Agenda and minutes

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

2.         The Chief Executive will read the following announcement:

“This meeting will be webcast live to the Internet and will be archived for later viewing. Copies of recordings may be made available on request.

By entering the chamber’s lower seating area you consenting to becoming part of the webcast.

If you wish to avoid being filmed you should move to the public gallery or speak to the webcasting officer”

The Assistant to the Chief Executive, on behalf of the Chairman of the Council, 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.

To approve as a correct record and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 27 July 2010 (attached)

            RESOLVED:

            That the minutes of the Council meeting held on 27 July 2010 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 Collins declared a personal interest in agenda item 11 (Report of the Cabinet – Epping Forest College, Loughton – Replacement of Restrictive Covenants) by virtue of being Chairman of the Corporation Board of Epping Forest College.  The Councillor advised that she had determined that her interest was prejudicial and that she would leave the meeting for the consideration and voting on the 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.

(c)     Quality Parish Status – Reaccreditation – Ongar Town Council

Ongar Town Council has met all the relevant criteria to be reaccredited for quality parish status. Local Councils in the District holding this status need to reapply every four years and complete a portfolio of evidence which is considered by the Essex County Accreditation Panel. Currently there are 697 Quality Parish Councils nationally of which 183 have been reaccredited.

Canon John Brown, the Chairman of the Essex County Accreditation Panel will say a few words on quality status and together with the Chairman of the Council will make a presentation to Councillor Diana Roberts, the Vice-Chairman of Ongar Town Council and Mr Mark Squire, the Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer of Ongar Town Council.

(d)    Essex Strategic HR Partnership – Virtual Network Essex    

At the Annual Learning Pool Conference, the Essex Strategic HR Partnership won an award for partnership working. The award was given in recognition of the work the Partnership has undertaken on the ViNE – Virtual Network Essex. The ViNE is used by all the cohorts of the Evolution Programme and will be developed to allow apprentices and others to network.

The ViNE project has been awarded £500,000 from Improvement East to develop the network across the Eastern Region.

The Chairman of the Council will make a presentation to Paula Maginnis, Assistant Director Human Resources and Julie Dixon, Learning and Development Officer in recognition of the work undertaken by this Council in relation to the project.

(a)       Announcements by the Chairman of the Council

(i)         Attendance at Events

The Chairman reported on her attendance at the Costermongers Harvest Festival Parade and Service held at St Mary’s Bow Bells at which there had been many Pearly Kings and Queens present.  The Chairman drew attention to the work undertaken by the Pearly Kings and Queens in raising funds for charities.

The Chairman also reported on her attendance at the Annual Service of Remembrance for the Battle of Britain held at St Andrew’s Church, North Weald which had been a special occasion this year being the 70^th Anniversary.

Councillor Mrs Grigg advised that she had visited the National Scout Conservation Project in Epping Forest.  The Chairman reported that together with Councillor Stallan she had represented the District Council in the annual Petanque Challenge Match against Epping Town Council at which the District Council had been successful again.

(ii)        Race for Life

The Chairman thanked members for sponsoring her for this event. 

(iii)       Flowers from the Meeting

The Chairman advised that the flowers from the meeting would be sent to Councillor Cyril Hawkins, Chairman of North Weald Bassett Parish Council who was due to have a major operation.

(c)       Announcements by the Leader of the Council

There were no announcements by the Leader under this heading.

(d)       Announcements by Portfolio Holders

There were no announcements by Portfolio Holders under this heading.

(e)       Quality Parish Status – Reaccreditation – Ongar Town Council

The Chairman introduced Canon John Brown, the Chairman of the Essex County Accreditation Panel and invited him to say a few words on Quality Parish Status prior to making a presentation to Councillor Diana Roberts, the Vice-Chairman of Ongar Town Council and Mr Mark Squire, the Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer of Ongar Town Council in recognition of the Town Council being reaccredited for Quality Parish Status.

Canon Brown advised that the concept of Quality Parish Status had been introduced in March 2003 following the Government’s Rural White Paper.  The standard for quality status had been revised in 2008 with a national standard set.  He reported that currently there were 697 Quality Parish Councils nationally of which 183 had been reaccredited.  42 Parish/Town Councils in Essex had been awarded Quality Status and 22 had been reaccredited for the latest standard.  Canon Brown congratulated Ongar Town Council for meeting the standard required and praised the layout of their annual report, the availability of business cards, the use of reply paid envelopes for consultation exercises, the publication of leaflets, the subsiding of a minibus, the holding of councillors’ surgeries and an investment in Christmas lights.  He also congratulated the Clerk on achieving distinction in the Certificate in Local Council Administration.  Canon Brown suggested that Ongar Town Council was well placed to deliver the power of wellbeing, a role already being undertaken by 10 local councils in Essex.

The Chairman of the Council, Canon Brown, Councillor Roberts and Mr Squire moved to the well of the Chamber for the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 65.

Recommendation:

That the Statutory Statement of Accounts 2009/10 be re-approved.

(Director of Finance and ICT) Following a recommendation from the Audit and Governance Committee meeting of 21 June, the Council approved the Statutory Statement of Accounts 2009/10 at its meeting on 29 June 2010. The Accounts were approved without an Annual Governance Statement as the Audit and Governance Committee had asked for the draft presented to them on 21 June to be re-worded.

The audit of the annual Statutory Statement of Accounts has revealed some errors in the Accounts. Where a material error is discovered the Director of Finance & ICT is required to report the amendment to the Audit and Governance Committee. This year a material error of £25.5 million was made as an entry that should have gone to the Capital Adjustment Account was made in the Revaluation Reserve. The correction of this error and the movement between these reserves has no effect on the General Fund or Housing Revenue Account balances.

The amended Statutory Statement of Accounts and amended Annual Governance Statement are to be considered by the Audit and Governance Committee on 20 September and an oral report will be made on their recommendation to Council.

As changes have been made, the Council is requested to re-approve the Statutory Statement of Accounts.

The revised Statutory Statement of Accounts will follow.

The Chairman obtained the agreement of the Council to bring this item forward as Councillor Green, mover of the report was feeling unwell. 

Mover:  Councillor Green, Chairman of the Audit and Governance Committee

Councillor Green reported that following a recommendation from the Audit and Governance Committee meeting on 21 June 2010, the Council had approved the Statutory Statement of Accounts 2009/10 at its meeting on 29 June 2010.  The accounts had been approved without an Annual Governance Statement as the Audit and Governance Committee had asked for the draft presented to them on 21 June 2010 to be reworded.

Councillor Green advised that the audit of the Annual Statutory Statement of Accounts had revealed some errors in the accounts.  He explained that where a material error was discovered, the Director of Finance and ICT was required to report the amendment to the Audit and Governance Committee.

Councillor Green reported that the material error related to a sum of £25.5 million which had been made as an entry in the Revaluation Reserve but should have gone to the Capital Adjustment Account.  He advised that the correction of this technical error and the movement between these accounts had no effect on the General Fund or the Housing Revenue Account balances.

Councillor Green invited the Council to reapprove the revised Statutory Statement of Accounts which had been considered by the Audit and Governance Committee again on 20 September 2010.  He advised that the Auditors had indicated that they would issue an unqualified opinion on the revised Statutory Statement of Accounts and they had also confirmed that the Council was making adequate arrangements to secure value for money.

Report as first moved ADOPTED

            RESOLVED:

            That the Statutory Statement of Accounts 2009/10 be reapproved.

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.

The Council noted that there were no public questions for this 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;

(c)         Report of Environment Portfolio Holder;

(d)     Report of Finance and Economic Development Portfolio Holder;

(e)         Report of Housing Portfolio Holder;

(f)          Report of Legal and Estates Portfolio Holder;

(g)         Report of Leisure and Wellbeing Portfolio Holder;

(h)         Report of Operational Planning and Transport Portfolio Holder;

(i)          Report of Performance Management Portfolio Holder;

(j)      Report of the Safer and Greener Portfolio Holder.

The Council received written reports from the Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, the Environment Portfolio Holder, the Finance and Economic Development Portfolio Holder, the Housing Portfolio Holder, the Legal and Estates Portfolio Holder, the Leisure and Wellbeing Portfolio Holder and the Performance Management Portfolio Holder. 

The Chairman invited the Leader and the Safer and Green Portfolio Holder to provide oral reports and other members of the Cabinet to give an oral update of their written reports.

(a)        Leader of the Council

The Leader advised that local authorities were required to draw up plans for Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) to replace Regional Development Agencies.  The Leader reported that she had attended meetings as a result of which work had been undertaken with a view to the submission to the Government of a bid for a West Essex LEP.  However, shortly before the deadline for the submission of a bid it had become clear that the Government were expecting bids to cover larger areas than West Essex.  As a result it had been decided to submit a bid for an Essex/Kent LEP.  In due course a Board would be set up for this LEP which would include one member representing West Essex authorities.  The Leader apologised that the timescale for submitting the bid had prevented her from consulting other members.

Councillor Collins reported that she had attended a meeting of Council Leaders at Essex County Council at which there had been further discussions regarding shared services in the current economic climate.  A further meeting was to be held on 11 November 2010 with an external facilitator.  The Leader assured the Council that she would not enter into any commitment regarding shared services prior to seeking the views of members of this Council.

The Council noted that a joint meeting of the Cabinet and Management Board had been held at which consideration had been given to budget savings likely to be required.  The Leader reported that savings of between 25% and 40% might be required and the full extent would not be known until after the Comprehensive Spending Review on 20 October 2010.  Members noted that future joint meetings would be held on a quarterly basis.

Councillor Collins reported that at the recent Constitution and Member Services Scrutiny Panel meeting, consideration had been given to the appointment of Deputy Portfolio Holders.  The proposals had been agreed by the Panel and would now be considered by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, the Cabinet and in due course the Council.

The Leader reported on the improved level of GCSE A-C passes including English and Maths in schools in the district.  She referred to the percentage increases on the previous year and congratulated the schools for their achievements.

Councillor Collins reported on the nominations which had been made to the Chief Executive Appointment Committee.  Members noted that the Conservative Group nominations were Councillors Collins, Green, Grigg and Whitbread; the LRA nomination was Councillor Pond; the Liberal Democrats Group nomination was Councillor J M  ...  view the full minutes text for item 68.

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)        Budget Savings

Councillor Murray referred to the Leader’s report regarding budget savings and asked how long after the announcement of the Comprehensive Spending Review would councillors, residents and staff be advised of the impact of savings to be made by this Council.

Councillor Collins advised that a medium term financial strategy was in place which was expected to cover most eventualities.  She advised that there were currently no plans to cut services, especially statutory services.  She drew attention to the requirement for no increase in Council Tax for the next two years and pointed out that a prudent approach would need to be taken to all expenditure.

(b)       Enforcement

Councillor Phillip congratulated the Legal and Estates Portfolio Holder on recent enforcement successes but questioned whether consultation letters in relation to planning and enforcement matters were sufficiently clear for the public to understand the issues.

Councillor Wagland agreed that good enforcement commenced with good communication and an understanding of the issues.  She pointed out, however, that in some cases the technical issues involved made it difficult to present a clear picture to the public.  She advised that she had recently looked at one of the Council’s letters in relation to planning objections and had concluded that this could be made clearer.  She referred to a recent meeting with all Directors at which enforcement in general had been discussed and a commitment given to an improvement in communication.  Councillor Wagland invited Councillor Phillip as Chairman of the Planning Services Scrutiny Panel to include this issue on the work programme of the Panel.

(c)        Parking Review – The Broadway Loughton

Councillor Jenny Hart stated that the District Council was under an obligation to the County Council to undertake The Broadway, Loughton Parking Review but not the Epping or Buckhurst Hill Reviews.  She submitted that residents in the locality of The Broadway were suffering as a result of the delay in undertaking the review and questioned why this area was being given a lesser priority than Epping and Buckhurst Hill.

In the absence of the Operational Planning and Transport Portfolio Holder, Councillor Whitbread responded to the question.  He drew attention to the District Council’s significant investment in improvements to The Broadway area which had been undertaken in recent years and pointed out that parking was a County Council function with the reviews only being initiated by the District Council on behalf of the County Council in view of a lack of action by the County Council.  He pointed out the need to consider carefully the allocation of the District Council’s budget for Parking Reviews and suggested that pressure should be applied to the County Council and not the District Council.

(d)       Vacant Posts/Performance

Councillor P Brooks referred to the savings on the salaries budget due to vacant posts and to the failure to achieve key performance indicator targets in relation to certain services.  She asked whether active steps were still being taken to fill vacant posts.

Councillor Whitbread advised that a sensible approach  ...  view the full minutes text for item 69.

To consider any motions, notice of which has been given under Council Procedure Rule 11.

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

The Council was advised that there were no motions for consideration at this meeting.

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.

A question for the Finance and Performance Management Portfolio Holder is attached.

Further questions, if any, will follow.

(a)        Housing Benefit

By Councillor Murray to Councillor Whitbread, Finance and Economic Development Portfolio Holder

“Following the recent cutbacks planned for Housing Benefit announced by the present coalition government could the Portfolio Holder please give the best possible estimate of:

(a)        the number of Epping Forest District claimants that could face a cut in their Housing Benefit entitlement;

(b)        the number of Epping Forest District families that might face real difficulties in paying their rent; and

(c)        the number of Epping Forest District families that could possibly be forced into giving up their existing privately rented home to find cheaper accommodation.”

Councillor Whitbread, having regard to the length of his proposed reply obtained the leave of the Council not to read the following reply in full.  He also undertook to publish the reply in the Council Bulletin.

Response of Councillor Whitbread, Finance and Economic Development Portfolio Holder

“The final details of the possible changes are still to be confirmed, so it is difficult to be precise at this stage. However, I can provide some information on the three aspects to the current proposals.

Firstly, changes may be implemented in April 2011capping Local Housing Allowance  (the amount of Housing Benefit payable) to the four bedroom rate and a general capping on all the bedroom rates.  This will affect those authorities with very high rents such as London Boroughs.  On the evidence currently available, it appears that this change will have little, if any, impact on this district.

Secondly, under the current system it is possible for a tenant to receive more Housing Benefit than they are paying in rent. This will not be permitted under the proposed amendments. This change will affect a small number of claimants in the district who will lose this “top up”.

The final aspect of the changes is the reduction in the Local Housing Allowance rate from the 50th percentile to 30th percentile.  Clearly the effect here will be determined by the buoyancy of the rental market and hence the difference between the 50thand 30th percentiles, which may vary considerably across different areas. The LHA rate is currently based on the median rent for a particular size of accommodation in a given area.  The system works by grouping areas that the Department for Work and Pensions has determined as having similar characteristics into what are called Broad Rental Market Areas. This district is currently split into three BRMAs, with the north of the district being in the Harlow and Stortford BRMA, Waltham Abbey being in the South East Herts BRMA and the south of the district being in the Outer North East London BRMA.

The reduction to the 30th percentile rent may take effect from October 2011.  This change will impact on all authorities and this district will suffer from having generally  higher rents compared to the current LHA rates.  A provisional study has been done looking at the effect based on rents in June 2010 and this is summarised for the three BRMAs  ...  view the full minutes text for item 71.

To consider the attached report of the Cabinet.

The Chairman announced that the Audit and Governance Committee had considered the Strategy at its meeting on 20 September 2010 and had requested an additional analysis.  The Chairman sought the leave of the Council to withdrawal of this report pending further consideration of the matter by the Audit and Governance Committee and possibly the Cabinet.

            RESOLVED:

            That the report be withdrawn.

To consider the attached report of the Cabinet.

Mover:  Councillor Wagland – Legal and Estates Portfolio Holder

Councillor Wagland reported on covenants and a right of pre-emption which were vested in the District Council, previous decisions of the Council in relation to these matters and the current situation.  She advised that due to the limited timescale between the meeting of the Cabinet and the Council it had been necessary to prepare the report in advance of the Cabinet meeting.  The recommendations in the report therefore reflected those submitted to the Cabinet and whilst recommendations (1), (3) and (4) had been adopted by the Cabinet, recommendation (2) had been altered.  By leave of the Council, the Portfolio Holder read the amended recommendation.

Report as amended ADOPTED

            RESOLVED:

            (1)        That the right of pre-emption in respect of the land shown edged thick black on Plan A (attached) and edged thick black on Plan C (attached) which are part of Epping Forest College be released unconditionally;

            (2)        That the covenant which restricts the use of the land shown edged black on Plan A be fully released in return for a side-letter or words in the Deed of Release with respect of the College providing replacement sports facilities when their funding situation allows;

            (3)        That the Director of Corporate Support Services, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Legal and Estates, be authorised to negotiate any reasonable variations to the covenant which restricts the use of the land shown edged thick black on Plan C; and

            (4)        That the Director of Corporate Support Services be authorised to agree minor variations to the new covenants if necessary.

            (In accordance with paragraph 15.5 of the Council Procedure Rules, Councillors Murray and Jenny Hart requested that it be recorded that they voted against resolution (2) above).

Recommendation:

To note that the Leader of the Council has approved the delegation to the Acting Chief Executive of the executive functions as set out in the attached schedule.

(Leader of the Council) The Council was advised at its last meeting of the need for certain delegated authorities in respect of executive functions previously exercisable by the Chief Executive to be transferred to the Acting Chief Executive.

The alterations made are set out in the attached schedule.

The Council noted that the Leader of the Council had approved the delegation to the Acting Chief Executive of certain executive functions which had previously been exercisable by the Chief Executive.

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

(a)        Waltham Abbey Town Partnership

Councillor Gadsby advised that King Harold Day had been judged the best event/festival of the year at the recent Essex Tourism Awards and would be going forward to the Regional Awards.  She also reported that this year, King Harold Day would be held on 16 October 2010.

(b)       Stansted Airport Consultative Committee

Councillor Sartin, as the Council’s representative on the Stansted Airport Consultative Committee, reported on grants available to local organisations from Stansted Airport.  She advised that the Stansted Airport Passenger Community Fund provided grants to local organisations within a 20 mile radius of the Airport.  The funds made available were generated from unwanted foreign currency from passengers passing through the Airport and staff at the Airport.

Councillor Sartin reported that the District Council was represented on the Stansted Airport Community Trust Fund by Councillor Morgan who would report on grants recently allocated to organisations in this district.

Councillor Sartin reported that in addition the BAA Communities Trust – Stansted Community Fund offered grants to a wide range of community organisations and charitable groups within a 40 mile radius of the Airport.  Councillor Sartin advised that she had recently been appointed to the Panel set up to consider applications from this fund and had been surprised at the lack of any applications from organisations within this district.  She suggested there was a need to increase the awareness level of the availability of this fund and asked members to assist.  Councillor Sartin said that she would publish information about this fund in the Council Bulletin.  Members noted that the Panel met four times a year to consider grant bids and that the next meeting would be held on 17 February 2011.

(c)        Stansted Airport Community Trust Fund

Councillor Morgan advised that the Trust encouraged applications for projects which protected and enhanced the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of the community within a 10 mile radius of the Airport.  As a result only organisations within certain parts of the district were eligible.  The maximum grant available to an organisation was normally £2,000 and grants were not normally given to organisations which received statutory core funding.  The funds were generated from fines imposed on operators flying off track or using excessively noisy aircraft.  Councillor Morgan reported that at a recent meeting 46 applications had been approved totalling £70,000.  Two grants had been made to organisations within the Epping Forest District – Matching Green Cricket Club and Moreton Village Hall.

(d)       West Essex Area Children’s Trust Board

Councillor Wagland reported that the District Council had not been pursued by the County Council for refusing to enter into the agreement suggested by the County Council.  She reported it was still not clear what the role of the District Councils would be under new structures which would see changes to the existing Children’s Trust arrangements.  Councillor Wagland pointed out that Essex Children’s Services had again been designated unsatisfactory by Ofsted and concerns had been expressed about the lack of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 75.

Exclusion: To consider whether, under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public and press should be excluded from the meeting for the items of business set out below on grounds that they will involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in the following paragraph(s) of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act (as amended) or are confidential under Section 100(A)(2):

The Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006, which came into effect on 1 March 2006, requires the Council to consider whether maintaining the exemption listed above outweighs the potential public interest in disclosing the information. Any member who considers that this test should be applied to any currently exempted matter on this agenda should contact the proper officer at least 24 hours prior to the meeting.

Confidential Items Commencement: Paragraph 9 of the Council Procedure Rules contained in the Constitution require:

(1)        All business of the Council requiring to be transacted in the presence of the press and public to be completed by 10.00 p.m. at the latest.

(2)        At the time appointed under (1) above, the Chairman shall permit the completion of debate on any item still under consideration, and at his or her discretion, any other remaining business whereupon the Council shall proceed to exclude the public and press.

(3)        Any public business remaining to be dealt with shall be deferred until after the completion of the private part of the meeting, including items submitted for report rather than decision.

Background Papers:  Paragraph 8 of the Access to Information Procedure Rules of the Constitution define background papers as being documents relating to the subject matter of the report which in the Proper Officer's opinion:

(a)            disclose any facts or matters on which the report or an important part of the report is based;  and

(b)        have been relied on to a material extent in preparing the report and does not include published works or those which disclose exempt or confidential information (as defined in Rule 10) and in respect of executive reports, the advice of any political advisor.

Inspection of background papers may be arranged by contacting the officer responsible for the item.

The Chairman reported that there were no items to be considered in private session.