Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Bob Davis and John Strachan.

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

None.

To agree the minutes of the meeting held on 26 May 2022.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 26 May 2022 are agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

The Chair congratulated and welcomed Councillor Kay Morrison to the chamber. He thanked Brian Keane, who had retired as Chief Executive, and thanked him for his service to the town and warmest wishes on his retirement.

The Chair explained that his first couple of months had been exciting and busy. He highlighted three particular events. Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee with Town Criers, proclamations, panto princesses and song and ceremony with beacon lighting.

Secondly volunteer’s week where he met and personally thanked Harlow residents on behalf everyone.

Finally Armed Forces week, where our armed forces community were remembered. It was a moving week which began with the Civic raising the flag with help of local veterans and culminated with him representing Harlow by giving thanks to serving members of the 16^th Air Assault brigade at the Colchester Garrison, as well as being marveled by the Red Devils parachute display team.

He also gave thanks to the Vice Chair, who had attended various engagement throughout the working day.

None.

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

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

None.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 16.3, the Chair will call on the Leader of the Council to introduce the debate on the work undertaken by the Council on 2021/22 municipal year together with any highlights, pressures and potential issues for the coming year.

Councillor Tony Edwards raised a point of order at the start of this item, under Standing Order 12.1 (i) that the debate be deferred until such time when the end of year performance and financial report for 2021/2022 was received.

The Chair asked for clarification as the standing order states that it could be adjourned but not deferred.  Councillor Edwards agreed it was to adjourn the debate. The Chair advised it was a motion to be voted on. Councillor Edwards proposed the adjournment and Councillor Vince seconded the motion.  The motion was not carried.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 16.3, the Chair called on the Leader of the Council to introduce the debate on the work undertaken by the Council on 2021/22 municipal year together with any highlights, pressures and potential issues for the coming year. The Leader of the Opposition was given the opportunity to respond to the debate.

Electoral Review Working Group recommend that Full Council approves the response to the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) consultation on warding patterns (as attached as Appendix A to the report) and the proposed ward boundaries (attached as Appendix B to the report).

An amendment was proposed by Councillor Simon Carter and seconded by Councillor James Leppard. The amendment was as follows:

To amend the name of ‘East Harlow’ ward to ‘Churchgate’ and to delegate to the Director of Corporate and Governance Services in consultation with the Chair of the Electoral Review Working Group to make inconsequential editorial changes to the submission.

Upon being put to the vote the amendment was carried.

Proposed by Councillor Simon Carter and seconded by Councillor James Leppard it was:

RESOLVED that:

                                     i)        The response to the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) was approved subject to the amendment of the East Harlow ward being named Churchgate ward.

                                     ii)        Delegated authority be given to the Director of Corporate and Governance Services in consultation with the Chair of the Electoral Review Working Group to make inconsequential editorial changes to the submission.

Audit and Standards Committee recommend to Full Council that the Annual Report for the Audit and Standards Committee for 2021/22 be approved.

Proposed by Councillor Matthew Saggers and seconded by Councillor Russell Perrin it was:

RESOLVED that the Annual Report for the Audit and Standards committee for 2021/2022 be approved.

Licensing Committee recommend to Full Council that:

      i)        The licensing process for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire drivers continue to permit 1-year and 3-year licence applications.

     ii)        That the procedural change to medical certification requirements that will allow drivers the option to apply for a 3-year licence at each renewal be noted.

   iii)        Subject to i) and ii), the timescale for the introduction of the procedural changes be implemented as agreed by the Assistant Director Environment and the Chair of the Licensing Committee to allow administrative and software adjustments to be made.

Proposed by Councillor Nick Churchill and seconded by Councillor Clive Souter.

RESOLVED that the following be approved,

i)             The licensing process for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire drivers continue to permit 1-year and 3-year licence applications.

ii)             That the procedural change to medical certification requirements that will allow drivers the option to apply for a 3-year licence at each renewal be noted.

iii)           Subject to i) and ii), the timescale for the introduction of the procedural changes and the introduction of English Language Proficiency Assessments for Taxi and Private Hire Drivers, be implemented as agreed by the Assistant Director Environment and the Chair of the Licensing Committee to allow administrative and software adjustments to be made.

Scrutiny Committee recommend to Full Council that it notes the report.

Proposed by Councillor Tony Edwards and seconded by Councillor David Carter.

RESOLVED that Full Council noted the report.

None.

To note the following Cabinet and Committee minutes:

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.

The Chair explained that there was one matter of urgent business. The Chair had approved consideration of it as the panels may need to meet prior to the next Full Council. He asked members to approve changes to the membership of the Chief Executive appraisal panel and Chief Executive appointment panel to replace Councillor Joel Charles with Councillor Dan Swords.

The report was proposed by Councillor Russell Perrin and seconded by Councillor Dan Swords.

            RESOLVED that the appointments were agreed.