Agenda item

The Cabinet’s forward plan of key decisions is reviewed by the Committee at each meeting, to provide an opportunity for the scrutiny of specific decisions to be taken over the period of the plan. Wherever possible, Portfolio Holders will attend the Committee to present forthcoming key decisions, to answer questions on the forward plan and to indicate where appropriate work could be carried out by overview and scrutiny on behalf of the Cabinet.

The committee considered the Council’s programme of Key Decisions for 2018/19.

Planning and Governance

Councillor S. Neville queried whether the District Electoral Review should be a decision for the Council. Councillor C. Whitbread advised that Council would have to look at its future democratic arrangements but this would not take place until the Local Plan had been agreed and the Council was aware of where the growth would take place in the District. The Electoral Review was a statutory process and although the Cabinet could trigger the process, it would ultimately be the Council’s decision.

Finance

Councillor S. Murray asked whether the aim to review the Local Council Tax Support Scheme 2019/20, was to save money or whether there was another agenda. Councillor G. Mohindra advised that there was no hidden agenda.

Environment

Councillor S. Murray asked whether the Waste Management Review would be asking residents to either pay for the dry recycling bags or limit the number of bags they were allowed. Councillor N. Avey advised that the decision was not due until next year and he would report back to members when he had further discussions.

Councillor N. Bedford asked whether smaller fleet carriers could be purchased when the waste contracts were renewed, due to the amount of damaged kerbs that have arisen across the District. Councillor N. Avey advised that he would discuss the issues at the next Waste Management Board.

Housing

Councillor S. Murray asked for more detail on Sheltered Housing Assets. Councillor C. Whitbread advised that he required further details and he would report back.

Leisure & Community Services

Councillor M. Sartin enquired about the Gymnastics Centre – North Weald Airfield. Councillor C. Whitbread advised that a report was coming forward at the next Cabinet meeting on 10 November 2018.

Councillor N. Bedford advised that there were no turn-style entrance systems at Ongar Leisure Centre, which was reportedly enabling people to walk in and use the swimming pool facilities for free. Councillor C. Whitbread advised that he would look into this concern.

Assets & Economic Development

Councillor H Whitbread commented that she was happy to see the future of St John’s School Site on the work programme.

Councillor S. Murray asked whether the report regarding Epping Forest Shopping Park had included reference to the traffic flows around this area and the pollution issues. Councillor A. Grigg advised that she had been made aware of the issues and would be looking into it. The economic impact study may cover this issue, although it  may need to be looked at separately. There were issues with parking problems at the shopping park and they were investigating solutions in consultation with the tenants. Any issues outside the shop park would have to be reported to Essex County Council (ECC) as they were responsible for highways. Councillor S. Murray commented that he had received a large number of complaints about traffic on Rectory Lane and Oakwood Hill. Councillor G Mohindra advised that there were a significant number of road improvement works going on in the area, which had meant other roads were being used and ECC were aware of the issues and were looking into them. 

Councillor D. Wixley raised concerns over pedestrians crossing the roads at Oakwood Hill and Chigwell Lane to access Langston Road. Councillor G. Mohindra strongly recommended that pedestrians used the pedestrian cross 40 meters down the road by Debden Station. Councillor A. Grigg advised that a conversation with ECC had taken place and they were aware of the issue, although they were satisfied that the scheme met the safety requirements necessary. The Council had looked into a pedestrian crossing although ECC had not been keen because of issues with respect to traffic flows.