Chelmsford Court for the 9 September 2016.

(d)        Housing Portfolio Holder

Councillor S Stavrou informed Members that she had arranged for a summary of the Housing and Planning Act 2016 to be published in the next edition of the Council Bulletin.