Agenda item

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

(a)        Report of the Leader;

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

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

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

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

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

(g)        Report of the Planning and Governance Portfolio Holder (attached);

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

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

(a)          The Leader of Council

The Leader advised following previous weeks Extraordinary Council meeting regarding the publication of the submission version of the Epping Forest District Local Plan, members had put forward their concerns and opinions, contributing to an important act of local democracy which was discussed in an open and transparent manner. There had been 150 residents attend, 580 website views on the evening and 280 website views subsequently. The representation period was now open until 5 pm on Monday 29 January 2018, with versions of the document being available online, in libraries, Town and Parish Councils and leisure centres.

Councillor C Whitbread advised he had also attended the Youth Conference, which had discussed issues effecting young people across the district. On the 8 December he had met with the Epping Forest District’s Members of Parliament, The Right Honourable Eleanor Laing MP and Alex Burghart MP regarding the Local Plan and would be meeting with Robert Halfon MP in the New Year. He had also attended the Chairman’s Carol service at St John’s Church in Epping.

(b)          Finance Portfolio Holder

Councillor G Mohindra advised that the Council, as part of the Greater Essex group  had not been successful in securing the Business Rate pilot scheme, although they may apply again in future. 

(c)          Safer, Cleaner and Transport Portfolio Holder

Councillor S Kane advised that the North Essex Parking Partnership had changed the process for parking scheme nominations. Schemes would now be considered in October of each year.

(d)          Technology and Support Services Portfolio Holder

Councillor A Lion advised that the Council had been successful in being awarded a partnership with the Design in the Public Sector Programme, to consider the public health challenges and reduce the number of hospital emission for the over 75 population in the district.

(e)          Planning and Governance Portfolio Holder

Councillor J Philip advised that the Council’s response to the Boundary Commission for England on new Parliamentary Constituency Boundaries was not objecting to North Weald becoming part of Harlow Constituency but affirming the importance of North Weald’s connection to the Epping Forest District.