Decisions

(1)   To agree that the HGGT Strategic Economic Framework (SEF), as agreed by the HGGT Board on 12^th of September 2023, forms the base for the future economic development planning of the HGGT and should inform the economic development strategies of the partner authorities.

(2)   To note the findings of the HGGT Strategic Economic Framework at Appendix A and agree its approval as an evidence base supporting technical document.

(1)   To agree on the HGGT IDP Update 2023, as agreed by the HGGT Board on 12 September 2023, as an evidence base of the current anticipated infrastructure requirements within the Garden Town area, in relation to preparation of masterplans, pre-application advice, assessing planning applications and any other development management purposes.

(1)        That the Cabinet approved the draft North Weald Bassett Strategic Masterplan Framework and commencement of the public consultation for the NWB Strategic Masterplan Area allocation identified under Policy P6 in the Adopted Local Plan.

(2)        That the Cabinet noted the staged public consultation would take place over a minimum of 8 weeks from mid-November 2023 and would run through to January 2024. The reason for the extended consultation period was to provide the public with the widest possible contribution and to take into account the Christmas / New Year period.

(3)        That the Cabinet noted a further update would be provided to share the results of the public consultation, any updates to the masterplan and/or framework document to reflect consultation and to endorse the masterplan, so that it could be given appropriate weight as a material planning consideration in the determination of future planning applications.

Review of Policy

(1)        That the Cabinet agreed there would be no change to medical banding’.

(2)        That the Cabinet agreed there would be no change to homeless households.

(3)        That the Cabinet agreed there would be no change to lacking one bedroom or sharing accommodation.

(4)        That the Cabinet agreed there would be no change to bedroom sizes.

(5a)      That the Cabinet agreed the scheme was to remain unchanged for new applications from 26 September 2022 in relation to requests to move from a flat to a house for existing council tenants.

(5b)      That the Cabinet agreed an end date of 25 September 2025 be introduced for applicants with ‘legacy’ rights to move from a flat to a house under the previous allocations scheme.

To review Q2

(1)        That the Cabinet noted the General Fund revenue position at the end of Quarter 2 (30th September 2023) for 2023/24, including actions being undertaken or proposed to ameliorate the position, where significant variances had been identified (including Appendix A).

(2)        That the Cabinet noted the General Fund capital position at the end of Quarter 2 (30th September 2023) for 2023/24 (including Appendix B).

(3)        That the Cabinet noted the Housing Revenue Account revenue position at the end of Quarter 2 (30th September 2023) for 2023/24, including actions proposed to ameliorate the position, where significant variances had been identified.

(4)        That the Cabinet noted the Housing Revenue Account capital position at the end of Quarter 2 (30th September 2023) for 2023/24 (including Appendix C); and

(5)        That the Cabinet noted the wider position on Financial Performance and Risk at the end of Quarter 2 (30th September 2023).

To make changes to the Council’s Local Council Tax Support Scheme.

(1a)      That the Cabinet approved the introduction of a new income banded / grid scheme for working age applicants with effect from 1 April 2024 to reduce the administrative burden placed on the Council since the introduction of Universal Credit and to target support to the lowest income families.

(1b)      That following the results of the consultation exercise the scheme proposed in (a) above be amended to include Child Benefit as a disregarded income.

Update on and approval of HGGT Joint Committee delegations Framework and other relevant decisions.

(1)        That the Cabinet agreed to the establishment of a Joint Committee (JC) in respect of matters pertaining to the Harlow and Gilston Garden Town.

(2)        That subject to all authorities approving the agreement, the arrangements set out in the Inter Authority Agreement at Appendix A to this report be endorsed and agreed.

(3)        That the Cabinet delegated to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader and the Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, to make any necessary, non-consequential and minor amendments and refer to the HGGT Chair and Director.

(4)        That the Cabinet agreed to refer final approval of the agreement to Council on 19 December 2023.