The inaugural meeting of the Harlow and Gilston Garden Town Joint Committee focused on establishing the committee's leadership and setting the groundwork for its future operations. Key decisions included the election of the Chair and Deputy Chair, the introduction of the committee's processes and functions, and the approval of the 2024/25 budget and work programme.

Election of the Chair and Deputy Chair

Councillor Dan Swords was elected as the Chairman of the Harlow and Gilston Garden Town Joint Committee for the 2024/25 municipal year. Councillor Lee Scott was elected as the Deputy Chairman.

Introduction to the Harlow and Gilston Garden Town Joint Committee

The committee reviewed and noted the processes, procedures, and functions as outlined in Appendix A and B of the report. The role and requirement for an independent facilitator will be reviewed at the October 2024 meeting. Additionally, the formal protocol for public engagement was agreed upon, as detailed in Appendix C.

HGGT 2024/25 Budget and Programme

The committee approved the 2024/25 budget and programme of work, as set out in Appendix A and B of the report. Authority was delegated to the Director of HGGT, in consultation with the Chairman, to make minor changes to the budget profile and allocation if required. Any changes will be reported at the next meeting. The committee also noted the scheduling of a presentation of the HGGT three-year business plan for the period 2025-28 during 2024/25.

For more details, you can refer to the public minutes of the meeting and the decisions document.