Agenda, decisions and minutes

None. The Chair said that Councillor Gunn would be late to the meeting.

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

None.

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 21 March 2024.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 21 March 2024 are agreed as a correct record and signed by the Leader.

Any matters arising from the minutes of the previous meeting.

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

None.

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

The Leader welcomed the new Cabinet and shadow Cabinet to the meeting.

He said that he had attended the LGC awards ceremony last night following the council’s nomination for most improved council. The council had been highly commended and finished second. He, on behalf of Councillors, thanked Officers for their work.

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

To note recent Portfolio Holder decisions taken under delegated powers, as attached:

RESOLVED that the following decisions be noted.

https://moderngov.harlow.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=952

https://moderngov.harlow.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=960

RESOLVED that Cabinet noted:

A    The performance of key performance indicators for April.

B    The Finance position as at first period of 2024/25 financial year.

C    The current strategic risks for the council’s operations.

Cabinet received a report on performance, finance and risk report for April.

It was agreed that Councillor Morrison was provided with an explanation as to whether the term ‘proactive’ was a national one to describe planning departments.

It was agreed that Officers would look at making the information presented in the report colourblind friendly.

Proposed by Councillor Michael Hardware (seconded by Councillor Hannah Ellis) it was:

RESOLVED that Cabinet notes:

A     The performance of key performance indicators for April.

B     The Finance position as at first period of 2024/25 financial year.

C     The current strategic risks for the council’s operations.

RESOLVED that:

A    Cabinet noted the baseline position of the Medium-Term Financial Plan 2025/26 to 2027/28.

B    Cabinet approved the budget setting timetable 2025/26 as set out in the body of the report set out in paragraph 20 of the report.

C    Cabinet noted the officer operational budget setting guidelines 2025/26 as set out in Appendix A.

Cabinet received a report on the Medium Term Financial Plan and Budget Planning.

Proposed by Councillor Michael Hardware (seconded by Councillor David Carter) it was:

RESOLVED that:

A     Cabinet noted the baseline position of the Medium-Term Financial Plan 2025/26 to 2027/28.

B     Cabinet approved the budget setting timetable 2025/26 as set out in the body of the report set out in paragraph 20 of the report.

C     Cabinet noted the officer operational budget setting guidelines 2025/26 as set out in Appendix A.

RESOLVED that delegated authority be given to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to proceed to the final construction phase of the development and agree the procurement and appointment of a main contractor for the of the Staple Tye Renewal Scheme (Parnell Road, Perry Road & the Staple Tye Depot Sites), as part of the Council House Building Programme, within the financial budget set in the approved Harlow Council Capital Programme 2024/25 - 2027/28.

Cabinet received a report to appoint a contractor for a council house building programme scheme at Staple Tye.

Proposed by Councillor Dan Swords (seconded by Councillor David Carter) it was:

RESOLVED that delegated authority be given to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to proceed to the final construction phase of the development and agree the procurement and appointment of a main contractor for the of the Staple Tye Renewal Scheme (Parnell Road, Perry Road & the Staple Tye Depot Sites), as part of the Council House Building Programme, within the financial budget set in the approved Harlow Council Capital Programme 2024/25 - 2027/28.

RESOLVED that Cabinet:

A    Approved the establishment of a Disability Working Group and approves the Terms of Reference and membership as set out in Appendix A to the report.

B    Approved the Councillors appointed to the Working Group.

C    Granted the Leader delegated authority to review, alter or amend the terms of reference.

Cabinet received a report on the creation of a Disability Working Group.

Councillor Gunn entered the meeting.

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

RESOLVED that:

A     Approved the establishment of a Disability Working Group and approves the Terms of Reference and membership as set out in Appendix A to the report.

B     Approved the Councillors appointed to the Working Group.

C     Granted the Leader delegated authority to review, alter or amend the terms of reference.

RESOLVED that Harlow Council sold Altham House to the current leaseholder.

Cabinet received a report on the disposal of Altham House.

Proposed by Councillor David Carter (seconded by Councillor Michael Hardware) it was:

RESOLVED that Harlow Council sold Altham House to the current leaseholder.

RESOLVED that Harlow Council sell Nos. 1 to 20 Clover Field [garages] to a private management company who own and operate other garage sites across the District.

Cabinet received a report on the disposal of Clover Field garages.

Proposed by Councillor David Carter (seconded by Councillor Michael Hardware) it was:

RESOLVED that Harlow Council sell Nos. 1 to 20 Clover Field [garages] to a private management company who own and operate other garage sites across the District.

To approve the appointments to Cabinet bodies.

RESOLVED that the appointments be approved as appended to the minutes.

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.