Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Leader said that the next Cabinet meeting would now take place on 12 July due to the Mark Hall by-election.

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

None.

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 25 March 2021.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 25 March 2021 are agreed as a correct record and signed by the Leader.

Any matters arising from the minutes of the previous meeting.

None.

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

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

To consider any petitions that have been referred to the Cabinet under the Council’s Petition Scheme.

Petition from Mr Hussain:

“We the undersigned petition the council to provide support for the local private hire and taxi drivers to enable us to carry out our vital function in providing a safe transport service for key and essential workers as well as the general public. The Covid-19 pandemic has decimated our trade causing record number of drivers leaving the trade whilst the remaining ones are struggling to survive. The government has provided limited financial support but very strict eligibility rules meant many missed out on this support. We request the council to implement the following measures:

     i)        Help with the cost of making our vehicles safe for the traveling public as well as our members by providing funding for protective screens and other measures;

    ii)        Financial assistance in the form of grants; and

   iii)        Reduction of all licensing fees during the crisis.

Cabinet received a petition requesting that financial support be provided to Private Hire/Hackney Carriage drivers due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Councillor Perrin offered to meet with the drivers to discuss what actions could be taken to assist drivers.

RESOLVED that the petition was noted.

To note the Forward Plan, which lists all upcoming Cabinet decisions and provides notice of key decisions and those expected to be taken in private session.

RESOLVED that the Forward Plan is noted.

RESOLVED that Cabinet approved the Harlow and Gilston Garden Town Sustainability Guidance and Checklist (March 2021), as set out in Appendix A to the report, as a material consideration in the planning process for the preparation of masterplans, pre-application advice, assessing planning applications and any other development management purpose for all major residential development proposals (of 10 or greater dwellings); applications for change of use resulting in a major residential development; and Council-led housing.

Cabinet received a report to approve the Harlow and Gilston Garden Town Sustainability Guidance and Checklist as a material planning consideration.

Proposed by Councillor Michael Hardware (seconded by Councillor Dan Swords) it was:

RESOLVED that Cabinet approved the Harlow and Gilston Garden Town Sustainability Guidance and Checklist (March 2021), as set out in Appendix A to the report, as a material consideration in the planning process for the preparation of masterplans, pre-application advice, assessing planning applications and any other development management purpose for all major residential development proposals (of 10 or greater dwellings); applications for change of use resulting in a major residential development; and Council-led housing.

RESOLVED that:

A     The Equality and Diversity and Inclusivity Policy, attached as Appendix 1 to the report, be adopted.

B    Through the Officer Equality Working Group, the Council looks at what ‘inclusivity’ means for Harlow and develops the Action Plan further to reflect this.

Cabinet received a report recommending the adoption of an Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity Policy.

Proposed by Councillor Russell Perrin (seconded by Councillor Dan Swords) it was:

RESOLVED that:

A     The Equality and Diversity and Inclusivity Policy, attached as Appendix 1 to the report, be adopted.

B    Through the Officer Equality Working Group, the Council looks at what ‘inclusivity’ means for Harlow and develops the Action Plan further to reflect this.

Cabinet received a document setting out the Portfolio Holder delegations and areas of responsibility.

Proposed by Councillor Andrew Johnson (seconded by Councillor Michael Hardware) it was:

RESOLVED that the Portfolio Holder Delegations be approved.

Proposed by Councillor Andrew Johnson (seconded by Councillor Russell Perrin) it was:

RESOLVED that the appointments to Cabinet Working Groups, Panels and Partnership Bodies 2021/22 be approved.

None.

To note the following draft minutes of Cabinet appointed bodies. Minutes remain draft until approved by the relevant body.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the following meetings are noted.

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.