Here's a summary of the Uttlesford Council Cabinet meeting on 4 September 2025, which saw discussion and decisions on a range of topics including a Community Infrastructure Levy, a conservation area appraisal, and the council's financial performance.

Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Draft Charging Schedule

The cabinet agreed to publish the draft Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Charging Schedule for public consultation, in accordance with Regulation 16 of the Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations 2010¹. They also agreed to publish the updated draft Developer Contribution SPD for consultation for at least six weeks concurrently. The decision was made to delegate authority to the Strategic Director of Planning, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Planning, Councillor John Evans, to make any necessary minor modifications to the draft charging schedule following consultation and formally submit it for independent examination. It was noted that should substantive changes be required, it would be brought back to Cabinet before submission.

The CIL is a charge that can be levied on new development to help fund infrastructure improvements. The proposed rates in the draft charging schedule (Appendix 1 Draft CIL Charging Sch) include:

• £200 per square metre for residential development on greenfield sites
• £100 per square metre for residential development on previously developed land
• £0 for strategic sites defined in the local plan
• £0 for schemes consisting of just flats
• £100 per square metre for large format food stores and retail warehousing
• £25 per square metre for employment and business (including research and development and data centres) on greenfield sites
• £0 for all other development

The report (Appendix 2 Uttlesford CIL VA DRAFT) also recommended an instalments policy to support the financial viability of new developments.

Pledgdon Green Henham Conservation Area Appraisal

The cabinet approved the Pledgdon Green Conservation Area Character Appraisal and Management Plan, and formally designated the Pledgdon Green Conservation Area. This decision followed a consultation undertaken by Broxted Parish Council and Henham Parish Council, and completed by Essex County Council's Place Services in 2024, which highlighted the potential to designate Pledgdon Green as a conservation area.

The appraisal identifies a number of heritage assets not included within the current Uttlesford Local Heritage List, which make a positive contribution to the conservation area and should be considered for local listing in the future.

Provisional Financial & Treasury Outturn

The cabinet noted the Provisional Outturn Report 2024/25, which set out the final financial performance of the council for the year ended 31 March 2025, subject to external audit. They also approved transfers to and from Reserves as highlighted in Appendix D of the report (REPORT - Provisional Outturn 2024.25 - Appendix D For Cabinet).

Key points from the report included:

• The General Fund maintained its working balance of £2 million, with earmarked reserves increasing to £23.643 million.
• The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) working balance increased to £1.862 million, with earmarked HRA reserves increasing to £2.957 million.
• The capital outturn underspend led to an increase in revenue and capital usable reserves of £2.431 million.
• The Treasury Management outturn showed an overachievement in investment income and an underspend in the cost of borrowing, leading to an overall net underspend of £53,000.

Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

The cabinet approved the Modern Slavery Statement for the year 2025/26, as detailed in Appendix A of the report (Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking 2025.26). The statement outlines the council's commitment to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking within its corporate responsibilities, activities, operations, and supply chain.

Axis Contract - Three Month Review

The cabinet noted a report on the three-month review of the new maintenance contract with Axis Europe (Cabinet Report on Maintenance Contract Mobilisation with Axis Europe). The report highlighted the positive progress made in the initial mobilisation of the contract, including relationship building and effective planning and communication. However, it also acknowledged challenges concerning the integration of staff transferred from the previous joint venture employer and a significant reduction in the volume of repairs raised. An action plan was developed to address these challenges, including performance improvement plans, cultural training initiatives, enhanced communication, a job raising review, robust management of work variations, administrative task transfer, and financial monitoring.

Corporate Core Indicators Quarter 1 2025/26

The cabinet received the Corporate Core Indicators (CCIs) for Quarter 1 2025/26 (CCIs Q1 2025.26 V1.0 FINAL), which provided performance data and analysis for key service provision areas across the council. The report noted a slight drop in overall performance levels compared to Q4 2024/25, but highlighted improving short and long-term trends.

Internal Audit Update

The cabinet received the Internal Audit Update (September 2025), which summarised the work of Internal Audit in the financial year to date. The report highlighted the findings from two audits, one with moderate assurance and one with limited assurance, and progress made in implementing previous audit recommendations.