Agenda and minutes

1.         This meeting is to be webcast. Members are reminded of the need to activate their microphones before speaking.

2.         The Chairman will read the following announcement:

“I would like to remind everyone present that this meeting will be broadcast live to the Internet and will be capable of repeated viewing and copies of the recording could be made available for those that request it.

If you are seated in the lower public seating area it is likely that the recording cameras will capture your image and this will result in the possibility that your image will become part of the broadcast.

This may infringe your human and data protection rights and if you wish to avoid this you should move to the upper public gallery”

Councillor J Knapman reminded everyone present that the meeting would be broadcast live to the Internet, and that the Council had adopted a protocol for the webcasting of its meetings.

It was with much sadness that the Chairman informed the Council of the deaths of former District Councillor Barry Whitlock and Marine Georgie Sparks.

Following the Chairman’s announcement, Councillor S Murray paid tribute to former Councillor Whitlock.  Members were advised that Barry Whitlock had represented the Loughton North Ward between 1974 and 1976 and the Debden Green Ward between 1979 and 1984.

The Council were informed that Marine Georgie Sparks aged 19 from Epping had lost his life in Afghanistan on 27 November 2008.  Councillor Knapman reported that it had been his honour to represent the District at the funeral service which had been held on 13 December 2008.  Councillor Mrs D Collins advised that Georgie Sparks had been resident within the Ward which she represented. She stated that the country owed a huge debt of gratitude to Georgie Sparks and all soldiers involved in the current conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The Council expressed their condolences to the families of Barry Whitlock and Georgie Sparks.  All present stood for a minute’s silence in tribute to the memory of former Councillor Barry Whitlock and Marine Georgie Sparks.

To approve as a correct record and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 28 October 2008 (attached).

            RESOLVED

            That the minutes of the Council meeting held on 28 October 2008 be  taken as read and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

(Chief Executive) To declare interests in any item on the agenda.

(a)               Pursuant to the Council’s Code of Member Conduct, Councillor S Murray declared a personal interest in agenda item 10 (Report of the Cabinet – Capital Strategy 2008-13) by virtue of being a member of the Loughton Leisure Centre.  The Councillor advised that his interest was restricted to that part of the report concerning fitness equipment at the Centre and he had determined that in the event of the meeting debating that issue his interest would be prejudicial and he would leave the meeting for the consideration and voting on that matter.

(a)            Apologies for Absence

(b)            Announcements

To consider any announcements by:

(i)         the Chairman of the Council;

(ii)        the Leader of the Council; and

(iii)       any other Cabinet Member.

(a)         Announcements by the Chairman

Councillor Knapman reported on his attendance at the following events during the past month:

(i)         Epping Forest Youth Council Big Youth Debate; 

(ii)        Children’s Sporting Lunch for the Essex Disabled Sports Foundation;

(iii)       Jubilee Lodge – The first stage provision of equipment in the Wow Room being provided through his charity donations;

(iv)       Nintendo Wii match between residents of Jubilee Court and Parsonage Court;

(v)        Royal Association for the Deaf and Deafblind Carol Service;

(vi)       Ongar and District Health Care League of Friends Carol Service;

(vii)      Surestart Children’s Christmas Party at Limes Farm;

(viii)          Epping Town Old Peoples Welfare Association Christmas Lunch;

(ix)       Joint Council and Chigwell Riding Trust for Special Needs Carol Service.

Councillor Knapman advised that the had been very impressed with the behaviour of the young people at the Big Youth Debate and with the quality of the debate.  He expressed disappointment at the limited and negative press coverage of the event.

(b)        Announcements by the Leader of the Council

Councillor Mrs Collins thanked the Chairman for inviting members to the joint Council and Chigwell Riding Trust for Special Needs Carol Service.

(c)    Announcements by other Cabinet Members

Councillor Mrs A Grigg, Planning and Economic Development Portfolio Holder, apologised to Councillor Mrs C Pond for not yet providing a written reply to a question asked at the last Council meeting in relation to Town and Village Plans.  Councillor Mrs Grigg advised that she would be responding early in the New Year and the response would be published in the Council Bulletin.

To answer questions asked after notice in accordance with the provisions contained in paragraph 9.3 of the Council Procedure Rules of the Constitution on any matter in relation to which the Council has powers or duties or which affects the District:

(a)           to the Leader of the Council;

(b)           to the Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee; or

(c)          to any Portfolio Holder.

Questions, if any, will follow if not received in time to be incorporated into the agenda.

No public questions had been received for consideration at the meeting.

To receive reports from the Leader, Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and members of the Cabinet on matters falling within their area of responsibility:

(a)         Report of the Leader;

(b)         Report of the Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (attached);

(c)         Report of Civil Engineering and Maintenance Portfolio Holder;

(d)         Report of Community Wellbeing Portfolio Holder;

(e)     Report of Corporate Support and ICT Services  Portfolio Holder (attached);

(f)          Report of Environment Portfolio Holder;

(g)        Report of Finance and Performance Management Portfolio Holder;

(h)        Report of Housing Portfolio Holder;

(i)          Report of Leisure and Young People Portfolio Holder (attached);

(j)          Report of Planning and Economic Development Portfolio Holder (attached).

The Council received written reports from the Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, the Civil Engineering and Maintenance Portfolio Holder, the Community Wellbeing Portfolio Holder, the Corporate Support and ICT Services Portfolio Holder, the Environment Portfolio Holder, the Housing Portfolio Holder, the Leisure and Young People Portfolio Holder and the Planning and Economic Development Portfolio Holder.

The Chairman invited the Leader, Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and members of the Cabinet to provide an oral report or an oral update of their written reports.

(a)         Leader of the Council

Councillor Mrs Collins reported that she had recently met with Paul Thomson who had taken up the post of Superintendent of Epping Forest on 1 September 2008.

The Leader reported on a meeting she had attended in Harlow organised by Bill Rammell MP to discuss secondary education and sixth form provision.  She advised that the secondary schools in Harlow were working with Harlow College with a view to better sixth form provision being offered at the College.

Councillor Mrs Collins also reported that together with Lord Hanningfield she had recently attended St Johns and King Harold Schools.  She advised that it was now apparent that building improvements to King Harold would not take place until at least 2017 and that the provision of a new school at St Johns was unlikely to take place in the foreseeable future in view of the effects of the current recession.

In the light of the above meetings, Councillor Mrs Collins stated that she considered that the Council should act as a facilitator in getting secondary schools in the Epping Forest District to work more closely with Epping Forest College and Harlow College with a view to securing additional sixth form academic places for Epping Forest students.  She referred to the recent attendance at the Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Peter Sadler, new Principal of Epping Forest College and his wish to work in partnership with the Council.  The Leader said that she was very impressed with the new facilities at Epping Forest College and that consideration was being given to holding the March Cabinet meeting at the College.

The Leader also reported that she had met recently with Councillor Tracey Chapman, Chief Whip and Environment and Waste Portfolio Holder of Essex County Council and was due to meet Councillor Norman Hume, Highways and Transportation Portfolio Holder of Essex County Council.

The Leader reiterated the comments made earlier in the meeting by the Chairman in relation to the Epping Forest Youth Council Big Youth Debate.

Finally, Councillor Mrs Collins advised that she had participated in the Audit Commission Inspectors’ visit to the Council the previous week and their report was expected in due course.   

(b)    Finance and Performance Management Portfolio Holder

Councillor C Whitbread advised that the Cabinet at its meeting the previous evening had adopted the recommendation of the Finance and Performance Management Cabinet Committee to increase the District Council Tax by no more than 2.5%.  The Cabinet had also decided  ...  view the full minutes text for item 92.

Council Procedure Rule 10.6 provides for questions by any member of the Council to the Leader, Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee or any Portfolio Holder, without notice on:

(i)   reports under item 6 above; or

(ii)  any other matter of a non operational character in relation to the powers and  duties of the Council or which affects all or part of the District or some or all of  its inhabitants.

Council Procedure Rule 10.7 provides that answers to questions without notice may take the form of:

(a)     direct oral answer from the Leader or, at the request of the Leader, from another member of the Cabinet;

(b)     direct oral answer from the Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee or, at their request, from another member dealing with that issue as part of an Overview and Scrutiny review;

(c)     where the desired information is in a publication of the Council or other published work, a reference to that publication;

(d)     where the reply cannot conveniently be given orally, a written answer circulated later to the questioner; or

(e)     where the question relates to an operational matter, the Leader, Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee  or a member of the Cabinet will request that a response be given direct to the questioner by the relevant Chief Officer.

In accordance with the Council Procedure Rule 10.8, a time limit of twenty minutes is set for questions. Any question not dealt with within the time available will receive a written reply. The Chairman may extend this period by up to a further 10 minutes to ensure that all political groups and independent members may have their questions answered.

(a)         Secondary Schools in the District

By Councillor Mrs A Haigh to Councillor Mrs D Collins, Leader of the Council

Councillor Mrs Haigh referred to the visit to schools by the Leader and Lord Hanningfield and asked whether there had been any discussion about staffing issues bearing in mind that it was apparent there was a lack of speech therapists and other specialist staff.

Response by Councillor Mrs D Collins, Leader of the Council

Councillor Mrs Collins advised that the visits to both King Harold and St Johns Schools had included inspection of all the classrooms and activities being undertaken.  Lord Hanningfield had not given any commitment in relation to funding and this was something which would need to be kept under review.  Councillor Mrs Collins pointed out that King Harold School were being assisted by Debden Park School which was now out of special measures.

(b)         CCTV – Buckhurst Hill Underpass

By Councillor Mrs A Haigh to Councillor Ms S-A Stavrou, Community Wellbeing Portfolio Holder. 

Councillor Mrs Haigh referred to the written report of the Portfolio Holder in which she had stated that the Safer Communities Partnership had been approached to match District Council funding for CCTV coverage in the Buckhurst Hill Underpass.  Councillor Mrs Haigh asked whether any response had been received to this approach.

Response by Councillor Ms S-A Stavrou, Community Wellbeing Portfolio Holder

In the absence of the Portfolio Holder, the Leader of the Council advised that the Portfolio Holder would respond in writing and that the response would be published in the Council Bulletin.

(c)         Policing in the Epping Forest District

By Councillor S Murray to Councillor Mrs D Collins, Leader of the Council

Councillor Murray drew attention to the constant changes of Police District Commander and suggested that this would not be tolerated in other public authorities.  He asked if the Leader agreed with his views.

Response by Councillor Mrs D Collins, Leader of the Council

Councillor Mrs Collins stated that she could not comment on the most recent change as this was subject to an internal police investigation.  In relation to the broader issue she agreed that it was unfortunate there had been several District Commanders during recent years.  She pointed out that the District Council had no control over this appointment but advised that she was expecting a report from County Councillor A Jackson in relation to this matter.

(d)         London Underground – Free Passes

By Councillor D Bateman to Councillor R Bassett, Civil Engineering and Maintenance Portfolio Holder

Councillor Bateman reported that he was frequently contacted by residents seeking free passes on the underground as they lived close to the District boundary with the London Borough of Redbridge where residents were entitled to such passes.  He pointed out that many of the Epping Forest District residents relied on services which were situated within Greater London.  Councillor Bateman requested that the Portfolio Holder consider this matter.

Response by Councillor R Bassett, Civil Engineering and Maintenance Portfolio Holder

Councillor Bassett drew attention to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 93.

(a)  To consider the following motion, notice of which has been given under Council Procedure Rule 11 -

(a)  Development Plan Provision for Gypsies and Travellers

“1. That this Council notes the high level of interest by our residents in the consultation document  on Development Plan Provision for Gypsies and Travellers in the Epping Forest District ;

2.  That to enable members and our residents to be better informed on the reasons

for such provision in the Epping Forest District an invitation be sent to the

Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Community Cohesion and Fire & Rescue Service) at the Department for Communities & Local Government, Mr Sadiq Khan MP for him to attend the next meeting of the Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 29 January 2009;

3.  That the three local Members of Parliament be advised of our invitation”.

Mover: Councillor David Stallan

Seconder: Councillor Chris Whitbread

(b)  Motions, if any, will follow if not received in time to be incorporated into the agenda.

(a)         Development Plan Provision for Gypsies and Travellers – Invitation to Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State

Moved by Councillor D Stallan and seconded by Councillor C Whitbread

By leave of the Council, Councillor Stallan amended the motion to change the name of the appropriate Parliamentary Under-Secretary to Mr Iain Wright.

(1)     “That this Council notes the high level of interest by our residents in the consultation document on Development Plan Provision for Gypsies and Travellers in the Epping Forest District;

(2)    That to enable members and our residents to be better informed on the reasons for such provision in the Epping Forest District an invitation be sent to Mr Iain Wright M.P. Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Communities and Local Government for him to attend the next meeting of the Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 29 January 2009; and

(3)    That the three local Members of Parliament be advised of our invitation”

Carried

Motion as amended ADOPTED

         RESOLVED:

         (1)     That this Council notes the high level of interest by our residents in the consultation document on Development Plan Provision for Gypsies and Travellers in the Epping Forest District;

(2)    That to enable members and their residents to be better informed on the reasons for such provision in the Epping Forest District an invitation be sent to Mr Iain Wright M.P. Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Communities and Local Government for him to attend the next meeting of the Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 29 January 2009; and

(3)     That the three local Members of Parliament be advised of our invitation.

(b)         Gypsies and Travellers Development Plan Provision – Government Direction

Moved by Councillor Mrs D Collins and seconded by Councillor C Whitbread

“(1)   That this Council expresses its outrage at the effect of the Government’s decision to direct the Authority, against its wishes, to prepare a Gypsy and Traveller DPD at this time because as a result:

(a)         the Council has been unable to assess all local housing needs (including those of the gypsy and traveller community) as a single exercise resulting in the provision of accommodation for that community being highlighted prematurely and proving to be unnecessarily divisive;

(b)         the consultation process has lead to strong concerns being expressed to the Council by local residents and landowners about property blight, fear of crime, loss of amenity, reduction in land values and compulsory purchase of sites as a result of the Direction and by the gypsy and traveller community about social cohesion;

(2)   That the Council records that, over the lifetime of this Council, there have been few occasions when the Authority has voluntarily exercised compulsory powers of acquisition to achieve its objectives and confirms that the Council remains extremely reluctant to exercise compulsory purchase powers in the future for the purpose of implementing the proposed DPD or for any other purpose;

(3)That the Government make a clear statement as to how it views the exercise of compulsory purchase powers in the current  ...  view the full minutes text for item 94.

To answer questions asked after notice in accordance with the provisions contained in paragraph 10.3 of the Council Procedure Rules of the Constitution on any matter in relation to which the Council has powers or duties or which affects the District:

(a)               to the Chairman of the Council;

(b)               to the Leader of the Council;

(c)               to the Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee or

(d)               to any Member of the Cabinet;.

Council Procedure rule 10.4 provides that answers to questions under notice may take the form of:

(a)       direct oral answer;

(b)       where the desired information is in a publication of the Council or other published work, a reference to that publication; or

(c)       where the reply cannot conveniently be given orally, a written answer circulated later to the questioner.

Answers to questions falling within (a) and (b) above will be made available to the member asking the question one hour before the meeting. Answers to questions falling within (c) above will be circulated to all councillors.

Questions, if any, will follow if not received in time to be incorporated into the agenda.

There were no questions asked by members under this item.

To consider the attached report.

Mover Councillor C Whitbread – Finance and Performance Management Portfolio Holder

The Portfolio Holder submitted a report recommending adoption of the Capital Strategy 2008-13 including revised Pages 8 and 12 of the Strategy (Pages 49 and 53 of the agenda/reports pack) and revised Appendices 2(a), 2(b), 2(c) and 3(a) and (b) following consideration of the draft Strategy by the Cabinet at its meeting the previous evening.

Report as amended ADOPTED

            RESOLVED:

            That the draft Capital Strategy 2008-2013 as submitted to the Council and amended by the Portfolio Holder be approved.

To consider the attached report.

Mover Councillor C Whitbread – Finance and Performance Management Portfolio Holder

The Portfolio Holder submitted requests for supplementary estimates.

Report as first moved ADOPTED

RESOLVED:

(1)         That a supplementary estimate of £64,000 for 2008/09 to be funded from the Housing Revenue Account balances be approved to clear the backlog of major tree work and undertake additional shrub maintenance on Council-owned land;

(2)     That a capital supplementary estimate of £6,000 for 2008/09 be approved to undertake a feasibility study for the provision of a new Sports Hall at Waltham Abbey Swimming Pool; and

(3)     That a capital supplementary estimate of £25,000 for 2008/09 be approved to purchase additional refuse bins which will be subsequently financed by a grant from Essex County Council.

To consider the attached report.

Mover Councillor Mrs A Grigg – Planning and Economic Development Portfolio Holder

The Portfolio Holder submitted a report seeking authority to make an application for a Direction from the Secretary of State saving Local Plan Alterations policies.  The Portfolio Holder advised that the recommendations before the Council had been considered and approved by the Cabinet the previous evening.

Report as first moved ADOPTED

         RESOLVED:

         That the schedules of Alterations to Local Plan policies and the reasons for either extending the “saved” period for those policies beyond June 2009 or deleting the policies as set out in the appendix attached to the report to the Council be approved.

Recommendation:

To note that Parish Councillor J Salter has been appointed as the third parish/town council representative on the Committee.

(Monitoring Officer) At its meeting on 29 July 2008 the Council agreed to increase the size of the Standards Committee in order to undertake the Local Assessment of Allegations of Misconduct by Councillors.

Notification has now been received from the Epping Forest Branch of the Essex Association of Local Councils that Parish Councillor Jason Salter has been appointed as the third parish/town council representative on the Committee. The other parish/town council representatives are Parish Councillors Daphne Borton and Brian Surtees. The Committee now comprises three independent members, three District Council members and three parish/town council representatives.

Members were advised that notification had been received from the Epping Forest Branch of the Essex Association of Local Councils on the appointment of a third Parish/Town Council representative on the Committee following the decision of the Council to increase the size of the Committee in order to undertake the Local Assessment of Allegations of Misconduct by Councillors.

         RESOLVED:

         That the appointment of Parish Councillor J Salter as the third Parish/Town Council representative on the Committee be noted.

Recommendations:

(1)   To note the resignation of Mr N Purkis;

(2)   To authorise the Chairman and the Vice-Chairman of the Audit and Governance Committee to fill the vacancy on the Committee following the interview of applicants.

(Assistant to the Chief Executive) One of the Independent Members on the Audit and Governance Committee, Nick Purkis has resigned with effect from 31 December 2008.

The vacancy has been advertised and applicants are being interviewed in early January 2009 by a Panel comprising the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Audit and Governance Committee. The Constitution provides for casual vacancies to be filled at the next available Council meeting.

However, the Committee’s next meeting is on 9 February 2009 and it would be beneficial to appoint Mr Purkis’ replacement before that meeting. It is suggested, therefore, that the Interviewing Panel be authorised to make an appointment. The decision of the Panel will be reported to the Council at its next meeting on 17 February 2009.

The Council was advised of the resignation of Mr N Purkis one of the Independent Members on the Committee.  Members were also advised that the vacancy had been advertised and applicants were to be interviewed in early January 2009 by a Panel comprising the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Audit and Governance Committee.  The Council was advised that the Constitution provided for casual vacancies to be filled at the next available Council meeting but the Committee’s next meeting was on 9 February 2009 and it would be beneficial to appoint Mr Purkis’ replacement before that meeting.

         RESOLVED:

         (1)     That the resignation of Mr N Purkis be noted;

         (2)     That the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Audit and Governance Committee be authorised to fill the vacancy on the Committee following the interview of applicants;

         (3)     That the Chairman of the Audit and Governance Committee write to Mr N Purkis thanking him for his contribution to the work of the Committee.

 Recommendations:

(1)   To note the resignation of Malcolm Woollard as a Managing Trustee; and

(2)   To nominate a successor for the balance of the four year period expiring on 17 February 2011.

(Assistant to the Chief Executive) Malcolm Woollard one of the Grange Farm Managing Trustees  nominated by the Council has for health reasons resigned as a trustee.

The Council has been invited to nominate a successor for the balance of the four year period expiring on 17 February 2011.

(Background Papers: Letters dated 30 October 2008 and 11 November 2008 from the Clerk/Solicitor of the Grange Farm Centre Trust).

The Council was informed that Malcolm Woollard one of the Grange Farm Managing Trustees nominated by the Council had for health reasons resigned as a trustee.  Members considered the nomination of a successor. 

         RESOLVED:

         (1)     That the resignation of Malcolm Woollard as a Managing Trustee be noted; and

         (2)     That Robert Church be nominated as a Managing Trustee for the balance of the four year period expiring 17 February 2011.

            Recommendations:

            (1)  That the merger of the former Epping, Loughton and Waltham  Abbey branches of the Citizens Advice Bureau to create a District-wide structure with effect from 1 October 2008 and the resultant impact on the Council’s arrangement for representation on outside bodies be noted; and

            (2) That the Council determine its two representatives to be  appointed to the new Epping Forest District Citizens Advice Bureau for the remainder of the current municipal year.

            (Assistant to the Chief Executive)The former Epping, Loughton and Waltham Abbey branches of the Citizens Advice Bureau were merged to form the Epping Forest District Citizens Advice Bureau with effect from 1 October 2008.

            Under the previous structure, the Council had two representatives on each of the Boards of the Loughton and Waltham Abbey branches, with one representative on the Epping branch.  The representatives concerned were Councillors D Bateman and K Chana (Loughton), Mrs R Gadsby and Mrs J Lea (Waltham Abbey) and Ms J Hedges (Epping).  Under the arrangements for the new structure there is provision for the Council to nominate two representatives.  The Memorandum and Articles of Association for the new Bureau provide for there to be up to 15 trustees.  Proportionally, the ratio of trustees to Council representatives is very similar to that which applied previously for each of the three separate branches.  Accordingly, Members are asked to agree to there being two Council representatives and to determine those representatives.

The Council was informed that the former Epping, Loughton, and Waltham Abbey branches of the Citizens’ Advice Bureau had been merged to form the Epping Forest District Citizens’ Advice Bureau with effect from 1 October 2008.

Under the previous structure, the Council had appointed two representatives on each of the Boards of the Loughton and Waltham Abbey branches, with one representative on the Epping branch.  Under the arrangements for the new structure there was provision for the Council to nominate two representatives.

         RESOLVED:

         (1)     That the merger of the former Epping, Loughton and Waltham Abbey branches of the Citizens’ Advice Bureau to create a district-wide structure with effect from 1 October 2008 and the resultant impact on the Council’s arrangement for representation on outside bodies be noted; and

         (2)     That Councillors K Chana and Mrs R Gadsby be appointed to the new Epping Forest District Citizens’ Advice Bureaux for the remainder of the current municipal year with Councillors D Bateman, Mrs J Hedges and Mrs J Lea being appointed as deputies.

Recommendation:

To appoint a representative onto a County Task and Finish Panel looking at West Essex Health Services.

(Assistant to the Chief Executive) Essex County Council has established a joint Health/NHS Overview and Scrutiny Committee Commissioning of Health Services in West Essex Task and Finish Panel. They have asked this Council to appoint a representative to sit on this Panel.

The Task and Finish Panel was established after concerns had been raised by the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee regarding the provision of GP services in West Essex relating to housing growth, development and capacity, particularly in light of recent closure of a branch surgery and proposal to relocate a surgery. In April 2008, the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee proposed a review to look at the strategic commissioning of primary care services, particularly in light of housing growth, development and capacity to ensure robust plans and infrastructure are in place.

The first meeting of this Panel was held on Thursday 23 November. This was attended by the Deputy Chief Executive and Councillor R Morgan. The Overview and Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on 6 November 2008 asked that the full Council be asked to make the appointment to this Panel.

The Council was informed that Essex County Council had established a joint Health/NHS Overview and Scrutiny Committee Commissioning of Health Services in West Essex Task and Finish Panel.  The County Council had asked this Council to appoint a representative to sit on the Panel.

Members noted that the first meeting of the Panel had been held on 23 November and this had been attended by the Deputy Chief Executive and Councillor R Morgan.  The Overview and Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on 6 November 2008 had resolved that the full Council be asked to make an appointment to this Panel.

Councillor Mrs J H Whitehouse reported that the Scrutiny Panel had been set up by the County Council pro rata but that this had resulted in geographical gaps in representation.  As a result she had been co-opted to the Panel by the County Council to help fill those gaps but she did not sit on the Panel as a representative of the District Council.

         RESOLVED:

         (1)     That Councillor Mrs E Webster be appointed a District Council representative on the County Task and Finish Panel looking at West Essex Health Services for the remainder current municipal year; and

         (2)     That the status of Councillor Mrs J H Whitehouse on the Panel be noted.

To receive any reports, ask questions and receive answers on the business of joint arrangements and external organisations.

(a)     Town Centre Partnerships

Councillor Mrs J H Whitehouse reported that she had noted an invitation to residents and visitors to attend the Annual General Meeting of the Waltham Abbey Town Centre Partnership.  She understood that this was a requirement of the Constitution of that Partnership and she requested that at the next District Council meeting the appointed representatives on all of the Town Centre Partnerships report under this item on the activities of the Partnerships and on whether all of the Constitutions have a clause requiring an invitation to be extended to residents and visitors to attend their Annual General Meetings.