Agenda and draft 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 Tony Edwards, Mark Ingall, Sue Livings and Russell Perrin.

Councillor James Griggs was in attendance as substitute for Councillor Tony Edwards, Councillor Andrew Johnson was in attendance as a substitute for Councillor Russell Perrin, and Councillor Stacy Seales was in attendance as a substitute for Councillor Sue Livings.

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

None.

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 4 March 2025.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 4 March 2025 are agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Councillor Tony Durcan confirmed that the Playhouse, Arts and Cultural Quarter Task and Finish Group meeting scheduled for 26 March 2025 had been cancelled.

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

None.

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

None.

To consider responses (if any) of the Cabinet to reports and recommendations from the Committee.

RESOLVED that the following responses be noted.

The Committee agreed to consider the Playhouse, Arts and Cultural Quarter Task and Finish Group – Final Report as the next item.

The Committee received six recommendations from the task and finish group.

A number of Committee members said they felt unable to support the recommendations without a formal report. Upon being put to the vote the recommendations were not carried.

It was noted that the Cabinet could still see the recommendations and act on them as it felt appropriate.

RESOLVED that the recommendations were noted.

The Committee received a presentation on housing disrepair. A copy of the presentation is appended to the minutes.

The Leader said he would consider how relevant organisations (such as the Citizens Advice Bureau) could be briefed on the changes to legislation. He also said that the council would look at communication to all tenants, not just those with social tenancies.

The Committee requested that an update be brought forward in six months’ time. It noted that its work plan already included Awaab’s Law.

RESOLVED that:

A    The presentation be noted.

B    An update be brought to the Committee in six months’ time.

The Committee received a Cabinet report, following the Cabinet’s approval in principle for an e-scooter trial to be carried out in Harlow.

Councillor Alastair Gunn, as Portfolio Holder, said he would take any concerns raised at Cabinet and at this meeting, to the Essex County Council led working group for the trial.

The Committee asked for a timeline of the trial so it could determine if it wanted to consider aspects of the trial, such as safety of the trial further under its future working plan. It was noted that Councillor Gunn stated that ward Councillor comments would be welcomed on any areas affected within their respective wards.

RESOLVED that the report was noted.

To review the Committee’s work plan for the current year.

The Committee received a report summarising its work plan for 2024/25.

A suggestion was made to consider community gardens as a future work plan item.

It was agreed that the outcomes of the previous allotments review would be circulated, along with previous year’s work plan to assist in determining future work plan items. This followed the submission of a review form on allotments to this meeting.

The Chair asked the Committee to submit review submission forms for future consideration.

RESOLVED that the work plan be noted.

None.

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.