The Strategy and Resources Committee of Maldon Council met on Thursday 13 June 2024 to discuss several significant topics, including the revision of the Council Tax Empty Homes Premium Policy, the Project and Improvement Management Framework, the Technology Strategy for 2024-2027, and the work of the Planning Policy Working Group. The committee also made appointments to various outside bodies and working groups and addressed an urgent item regarding the carry forward of capital funding for the Galleon replacement.

Council Tax Empty Homes Premium Policy Revision

The committee discussed the Council Tax Empty Homes Premium Policy Revision. The report informed members of a delay in legislative provisions to increase the period before which council tax premiums would become payable. The committee decided to amend the previously agreed policy to apply these provisions locally in advance of the legislation. Councillor Sue Green explained the process for determining whether a property is empty and the timeline for implementing the additional council tax.

Project and Improvement Management Framework and MDC Productivity Plan

The Project and Improvement Management Framework and MDC Productivity Plan was presented by Cheryl Hughes. The framework aims to improve the strategic overview of projects and support corporate resource reduction. The committee discussed the need for member training and the importance of keeping members informed about ongoing projects and improvements.

Technology Strategy 2024-2027

The Technology Strategy for 2024-2027 was introduced by Annette Cardy. The strategy focuses on four main priorities: cyber and security, modern IT infrastructure, streamlining processes, and system and data centre strategy. The committee discussed the importance of member training in technology and the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on future council operations. The strategy was approved, with an emphasis on ensuring it aligns with the council's budget and resources.

Work of the Planning Policy Working Group

The committee received an update on the work of the Planning Policy Working Group. Councillor Lagan reported on the group's activities and the progress made on the Local Development Plan (LDP) review. Members raised concerns about the need for regular updates and the importance of member involvement in the planning process. The committee agreed to receive more detailed reports and briefings in the future.

Appointment of Representatives on Outside Bodies and Working Groups

The committee made appointments to various outside bodies and working groups, including the Maldon Museum in the Park Liaison Committee, the Maldon Citizens Advice Bureau Liaison, the Car Park Task and Finish Working Group, the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer Working Group, and the Waste Contract Member Working Group. The full list of appointments can be found in the meeting documents.

Urgent Business: Approval to Carry Forward Capital Funding for the Galleon Replacement

An urgent item was discussed regarding the carry forward of capital funding for the Galleon replacement from 2023-24. The committee approved the carry forward of £226,000 to ensure the project could proceed without delay and meet the project timescales for delivery by 18 October 2024.

The meeting concluded with the exclusion of the public and press to discuss confidential matters, including the authority to write off unrecoverable debt and the Business Continuity Strategy for 2024-2026.