Agenda

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

To agree the minutes of the meeting held on 20 July 2023.

Proposed by Councillor James Griggs (seconded by Councillor Chris Vince):

“Outline

This Council agrees to the immediate formation of a Disability Consultation Panel to further enhance the rights and opportunities for people with disabilities. The panel will give voice to their concerns, desires and needs where they are relevant to the activities of, or matters within the control of, the Council.

Composition

The panel shall be composed of a balanced number of 2 Councillors from each of the elected parties and a number of representatives from a variety of relevant organisations in Harlow.

The panel shall be supported by an appropriate Council Officer.

At its first meeting in each Council year the panel shall elect a Chair who shall hold the position for a period of one year.

Remit

1.    To support the Council in developing good practice with regard to providing a safe and supportive environment for disabled residents and visitors

2.    To work with the Council to develop a Disability Strategy and Action Plan for Harlow

3.    To bring forward ideas and suggestions to improve Harlow for disabled people.

4.    To give a voice to the lived experience of disabled people in order to inform future projects, policy development and decision making within the Council

5.    To examine relevant planning applications and comment/advise as appropriate

6.    To scrutinise the performance of the Council in its delivery of relevant projects

7.    To scrutinise the Councils implementation of relevant legislation

8.    To advise the Council of relevant reports from other bodies that may be of assistance and influence in developing future projects, plans and strategies

9.    To bring to the attention of the Council any matters it considers relevant

10.  To accept questions and proposals from the public and Councillors. Questions and proposals will be accepted using the same format as used for Cabinet and Full Council. The Chair of the panel shall have the discretion to accept questions without notice from Public and Councillors.

Meeting Schedule

The panel shall meet at least 4 times per year, more if necessary.

Reporting

The panel shall send a report to the next Full Council following each of its meetings.”

Cabinet recommended that Full Council notes the annual Treasury Management Report for 2022/23 (Appendix A to the report) and that the Council operated within the Treasury Management Strategy Statement during 2022/23 and approves the report.

Cabinet recommended to Full Council that:

A     The proposal for the establishment of a Joint Committee (JC) in respect of matters pertaining to the Harlow and Gilston Garden Town be supported.

B     Subject to all authorities approving the agreement, the arrangements set out in the Inter Authority Agreement at Appendix 1 to this report be endorsed and agreed.

C     The Monitoring Officer be asked to make consequential amendments to the Council’s constitution to facilitate the establishment of the committee on the Terms of Reference set out in Schedule 10 of the Agreement once all constituent Council’s have confirmed their approval of the agreement.

D     Delegates to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader and the Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, to make any to make any necessary, non-consequential and minor amendments and refer to the HGGT Chair and Director.

D

To note the following Cabinet and Committee 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.