Agenda and minutes

The Chairman announced that the Vice-Chairman was absent and he invited Councillor B Sandler to join him on the dais as to fulfil the role of Vice-Chairman for this meeting. 

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 are 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 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.

The Council is invited to stand for a minute’s silence in tribute to the memory of former District Councillors Ian Beattie and Joan Ormston who died recently.

Ian Beattie was a District Councillor for 21 years representing the Buckhurst Hill Ward from 1974 until 1979 and the Buckhurst Hill West Ward from 1979 until 1995. He was Chairman of the Council in 1980/81. Ian Beattie was also a member of the former Chigwell Urban District Council for many years and Chairman of that Authority in 1969/70.

Joan Ormston was a District Councillor for four years representing the Debden Green Ward from 1990 until1994. She was also a Loughton Town Councillor.

It was with much sadness that the Chairman informed the Council of the deaths of former District Councillors Ian Beattie and Joan Ormston.

The Chairman reported on his attendance at the funeral of Ian Beattie together with the Assistant to the Chief Executive.  The Chairman advised that he would be attending the funeral of Joan Ormston later this week.

Members were informed that Ian Beattie had been a District Councillor for 21 years representing the Buckhurst Hill ward from 1974 until 1979 and the Buckhurst Hill West ward from 1979 until 1985.  He had been Chairman of the Council in 1980/81.  He had also been a member of the former Chigwell Urban District Council for many years and Chairman of that authority in 1969/70.

Members were informed that Joan Ormston had been a District Councillor for four years representing the Debden Green Ward from 1990 until 1994.  She had also been a Loughton Town Councillor.

Councillor Watts and Mr I Willett, Assistant to the Chief Executive paid tribute to the memory of Ian Beattie and Joan Ormston.  Councillor Jenny Hart paid tribute to the memory of Joan Ormston.

The Council stood for a minute’s silence in tribute to the memory of former District Councillors Ian Beattie and Joan Ormston.

To approve as a correct record and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 19 February 2013 (attached).

            RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 19 February 2013 be taken as read and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

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

No declarations of interest were made pursuant to the Council’s Code of Conduct for Members.

(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)      Councillor D Johnson

  Recommendation:

  That the resignation of D Johnson as a District Councillor with effect from 18 March 2013 be noted.

(Assistant to the Chief Executive/Returning Officer) On 18 March 2013, D Johnson gave notice of resignation from the office of District Councillor for the Waltham Abbey Honey Lane ward of the District.

His normal term of office would have expired in May 2014. Notice has been received signed by two electors requesting an election to fill the casual vacancy and an election will be held at the same time as the scheduled County Council elections on 2 May 2013. 

Background Papers: Letter of resignation dated 18 March 2013. Notice signed by two electors.

(a)       Chairman’s Announcements

(i)         Events

The Chairman reported on some of the events he had attended since the last meeting of the Council.

The Chairman thanked members for supporting and officers for arranging the Civic Awards event held at Gilwell Park.

The Council noted that the Chairman had attended a number of musical events including Motivat at Epping Forest College, Local Music Awards held at Loughton Methodist Church and Youth Makes Music held at the Royal Festival Hall.  The Chairman referred to the success achieved by local youth groups at the High Sheriff’s Awards, the Millennium Fund and the Essex Chairman’s Awards.

The Chairman advised that he had attended the Declaration Ceremony for the new High Sheriff of Essex, Mrs Julia Abel-Smith.

Members noted that the Chairman had opened the Epping Forest Re-use Project in Bower Hill Epping.

The Chairman referred to his attendance at the St George’s Day Parade and National Scout Service held at Windsor Castle at which her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Cambridge had been present.

(ii)        Floral Display

The Chairman announced that he intended to send the flowers from tonight’s meeting to Ann Crabb a resident of Lambourne End. 

(b)      Announcements by the Leader of the Council

The Leader advised that he had no announcements to make under this heading.

(c)       Announcements by Portfolio Holders

(i)         Safer, Greener and Highways Portfolio Holder

Councillor Waller referred to the problems being experienced by visitors and shoppers seeking a car parking space in the Epping Town Centre car parks owned by the Council.  He advised that there was little doubt that the current problems were linked to the substantial tariff increases, implemented on 5 January this year, in the station car parks operated by NCP on behalf of London Underground Limited.  He advised that many commuters who had previously parked at the station were now opting instead to use the combined stay car parks at Bakers Lane and Cottis Lane and this was a matter of concern for local retailers who feared their customers might look elsewhere if they were unable to park at convenient locations in the town. 

The Portfolio Holder advised that extensive studies had been conducted of the usage of the Council’s car parks in an attempt to determine the extent of the recent changes.  He said that he was satisfied that there were now times during the week when availability of the short term spaces was unacceptably low, requiring users to spend time driving around seeking a space and this situation had worsened noticeably as a result of the tariff changes at the station car park.

Members noted that in seeking a solution, the Portfolio Holder had been mindful of the need to avoid, if possible, an undue impact on local residents including those working for employers in the town.  Councillor Waller advised that although further research was required he believed the most effective action would be to reintroduce dedicated short-stay car parking spaces and to limit their use clearly as short-stay  ...  view the full minutes text for item 118.

To answer questions asked after notice in accordance with the provisions contained in paragraph 11.3 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.

(a) To answer the following questions asked after notice in accordance with the provisions contained in paragraph 12.3 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:

(i)  Town Centre Partnerships

Question from Councillor K Angold-Stephens to the Asset Management and Economic Development Portfolio Holder:

“I understand work is going on into improving the effectiveness of our Town Centre Partnerships in the District.  Can the Portfolio Holder tell us if she has a long term objective and an action plan to address any identified shortcomings and will she be seeking the views of traders in our respective towns on ways to improve the effectiveness and engagement of the Town Centre Partnerships in the local community?”

(ii)  The new Welfare Reform

Question from Councillor L Girling to the Finance and Technology Portfolio Holder:

“Channel 4 news on Thursday 28th February raised an issue about the new Bedroom Tax. A disabled sister under new rules has to share a room with her 14year old sister, even though the disabled sister needed a modified room. Does the Portfolio Holder agree this is unacceptable and is there any flexibility under this new law that will enable this Council to mitigate against such anomalies?”

(iii)  Broadband Access Improvements

Question from Councillor L Girling to the Finance and Technology Portfolio Holder:

“The three Members’ Local Plan workshops and a recent Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting in which BT attended as guests, all raised the issue of growth of commercial development on Langston Road, Loughton. BT was made aware by fellow member Councillor  Lion that Langston Road, which is earmarked for high volumes of commercial growth in the next 20 years, but has one of the lowest Broadband coverage in the District. Can the Portfolio Holder advise members what action is being taken by the District Council to ensure businesses in Langston Road will be receiving improved Broadband access in the very near future?”

Council Procedure Rule 12.4 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.

(b) Further questions, if any:

(i)            to the Chairman of the Council;

(ii)                to the Leader of the Council;

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

(iv)       to any Member of the Cabinet;.

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

(a)        Town Centre Partnerships

Question from Councillor Angold-Stephens to Councillor Grigg, Asset Management and Economic Development Portfolio Holder

“I understand work is going on into improving the effectiveness of our Town Centre Partnerships in the District. Can the Portfolio Holder tell us if she has a long-term objective and an action plan to address any identified short-comings and will she be seeking the views of the traders in our respective towns on ways to improve the effectiveness and engagement of the Town Centre Partnerships in the local community?”

Reply of Councillor Grigg, Asset Management and Economic Development Portfolio Holder

“It is correct that work is going on as a result of a Council decision to provide pilot funding for this financial year. As Chairman of the meeting held with the Partnerships, I have led a review of what we are all doing to assist our Town Centres.

The intended approach is to create a team for each main town to look at new initiatives in town centres and across the District as a whole.

The long term objective is to assist the vitality and viability of our local economies, which are facing continuing challenges from large developments elsewhere, or from the growth of purchasing via the internet. As the funding is at present for this financial year only, we are concentrating on practical projects on the ground.

We recently provided support sessions to the Partnerships to assist the submission of bids for funds. The Business teams have been encouraged to establish links with the local Chamber of Commerce, and are being helped by the LSP Manager. It is anticipated that the Chairmen (or deputies) of the Town Centre Partnerships will share the information regarding new initiatives with traders and then feed back as the traders’ views to us at subsequent meetings.

I anticipate that some of the bids may well be about new ways of working or supporting existing projects such as the One Shops Local scheme and tourism initiatives.

I look forward to reporting back on progress, and what future plans might include in support of these efforts”.

(b)       The New Welfare Reform

Question from Councillor Girling to Councillor Stavrou, Finance and Technology Portfolio Holder

“Channel 4 News on Thursday 28 February raised an issue about the new Bedroom Tax.  A disabled sister under new rules has to share a room with her 14 year old sister, even though the disabled sister needed a modified room.  Does the Portfolio Holder agree this is unacceptable and is there any flexibility under this new law that will enable this Council to mitigate against such anomalies?”.

Reply of Councillor Stavrou, Finance and Technology Portfolio Holder

“I would like to thank Councillor Girling for the question as it allows me to correct some of the mis-information that has been circulating on this issue and also to bring Councillor Girling up to speed as he seems not to have kept up with how this policy has developed.

Firstly, this is not a new  ...  view the full minutes text for item 120.

To receive reports 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 Asset Management and Economic Development Portfolio Holder;

(c)         Report of the Environment Portfolio Holder;

(d)     Report of the Finance and Technology Portfolio Holder;

(e)        Report of the Housing Portfolio Holder;

(f)      Report of the Leisure and Wellbeing Portfolio Holder;

(g)         Report of the Planning Portfolio Holder;    

(h)     Report of the Safer, Greener and Highways Portfolio Holder;

(i)      Report of the Support Services Portfolio Holder.

The Council received written reports from the Asset Management and Economic Development Portfolio Holder, the Environment Portfolio Holder, the Finance and Technology Portfolio Holder, the Housing Portfolio Holder, the Leisure and Wellbeing Portfolio Holder, the Planning Portfolio Holder, the Safer, Greener and Highways Portfolio Holder, and the Support Services Portfolio Holder.

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

(a)        The Leader of the Council

Councillor Whitbread thanked the many District Councillors who had attended and contributed to the three Local Plan Workshops which had been held.  He also extended thanks to the representatives of Town and Parish Councils for their valuable input.

The Leader drew attention to the Duty to Co-operate requirement of the Local Plan process.  He stated that he had attended a joint meeting with the Leader and representatives of Harlow Council at which an update had been provided from a number of developers who had proposals for schemes in and around the boundaries of the Epping Forest District and Harlow.

The Council noted the proceedings of a recent meeting of the Locality Board.  Councillor Whitbread advised that as well as discussing budget proposals the meeting had received feedback from a recent visit to the District of the new Police and Crime Commissioner, Nick Alston, an update on the North Weald Airfield consultancy, a progress report on the development of a West Essex Wellbeing Strategy and a presentation on the Essex County-Wide Traveller Unit.  The Leader stated that concerns had been shared with members of the Locality Board about the adequacy of reporting arrangements for highway defects under the new Ringway Jacobs contract and the proposals for a County-Wide Telecare contract.  Councillor Whitbread stated that the Locality Board was proving to be a positive initiative in terms of improving communication and mutual understanding between the various tiers of Government affecting the District. 

The Leader reported that on 15 March 2013 he had chaired the Local Strategic Partnership Board which had received a report from the Director of Housing on the Council’s Welfare Reform Mitigation Action Plan.  He stated that the Council had been congratulated by other parties for taking such a pro-active stance in relation to this matter. He continued saying that as many of the reforms had been implemented the Partnership had agreed unanimously to share information amongst themselves, as many agencies were involved.  To this end it had been agreed to hold a conference on the issue of Welfare Reform and the local impacts for the Epping Forest District.

Councillor Whitbread reported on his attendance at a meeting of the Essex Leaders and Chief Executives.  Discussions had included the Community Budget Pilot Programme.  The Leader stated that it was still not clear what efficiencies could be delivered under this initiative but that progress was being made within the Essex Pilot in relation to the Integrated Commissioning of Health and Adult Social Care Services which hopefully would be of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 121.

Council Procedure Rule 12.6 provides for questions by any member of the Council to the Leader or any Portfolio Holder, without notice on:

(i)   reports under item 8 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 12.7 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)     where the desired information is in a publication of the Council or other published work, a reference to that publication;

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

(d)     where the question relates to an operational matter, the Leader 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 12.8, 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)        Car Parking in Epping

Councillor J M Whitehouse referred to the statement made earlier in the meeting by the Safer, Greener and Highways Portfolio Holder and asked when and how a decision would be taken in relation to a new tariff structure.  He also asked what consultation would be undertaken in relation to this matter.

Councillor Waller, Safer, Greener and Highways Portfolio Holder advised that he was not yet in a position to provide more details about the tariffs and it had not yet been decided in which car park the 100 spaces would be provided.  He confirmed that it was his intention to consult with Epping ward councillors and the Town Council in relation to this matter.

(b)       Council Housing Estates – Signage

Councillor Watts stated that he had noticed that there was a lack of adequate signage on some of the Council’s housing estates.  He asked the Housing Portfolio Holder if steps could be taken to rectify the position.

Councillor Stallan, Housing Portfolio Holder stated that he would discuss this matter with Housing Officers and would establish whether finance available within the Enhancement Fund could be used to improve signage. 

(c)        Epping Parking Review

Councillor J H Whitehouse asked the Safer, Greener and Highways Portfolio Holder when outstanding issues in relation to the Epping Parking Review would be completed. 

Councillor Waller, Safer, Greener and Highways Portfolio Holder stated that he was reluctant to provide timescales as this was a matter which was outside of his control as the works were being implemented by Essex County Council as a contractor on behalf of the District Council.  He continued however, that it was a priority for him to get matters completed as quickly as possible.

(d)       Careline

Councillor Lea asked the Housing Portfolio Holder if he was in a position to provide more information about the future of the Epping Forest Careline in the light of Essex County Council’s proposals for a county-wide Telecare contract.

Councillor Stallan, Housing Portfolio Holder advised that the comments made by District Councillors at the last Council meeting had been reported to and taken into account by County Councillors.  He reported that County Council officers were gathering information to assist County Members in making a decision and account would be taken of the possible impact on current local provision.  Councillor Stallan stated that he would work with officers to ensure that local residents received a good service whichever option was pursued by the County Council.

(e)       Former Laundry Site, Bower Hill, Epping

Councillor Avey asked the Safer, Greener and Highways Portfolio Holder if any steps were being taken to acquire land in Bower Hill in order to provide additional car parking. 

Councillor Waller, Safer, Greener and Highways Portfolio Holder stated that the Council’s legal officers had made enquiries about the ownership of this land but it would not solve the problem of short-term parking in the town due to its distance from the High Street.  He also pointed out whilst the site was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 122.

To consider any motions, notice of which has been given under Council Procedure Rule 13.

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

The Chairman reported that there were no motions to be considered at this meeting.

Mover:  Councillor Bassett, Planning Portfolio Holder

Councillor Bassett submitted a report proposing the adoption of a Statement of Community Involvement which would establish the Council’s vision and strategy for effective community participation in relation to the preparation of Local Plans and the Development Control (Management) process.

Councillor Knapman expressed concern that ward councillors were not made aware of pre-application discussions between officers and developers and asked the Portfolio Holder if appropriate steps could be put in place.

Councillor Bassett agreed that local members should be made aware of formal pre-application discussions and agreed to speak to officers about the implementation of a process.

Report as first moved ADOPTED

            RESOLVED:

            That the Statement of Community Involvement attached to the report of the Cabinet, including the revised Local Plan Communications Strategy, be approved on the understanding it represents the minimum level of actions the Council will take to encourage community involvement in the Local Plan process.

Mover:  Councillor Whitbread, Leader of the Council

Councillor Whitbread submitted a report proposing Key Objectives for 2013/14 which were intended to address national and local priorities and specific service challenges.

Report as first moved ADOPTED

            RESOLVED:

            That the Key Objectives attached to the report of the Cabinet be adopted.

Mover: Councillor Ulkun,  Support Services Portfolio Holder

Councillor Ulkun submitted a report proposing adoption of a Pay Policy Statement for 2013/14.

Report as first moved ADOPTED

            RESOLVED:

            That the Pay Policy Statement attached to the report of the Cabinet be adopted and published on the Council’s website.

(a)        Report of the Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee

The Council received a written report from Councillor Morgan, the Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

(b)       Reports of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee

The Chairman announced that there were no reports to be considered under this item.

(c)        Reports of Overview and Scrutiny Panels

(i)         Report of Constitution and Members Services Scrutiny Standing Panel – Protocol on Partnerships and External Organisations and Review of Outside Bodies

Mover:  Councillor Watts, Vice-Chairman of the Panel

Councillor Watts presented a report following a review of the Protocol on Partnerships and External Organisations and the list of Outside Organisations on which the Council was represented.  He sought leave of the Council to add the words “be adopted” to the end of recommendation (1) of the Panel. 

                                                                                                                          Carried

Members noted that this report had been brought direct to the Council without prior consideration by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.  The Chairman of that Committee had approved this under Overview and Scrutiny Committee Rule 4(j) on grounds of urgency bearing in mind the need to agree the arrangements for appointing representatives before the Annual Council meeting.

Report as amended ADOPTED

            RESOLVED:

            (1)        That the changes to the Protocol on Partnerships and External Organisations set out Appendix 1 to the report of the Panel be adopted;

            (2)        That the revised list of external organisations to which the Council makes appointments be approved as set out in Appendix 2 to the report of the Panel; and

(3)   That a recommended revised list of external organisations to which the Cabinet makes appointments as set out in Appendix 3 to the report of the Panel be referred to the Leader of Council for decision.

(ii)        Report of the Constitution and Members Services Scrutiny Panel – Housing Appeals and Review Panel – Terms of Reference

Mover:  Councillor Watts, Vice-Chairman of the Panel

Councillor Watts submitted a report proposing changes to the terms of reference of the Housing Appeals and Review Panel following the adoption of a new Council Housing Allocations Policy and further consideration of the order of presentation of cases at meetings of the Appeals and Review Panel.

Report as first moved ADOPTED

            RESOLVED:

(1)   That the terms of reference of the Housing Appeals and Review Panel be amended as follows:

(a)   subject to the Cabinet adopting the recommended new Housing Allocations Scheme, paragraph (1)(c) – exclusion of housing applicants from the Housing Register – be removed;

       (b)   paragraphs (6) and (7) be revised as follows:

                      “(6)        In relation to appeals or reviews at which the applicant's case is presented in person or by a representative, the hearing shall be conducted in the following order:

            (a)        Chairman's introductory remarks;

            (b)        Presentation of the Officer’s case;

            (c)        Questioning by the applicant (or representative);

            (d)        Questioning by members of the Panel;

            (e)        Presentation of the applicant’s case;

            (f)         Questioning by the Officer;

            (g)        Questioning by members of the Panel;

            (h)        Summing up by the applicant;

            (i  ...  view the full minutes text for item 127.

(Assistant to the Chief Executive) To consider the attached report.

The Council considered a report of the Assistant to the Chief Executive following a review of the remuneration level for members of the District/Parish Remuneration Panels following representations from the members of those Panels that they considered their level of payment was no longer justified in the light of the current levels of activity of the Panels.

            RESOLVED:

            That, pursuant to Regulation 20(3) of the Local Authorities (Members Allowances) (England) Regulations 2003, provision be made for the payment of an allowance of £250 per annum for each member of the Remuneration Panel plus expenses payable at a rate equivalent to the allowances and expenses applicable to councillors with effect from 1 May 2013.

Recommendations:

That, in accordance with:

(a) Section 61E of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 (as provided for by Section 116 and Schedule 10 of the Localism Act 2011); and

(b) Regulation 9 of the Planning (Referendum) Regulations 2012; and

(c) any other statutory provisions enacted and brought into force subsequently,

Mr. I. Willett (Returning Officer for the Epping Forest District) be appointed as Counting Officer for the purpose of local referendums in any area for the purposes of making Neighbourhood Development Plans within the District and as Proper Officer for exercise all other powers under (a) and (b) above.

1. (Returning Officer) The Council has a statutory responsibility to conduct local referendums within the District in respect of any Neighbourhood Development Plan brought forward for consideration and adopted by the Planning Authority.

2. These responsibilities derive from amendments to the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 by the Localism Act 2011. All such proposed plans are subject to an examination process to establish whether the Plan satisfies a number of key planning criteria. The independent examination is then to be considered by the Council as part of the decision as to whether the Plan can be accepted.

3. If a Plan is accepted, it is then subject to a referendum in the area concerned. The referendum is conducted on the basis of a prescribed statutory question, a statutory statement on all aspects of the Plan, the independent assessment and a notice of the Council’s decision. The vote at the referendum determines whether the Plan stands or falls. Referendums are conducted as if they were local elections. The Examiner will determine the area to be covered by the referendum which make wider than the area designated.

4. The regulations cited at item (b) of the recommendation prescribe that the Returning Officer for the District is automatically the Counting Officer for this purpose but, for the avoidance of doubt, the Council is asked to pass the resolution set out in this item, including the appointment of the Returning Officer as Proper Officer for the other aspects of the referendum procedure.

5. One such request for a Neighbourhood Development Area has been received to date.

Members were informed the Council had a statutory responsibility to conduct local referendums within the District in respect of any Neighbourhood Development Plan brought forward for consideration and adopted by the Planning Authority.

            RESOLVED:

            That, in accordance with:

            (a)        section 61E of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as provided for by Section 116 and Schedule 10 of the Localism Act 2011;

            (b)        regulation 9 of the Planning (Referendum) Regulations 2012; and

            (c)        any other statutory provisions enacted and brought into force subsequently,

Mr I Willett (Returning Officer for the Epping Forest District), be appointed as Counting Officer for the purpose of local referendums in any area for the purposes of making Neighbourhood Development Plans within the District and as Proper Officer for exercise of all other powers under (a) and (b) above.

To note the attached report.

The Council noted that the Chairman of the Council had agreed that the decision of the Safer, Greener and Highways Portfolio Holder to nominate the nine highest scoring parking schemes across the District for implementation to the Traffic Regulation Order Sub-Committee of NEPP, should be treated as a matter of urgency and should not be subject to call-in.

Councillor Waller, Safer, Greener and Highways Portfolio Holder reported that of the nine schemes nominated, resources had been made available to implement four in the next tranche, following those schemes which were currently passing through the implementation process. He also advised that the other schemes nominated would remain among the priorities for nomination when further resources allowed.

(a)           To receive from Council representatives the reports (attached) on the business of joint arrangements and external organisations and to receive answers to any questions on those bodies which may be put without notice:

(i)                  Citizens Advice Bureaux – Epping Forest

(Councillor R Cohen) At the last meeting of the Council a request was made for statistics relating to approaches for assistance made to the Bureaux. Attached are statistics for the year 2012/13 up to February 2013. The overall figures are provided together with a breakdown showing the Epping, Loughton and Waltham Abbey Branches;

and

(b)           To request written reports from representatives on joint arrangements and external organisations for future meetings.

(a)        Citizens’ Advice Bureau

The Council received from Councillor Cohen, one of its representatives on the Citizens’ Advice Bureau statistics recorded by the Bureau for the year 2012/13 up to 1 March 2013.

Members raised queries about the statistics and asked for a more detailed report in relation to the activities of the Bureau having regard to the amount of funding provided by the Council.  Reference was made to the discussion at the previous Council meeting when it had been agreed that the Bureau should be invited to attend a future meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee to present a detailed report on their work undertaken in the District.

            RESOLVED:

            That as agreed at the last meeting the Citizens’ Advice Bureau be invited to attend a future meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.