This week saw three meetings of the Essex Council. The Development Control Committee met on Wednesday 26 June 2024, The Council met on Thursday 27 June 2024, and the Cabinet met on Monday 24 June 2024.

Cabinet Meeting

This week's cabinet meeting was of particular interest, as it dealt with several areas that have been the subject of much discussion by residents in recent months, and is the first meeting since the local elections in May.

Financial Out-turn 2023-24

Councillor Paul Collins, in his role as Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources¹, presented the council's Pre-Provisional Revenue and Capital Out-turn 2023-24. The report, which can sometimes be difficult to understand for those who are not familiar with local authority accounting practices², showed that the council had ended the year with a budget deficit of £1.89 million.

The budget out-turn for revenue is a deficit of 1.89 million pounds which is, whilst regrettable, is nothing like the figures that were mentioned at the beginning of this process around the 14-15 million pound projected loss. Nothing like it at all. - Councillor Paul Collins, Cabinet Meeting 24 June 2024

As Councillor Collins mentioned, this is significantly less than the £14-15 million deficit that was initially predicted. This improvement is due to a number of factors, such as the council underspending its budget in some areas and receiving more income than expected. However, this does still represent a significant budget pressure, and the council will need to find ways to reduce its spending or increase its income in order to balance its budget in future years.

Licensing Policy and Gambling Policy Reviews

The cabinet also discussed proposed changes to the council's Licensing Policy and Gambling Policy, which set out how the council regulates licensed premises, such as pubs, clubs, and restaurants. The council is required by law to review these policies every three years.

Councillor Ian Gilbert, in his role as Cabinet Member for Operational, Statutory and Customer Services³, presented the proposed changes to both policies. These largely reflected changes in legislation since the last review, as well as best practice guidance from central government.

The proposed changes will now be subject to a public consultation, which means that residents will have the opportunity to give their views on the proposed changes before they are finalized. This is an important part of the democratic process, as it allows residents to have a say in how their local area is run. The council is encouraging residents to take part in the consultation. Details of how to do so will be published on the council's website in due course.

The Council and Development Control Committee Meetings

The meetings of The Council and the Development Control Committee are also important meetings, but no transcripts were made available to the Open Council Network this week. The council has committed in their manifesto to being more transparent, and we will continue to request transcripts or recordings of these meetings in future.

As always, if you have any questions about your local council or how it works, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

This week, the Essex Council held several important meetings that will have significant implications for the community. The meetings included the Place Scrutiny Committee on Monday, 17 June 2024, the Licensing Sub-Committee A also on Monday, 17 June 2024, and the Education Board on Tuesday, 18 June 2024. Additionally, the Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee scheduled for Thursday, 20 June 2024, was cancelled.

Place Scrutiny Committee

The Place Scrutiny Committee meeting on Monday, 17 June 2024, addressed several key issues, including urban tree management, recycling strategies, and licensing policies.

Urban Tree Management

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the management of urban trees in Southend. A motion from September 2023 aimed at improving the Council's tree management practices was revisited. The motion emphasized the benefits of mature trees on physical and mental health and the need to prolong their lifespans while planting new ones.

Our trees are essential as natural filters for pollutants, absorbing both PM10 and PM2.5 particles and contribute significantly to improving overall air quality. - Meeting Transcript

The discussion highlighted the importance of a cross-party working group to oversee tree management and ensure that tree felling is halted unless there is a perceived risk.

Recycling Strategies

The committee also reviewed the recycling performance of the council, with a focus on the tonnage of various types of waste recycled over the past few years. The strategies employed by the council and Veolia to raise awareness about recycling were discussed in detail.

Since May 2022, reminders about what goes in which sack and container based on the weekly contamination records from crews. - Meeting Transcript

The council is finalizing a new waste contract to commence in April 2025, with the aim of increasing recycling rates and improving the financial benefits for the council.

Licensing Policies

The committee discussed updates to the licensing policies, particularly concerning measures to prevent drink spiking and the use of drug safes in licensed premises. The importance of public safety and compliance with statutory requirements was emphasized.

A drug safe is literally what it sounds like. It's a safe for door staff and management of a venue where they confiscate drugs to place them in there. - Meeting Transcript

Licensing Sub-Committee A

The Licensing Sub-Committee A also met on Monday, 17 June 2024. However, no video broadcast of this meeting was available, and therefore, specific details of the discussions are not provided.

Education Board

The Education Board convened on Tuesday, 18 June 2024, to discuss the establishment of a Schools Forum and Education Strategy Group, as well as to approve the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) Early Years funding rates for 2024/25 and the overall DSG budget for 2024/25.

Schools Forum and Education Strategy Group

The Director of Education, Early Years and Inclusion provided an update on the proposals to establish a Southend Schools Forum and an Education Strategy Group. The Board resolved to note the progress towards the establishment of these groups.

Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) Early Years Funding 2024/25

The Board approved various funding rates for early years education, including:

• Uplifting the EY Provider base rate for 3&4-year-old funding to £5.30 per hour.
• Setting the EY Provider base rate for 2-year-old disadvantage entitlement funding at £7.82 per hour.
• Implementing a Special Education Needs Inclusion EY Provider support Fund (SENIF) across all funding streams.

For further details, you can refer to the Minutes Public Pack 23012024 Education Board and the Report of Senior Finance Business Partner.

Implications of the Meetings

The decisions made in these meetings will have far-reaching implications for the community. The Place Scrutiny Committee's discussions on urban tree management and recycling strategies highlight the council's focus on environmental sustainability. The Education Board's approval of the DSG Early Years funding rates ensures continued support for early childhood education.

As we've discussed in previous emails, the council's decisions on environmental policies, education funding, and public safety are pivotal in shaping the community's future. The outcomes of these meetings will influence the council's approach to governance and service delivery in the coming months.

This week, the Essex Council held several key meetings that will have significant implications for the community. The meetings included the Health & Wellbeing Board on Wednesday, 12 June 2024, and multiple sessions of The Council on Thursday, 13 June 2024. Additionally, the General Purposes Committee also convened on Thursday, 13 June 2024.

Health & Wellbeing Board

The Health & Wellbeing Board meeting focused on several critical issues, including the recommissioning of the Learning Disability Specialist Healthcare contract, the provision of free school meals, and the recommissioning of domestic abuse services.

1. Learning Disability Specialist Healthcare Contract:
   • Concerns were raised about the exclusion of Southend Health Watch from the consultation process regarding the Learning Disability Specialist Healthcare contract, which is set to expire in November 2024. Despite some service users' concerns, a two-year extension of the contract is being recommended.

The Learning Disability Specialist Health Care contract is due to come to an end, but with an option to extend the existing contract. - Meeting Transcript

1. Free School Meals and Nutritional Standards:
   • The Board discussed the increasing numbers of underweight children in Southend and the challenges of providing consistent and sufficient free school meals. The Board committed to exploring nutritional standards and portion sizes with primary schools to ensure consistency.

Funding for free school meals is triggered through the Department for Education's National Schools Funding Formulae. - Meeting Transcript

1. Recommissioning Domestic Abuse Services:
   • The Board discussed the recommissioning of domestic abuse services, focusing on the services provided by Safe Steps. Concerns were raised about the potential discontinuation of services for early years and the need for specialist support.

We are not in any way saying that early years IDVs are not a priority. - Meeting Transcript

The Council

The Council held multiple sessions on Thursday, 13 June 2024, addressing significant issues such as the election cycle and the appointment of scrutiny committee chairs.

1. Election Cycle Change:
   • The Council debated changing the election cycle from elections by thirds to whole council elections. After a thorough discussion, the council voted against the change, with 35 votes against and 10 in favour.

We're not going to take part in something that we feel is profoundly undemocratic. - Meeting Transcript

1. Appointment of Scrutiny Committee Chairs:
   • The Council voted 27 to 17 in favour of allowing administration members to chair scrutiny committees, a significant shift from the previous practice of having opposition members in these roles.

Scrutiny is not a form of opposition. - Meeting Transcript

General Purposes Committee

The General Purposes Committee meeting focused on proposed changes to the Southend-on-Sea City Council Constitution and the need for a comprehensive review of the constitution.

1. Changes to the Constitution:
   • The committee agreed to amend the constitution to align with common practices regarding the chairs and vice-chairs of overview and scrutiny committees.

The chairs and vice-chairs shall be drawn from the members of the committee. - Meeting Transcript

1. Comprehensive Review of the Constitution:
   • The committee decided to undertake a full review of the constitution, aiming to complete it by the end of the year.

We need a constitution that works for everyone. - Meeting Transcript

Implications of the Meetings

The decisions made in these meetings will have far-reaching implications for the community. The Health & Wellbeing Board's discussions on healthcare contracts, free school meals, and domestic abuse services highlight the council's focus on addressing critical social issues. The Council's decision to maintain the current election cycle and allow administration members to chair scrutiny committees will shape the council's governance and accountability mechanisms. The comprehensive review of the constitution by the General Purposes Committee aims to create a more effective and streamlined governance framework.

As we've discussed in previous emails, the council's decisions on healthcare, governance, and public consultations are pivotal in shaping the community's future. The outcomes of these meetings will influence the council's approach to governance and service delivery in the coming months.

This week, the Essex Council held three notable meetings, each addressing significant issues that will impact the community. The meetings included the Development Control Committee on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, the Cabinet Committee on Thursday, May 30, 2024, and the Traffic Regulations Working Party also on Thursday, May 30, 2024.

Development Control Committee

The Development Control Committee meeting focused on several planning applications and enforcement actions. Key decisions included:

1. Affordable Housing Development:
   • The committee approved the construction of two affordable wheelchair-accessible bungalows on Anson Chase. This decision is crucial for addressing the need for accessible housing in the city.

The provision of an affordable wheelchair accessible dwelling would be of significant benefit to the community. - Meeting Transcript

1. Controversial Planning Applications:
   • A significant application was the redevelopment of 28 Belfast Drive, which involved demolishing an existing bungalow to build two four-bedroom houses. Despite concerns about parking and the impact on local character, the application was approved.

The proposal would make a contribution to the housing needs of the city. - Meeting Transcript

1. Enforcement Actions:
   • The committee authorized enforcement actions against unauthorized developments, including a rear extension on Albion Road and a hip-to-gable roof extension on Manchester Drive. These actions are essential for maintaining planning control and ensuring compliance with local regulations.

Cabinet Committee

The Cabinet Committee meeting addressed critical budgetary and administrative issues, including:

1. Budget Adjustments:
   • The committee discussed the financial implications of the new parking charges and other budgetary adjustments. The need to balance the budget while ensuring essential services are maintained was a central theme.

If we were to not proceed with the recommendations in the report tonight, we would have to find that budget somewhere else. - Meeting Transcript

1. Public Consultation and Objections:
   • The meeting highlighted the importance of public consultation, especially regarding the new parking charges. The committee acknowledged the objections received and emphasized the need for transparency and public engagement.

The consultation is the consultation. It was advertised legally, responses were received legally. - Meeting Transcript

Traffic Regulations Working Party

The Traffic Regulations Working Party focused on the implementation of new parking fees and charges. Key points included:

1. Parking Fees and Charges:
   • The working party reviewed the proposed parking fees and charges for the 2024-25 period. Despite objections, the committee decided to proceed with the implementation, emphasizing the need for additional revenue to support council services.

The purpose of this report is to inform the Traffic Regulation Working Party and Cabinet Committee of the responses received during the statutory consultation regarding parking charges. - Meeting Transcript

1. Public Speaker Contributions:
   • The meeting included contributions from public speakers who voiced concerns about the impact of the new charges on local businesses and residents. The committee acknowledged these concerns but stressed the financial necessity of the charges.

We strongly believe the car parking charges are therefore already having a huge detrimental effect. - Public Speaker, Meeting Transcript

Implications of the Meetings

The decisions made in these meetings will have far-reaching implications for the community. The approval of new housing developments, despite some opposition, highlights the council's commitment to addressing housing needs. The enforcement actions demonstrate the council's dedication to maintaining planning control and ensuring compliance with local regulations.

The budgetary discussions and the implementation of new parking charges underscore the financial challenges faced by the council and the need to balance revenue generation with public service provision. The emphasis on public consultation and transparency is crucial for maintaining public trust and ensuring that community voices are heard in the decision-making process.

As we've discussed in previous emails, the council's decisions on housing, budgetary issues, and public consultations are pivotal in shaping the community's future. The outcomes of these meetings will influence the council's approach to governance and service delivery in the coming months.

This week, the Essex Council held two significant meetings on Monday, May 20, 2024. The first meeting was an extraordinary session to elect a new leader, and the second focused on various administrative and procedural issues. Full details of the meetings can be found here and here.

Election of a New Leader

In an extraordinary meeting, the council elected Councillor Daniel Cowan as the new leader, following the resignation of Councillor Tony Cox. Councillor Cowan won the vote with 28 votes to Councillor Cox's 19.

The meeting proceeded directly to part three, the election of a new leader. - Meeting Transcript

This leadership change is significant as it marks a shift in the council's direction and priorities. Councillor Cowan's leadership will likely bring new policies and strategies, impacting various council initiatives and services.

Administrative and Procedural Issues

The second meeting addressed several key administrative and procedural matters, including the appointment of chairs and vice chairs for various committees, the confirmation of the new administration's cabinet members, and their responsibilities.

1. Motion to Defer Appointment of Scrutiny Chairs and Vice Chairs:
   • Councillor Cumming proposed deferring these appointments to allow time for a report from the monitoring officer and to ensure proper constitutional procedures. This motion was carried with 28 votes in favor and 18 against, despite significant debate.

The current constitutional arrangements were not working and needed to be amended. - Councillor Cowan, Meeting Transcript

1. Appointment of Cabinet Members and Responsibilities:

   • Councillor Cowan confirmed the new cabinet members, emphasizing transparency, financial stability, and service improvements. Notably, he announced the scrapping of a cabinet post to save money and pledged not to close libraries, family centers, or dementia community support services.

2. Political Make-Up and Committee Appointments:

   • The council confirmed the political make-up and the appointments of councillors to various committees, except for the scrutiny chairs and vice chairs, which were deferred.

3. Traffic Regulations Working Party and Outside Bodies:

   • Appointments to the Traffic Regulations Working Party were agreed upon. Councillor Cox withdrew all Conservative nominations for outside bodies, simplifying the approval process.

4. Council Calendar of Meetings:

   • The council agreed on the calendar of meetings for the municipal year 2024-2025, with amendments to the start times for cabinet and development control committee meetings.

Implications of the Meetings

The election of Councillor Cowan as the new leader and the subsequent administrative decisions will shape the council's future actions and policies. The deferral of scrutiny chair appointments suggests potential changes in how the council will handle accountability and oversight. Councillor Cowan's emphasis on not closing essential services like libraries and family centers indicates a focus on maintaining community support structures.

As we've discussed in previous emails, leadership changes and administrative decisions within the council are crucial for shaping its policy landscape and operational focus. The new leadership and the confirmed appointments will likely influence the council's approach to governance and service delivery in the coming months.

This week, the Essex Council convened for a significant meeting on Thursday, May 9, 2024, focusing on the transition of mayoral responsibilities and the introduction of new council members. The full details of the meeting can be found here.

Transition of Mayoral Duties

The council meeting was primarily dedicated to honoring the outgoing Mayor, Councillor Stephen Habemill, and welcoming the new Mayor, Councillor Ron Woodley, alongside the appointment of Councillor Nigel Falkard as Deputy Mayor. This annual event is pivotal as it not only recognizes the contributions of the outgoing mayor but also sets the stage for the incoming leadership's agenda.

The council unanimously passed a motion to formally record appreciation for the services rendered by Councillor Stephen Habemill and Mrs. Tracy Habemill. - Meeting Transcript

The transition is significant for continuity in leadership and for maintaining the momentum of ongoing projects and initiatives. Councillor Woodley's election, being uncontested, suggests a stable political environment within the council, which is crucial for executing long-term plans.

Introduction of New and Returning Councillors

Another key aspect of the meeting was the introduction of new and returning councillors. This segment is crucial as it reflects the council's evolving composition and potentially its policy directions.

Group leaders introduced new and returning councillors, emphasizing their diverse backgrounds and commitment to public service. - Meeting Transcript

The diversity and backgrounds of these councillors can influence council decisions and priorities, impacting everything from local policies to community engagement strategies.

Implications of Leadership Changes

The appointment of Councillor Falkard as Deputy Mayor is particularly noteworthy. Preparing him for potential future leadership roles could mean a strategic positioning by the council to ensure leadership stability and continuity in governance. This move might also hint at the council's future direction and priorities.

Interesting Occurrence: The meeting included lighter moments, such as humorous anecdotes from the outgoing Mayor, which served to humanize the often formal proceedings of council meetings. These moments are important as they enhance engagement and relatability among council members and attendees.

As we've discussed in previous emails, leadership transitions within the council are crucial not just for procedural continuity but also for shaping the council's future policy landscape. The introduction of new members and the shift in leadership roles could signal shifts in focus areas or reinforce existing ones, depending on the backgrounds and interests of the incoming leaders.

This week, the Essex Council's Cabinet met to discuss significant developments regarding the Phosphorus farm land transactions. The meeting, held on Monday, April 29, 2024, centered on the council's involvement in the development through income strip leases and marked the departure of a long-serving councillor. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

Phosphorus Farm Land Transactions

The council is moving forward with a plan to enter into income strip leases for the development of Phosphorus farm. This arrangement means the council will become a leaseholder and manage the properties post-construction, with funding primarily sourced from pension investment corporations. This decision is pivotal as it allows the council to control the development without the additional responsibilities of constructing a stadium—a significant shift from earlier plans.

The council will become a leaseholder and manage the properties post-construction, with significant funding expected from pension investment corporations. - Meeting Transcript

The implications of this decision are substantial. It promises an increase in local housing supply, which is critical given the ongoing discussions about affordable housing in Essex, as highlighted in previous council meetings. However, it also commits the council to long-term financial obligations, which could impact its financial health depending on the success of the development and the stability of pension fund investments.

Farewell to Councillor Derek Jarvis

The meeting also served as a farewell to Councillor Derek Jarvis, who has been a fixture in local government for over two decades. His departure due to health issues brings a significant change to the council's dynamics and highlights the often-overlooked personal element of public service.

His health issues and contributions were acknowledged, adding a personal and emotional element to the proceedings. - Meeting Transcript

Councillor Jarvis's exit underscores the theme of continuity and change within local government, a recurring theme we've discussed in relation to council membership and leadership transitions.

As we look ahead, the development of Phosphorus farm and the reshaping of the council's composition are likely to influence Essex's political and physical landscape significantly. The council's ability to manage these long-term leases effectively will be crucial in determining the success of this ambitious project.

This week, the Essex Council's Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee convened to discuss several critical issues that could reshape the local landscape—literally and figuratively. The meeting, held on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, touched on three pivotal topics: the controversial adjustment in affordable housing quotas, financial arrangements for Southend United Football Club, and the fate of local parklands in the face of development pressures.

Affordable Housing Adjustments

The council's decision to reduce the affordable housing component in a significant development project from 30% to 15%, with a potential further reduction to 13%, has sparked a heated debate. Proponents argue that this adjustment is necessary to ensure the financial viability of the project and to prevent undue financial risk to the council. However, critics, including local housing advocates, argue that this move deviates from established council policies aimed at addressing housing needs and could exacerbate the local housing crisis. The council justifies this decision as a balancing act between development feasibility and social housing provision.

Financial Support for Southend United

The council's plan to allocate £20 million to support Southend United Football Club through the development project has been met with mixed reactions. Supporters believe this funding is crucial for the survival and future stability of the club, which they argue plays a vital role in community cohesion and local sports engagement. However, skeptics are concerned about the transparency and financial risks involved, questioning the long-term implications for the council's finances.

Parkland Preservation

In a somewhat positive turn, the council decided to preserve Jones Memorial Ground from development, responding to community concerns about losing valuable green space. However, the decision regarding Victory Sports Ground remains contentious, as some of its land may still be required for infrastructure improvements related to the development. This decision highlights the ongoing struggle to balance development needs with public space preservation.

Interesting Occurrence: During the meeting, a council member pointed out a map error regarding the use of Victory Sports Ground, which was acknowledged as a mistake. This incident underscores the importance of meticulous attention to detail in public documents and discussions.

As these developments unfold, the implications for the local community are significant. The decisions made could impact housing availability, sports facilities, and public green spaces, shaping the quality of life in Essex for years to come. As always, we will continue to monitor these issues closely, providing insights into how they develop and what they mean for our community.