Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Shona Johnson and Nicky Purse.

To receive Councillors’ declarations of interest (if any) in relation to any matters on the agenda.

Councillor David Carter declared a non-pecuniary interest as a site rep for Harlow Allotment Association.

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 14 September 2021.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 14 September 2021 are agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

None.

To receive any questions from members of the public in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10.

None.

To receive any questions from Councillors in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 11.

None.

To consider responses (if any) of the Cabinet to reports and recommendations from the Committee.

None.

The Chair said that this item had been withdrawn from the agenda as the Portfolio Holder responsible had been changed. A report would now be considered at the February meeting.

It was agreed that Councillors Simon Carter and Dan Swords would be invited to the meeting.

The Committee considered an initial report on allotments. The Committee agreed to add the following terms of reference to the review:

             i)        To understand the different types of people who use allotments;

            ii)        To look at examples of best practice;

           iii)        To identify how allotments can be linked into the Council’s corporate priorities in the emerging Corporate Strategy;

           iv)        To understand how younger people can be encouraged to use allotments; and

            v)        To identify potential grant funding opportunities

RESOLVED that:

A     A Councillor Task and Finish group comprising Councillors David Carter and Tony Durcan, supported by officers from appropriate Council services and HTS (P&E), be established to review existing allotment provision.

B    The terms of reference, set in paragraph 6 of the report, as amended above, be agreed.

The Committee received a report of turnout in local elections. It was agreed that a copy of the postal vote form would be included in the next edition of Harlow Times.

RESOLVED that:

A     The Returning Officer be requested to develop an action plan to deal with issues identified by the survey that are within the control of the Council on:

                             i)        Specific issues raised about polling stations; and

                            ii)        Communications on voting options and absent voting.

B    A copy of the postal vote form would be included in the next edition of Harlow Times.

To review the Committee’s work plan for the current year.

The Committee received a report summarising its work plan.

RESOLVED that the work plan be noted as appended to the minutes.

None.

Such other business which, in the opinion of the Chair, should be received as a matter of urgency by reason of special circumstances to be specified in the minutes.

None.