The Community Leadership Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to review the council's work programme, including progress on previous recommendations and upcoming decisions. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the proposed creation of new parish councils for Clacton-on-Sea, Holland-on-Sea, and Jaywick Sands.

Review of the Work Programme

The committee was scheduled to review its approved Work Programme for 2025/26, which included progress on various enquiries. Feedback on decisions made in response to previous recommendations from the committee was also to be considered. Additionally, a list of forthcoming decisions, for which public notice had been given, was presented. The committee was also expected to approve its proposed Work Programme for 2026/27 for submission to Full Council and to approve the Annual Report for 2025/26.

The report highlighted the importance of the overview and scrutiny function in ensuring transparency, evidence-based decision-making, and accountability, as reinforced by updated statutory guidance. The committee's terms of reference were noted, which include a focus on community safety, health and well-being, economy, skills, education, community engagement, and planning. The committee also acts as the designated crime and disorder committee for the purposes of Section 19 of the Police and Justice Act 2006.

Community Governance Review for Clacton-on-Sea, Holland-on-Sea, and Jaywick Sands

A substantial part of the meeting was dedicated to the Community Governance Review (CGR) of Clacton-on-Sea, Holland-on-Sea, and Jaywick Sands. The report detailed the outcomes of the Phase II consultation exercise and presented final recommendations to Full Council.

The review aimed to determine whether new parish or town councils should be created for these areas, which were noted as the only unparished parts of the District. The Phase I consultation had indicated significant support for parishing, with a majority of respondents favouring the creation of three separate parish councils for the three distinct communities.

The Phase II consultation had proceeded on the basis of a draft recommendation for parishing and sought views on the available arrangements. The report outlined proposed names for the new parishes: West Clacton and Jaywick Sands, Clacton-on-Sea, and Holland-on-Sea. In accordance with Section 94 of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007, the establishment of parish councils was recommended for each area due to their electorate size.

The report also detailed proposed styles for the new councils: Town Council for Clacton-on-Sea, and Village Council for Holland-on-Sea, and Community Council for West Clacton & Jaywick Sands. The number of parish councillors for each proposed council was outlined, based on guidance from the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) and the Essex Association of Local Councils (EALC).

Specific proposals for electoral arrangements were discussed, including the creation of parish wards for Clacton-on-Sea, based on existing District Ward boundaries. The report also addressed the matter of Special Expenses, which relate to open space, playground, and recreation costs, and noted that a reassessment would be required should parishing proceed. The transfer of allotments at Rush Green, Clacton-on-Sea, to the new Clacton-on-Sea Parish Council was also a point of discussion.

The final recommendations, informed by the consultation outcomes, were to be submitted to Full Council. These included the parishing of the area with effect from 1 April 2027, the establishment of three new parishes with specific names and boundaries, and the creation of parish councils for each. The report also proposed the term of office for the first parish councillors and arrangements for interim councillors.

Crime and Disorder Strategy Progress Review

The committee was scheduled to review progress made with the adopted Crime and Disorder Reduction Strategy 2025-28. This included examining actions taken in response to previous recommendations made to Cabinet concerning familial violence and abuse. The report provided an update on the Crime and Disorder Reduction Strategy, which aimed to reduce crime, disorder, and anti-social behaviour through a multi-agency approach.

The report detailed crime statistics for various categories, including violence against the person, burglary, theft, and hate crime, comparing figures from 2023-24 and 2024-25. It also presented reported anti-social behaviour (ASB) incidents. The strategy's priorities for 2025-26 and 2026-27 were outlined, focusing on tackling ASB, high harm violence, drug and knife-enabled serious violence, and emerging threats.

Specific initiatives and operations were described, such as Operation Guardian and Operation Vigilant, aimed at increasing visibility, observation, and engagement in key locations. The report highlighted efforts to address issues in specific areas, including the night-time economy, McDonald's on Pier Avenue, and arcades on Pier Avenue. The Young Persons Crucial Crew event and initiatives for older residents were also mentioned.

The report also detailed progress on Priority Two, focusing on Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and domestic abuse, with programmes like 'Girls Inspired,' specialist therapy from CARA, UTURN – Impact Project X, and Theatre Inspiring Change (TIC) – Stronger Together. The Women's Safety Charter was also discussed. Priority Three addressed knife crime and serious violence, while Priority Four covered emerging threats like vehicle crime and arson.

The report included responses to questions from members regarding shoplifting, resident satisfaction with crime and ASB handling, targeted actions for hotspots, and the assessment of crime extent beyond official records. The impact of officer redeployment and the adequacy of funding for the Community Safety Partnership were also addressed.

The committee was also to consider the Water Quality Enquiry, which involved a site visit to Brightlingsea Harbour Commissioners to examine the application of specialist paint on vessel hulls to prevent barnacle growth without harming the water quality and ecosystem.

The meeting also included a review of forthcoming decisions, such as those related to post-CGR issues for Clacton, Holland, and Jaywick, the UK Government's Pride in Place Programme, and the award of contracts for LRF projects.