Agenda and minutes

The Chair will read out the following statement:

 

“This meeting is being webcast live to our website (https://harlow.public-i.tv/core/portal/home) and will be available for repeated viewing after the meeting has ended.

 

By continuing to attend this meeting, you are consenting to being filmed and to appearing in the webcast.

 

I would like to remind all those participating in the meeting to use their microphones when they speak, and to turn them off once they have finished talking.”

The Chair said the meeting was being webcast live and would be available for repeated viewing after the meeting has ended. By continuing to attend the meeting, you were consenting to being filmed and to appearing in the webcast.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Hannah Ellis, Luke Howard, Daniella Pritchard, Clive Souter and Nancy Watson.

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

None.

Full Council received a report on the Members Allowance Scheme for 2024/25.

 

Under standing order 12.1h, Councillor Dan Swords proposed (seconded by Councillor Joel Charles) that the question be now put.

 

Councillor Stefan Mullard-Toal requested (seconded by five supporting

Councillors) a recorded vote on the recommendations in the report. The recorded vote is appended to the minutes.

 

Upon being put to the vote and the Chair of the Council making the casting vote, it was:

RESOLVED that Full Council:

 

A      Adopts the Members’ Allowance Scheme, (attached as Appendix C to the report) with effect from 2 May 2024.

 

B      Member Allowances are updated annually in line with the annual percentage pay increase given to Harlow Council employees (and rounded to the nearest £) as agreed for each year by the National Joint Council for Local Government Staff.

To agree the minutes of the meeting held on 17 July 2024.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 17 July 2024 are agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

The Chair noted that ex-Councillor John Hobbs, who was Chair of the Council from 1984-1985, had sadly passed away. The Chair sent condolences to John’s family and the Labour Party.

 

The Chair also presented all Councillors with a Councillor Badge which can be worn.  

None.

The questions, together with the answers, are appended to the minutes.

The questions, together with the answers, are appended to the minutes.

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.

Full Council received an urgent motion under Standing Order 17.2.

 

Proposed by Councillor Alastair Gunn (seconded by Councillor Dan Swords):

 

“Harlow Council (the Council) recognises that His Majesty’s Government has proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and to the planning system with the intention of significantly increasing the speed of housing growth, and to reintroduce the duty to cooperate with neighbouring local planning authorities. As proposed, the new mandatory targets will impose a significant increase to the required number of homes being built in the Harlow District year on year (26%) and further on neighbouring authorities namely Epping Forest (67%) and East Hertfordshire (11%).

 

It acknowledges the Harlow Local Development Plan, adopted by Full Council in December 2020 and in place until 2033, and the Council's role as a leading partner within the Harlow and Gilston Garden Town (HGGT) initiative since 2017.

 

The Council resolves to engage with the NPPF consultation, in doing so recognising it is in both the national and Harlow’s own interest to deliver economic growth and address housing needs, including improving housing quality, availability and affordability for Harlow residents and their families, while protecting our vital green spaces.

 

It additionally resolves to work constructively with its neighbouring authorities to ensure any new housing developments in Harlow and the wider Garden Town area are designed to integrate with and deliver benefits for Harlow’s current estates, residents, and businesses.

 

The Council maintains its commitment to ensuring transport, educational and health infrastructure improvements such the relocation of the Princess Alexandra Hospital as well as regenerative benefits are delivered alongside new housing. It resolves to make its land available, only where it has been satisfied these benefits can be demonstrated.

 

It notes that requirements are in place through the Local Plan to meet the challenge of climate change and respond to the climate emergency, to be supplemented by the Council’s Climate Change Strategy and underpinned by HGGT’s 2021 Sustainability Guidance and Checklist that apply to new housing developments.

 

Further, the Council embraces Harlow’s unique status as a Sculpture Town and the contribution that partnership of the HGGT initiative is already making to the regeneration of the town centre, including the development of its new Arts and Cultural Quarter. It reasserts its commitment to securing investment in Harlow’s cultural assets and economy.

 

The Council further commits to the following: protecting the district’s Green Belt, Wedges and Fingers from housing development in accordance with its adopted policy; maintaining and strengthening the Conservation Area protections that cover areas of special architectural or historic interest; and, identifying ways to make the planning system as accessible as possible through a review of its Statement of Community Involvement.

 

Throughout, the Council resolves to be guided by its 2024-2028 Corporate Plan and its six missions with particular focus on those of Renewing our Neighbourhoods, Rebuilding our Town and Securing Investment for Harlow’s Future.”

 

Councillor Dan Swords declared a non-pecuniary interest as Chair of the Harlow Gilston and Garden Town Joint Committee. Councillor Jake Shepherd  ...  view the full minutes text for item 42a

Proposed by Councillor Russell Perrin (seconded by Councillor Matthew Saggers):

 

“This council notes: 

 

      i)        The Labour Government’s recent decision to restrict the Winter Fuel Payment to only pensioners in receipt of means-tested benefits like Pension Credit, as announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves. 

 

     ii)        The estimated impact of this decision, which Age UK says will mean 2 million pensioners who badly need the money to stay warm this winter will not receive it. It is estimated that up to 11 thousand pensioners in Harlow will be affected by these changes.

 

   iii)        The significant role that Winter Fuel Payments play in helping older residents of Harlow and across the UK afford heating during the coldest months, thereby preventing 'heat or eat' dilemmas and safeguarding health. 

 

   iv)        The criticism from Age UK, the Countryside Alliance and other charities, highlighting the social injustice and potential health risks posed by this sudden policy change. 

 

    v)        The additional strain this decision will place on vulnerable pensioners in Harlow, many of whom do not claim Pension Credit despite being eligible, further exacerbating their financial hardship.

 

This council believes: 

 

      i)        That the Winter Fuel Payment has been a lifeline for many older people across the UK and that restricting its availability solely to those on Pension Credit risks leaving many pensioners in financial hardship. 

 

     ii)        While some pensioners currently in receipt of the Winter Fuel Payment may not require it, many thousands across Harlow sit just above the cut-off for Pension Credit and will now lose their allowance. 

 

   iii)        The decision to means-test Winter Fuel Payments, especially with such short notice and without adequate compensatory measures, is deeply unfair and will disproportionately affect the health and well-being of our poorest older residents. 

 

   iv)        The government’s approach fails to consider the administrative barriers and stigma that prevent eligible pensioners from claiming Pension Credit, leaving many without the support they desperately need. 

 

This council resolves to:  

 

      i)        Bring forward a Council-led local awareness campaign to alert those eligible of Pension Credit which in some respects will help access to the Winter Fuel Payment for those most in need. 

 

     ii)        Request that the Council Leader and the MP for Harlow write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, urging a review of the decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment and asking the government to ensure that vulnerable pensioners, particularly those who do not claim Pension Credit, are protected from fuel poverty. 

 

   iii)        Commit the Council to signing the ‘whatlaboursaid.com/winter-fuel-payment’ petition and the ‘Save the Winter Fuel Payment for Struggling Pensioners’ petition being run by Age UK and write to all members offering them the opportunity to sign the petition themselves. 

 

   iv)        Encourage local efforts to promote Pension Credit uptake through council services and partnerships with local charities and community organisations to ensure that all eligible pensioners in Harlow are supported in claiming their entitlement.”

Proposed by Councillor Russell Perrin (seconded by Councillor Matthew Saggers):

 

“This council notes:

 

i)                 The Labour Government’s recent decision to restrict the

Winter Fuel Payment to only pensioners in receipt of

means-tested benefits like Pension Credit, as announced by

Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

 

ii)                The estimated impact of this decision, which Age UK says

will mean 2 million pensioners who badly need the money to

stay warm this winter will not receive it. It is estimated that

up to 11 thousand pensioners in Harlow will be affected by

these changes.

 

iii)              The significant role that Winter Fuel Payments play in

helping older residents of Harlow and across the UK afford

heating during the coldest months, thereby preventing 'heat

or eat' dilemmas and safeguarding health.

 

iv)              The criticism from Age UK, the Countryside Alliance and

other charities, highlighting the social injustice and potential

health risks posed by this sudden policy change.

 

v)               The additional strain this decision will place on vulnerable

pensioners in Harlow, many of whom do not claim Pension

Credit despite being eligible, further exacerbating their

financial hardship.

 

This council believes:

 

i)                 That the Winter Fuel Payment has been a lifeline for many

older people across the UK and that restricting its availability

solely to those on Pension Credit risks leaving many

pensioners in financial hardship.

 

ii)                While some pensioners currently in receipt of the Winter

Fuel Payment may not require it, many thousands across

Harlow sit just above the cut-off for Pension Credit and will

now lose their allowance.

 

iii)              The decision to means-test Winter Fuel Payments,

especially with such short notice and without adequate

compensatory measures, is deeply unfair and will

disproportionately affect the health and well-being of our

poorest older residents.

 

iv)              The government’s approach fails to consider the

administrative barriers and stigma that prevent eligible pensioners from claiming Pension Credit, leaving many

without the support they desperately need.

 

This council resolves to:

 

i)                 Bring forward a Council-led local awareness campaign to

alert those eligible of Pension Credit which in some respects

will help access to the Winter Fuel Payment for those most

in need.

 

ii)                Request that the Council Leader and the MP for Harlow

write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, urging a review of

the decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment and

asking the government to ensure that vulnerable

pensioners, particularly those who do not claim Pension

Credit, are protected from fuel poverty.

 

iii)              Commit the Council to signing the

‘whatlaboursaid.com/winter-fuel-payment’ petition and the

‘Save the Winter Fuel Payment for Struggling Pensioners’

petition being run by Age UK and write to all members

offering them the opportunity to sign the petition

themselves.

 

iv)              Encourage local efforts to promote Pension Credit uptake

through council services and partnerships with local

charities and community organisations to ensure that all

eligible pensioners in Harlow are supported in claiming their

entitlement.”

 

Under Standing Order 15.7, the following amended motion was tabled and became the substantive motion:

 

“This council notes:

 

i)                 The Labour Government’s recent decision to restrict the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 43a

With the consent of Full Council, this item was withdrawn.

To appoint Councillor Mark Ingall to the Young Concern Trust following the resignation of Chris Vince MP as Councillor.

RESOLVED that Councillor Mark Ingall was appointed to the Young Concern Trust following the resignation of Chris Vince MP as Councillor.

 

Licensing Committee recommended to Full Council adoption of the proposed Gambling Licensing Policy Statement, attached at Appendix A to the report.

Full Council received a referral from the Licensing Committee on the Gambling Act Policy.

 

Proposed by Councillor Andrew Johnson (seconded by Councillor Alastair Gunn) it was:

 

RESOLVED that the Gambling Licensing Policy Statement, attached at Appendix A to the report, was adopted.

Licensing Committee recommended to Full Council that:

 

      i)         The new pavement procedure in Appendix A to the report be adopted.

 

     ii)         The relevant fees be adopted, in accordance with the maximum cap of £500.00 for new applications and £350.00 for renewal applications, and to extend the issue of a pavement licence to 2-years, unless specified for a shorter duration.

 

   iii)         The relevant responsibilities under the BPA2020 be delegated as set out in the Pavement Procedure and Appendix B to the report.

 

   iv)         Where an application is refused, that there be an internal option to appeal that decision to the Regulatory Sub-Committee as set out in the Pavement Procedure.

Full Council received a referral from Licensing Committee on the Pavement Licensing Procedure.

 

Proposed by Councillor Andrew Johnson (seconded by Councillor Alastair Gunn) it was:

 

RESOLVED that:

 

i)                 The new pavement procedure in Appendix A to the report

be adopted.

 

ii)                The relevant fees be adopted, in accordance with the

maximum cap of £500.00 for new applications and £350.00

for renewal applications, and to extend the issue of a

pavement licence to 2-years, unless specified for a shorter

duration.

 

iii)              The relevant responsibilities under the BPA2020 be

delegated as set out in the Pavement Procedure and

Appendix B to the report.

 

iv)              Where an application is refused, that there be an internal

option to appeal that decision to the Regulatory Sub-

Committee as set out in the Pavement Procedure.

Full Council received a referral from Cabinet on the Performance, Finance and Risk for June and July report.

 

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

 

RESOLVED that Full Council approve the Budget allocations identified for 2024/25 within the Housing Capital Programmes included within Appendix F to the report.

None.

To note the following Cabinet and Committee minutes:

RESOLVED that the minutes of the following meetings be noted.