This meeting will include the adoption of two key policies, a statutory review of polling places, and a Notice of Motion relating to bus services.

Bus Fares

Councillor Kendall has submitted a Notice of Motion¹ relating to the Government’s recent announcement to increase the cap on bus fares from £2 to £3 from January 2025.

The motion recognises the extended cap on bus fares until the end of 2025. It notes that some local authorities have chosen not to implement the increase to £3.

The motion calls on Essex County Council to confirm that it will not be increasing bus fares to the £3 cap and requests that they come forward with proposals to keep bus fares affordable. The motion also calls on the government to confirm that the £2 fare cap, or a similar scheme will continue after the planned termination of the scheme at the end of 2025.

Review of Polling Districts and Polling Places

The Council will be asked to approve the Schedule of Polling Districts and Polling Places for the Brentwood and Ongar Parliamentary Constituency, which is a statutory requirement of the Representation of the People Act 1983.

The report proposes minor adjustments to accommodate changes in the Essex County Council electoral divisions, which will take effect in May 2025. These changes result from the final recommendations made by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England.

Only two polling places will be affected, Cathedral Large Hall and St Stephen’s Church. Both venues currently operate as polling places for multiple polling districts. To comply with the changes, they will operate as double polling stations whenever a County Council election takes place.

Gambling Act 2005 and Licensing Act 2003 Policies

The Council will be asked to approve its policies on the Gambling Act 2005 and the Licensing Act 2003. The reports explain the statutory requirement for both policies to be reviewed every three years and detail the extensive consultation that has been undertaken.

The Gambling Act 2005 requires the Licensing Authority to produce a Statement of Principles setting out how it proposes to apply its functions in licensing premises for gambling. The Council has not passed a resolution not to issue new licences for casinos, but states that it would consider any application on its own merit.

The Licensing Act 2003 covers licensable activities in relation to the sale and supply of alcohol, the provision of regulated entertainment and the provision of late-night refreshment. The policy details the Licensing Objectives that this Authority is required to promote, which are the Prevention of Crime and Disorder, Public Safety, the Prevention of Public Nuisance and the Protection of Children from Harm. It also contains advice to applicants on how to promote these objectives by detailing appropriate control measures.