The Council’s rules provide for questions by any member of the Council to the Leader or any Portfolio Holder, without notice on:
(i) reports under the previous item; 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.
The Council’s rules provide that answers to questions without notice may take the form of:
(a) 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 Service Director.
In accordance with the Council’s rules, a time limit of thirty 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 ten minutes at their discretion.
Minutes:
(a) Theydon Bois wheelie bin recycling trial
Councillor C Amos reported he was pleased Theydon Bois had trialled the recycling bins in place of the clear sacks, but he not been able to take part because his road had not been included. How long would the trial last? What were the criteria for success? How much of a financial gain would the Council achieve by using the new wheelie bins rather than recycling bags?
Councillor J Philip replied he was taking part in the trial and was sorry that Councillor Amos had been unable to. The recycling wheelie bin trial was going quite well but other aspects of the trial would be assessed to see how it worked and what had worked etc. When rolled out, the recycling wheelie bin would be part of the new waste contract. The Council spent hundreds of thousands of pounds on clear recycling sacks every year and they were often used by people for things other than recycling waste.
(b) Salt grit bin scheme
Councillor T Matthews queried the confusion of clearing some roads and pavements that happened during the recent severe cold weather last week.
Councillor N Bedford advised that Essex County Council administered the salt grit bin scheme, which town and parish councils could subscribe to, and was the responsibility of the Local Highways Panel. He would encourage all local councils to opt into the scheme and work together. Residents should also offer their support and help to clear snow.
(c) Housing Maintenance
Councillor R Bassett wished to congratulate the Housing Maintenance team for achieving the shortlist for most innovative property services.
Councillor H Whitbread also congratulated Qualis on Housing Maintenance being shortlisted for this award. She recognised that there were challenges and welcomed the scrutiny approach taken by the Chairman of Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Councillor H Kane. The performance of Housing Maintenance was as good if not better and was more innovative since the transfer of this service to Qualis.
(d) Street cleaning
Councillor J M Whitehouse asked if the Biffa street cleaning teams had been directed to clear pavements during the prolonged cold weather, as it did not happen this time?
Councillor C Whitbread answered that Biffa staff had been clearing pavements in Epping (town). More salt grit bins were needed but many were low on salt grit. The next delivery of salt grit was expected soon. A more joined up approach was needed between Essex County Council, EFDC and the parish councils, so more local councils would invest in this scheme.
(e) London Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)
Councillor K Rizvi remarked that many people in the south of the District would be affected by the impact of the London ULEZ zone extending out. Examples included residents attending Whipps Cross Hospital for appointments and visiting family in the hospital. Does the Cabinet member share my strong opposition to the scheme and what representations had the Council made?
Councillor N Bedford acknowledged that with the London mayor extending the ULEZ to our borders [due on 29 August 2023], there would be a reduction in traffic going into the ULEZ zone. The schemes for an Air Quality Zone could include various options on vehicles but nothing had been agreed for the Epping Forest District. There were more electric vehicles around now. Also, stopping the manufacturing of [petrol and diesel] engines was going to happen and therefore, vehicles with these engines would be phased out over time.
(f) Transport for London (TfL) meetings
Referring to references made in the agenda reports to meetings/talks with TfL, Councillor J H Whitehouse remarked that it would be helpful if whoever attended these meetings to provide updates in the Bulletin so members could raise any issues.
Action:
Councillor C Whitbread advised he would look into this and would have to come back to Councillor J H Whitehouse after the meeting.
(g) Supporting our local high streets
Councillor H Brady asked the Finance Portfolio Holder what was the Council doing to support our local high streets?
Councillor J Philip reported that the free car parking at weekends in December was a significant benefit to residents. There was also an ongoing social media campaign to support local high streets in addition to a significant amount of information on the Council’s website promoting events. The UK Shared Prosperity Fund award would also help businesses in the District.
(h) Foodbanks and warm places
Councillor D Murray queried if we needed to record our thanks for the free food hub and remarked if members agreed it was a scandal that there was a growing need for foodbanks and the provision of warm places?
Councillor C Whitbread paid tribute to the people who worked tirelessly and voluntarily in the community. Foodbanks existed across the world. Reminiscing that he grew up in a council house when food was limited and there was no additional help, he would rather have foodbanks and warm places available for people to use.
Councillor H Whitbread continued that volunteers worked hard to support our foodbanks and the Council worked with its partners. The energy crisis was an unprecedented situation following the war in Ukraine and the Government was helping to keep energy prices down.
(i) Centric Parade, Loughton – anti social behaviour
Councillor D Wixley was concerned that during the snowy weather last week, a group of youngsters on the roof of Centric Parade had been throwing snowballs at pedestrians below. Could the Council prevent this unauthorised access?
Councillor J Philip assured Councillor Wixley he would follow this up and asked him to forward the Police reference. As the Centric Parade landlord, leaseholders also had a responsibility. Unfortunately, there had been a number of previous anti-social behaviour incidents in the District particularly at Halloween and on Guy Fawkes night.
(j) Customer Complaints Policy
Councillor S Heap enquired that when a resident requested information they were entitled to, how many times did they have to email the Council before a complainer was labelled as vexatious?
Councillor J Philip advised that the Council had a robust Complaints Policy to follow before a complainer was labelled as vexatious. People were given the opportunity to moderate their behaviour, otherwise the Monitoring Officer and/or Chief Executive Officer would become involved.