Cabinet - Monday 24 November 2025, 7:00pm - Epping Forest District Council webcasts

Cabinet
Monday, 24th November 2025 at 7:00pm 

Agenda

Slides

Transcript

Map

Resources

Forums

Speakers

Votes

 
Share this agenda point
  1. Cllr Chris Whitbread
Share this agenda point
Share this agenda point
  1. Vivienne Messenger
  2. Cllr Chris Whitbread
Share this agenda point
Share this agenda point
  1. Vivienne Messenger
  2. Cllr Chris Whitbread
Share this agenda point
Share this agenda point
  1. Vivienne Messenger
  2. Cllr Chris Whitbread
Share this agenda point
  1. Cllr Roger Baldwin
  2. Cllr Chris Whitbread
Share this agenda point
  1. Richard Schunemann
  2. Cllr Chris Whitbread
  3. Cllr Martin Morris
  4. Richard Schunemann
  5. Cllr Martin Morris
  6. Richard Schunemann
  7. Cllr Chris Whitbread
Share this agenda point
  1. Cllr Paul Keska
  2. Cllr Chris Whitbread
Share this agenda point
  1. Cllr Smruti Patel
  2. Cllr Chris Whitbread
Share this agenda point
  1. Cllr Smruti Patel
  2. Cllr Chris Whitbread
Share this agenda point
  1. Cllr Smruti Patel
  2. Cllr Chris Whitbread
  3. Cllr Rose Brookes
  4. Cllr Chris Whitbread
  5. Cllr Smruti Patel
  6. Cllr Chris Whitbread
Share this agenda point
  1. Cllr Holly Whitbread
  2. Cllr Chris Whitbread
  3. Cllr Graham Wiskin
  4. Cllr Chris Whitbread
  5. Cllr Holly Whitbread
  6. Cllr Chris Whitbread
  7. Cllr Tim Matthews
  8. Cllr Chris Whitbread
Share this agenda point
  1. Cllr Holly Whitbread
  2. Cllr Chris Whitbread
  3. Cllr Martin Morris
  4. Owen Sparks
  5. Cllr Martin Morris
  6. Cllr Graham Wiskin
  7. Owen Sparks
  8. Cllr Graham Wiskin
  9. Cllr Holly Whitbread
  10. Cllr Paul Keska
  11. Cllr Chris Whitbread
  12. Cllr Rose Brookes
  13. Cllr Chris Whitbread
  14. Cllr Kaz Rizvi
  15. Cllr Chris Whitbread
  16. Cllr Graham Wiskin
  17. Cllr Chris Whitbread
Share this agenda point
  1. Cllr Holly Whitbread
  2. Cllr Chris Whitbread
  3. Owen Sparks
  4. Cllr Chris Whitbread
  5. Cllr Martin Morris
  6. Cllr Chris Whitbread
  7. Owen Sparks
  8. Cllr Chris Whitbread
Share this agenda point
  1. Cllr Raymond Balcombe
  2. Cllr Chris Whitbread
  3. Webcast Finished

Cllr Chris Whitbread - 0:00:00
I'd like to remind everyone that this meeting will be filmed live or recorded and uploaded
to the internet and will be capable of repeated viewing.
Therefore, by participating in this meeting you are consenting to being filmed and to
the possible use of those images and sound recordings.
If any public speakers on MS Teams do not wish to have their image captured, they should
ensure that their video setting throughout the meeting is turned off
and set to audio only. Members I don't need to remind you but I will if you're

1 Webcasting Introduction

speaking please turn your microphone on and when you've finished please turn

2 Apologies for Absence

your microphone off. Now apologies for absence I have received apologies from
Vivienne Messenger - 0:00:46
none leading right so I believe we have apologies from Councillor Williamson for
this evening.
Cllr Chris Whitbread - 0:00:50
Of note we are all present.
Declarations of interest members.
Any declarations of interest?
Nope, okay.

3 Declarations of Interest

4 Minutes

Minutes of the last meeting for the 22nd
and 13th of October.
I believe the 13th is in private session.
No, the last is the 22nd of October.
Vivienne Messenger - 0:01:15
Okay, fine.
Members, can I take those as being agreed?
Cllr Chris Whitbread - 0:01:19
Thank you very much.
Any additional reports of portfolio holders?

5 Reports of Portfolio Holders

No?
Okay.

6 Public Questions and Requests to Address the Cabinet

Public questions and request to address the cabinet?
None, leader.
Thank you very much.
Vivienne Messenger - 0:01:34
Then we move on to the report of overview and scrutiny.
Cllr Chris Whitbread - 0:01:37
Councillor Baldwin.

7 Overview and Scrutiny

Thank you very much, Chairman.
Cllr Roger Baldwin - 0:01:43
So, the last meeting of the overview and scrutiny meeting took place on the 18th of November
this year, and we reviewed the quarter two report on organisational performance of the
council.
We also received a quarter two budget monitoring report, where we looked at performance data
for the KPIs, as we always do, and also the priority projects.
And additionally, we had a very informative report from Rosa
Tanfield, the managing director of Terraverde Services, our
waste collection service.
This covered the smooth transfer of the waste collection and the
rollout of the blue bins.
And we also discussed the current operation of the service
and future proposals for growth and development of TVS.
The work programmes of all the scrutiny committees are
progressing well. There are some interesting items including the scrutiny of the budget
in the months ahead. TFL also expected to attend and give a report at the place scrutiny
committee on the 27th of January. The next meeting of ONS committee will take place on
the 2nd of December where we will discuss spending priorities for the forthcoming budget.
This follows the same format as in previous years and has proved to be a useful exercise.
Okay, thank you.
Thank you very much, Councillor Baldwin.
It was a really good meeting, I thought, the other evening.
Cllr Chris Whitbread - 0:03:09
Members, any questions from that meeting or notes to be made?
No?
Okay.
If we then move on with tonight's agenda, so we move on to, thank you very much, Councillor

8 Waltham Abbey North SMF

Baldwin, move on to item eight, Wolf Mavie North, SMF.
Now, Councillor Williamson is not here this evening, so I will hand over to Rick to just
give us a brief summary.
Yeah, thank you very much.
Richard Schunemann - 0:03:31
So, this report is to bring the final Waltham Abbey North strategic master plan framework
to cabinet for endorsement.
The development of the Waltham Abbey North SMF responds to the adopted Epping Forest
local plan policy P3, Waltham Abbey.
The master plan area forms one of the allocated strategic master plan sites where the need
of an SMF, a strategic master plan framework has been identified.
And also following the requirements of policies SP2, place making and P3.
And as a result we have developed an SMF.
The master plan is for a minimum of 740 homes, a local centre including retail, community
facilities and appropriate provision of green and blue infrastructure.
The master plan has been subject to informal public consultation, formal public consultation
and has been to a QRP twice, a quality review panel twice in 2021 and 2024.
It was obviously developed collaboratively between Epping Forest Planning Authority,
Essex and the design team.
And currently as it stands, following the formal consultation that took place in the
So the planning team would recommend it
for approval for endorsement.
So it can be considered as a material planning consideration
in all future planning applications on the site
to promote high quality town planning and design.
Thank you.
Thank you very much.
Cllr Chris Whitbread - 0:05:38
Members, any questions at all on this particular item?
I know you've all had opportunity to read through it.
Councillor Morris. Thank you, Chairman. I'm just reading through
Cllr Martin Morris - 0:05:48
the report, very interesting. I think there's one point on the provision of school places.
In the consultation document it says that there will be an extra 200 primary and an
extra 140 secondary pupils created by this housing in this master plan. It's not very
clear as well. So it's not very clear to me how the provision is going to be expanded.
Is there any more information on how that might happen? Because there's quite a serious
amount of concern about the lack of provision for school places. Thank you.
Richard Schunemann - 0:06:31
Thank you. Councillor Morris, I will hand over to Rick if he doesn't mind to give the
response to that. Oh yes, no problem. Yes, at the time of the
the production of the local plan.
Essex, who are responsible for education,
they didn't deem that a new school was necessary
at the time, however, in the IDP,
in the infrastructure delivery plan,
we have identified section 106 contributions
towards the expansion of existing schools.
Okay, so as I understand it,
Cllr Martin Morris - 0:07:07
that money is going to be used to expand the capacity
of existing schools within the Abbey. Okay, thank you.
Richard Schunemann - 0:07:12
Cllr Chris Whitbread - 0:07:15
Thank you, Councillor Morris. Any other members? If not, can I agree to recommendations contained

9 Statement of Licensing Policy

in the report? Thank you very much. We then move on to Item 9, the Statement of Licencing
Policy. Councillor Kesker.
Cllr Paul Keska - 0:07:32
Thank you, Chairman. The Licencing Act 2003 requires licencing authorities to determine
and publish a Statement of Licencing Policy every five years.
The current policy was approved in December 2020 and has now been reviewed, re -consultated
upon and must be approved by full Council before being accepted for a further period.
The policy sets out the principles that the Council will generally apply to promote the
licencing objectives when making licences decisions and aims to provide guidance to
applicants, residents, businesses and the wider community about the approach we will take as the licencing authority.
In determining its statement of licencing policy, the Council must have regard to guidance issued by the Secretary of State under section 182 of the Act,
and the proposed changes have been made to reflect the latest guidance.
It must also consult with persons listed in the Act, including Chief Officer of Police for the area,
Fire and Rescue Authority, Local Authorities Director of Public Health,
those representative of holders of premises licences, club premises, certificates or personal licences issued by that authority,
and such other persons as the Licencing Authority considers to be representative of businesses and residents in its area.
The Council's licencing team have consulted widely on the revised Statement of Licencing Policy by letter, email, social media and on its website.
Consultees included EFDC Licencing Committee, Town and Parish Councils, EFDC Councillors and Members of Parliament,
premises licence and club premises licence holders, all responsible
authorities, residents associations, major faith groups, community safety
partnership, solicitors and trade bodies that represent the licenced trade. During
the consultation period the council's licencing team received six responses on
behalf of Home Office Immigration Enforcement, Citizens Advice, Eppingtown
Council, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, Loughton Town Council Planning and Licencing
Committee and one local resident. No objections were received to the proposed policy, however
one minor amendment was requested by Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, namely that
as amended be added when referring to the regulatory reform Fire Safety Order 2005 as
amended. Accordingly, the policy has been updated at sections 1 .15 and 1 .29, however
no further amendments have been required. I would recommend that Cabinet consider the
revised Statement of Licencing Policy as set out in Appendix A to this report, and 2 .0
recommends to the Council approval of the revised Statement of Licencing Policy. If
our licencing manager is with me and I'm sure he will be able to answer any questions that are put to us.
Cllr Chris Whitbread - 0:10:53
Thank you very much, Councillor Kesker. Members, any questions on the licencing policy?
Stone is silenced, therefore can we refer to full council?
Yes.
Is that agreed?
Yes, very agreed.
Thank you.

10 Decant Policy (Temporary and Permanent)

Now, we're moving on to a series of housing policies, which I know have gone through the
relevant select panels to be looked at. So we'll take them, but if you want to do a brief
introduction, but I know members are already very well acquainted with these policies.
So if we start with item 10, which is the decant policy, Councillor Patel.
Cllr Smruti Patel - 0:11:30
Thank you very much, Chairman. So with the decant policy, just a quick short brief of
why we've been bringing it to you.
This report formalises the council's approach
to decanting tenants when works
to a tenant property is carried out.
It could occasionally be a lease holder or a household
mean that they cannot remain in a property.
Examples such as fire or flood
might make the property uninhabitable
and as well as when planned maintenance is required.
And that means that the family's got to be moved
or a family or an individual needs to be required
to be moved out of their home.
In terms of the numbers, we're looking at roughly
around four to seven of such moves
that we have to do per year.
So not a huge amount of decanting going on
for our, for EFDC anyway.
Tenants will continue to pay their rent and service charges
and the council will cover the costs.
And these costs are typically covered by our insurance
that we have as well.
And the housing ombudsman expects
that these necessary decants include that the landlords will have a clear and accessible
policy for decant procedures and that's what we're trying to do with this policy so we
meet that requirement.
Cllr Chris Whitbread - 0:12:45
Thank you. Members this has gone through scrutiny. Any comments or questions? No? Okay can we
agree this recommendations on this particular one? Thank you. So we then move on to Item

11 Housing Service Charges Policy 2025 - 2030

11 housing service charges policy. Councillor Patel. Okay thank you again. The
Cllr Smruti Patel - 0:13:04
housing service charges this is the report that includes a draught policy
covering how we calculate a portion and recover the service charges relating to
the housing team's residential properties. We want to ensure that costs
are in line with leases and tenancy agreements. Service charges relate to
ongoing services rather than planned works. At the moment you know you've got
huge numbers to deal with and this kind of helps in terms of where we're at with
the service charges. The draught policy aims to cover all housing revenue
account properties owned by EFDC which we maintain and manage. The costs include
such things as grounds maintenance, cleaning and communal utilities. We apply
service charges in a fixed format for general needs and have variable service
charges for leaseholders. Any questions? Dawn's around. Thank you. Members,
Cllr Chris Whitbread - 0:13:58
therefore can I agree the recommendations? Thank you. We then move on to item 12

12 Housing Revenue Account Recharge Policy

Cllr Smruti Patel - 0:14:10
Housing Revenue Account recharge policy. Councillor Patel. Thank you very much
Chair. So with this report we're introducing a draught policy to
formalise recovery costs from residents for rechargeable work. This includes end
of tenancy clearances and rechargeable repairs. We need to operate a transparent and fair
process that does not penalise a wider set of residents where an individual resident
is identified to be specifically responsible for the payment. Tenants have a responsibility
to look after their home as laid out in the tenancy agreement and we need to ensure that
where they do not look after their home we have the processes in place to recharge the
of repairing damage that they may have caused by neglect, carelessness or
deliberate actions by them, their family members or visitors. Also looking at
something where if they're requested for a home and they've got arrears as well
we're trying to sort of factor all of those things in as well.
Cllr Chris Whitbread - 0:15:12
Cllr Rose Brookes - 0:15:17
Any questions? Thank you. Members, Cass Brooks. We did thrash this out at the
Communities Committee. Whilst very much seeing why we're doing this and
tightening up our policy, I think that's the thing isn't it? We're tightening it
up because a lot of things in the last year or so, well,
perhaps when Sergic came, Holly, sorry, Councillor Whitbread,
he started to get a lot of our policies in order, didn't he,
Councillor Whitbread?
I think sometimes we do need to be a little bit sensitive
sometimes to people's circumstances, though,
because sometimes we're talking about people
who haven't got much money.
It's quite different if someone has deliberately caused the damage through substance abuse
and, you know, they've wrecked the place.
But sometimes these debts are going to be quite difficult to recover, I think.
And something I'd like to see enforced more with our present tenants is just getting people
to look after the gardens, which is in the tenancy agreement.
Thanks, Councillor Brooks. Councillor Mattel.
Cllr Chris Whitbread - 0:16:32
Cllr Smruti Patel - 0:16:34
Just a really quick response to that. I'm sure Dawn's listening. I think a lot of the
times we've always been lenient up until now anyway, so this kind of allows us that groundwork
that we've done to say if they're not and it is deliberate, then it gives us that bit
of a strength behind our policy to say we will charge you for it. But more than likely,
I don't think if it was a genuine situation in the case, I don't think we'd be penalising them anyway, so
Yeah, we will keep an eye on that for sure feedback appreciated. Thank you
Cllr Chris Whitbread - 0:17:08
Thank you. I think the key thing is is that as a council we act in a fair manner
And I think that's that's probably the actual word that we're looking for is we always we always act with fairness
Which is key members without any other questions. Can we agree that recommendations?

13 Community Impact

Thank you. We then move on to item 13 which is community impact.
Cllr Holly Whitbread - 0:17:34
Thank you Chairman and this is a very positive report to be giving so a delight
to be able to do that this evening. So this is a three million pound
community grant which was agreed as part of the deal when we sold the small
proportion of Northfield airfield to Google and this fund is basically for
the social and economic benefit of Epping Forest District, and that's the whole district
of Epping Forest.
So this report here this evening, which I hope members have had an opportunity to look
at, basically sets out the parameters of the community fund.
It makes a suggestion around a grants panel who will look at the different applications
up to £15 ,000.
That will meet quarterly, and then whoever the cabinet member or portfolio holder for
Finance and Economic Development is will then approve the applications off the back of the
grant panels recommendations.
As I said, the applications are up to £15 ,000 and they can be for a wide range of different
projects for community benefit.
Also as part of this report, we're suggesting the recruitment of or asking for the approval
of the recruitment of a community grants officer.
Obviously, this comes with a lot of administration in terms of taking in the grants and assessing
the grants.
This will be a part -time role funded through the grant money.
SEC Newgate, who are a communications company, will be looking at a community need assessment
to make sure that the fund is really going to the right places as well.
And that would be another step of the assessment process for the fund.
Hopefully members have had an opportunity to read the paper.
A really good news storey, another benefit that we got from the Google deal and a really
good news storey which I hope that members of the cabinet can approve this evening.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Cllr Chris Whitbread - 0:19:28
Members, any questions?
Councillor Whiskin.
Thank you, Chairman.
Cllr Graham Wiskin - 0:19:34
I have some concerns that we as a council must not give preferential treatment to Google
going forward for these funds which have been raised.
I'm thinking specifically having seen articles regarding monstrosities of data centres which
are five storeys high being constructed in other parts of the country by other large
tech organisations. We would like some guarantees that we will see no preferential treatment
given to Google who will no doubt be building large data centres and they won't be ugly
monstrosities and they feel that they have a right, given that they've given some funds
to support this.
Thank you very much. Councillor Holly Whitbread.
Cllr Chris Whitbread - 0:20:27
Thank you Chairman and thank you Councillor Whiskin for that question.
Cllr Holly Whitbread - 0:20:30
Obviously the planning application is very separate from this community fund
which is essentially off the back of the deal when we sold this portion of land
so this is something that's pre -established and of course the
planning application should be considered on its own merits and will be
looked at via planning law through the Planning Committee. Thank you.
Cllr Chris Whitbread - 0:20:50
Good. Any other members? Councillor Brooks did I see you wanted to ask a question?
Cllr Tim Matthews - 0:20:59
Councillor Matthews. Thank you chair. I'd just like to echo Councillor
Wickbred's enthusiasm for this. I think it's a brilliant storey, a brilliant sort of addition
to what was quite a complex deal and I think it's going to be really beneficial going forward.
So I think the structure's been arranged in a way that gives security and comfort that
the money is gonna be utilised
and spent in a really effective way.
So really positive storey.
Thank you.
Yeah.
Thank you very much.
Cllr Chris Whitbread - 0:21:27
Definitely good news for Epping Forest
and gives us an opportunity to fund things
and support things that we couldn't possibly do
in these very tight financial times otherwise.
And certainly as Councillor Holly Whitborough said,
completely separate to the planning process,
which has its own panels not withstanding and they will make their decisions based upon
planning law. Members, good news storey, probably the most positive one of the evening. Can
we take this, it's been agreed. Item 14, Quarter 2 Budget Monitoring. Councillor Holly

14 Quarter 2 Budget Monitoring Report 2025-26

Cllr Holly Whitbread - 0:22:09
Whitbread. Thank you, Chairman. This report was provided to scrutiny last week. It's
So, relatively positive news storey that we're in a slightly improved position in terms of
the deficit.
So we're looking at 0 .34 million, I've lost my maths, 0 .34 million I'm going to say.
So it's a slightly improved position and we are seeing consistent pressures with homelessness,
also around the recycling income shortfall and planning overspend.
I think it's worth really highlighting the homelessness point.
This is becoming an increased pressure.
We are looking at different solutions to try and address this and mitigate the impact of
homelessness for the next budget process.
It's just worth highlighting that whilst we have a housing revenue account, homelessness
funding if it is to go outside of our own temporary accommodation is funded via the
fund and we are seeing that increase and worsen by the day.
So that's just something that's worth highlighting.
The reserves are in a healthy place with over $4 million.
And the capital programme, we're looking at a slight
underspend there as well, $4 .14 million.
The HRA, again, in a healthy position.
There is an overall underspend within the HRA and we have seen
and underspend, particularly on the house building schemes.
Although it was good to see the completion,
so the planning applications come forward
for a number of housing schemes
and pleased to see the council house building programme
get back on track there.
So this is largely a report for noting.
As I say, it was delivered to overview
and scrutiny last week as well. Thank you.
Thank you. Members, any questions?
Cllr Chris Whitbread - 0:23:57
Cllr Martin Morris - 0:24:08
I was just looking at the general funding position based on the annual forecast based
on quarter 2.
I just had one question.
You are proposing to use a contribution from reserves, is that right?
462. Sorry. Mr Sparks. That is actually budgeted contribution to reserves as
Owen Sparks - 0:24:33
made in the budget last year so it is increasing the reserves position. Right.
Cllr Martin Morris - 0:24:40
Cllr Graham Wiskin - 0:24:44
That's the planned position. Thank you. Councillor Whiskin. Thank you Jo. I've got two questions I don't
and taking one at a time or?
Yep, let's take one at a time.
Okay, thank you.
On page 89, it shows an increase in car park income
I think it's a figure of 120 ,000 on the budget.
Could we have an idea of what the end of year position
might be in terms of surplus?
And I then have a follow up to that.
Thank you, Mr. Sparks.
Owen Sparks - 0:25:17
That is a forecast at the end of year position, so that is what we think it will be at the
end of the year. We are looking forward to the end of the year and trying to estimate
what that out -turn will be.
Cllr Graham Wiskin - 0:25:28
On the back of that, I do have some concerns about continuing milking the motorists with
car parking expenses. I look specifically at the Broadway and the back of the Broadway's
Burton Road car park, which is now £1 .20 to park there for an hour, and it is basically
mainly empty. The question really is are there being our impact assessments being
done on the footfall on our high streets and our shopping areas given the what
has been significant rises over the last few months in parking charges.
Thank you Chairman I don't know if Councillor Kesker might want to come in as
Cllr Holly Whitbread - 0:26:06
it's within his portfolio but what I would say is that we try and stay keep
while car parking charges down and relatively competitive
and the rise is relatively low.
Although obviously it's a difficult balance
when we're looking at the budget process
because we have seen small increases in recent years,
but we're constantly making the balance
between tax increases, protecting services,
and car parking is a way of generating income.
What I would say is it is important
that car parking is reasonable.
Ultimately, we want people to use our high streets
and make sure that they visit our high streets
across Eppin Forest.
So it's a balancing act.
But I would say, I mean, the multi -storey car park in Eppin
walked past today barring the car parking alarm,
but was relatively full.
And we do see our car parks across the district
relatively full.
So note your comments on the Broadway,
and I'm sure that's something that Paul, sorry, Paul,
Councillor Kesker can go away and look at.
Thank you.
Councillor Kesk.
Thank you, Chairman.
Cllr Paul Keska - 0:27:11
Thank you, Councillor Whitbread.
Yes, I will have a look at that.
You're probably aware that I do bang on quite a bit about parking charges in now smaller
towns, particularly in my own ward in Onga.
And I sometimes compare them to what is being charged in adjacent boroughs, because it's
only too easy to go from Onga to Brentwood.
And they have now a most peculiar system where you get half hour free.
It's now more money, slightly more money to park, but they charge you all night.
Except on a Sunday, if you're there in the evening, you're still paying at 10 o 'clock at night.
So it is a balance. I will take this away and speak to our parking manager to see where we go.
But I think the increase that we had last time probably should put us in good stead for the next year,
without the need to increase it.
Thank you, Councillor Kester.
Cllr Chris Whitbread - 0:28:10
I think it's one of those levers we try not to use.
We've kept parking charges at a record low for a long time,
but of course if members look at parking charges or try to reduce them,
where is the income coming from?
Because we can only put council tax up so much.
We can't reduce services.
We battle every year over what we're having to take back.
So, parking charges are an important part of our income.
Councillor Brooks.
Cllr Rose Brookes - 0:28:39
I know that, you know, I've been on the council long enough
to know when we standardised these across every car park,
didn't we?
Because there were some discrepancies
and some car parks were more expensive than others, etc.
The trouble is that when you have an area
which my colleague has highlighted, like the Broadway,
which generally there's less money around than some of our other high and
there are only so many I think despite I know councillor and Mr. Warwick has put
the argument the charges don't affect whether people come and shop and I would
debate that a bit because I actually do think that particularly an hours free
parking does affect whether people come because I'm in Buckhurst Hill a lot you
I do take advantage of the hour and a half free parking in Waitrose car park,
which people do use to, certainly the lower shops in lower Queens, they get
an advantage definitely from Waitrose offering an hour and a half car park,
because I can see people, I don't particularly do it very often, but a lot
of people do, why not? And I just feel sometimes that there is a case
sometimes for an area particularly like the Broadway which has been historically
difficult you know to boost the revenue when we don't want people parking there
all day and just going to Depton station but sometimes I feel that there might be
a case for having a trial and seeing how it goes for doing a one hours free
parking you know in a place like the Broadway. I understand your arguments on
Cllr Chris Whitbread - 0:30:23
local level we have the same thing in Epping but of course people will use Tesco's car
park in Epping to get three hours of free parking and then hopefully move down the high
street somewhat. The biggest problem to our high streets and the loss of independent shops
has been the internet and people are guilty of using internet shopping rather than walking
into their high street. So whether or not you had a lower parking charge or not what
would be interesting to see is what the income from those parking car parks has
been in recent years and of course whatever goes away has to be found for
from somewhere else. What what you cut because that's what you'd be doing if
you stop charging for parking and that's the real challenge. Councillor Risby.
Cllr Kaz Rizvi - 0:31:07
Just to come in on a point there, Leader, as well, which is we obviously
recognise the impact on local businesses and for that reason, you know, for many a
December parking scheme in all of our EFTCO and car parks during the months of December.
And obviously we still retain ample free parking at the Epping Forest Shopping Park on Langston
Road. So I think those are some of the initiatives that we really do need to sing very loud and
proud about because actually, you know, given as you quite rightly said, you know, the loss
of footfall to the internet, whatever we can do as an administration to help support local
business, it's very obvious. Thank you.
Thank you.
Cllr Chris Whitbread - 0:31:47
Councillor Whiskin, one last time.
Thank you.
Cllr Graham Wiskin - 0:31:50
I've got a cheeky question here.
I'm having a look through the funding.
I would, given the actions which are going to be discussed tomorrow, I think we would
have expected to see some unexpected legal costs appearing in our figures.
Perhaps we can explain the absence of any of those, as I'm sure the KC will have rendered
his bills by now.
Cllr Chris Whitbread - 0:32:15
I won't pre -empt tomorrow's debate. Obviously that will be in private session, so I won't
be giving anything away this evening for discussion. Tomorrow night's debate will be full and frank
and you'll have an opportunity to question the KC at the same time. But it will be in
private session and not for public... At the end of the day we've got to make the best
case at whatever we decide to do. So that will be in private tomorrow. Members, can
I agree the recommendations before you on the out -turn for quarter two.
We agree.
Thank you very much.
We then move on to item 15, the risk report.

15 Risk report

Councillor Holly Woodbrad.
Thank you, Chairman.
Cllr Holly Whitbread - 0:32:55
This is the Council's risk register which has been reviewed by audit and governance.
It doesn't seem too long ago that I actually gave a report to Cabinet on this and we're
seeing the same emerging risks for the Council.
So cyber security remains a very significant risk and probably the most high profile risk
and auditing governance members remain concerned and keep this as a red rated risk.
There are several other corporate risks which have remained consistent since June.
Homelessness pressures as I highlighted in the budget report, budget sustainability and
the challenges for local government finance.
some of the challenges around QALYST, future workforce planning and local government reform
also being high on the agenda. It's also worth highlighting a new risk which was added by
audit and governance in relation to community cohesion. This is in respect to some of the
challenges we've had over the summer, so that's highlighted within the risk register as well.
This evening I am asking the cabinet to approve the corporate risk register.
Thank you, Chairman.
Thank you very much.
Members, any questions?
Cllr Chris Whitbread - 0:34:11
With regards to cyber security, can I just ask, are we taking steps to train members?
Mr Sparks?
Owen Sparks - 0:34:25
Yes, we are looking at potential training for members and we are in consultation with
colleagues at county as well on how we might best deliver that.
Cllr Chris Whitbread - 0:34:34
I've just had my training that's why I ask. Councillor Morris. Thank you Chairman. I just note on
Cllr Martin Morris - 0:34:38
page 107 it's scrutiny comments this report did not require presenting to any of the scrutiny
committees. Why not? I mean it's one of the most important reports that we have. Why does it
Cllr Chris Whitbread - 0:34:54
not go to scrutiny? Is there a reason for that? Mr Sparks. It's because it goes to all the risk
Owen Sparks - 0:34:57
who are in charge of looking at risk as part of their oversight and then it comes to cabinet.
So scrutiny, you could look at it from a, it's not from a controlled perspective, so
that's why the remit is with all the risk rather than scrutiny, because it's part of
the control framework.
Cllr Chris Whitbread - 0:35:18
Okay, thank you. Members, any other questions? Therefore, can we agree at a risk report?
Is that agreed?
Thank you.

16 Amendment to the Articles of Association of Terra Verde Services Ltd and approval of payment mechanism.

We then move on to item 15, sorry 16, which is the amendment to the articles of association
of Terra Verde.
Thank you Chairman.
Cllr Raymond Balcombe - 0:35:37
We're asking the cabinet tonight to propose the amendment to be accepted on the articles
of Terra Verde.
You'll see it's appendix 1 and appendix 2.
This report recommends their inclusion as a special resolution for consideration and
approval at TVS AGM for its shareholders.
And tonight I also have Rosa Tamfield here to help answer any questions you may have.
Thank you very much.
Cllr Chris Whitbread - 0:36:09
Members quite straightforward this report.
Okay, can I take it as been agreed?

17 TVS Ltd Business Plan

Thank you. We then move on to the Terra Verde business plan that did go through scrutiny
the other evening and Councillor Boulton did a brilliant job of keeping it out of private
session for as long as possible so we will try and attempt the same this evening although
the report has been gone through in detail. Councillor Balcombe.
Thank you again Chair. Over the past three years Terra Verde Services Limited has evolved
Cllr Raymond Balcombe - 0:36:43
from a conceptual vision into a thriving business. Faced with the challenges of an inadequate
waste service, the company developed a strategic plan, launched its operation and successfully
completed its maiden year of trading. Notable achievements during this period include the
acquisition of a bespoke fleet of vehicles and the establishment of a dedicated waste
hub, both of which signify substantial progress for the organisation.
This evening, TVS business plan for 2628 is presented to Cabinet for a careful consideration
and approval. Founded in 2024 by Eppen Forest District Council, TVS is now entering an exciting
new phase with a renewed clarity of purpose and ambition. This company is swiftly gaining
recognition as a reliable provider of recycling waste collection and street cleansing services
across the district.
TVS is a purpose driven organisation dedicated to upholding public services values in tandem
with commercial agility.
Its commitment centres on delivering high quality
cost effective services that meet statutory requirements,
promote environmental stewardship
and benefit local residents and communities.
The TVS board undertook a comprehensive review
of the business plan on the 3rd and 19th of September.
and in a formal approval at the board meeting
held on the 8th of October.
Furthermore, the overview and scrutiny committee
has recently scrutinised this document,
ensuring robust oversight and endorsement
of both the board and the committee.
This review process guarantees that a strategic, sorry,
development objects and operational priorities
have been miraculously evaluated and validated.
This report seeks approval from the cabinet tonight.
Thank you.
Thank you very much, Councillor Balcombe.
Cllr Chris Whitbread - 0:39:07
Any questions from members?
I know this was given a really good airing
the other evening.
It was.
Members, are you happy to agree
this business plan or this section?
Thank you very much.
Therefore, I'm going to ask the council
to move into private session
so we can consider appendix two of the business plan
and then move on to the other items
of business for the evening.
So under section 100B in brackets four in brackets B
of the local government act 1972,
together with paragraph six and 24
of the council's procedure rules contained
in the constitution requires that the permission
of the chairman that be obtained,
don't need to do that please,
be obtained after prior notice to the chief executive
to go into private session.
So to consider whether under section 100A4 of the Local Government Act 1972
the public press should be excluded from the meeting for the items of business set out below
on grounds that they will involve the likely disclosure of exempt information
as defined in the following paragraphs of part 1 of schedule 12A of the Act as amended
or are confidential under section 100 in brackets A in brackets 2.
Members can I agree that we go into private session?
Thank you very much. If we can close the webcast down.
Cllr Raymond Balcombe
District councillor for Rural East ward
Conservative Party
View profile Cllr Raymond Balcombe
Cllr Roger Baldwin
District councillor for Loughton Forest ward
Loughton Residents Association
View profile Cllr Roger Baldwin
Cllr Rose Brookes
District councillor for Buckhurst Hill East and Whitebridge ward
Loughton Residents Association
View profile Cllr Rose Brookes
Cllr Paul Keska
District councillor for Ongar ward
Conservative Party
View profile Cllr Paul Keska
Cllr Tim Matthews
District councillor for Waltham Abbey South and Rural ward
Conservative Party
View profile Cllr Tim Matthews
Vivienne Messenger
Democratic Services Officer
Epping Forest District Council
View profile Vivienne Messenger
Cllr Martin Morris
District councillor for Waltham Abbey North ward
Labour Party
View profile Cllr Martin Morris
Cllr Smruti Patel
District councillor for Buckhurst Hill West ward
Conservative Party
View profile Cllr Smruti Patel
Cllr Kaz Rizvi
District councillor for Chigwell with Lambourne ward
Conservative Party
View profile Cllr Kaz Rizvi
Richard Schunemann
Principal Planning Officer
Epping Forest District Council
View profile Richard Schunemann
Owen Sparks
Interim Strategic Director / S151 Officer
Epping Forest District Council
View profile Owen Sparks
Cllr Chris Whitbread
District councillor for Roydon and Lower Nazeing ward
Conservative Party
View profile Cllr Chris Whitbread
Cllr Holly Whitbread
District councillor for Epping West and Rural ward
Conservative Party
View profile Cllr Holly Whitbread
Cllr Graham Wiskin
District councillor for Loughton St John's ward
Loughton Residents Association
View profile Cllr Graham Wiskin