Council - Thursday 18 December 2025, 7:00pm - Epping Forest District Council webcasts

Council
Thursday, 18th December 2025 at 7:00pm 

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  1. Webcast Finished

1 Webcasting Introduction

Ladies and gentlemen, will you please be upstanding for your Chairman of Council, Councillor Louise
Mead.
Good evening, members.
Please be seated.
Cllr Louise Mead - 0:00:29
Good evening members and anyone watching the webcast.
Item number one on the agenda is the webcasting introduction.
I'm going to ask Mr. Woodall to read the webcasting announcement, please.
Thank you.
Gary Woodhall - 0:00:52
The Chairman would 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 Microsoft 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 and public speakers are reminded to turn on their microphones
before speaking and turn them off when they have finished. Thank you, Chairman.

2 Apologies for Absence

Cllr Louise Mead - 0:01:35
Thank you very much. Item 2 on our agenda is apologies for absence. Mr Woodall, do we
have any apologies for absence?
Gary Woodhall - 0:01:41
Thank You chairman we have apologies from councillors Burrows George pond Pugsley and Sharif
Cllr Louise Mead - 0:01:52
Thank You chairman, I'm not sure if we can't capture
Cllr Chris Whitbread - 0:01:59
Cllr Louise Mead - 0:02:03
Anybody else yes
Councillors, Owen and Wicke.
Cllr Howard Kauffman - 0:02:11
Cllr Louise Mead - 0:02:15
Agenda item number three, are there any declarations of interest?
No?

3 Declarations of Interest

Agenda item number four.

4 Minutes

On our agenda is to approve the minutes from our meetings held on 23 October 2025, which
you will find attached on pages 6 to 16.
Members may I now sign these minutes as a true record of the meetings?
Thank you.

5 Announcements

Item number five on our agenda, our Chairman's announcements.
Before reading the rest of my announcements, you may have seen my messages and letters
regarding the dreadful events that happened in Australia this week on the first day of
Hanukkah and my heartfelt condolences to our Jewish community here in the world.
The news came through just a few hours before I attended the lighting of the Menorah in
Epping where I was invited along with the Epping Mayor to light the first candle. The
community came out in force that evening in Epping and never is there a more important
time to remember the message of Hanukkah and that goodness and light will triumph. I attended
three public menorah lighting events this week, two of them with the Vice Chairman and
they were wonderful community events with warmth and togetherness, kindness where community
came together from all religions and many councils came too. There was music and entertainment,
dancing, food, meaningful, emotional speeches and right there the proof, the power of strength
of unity. There have been so many events since our last meeting but I know I can't talk about
all of them but you might need your blanket and a teddy bear and a picnic because I'm
going to be a bit of time but they all have so much in common. Community spirit, our wonderful
volunteers, kindness, the strength of togetherness, our district caring,
supporting, making it the wonderful place it is to live. A pattern emerges and it's
a really good one. I took part in the remembrance parades in Loughton and
Epping and was privileged along with other councillors around the district to
lay wreaths on behalf of the district and I attended a special church service
at St John's Church in Epping. I attended the West Essex Healthcare
Conference here in Epping in partnership with Work Ready, so brilliant to see the
networking, the partnerships and the ideas to build a strong workforce that supports
our community health and social care for the future.
I also went to the wonderful Wapping Forest Youth Conference that was here in the Chamber,
which was amazing. They chaired a debate themselves and there were many schools attending. And
to see these young people so articulate, it really does make you feel safe in the knowledge
that we have fantastic future politicians. And at the end, the Leader, Vice -Chairman
and I had an impromptu question and answer session and the questions were definitely
on form. I attended the first anniversary of TVS and formally opened the amazing new
Hub at North Wild, which is very impressive. And it's also given me a chance to thank our
dedicated Refuse and Street Cleansing teams who go out in all weathers and what a fantastic
team they are. And I know the Vice Chairman and I hope to go out with them in January
as well on their rounds. I was invited to give out awards at the Voluntary Action
Epping Forest ACE activities ceremony in Foden Boyce and wow what brilliant staff,
volunteers, partners and founders support the projects to hear about the amazing
growth of those adults that attend and chat with them and hear their storeys
was a very memorable morning I really enjoyed. I've also attended two
Stay Safe and Well events run by the Community and Wellbeing team with
support from many different partner organisations. These events are free to residents and the
feedback is always really positive and very much needed.
In November I also held an afternoon tea in the Chairman's office with the Vice -Chairman to say
thank you to our 25 community champions. What a lovely afternoon that was and my daughter
particularly liked buying the cakes, quite a lot of them, and arranging them and even brought in
her brass dungeons with red ropes to welcome to the Chairman's office. In November was my
charity quiz which was very well attended and we raised £710 for my two chosen charities.
So I'd like to say thank you to Dan, our quizmaster.
There's been so many Christmas events. The memory chain which residents with dementia
or mild cognitive impairment can come on a train ride with carriages decorated for Christmas.
Christmas music plays, Santa visits and carols are sung and lunch is served. And hopefully
giving some Christmas cheer and bringing some memories back.
It happens with the Community Health and Wellbeing Team, volunteers,
local businesses who have supported and of course Epping Onga Railway.
I've attended two wonderful Christmas parties, the Buddy Up Christmas Party
and Buddy Up is a fantastic initiative supported by Epping Forest District
Council Community and Wellbeing Team where adults with autism,
learning disabilities or both are paired up with a volunteer to support them in
community and I know this is a very much needed thing for the adults of those of their adult
children, for the parents of their adult children. I've also attended the West Essex Inclusion
Project Christmas party with the Vice Chairman and that was great fun. Thank you to those that
recently attended my Civic Carol service at St John's Church in Loughton, it was a really
wonderful evening. The Youth Council helped out with that, we had some amazing young soloists as
lots of singing and we had representatives from a number of community
groups and charities that we met afterwards in the hall and we met
afterwards in the hall for mince pies and messages were written on my tree of
hope that the church kindly looked after and we had a collection of over 300 pounds
for my chosen charities which I'm very grateful for and thank you St. John's
Church for having us. I also enjoyed a carol service with Chigua Riding Trust
where Daisy was actually invited to do the reading which is really lovely and
And one of my favourite things was visiting Epping Library and supporting Rhinetime and
reading a puppet book called Snowy Bear to two and three year olds and then visiting
the St John's Epping Christmas Tree Festival.
And finally helping to wrap presents for the Christmas giving campaign.
Seven hundred presents wrapped and delivered.
I didn't wrap seven hundred presents.
Did you wrap seven hundred presents?
No, no, no.
No, it wasn't all wrapped by us.
And this is delivered with Epping Forest District Council, Essex Police, Qolis, local businesses
charities, schools, Essex Fire and Rescue raised some money for it, people from everywhere
donating, all getting together to help make a brighter Christmas for children in the district
that need it. Amazing and congratulations everyone that was involved. So it's been a really full,
full on, but fantastic few months and shows you again what a great place Epping Forest District
Council is. So I'm really looking forward to the new year with many more visits planned in the
district. So I have another announcement as well. So we have a retirement to announce.
Tom Carney, who is here tonight, our corporate communications manager, is retiring from today.
I'd like to thank Tom for his 36 years of wonderful service to the council. The good
news is that Tom has agreed to advise on a part -time basis and we are all very
happy and we will still have support in a slightly different role. Tom has always
had the best interests of Epping Forest District Council at heart. Since I've
known him in the last decade he's always been easy to contact, calm, supportive and
given sensible advice and always approachable. He's dependable, kind and
Cllr Louise Mead - 0:10:02
caring and above all I know he has been a tremendous colleague and friend to so
many during his long service at Epping Forest District Council.
And a heartfelt thanks on behalf of the council, Tom,
for your long and dedicated service.

6 Public Questions (If Any)

Cllr Louise Mead - 0:10:29
So we're now on to item number six. Do we have any public questions Mr. Widdow?
No Chairman, not tonight.
Gary Woodhall - 0:10:40
Cllr Louise Mead - 0:10:42
Item number seven is questions by members under notice. We have had a

7 Questions By Members Under Notice

question submitted by Councillor Sherry Rackham which can be found on the
supplementary marked on page 100. Councillor Rackham would you like to say
your question? We need a microphone to stand if possible.
Cllr Sheree Rackham - 0:11:07
yeah. Long day guys. Do you mind standing Councillor? My question was about the North
Essex Parking Partnership as you know it's something that I'm quite keen on
for it to come in -house. I know that it is actually a county responsibility but I
wondered if there is any way that we could bring it in -house so I know that
the funds would be ring -fenced but I wondered whether it's something that
could be bought in house so that our residents
could actually benefit from some of that money
that's ring fenced.
Thank you.
May I ask Councillor Williamson,
Cllr Louise Mead - 0:11:45
the Shaping Our District portfolio holder to reply please.
Thank you, Chair.
Thank you, Councillor Rackham.
Cllr Ken Williamson - 0:11:51
I've got a response to the whole of your question
of which you've only put part at the moment,
but it might be of interest to the other members as well.
Essex County Council is the highway authority,
which holds responsibility for on -street parking.
The North Essex Parking Partnership was consequently set up
by the County Council.
This function does not sit with the EFDC
as we have no jurisdiction over the public highway.
In relation to LGR, we understand that responsibility
for on -street parking will transfer to the new unitary
authority as part of their highway's function.
At this stage, it is not yet known what delivery model
will be adopted by the new authorities,
whether this will involve the continuation
of a partnership agreement or the service
actually being brought in house as you request.
This has not yet been determined as the future governance
and operational structures have not yet been developed,
but I think I take your point.
Thank you.
Cllr Louise Mead - 0:12:53
Councillor Rackham, do you have any further questions?
Okay, thank you.

8 Reports from the Leader & Members of the Cabinet

Okay so item number eight on our agenda is reports from the leader and members of the
cabinet. Written reports can be found on pages 17 to 37 of our agenda. Councillor Whitbread,
leader of the council, would you like to present your report first?
Cllr Chris Whitbread - 0:13:16
And thank you chairman. Members I thought this is a good time actually to reflect partly
on the past year which has probably been one of the most challenging that we've ever known
and certainly haven't known during my time on this council.
We knew this year would be a test when the government dropped
the white paper for local government review back at the
end of last year.
And we knew that that would make life challenging in the year
ahead, which it certainly has done.
But I'm pleased to say as a council we've been actively
engaged in the local government reorganisation piece.
And our officers have been at the top table talking on a
regular basis on a range of issues that are really involved
in this very complex change in local government that, of
course, will affect us all in the long term.
We started the year knowing that finances were already stretched,
and with a new government with a different set of priorities,
we saw our finances squeezed even further.
And, of course, we're seeing that ongoing at the present time.
We knew things were always going to be intense, to say the least.
What we could never have foresaw was what happened with the Bell Hotel.
And obviously we are still in the process of awaiting when our appeal will be heard against the injunction.
That is in process and we hope to hear early in the new year as to when that date will be.
and we'll keep members posted as we hear anymore.
But I'd like to take this opportunity just to reiterate
my thanks to officers who have worked tirelessly
behind the scenes to get us to where we are now.
It's not perfect.
We don't like the position we find ourselves in,
but I have to say officers have worked highly
on behalf of us as a council,
but most importantly for our residents
who want the hotel closed as quickly as possible.
But we're also looking to the future as well.
As members will know, the interim injunction,
we look to go to the Supreme Court,
but there's no point in going to the Supreme Court
on an interim injunction when you have the full injunction
to be considered.
And let's be clear, all of this could end tomorrow
if the Home Office simply did the right thing
and closed the bell.
We continue to press our case for our officers and in close
liaison with our MP, Neil Hudson.
Perhaps 26 will be the year that the home office finally
sees sense.
It's long overdue.
But despite the challenges of this year,
it's also been a year of real achievements for Epping Forest.
TVS, our new waste company, has had a successful start and we
We heard about their first year in operation.
And of course, as the Chairman just said,
we opened up their new waste hub on Northfield.
It sets us in a good position for the future,
because when you hear me talk about local government
reorganisation, it means that we have services that we'll be able
to use across a bigger scale in the future.
So that's a really good piece of news for us.
And again, as the Chairman has already said,
I think at this time of year we should thank those people who go
out in the cold streets and collect our waste and rubbish.
And obviously we'll be busy over the Christmas period when we're
all having our festive breaks.
They will still be working, still doing their jobs and still
delivering for Epping Forest or taking away from Epping Forest.
I'm sure there's many other councils who would like to be in
our position when it comes to waste collection.
And thank you for Jody, the work she does as chairman,
and of course our brilliant team behind it.
On the same day I visited the new waste hub,
another major investment at Northfield,
our new control tower, also open for the first time.
And the new control tower, not only is it a brilliant thing
to go and see if you get the opportunities,
a new control tower, fire station,
and it brings us into a new level for the airfield,
But what it really shows, and it's the fight that many councillors over the years, and if Councillor Stalin was still amongst us, or Councillor Greig, they fought tirelessly to keep the airfield flying.
And actually it shows our commitment as a council, not only to keep the airfield flying, but to keep it flying into the future.
And the opening of the control tower is really an important feat for all of us.
And I'm pleased to say that the gate guard will be returning soon once the refurbishment
is completed and it will be back in place by the control tower once again.
Another big plus for this council is our council house building programme.
Delivering new council homes for the new century has been something that we've been proud of
for some time.
But Qualis have just delivered 28 new council houses in Waltham Abbey on site of the old
swimming pool.
It is something we should be really proud of.
And in the new year, families will be picking up their keys for the first time.
And that's the best thing you can do for people is to build homes and build homes in the right
places and the homes that are needed for the future.
And remember, our allocation policy puts local people first.
You have to live in the area for seven years before you can even
go on our waiting list, because we believe in supplying homes
for the people of Epping Forest wherever possible.
And, of course, who cannot be proud, now that the road's open,
of our new Epping Sports Centre, which officially opens as a
Councillor Balcombe told us only the other evening
at the cabinet on the 12th of January.
It is absolutely terrific.
Those of us who have had the opportunity to go round
and see the pool and to see the sports centre,
the gym and everything else,
have all been really, really impressed.
And again, the delivery of it,
and I think this is important,
is on time, on budget,
which is what Councillor Murray asked us right from day one.
And one of the reasons for that
is through our brilliant officers and particularly I have to say and I don't often single people out
but Amelia Hoke has done a brilliant job. She has really kept that ticking along and delivered it
and taken a pride in delivering it for Epping Forest so I would like to minute our thanks for
Amelia. It was great though to see this week when the highway reopened and made lives so much easier
for the people, A, to eventually use the new leisure centre,
but also to park in Epping and to get into the town centre
with ease again.
And of course, with Christmas approaching,
we should all be thinking about our high streets at these
difficult times.
All across our district, our small businesses are struggling.
So when you're out doing your Christmas shopping,
do try to use your high streets.
They really do deserve and need your support.
It goes without saying.
It doesn't matter where you are, wherever your local shops are,
please make an effort to actually to use those.
Now, on Monday evening, I presented the budget on behalf
of Holly.
She was doing other things, including getting engaged to
young Joseph.
And I gave the...
I was doing the budget and you realise how challenging this
year's budget will be.
It goes without saying, we know that governments have had to
make tough decisions.
We're still recovering from the pandemic.
The country's finance is pretty shot and there are difficult
decisions to make.
The government settlement will not be kind to us
as Epping Forest.
We are having to put the council tax up by 2 .99 percent
and probably having to make some decisions that we
don't like making.
But budgets are tough, but we have to do the right
thing to protect frontline services.
And that's what this budget will do.
And I know as we get into the new year,
we'll be back to overview and scrutiny to go through
the list of savings again and go through that process.
I think where we've improved the budget making process is more
collaboration across the council.
And we are listening and actually the budget that was
presented on Monday night took on board much of what overview
and scrutiny had said before.
And we will do everything we can to protect those frontline
services that matter.
And I include in that the importance of the Citizens
Advice Bureau as well.
I think they do a fundamentally important piece of work for us
as a district and for the residents of the district,
particularly at a time when one of our biggest challenges
is homelessness.
And in this case, it's homelessness in particular
for young families.
So we should be thinking about that, especially
at this time of year.
We heard Nick mentioned a few moments ago,
and we've heard a couple of mentions of different
issues recently.
Local government reorganisation,
I keep going back to it, my wife and daughter tell me I bored them
senselessly talking about it.
But things like that and highways,
those type of issues will be what we benefit from with local
government real organisation.
It will bring them closer to local people.
And that is one of the big pluses that we will find as we
move forward.
Now, I can't finish this evening without making my personal
thanks to Tom Carr.
I forgot that he's actually retiring tomorrow but he'll never retire.
He'll be back and he'll be assisting us as we move forward and doing that
brilliant role that he does in sometimes tailing me off when I get too stroppy on
a Friday morning we're having our phone calls. But Tom is probably one of the
best advisors you could ask for and over the years he's phoned me up to Chris,
you can't say that, numerous times. I really do appreciate it Tom and all the best for
sort of sending retirement rather than a retirement I'm sure you'll enjoy it but
will enjoy getting you back on a regular basis as well. Members that's my report for this evening just one final
thing just remember to shop local over Christmas. Thank you very much
Cllr Louise Mead - 0:24:18
Councillor Whitbread are there any other cabinet members that would like to add a
verbal update to their written reports? Yes. Thank you chair I just wanted to say
I normally don't speak because the report says it all,
Cllr Smruti Patel - 0:24:29
but I just wanted to speak today because we've had
so many changes in terms of policy updates for housing
that I thought I'd do as a quick overview.
So as a new portfolio holder for housing,
my focus has been on setting clear direction,
strong oversight and a culture of continuous improvement
across housing with tenants at the centre of the work
that we do.
We've strengthened the housing policy framework
to ensure consistency, fairness and compliance,
giving officers and partners clear standards to work to.
I would like to thank the overview and scrutiny committee
for their detailed and constructive review of these policies
and officers for the pace and quality of work in reviewing and implementing them.
We're using tenant satisfaction measures to strategically and to track performance.
Results show that the progress in repairs and tenant engagement
while targeted work is underway to improve complaints handling
and our response to antisocial behaviour, particularly because I know we've improved
but we're not quite there as well. I wanted to raise this point that we are definitely
improving for further up as well. Since the AWABs law came into force, we have embedded
a proactive compliance led approach to damp mould and emergency hazards, putting tenant
safety at first. Alongside this, we're also investing in a long -term quality and sustainability
of our homes through decarbonization,
maintaining strong performance on repairs,
compliance, and fire safety.
And I'm also focused on reducing our reliance on
temporary accommodation through prevention,
better supply, and move on pathways.
My focus is on setting the right direction,
maintaining strong oversight, and ensuring
that this works delivers us the safer homes that we
want, better services, and reduced temporary
accommodation and visible improvements for our
tenants.
So just a really quick run through of everything that all the officers have been working on
in the last few months and I just wanted to reiterate that.
Thank you.
Thank you very much.
Councillor Matthews, did you want to say something?
Cllr Louise Mead - 0:26:28
Cllr Tim Matthews - 0:26:30
Thank you, Chair.
Just to add to my report, taking the opportunity really to share some good news storeys.
Those that attend Cabinet know sometimes I have some challenging reports I have to do
So do excuse me if I repeat any of what the leaders already said, but I would like to
take this opportunity to stress the good news storeys we've got.
At Verdun Place, the development on the St John site, we've now sold eight of the 10
houses and we are currently 200 ,000 ahead of appraisal.
So that's very, very positive.
Another site that Qualis is managing is at Brooker Road as a commercial site, which was
basically in an unletable position.
The building was falling down.
We carried out the necessary demolishing of that.
We've now got that site into a letterboard position.
And we're currently looking at offers of 130 ,000 a year,
which is really strong.
And we're very, very pleased with that.
As the leader said, with regards the Northfield Air Tower,
absolutely incredible development.
And I think not many members will be aware
of how involved QALYST were on that. They were heavily involved in the management of
the development, including the planning side of things. So that was delivered on time and
on budget, which was another real big positive for the team. And finally, the development
at Wolf Mabie, the 28 affordable homes, that consists of 22 two -bedroom and six three -bedroom
houses, again, on time and on budget. So four very good news storeys that I'm pleased to
share with everyone this evening. Thank you. Thank you very much Councillor Matthews.

9 Questions by Members Without Notice

Cllr Louise Mead - 0:28:16
So we're now onto item nine questions by members without notice.
So I will allow the usual 30 minutes for this item.
by raising their hand. You are as brief as you can be and to the point when asking your
question. If you have more than one question, you can ask your second question after everyone
else has asked their question. That way everyone who wants to speak has a chance to speak.
Cllr Stephen Murray - 0:29:03
Councillor Murray. Mine is quite a brief question but a very important
question. Would the leader agree that at this time of the year it's really
important that we as councillors make note of the important contribution of
voluntary groups throughout Eppin Forest. We have a very strong civic society here
in Eppin Forest. We are very blessed by the groups that we've got in all our
communities and the amount of willing volunteers. So would he agree that we
need to say a big thank you to those. And then in particular, and I do want to be parochial,
in particular, would he agree with me that we really should acknowledge all the work
of our community team here in Epping Forest who do absolutely marvellous work, but I have
to say as a road and wall Councillor, the work of Claire Evans in the last two years
on the Oakwood Hill Estate has been simply outstanding. So would he agree with me that
We also need to note and acknowledge that.
Thank you, Chairman.
Thank you, Chairman.
And thank you, Councillor Murray.
Cllr Chris Whitbread - 0:30:14
It's a good opportune moment and Councillor Murray is completely correct.
We have much to be thankful for, especially at a time like this, living in a community
like Eppley Forest.
We have wonderful groups doing wonderful work that often don't get their praises sung loud
enough.
In particular, I'm thinking about food banks, I'm thinking about a whole range of people
who do brilliant work.
in a troubled year that we've had in Epping Forest,
in particular in Epping,
in a troubled year where people have tried
to divide our communities and bring out the worst,
actually those institutions across our district
do wonderful work and actually show
what a beautiful, wonderful community we really are.
And I think that goes without saying.
Can I also add, and I think Councillor Murray
quite rightly picked up on his own estate in Lowton
and the work that's done there by our staff.
But at this time of year, we should be thankful to all those
people who serve us.
And of course, I talk about people who serve us,
whether they're in the police, fire, all the services,
the health service, everybody.
But particularly here in Epping Forest,
and some of our staff are really brilliant.
We, again, the chairman touched upon the youth conference.
That doesn't just happen.
It happens because we've got brilliant staff,
we've got brilliant teachers as well who really do so much good
work with our young people and give us that opportunity for the future.
But here in Epping Forest, I said it about the legal team previously and the brilliant
work they've done for us on the bell and the work that goes on, but everybody works in
this council.
It's a good opportunity just to remember how much goes on behind the scene.
I had the pleasure the other day to speak at the opening of the staff awards where Tom
actually got the top award there, Tom, I understand, wasn't it?
But they're all winners.
And we see these brilliant staff that we've got.
And I have to say, Jen and Andrew have really brought the
staff together as well this year, and a difficult year for
everybody, challenging year.
But can I just take this opportunity just to thank our
staff as well, a minute our thanks for them and everything
that they do across the whole range of services
this council provides.
They do go above and beyond.
I can promise you that I see it more than anyone.
We have got really first -class people working for us here in
Cllr Louise Mead - 0:32:30
forest. Thank you. Councillor Whitehouse. John Whitehouse. Thank you chairman. I mean
Cllr Jon Whitehouse - 0:32:36
I note the government minister wrote to the leader today asking whether or not he thought
elections should go ahead in Epping Forest in May and whether the council had capacity
to deliver the elections. I mean given that the council has been preparing for the elections,
Can I assume his answer will be yes?
Cllr Chris Whitbread - 0:32:58
Thank you, Councillor Whitehouse, for that question.
I was expecting it to come, but if I'm honest with you, I've not even had a look at the
Minister's letter yet, which is not just about whether or not we want elections, it also
mentions are we resourced enough to deal with LGR, which is part of it as well.
But what I will do is I will read the letter this evening after I finish here,
before I go to more meetings in the morning.
I will read the letter this evening.
It's not just a letter to me.
I take the view it's a letter for this whole council.
When it comes to elections, I've got new shoes,
so my shoe lever's ready for a tough campaign next year.
I anticipate there will be elections.
I said that before, I'll say it again now.
But I will look at the letter.
I will speak to group leaders.
It will be a decision for this council, whatever we do.
I will consult, I will read the letter,
and then we may have an extraordinary full council
depending what the group leaders,
and we all come to a conclusion of,
but possibly the 14th of January
should be pencilled in your diary
in case we do decide that there's a need
for the whole council to vote,
but that'd be down to the council,
and I should imagine anything that happens
will be a free vote of this council. It will not be a whipped vote by my side,
but say personally ready for an election, got the shoe leather, new shoes ready,
ready to pound the streets. We've got a good storey to tell here in Epping Forest,
whichever side you're on, but you know we've got the new Sports Centre, we've
got the council houses, we're running a well -run council and we've got a
good storey to tell got nothing to fear from out there the only thing you have
to fear is if you're not doing your job Thank You councillor Whitbread
Cllr Louise Mead - 0:34:50
Cllr Martin Morris - 0:34:55
councillor Morris. Thank you chairman. The Glade Way in Waltham Abbey is a
popular route for constituents taking their children to the Waltham Holy
Cross Primary Academy. This short no through road is marked as a red route
which is in force between 8 and 9 .30am and 2 .30 and 4 .30pm,
which are the school pick -up and drop -off times.
The Red Bridge restrictions mean that there should be no stopping,
not even to pick up and set down passengers.
However, the lack of enforcement has led to residents and parents
walking their children to school to deal with poor and sometimes
very dangerous parking manoeuvres.
And I would like some confirmation that EFDC will ensure that regular
enforcement activities are carried out in the road in order to discourage this
irresponsible behaviour.
Councillor Williamson.
Cllr Ken Williamson - 0:35:44
Thank you chair, thank you Councillor Morris.
Officers advised me that targeted enforcement has been requested at that
particular location and particularly during the school start and finish
times but it may be helpful to all members that members and the public can
request enforcement from any VP through their website.
I know this works because some of the residents in my area
have used it.
They will not turn up within 30 minutes if there's a problem of
actual parked cars that needs immediate removal or immediate
ticketing, but they will take the advantage of the earliest
opportunity to come and enforce.
and I think we all know that when we put the new enforcement areas in place that
that initial targeted enforcement does have to go tail off but if we keep it
going at regular intervals so if there's any area that any member thinks is not
being enforced sufficiently let any PP know and they will try and programme it
Cllr Louise Mead - 0:36:56
accordingly. Thank you councillor Winston. Councillor Morris did you want to come
Cllr Martin Morris - 0:37:01
back on that? Yeah, yeah the only response I made to that is there had been a very
large number of requests made to that website for parking enforcement and
doesn't seem to have had a great deal of effect at the moment. It would be my only
comment on that. Thank you. Did you want to comment on that, Councillor Williams?
Cllr Louise Mead - 0:37:15
Cllr Ken Williamson - 0:37:17
I will mention that at the next joint committee. Thank you.
Cllr Louise Mead - 0:37:21
Councillor Funga. Thank you Chairman. Before I ask my question just to
Cllr Darshan Sunger - 0:37:24
I want to thank Tom Kahn for always being a great person to go to when I was the Chairman
of the Council, always making sure we make the right decisions.
So thank you and wishing you the very best for your future endeavours as well.
My question is to the cabinet member for Community Health and Well -being and my ward, Councillor
for Chigwell with Lambourne, Councillor Caz Risby.
At this time of the year, many people, Chairmen, are feeling the pinch.
What is the council doing to support the children, the young people and the families in our district?
Can I thank you for taking my question but also just to reiterate what the leader said,
we need to support our local businesses, please, please shop local this Christmas. Thank you.
Councillor Iske.
Cllr Kaz Rizvi - 0:38:12
Thank you Councillor Tunga for that question because I think it speaks directly to the pressures many families are facing right now in our district.
At this time of year when costs are rising and choices feel harder, our role as a council
is simple – to make sure no one is left behind.
And that's why I'm so proud of our Christmas Giving campaign, now in its sixth year.
As we heard earlier, our volunteers in our offices wrapped over 700 presents for 260
families, and I'd like to pay tribute to our entire CDW team for their outstanding
efforts.
But it isn't just about presence, it's about dignity and belonging.
Through our strong partnerships with schools, with frontline and emergency services, we're
ensuring that children living in care, temporary accommodation or families facing real hardship
still experience the kindness and joy every child deserves at Christmas.
And for me it epitomises the very best of the people living in our district, kindness,
generosity and a true sense of community. But our support doesn't stop there.
Through the West Essex Health and Care Conference that we hosted in October,
we're investing in families futures, strengthening skills, careers and
community networks that support priorities alongside parents and inspire
our young people to build a resilient local workforce. And with the Health and
Care Careers Fair coming up in January, we're opening doors for the next
generation right here in our district.
Because I know the leader will agree with me in my belief
that local jobs for local people doesn't just make
political or economic sense, it makes common sense.
And with that in mind, I think we are living
in challenging times, but what defines us here
in Epping Forest is our compassion, partnership,
and action, and this is the council which will continue
to shape and grow our future.
Thank you.
Cllr Louise Mead - 0:40:10
Cllr Tom Bromwich - 0:40:13
Thank you. Councillor Bromwich. Thank you very much chair and thank you very much
Tom for all your service at this council I know we've had quite a few
conversations this year but I really appreciate your one -on -one support
throughout the entire year I know it's not been easy. Madam chair I'm happy to
say that whilst it is Christmas it's something that's almost as important
as important it's my birthday today.
Awwww.
Applause.
Applause.
And one of the things that's common with birthdays is to request or put on your lists and gifts.
So, Councillor Williamson, I'm not going to ask you to sing happy birthday to me but...
Laughter.
Or at least not here, maybe afterwards.
As a portfolio holder for sustainable transport,
will you lend your support for my campaign to reconnect
Hastingswood and Foster Street, two very rural villages
in my ward, with a bus service so its residents can get to
Epping and Harlow and benefit from cheap,
sustainable public transport?
And in a similar theme, how is EFDC supporting the expansion
of busses in the east and the more rural parts of our district and will it increase funding
to Epping Forest Community Transport next year?
Thank you.
Thank you.
Happy birthday to you.
Cllr Ken Williamson - 0:41:36
Thank you, Chair.
Thank you, Councillor Bromwich.
I'm happy to look at any proposals you bring forward and see how we can move them forward.
budgets, everything in all of these things as we all know.
But yeah, I'm happy to look at any proposals.
Cllr Louise Mead - 0:42:00
Thank you and happy birthday.
We have Councillor McIvor.
Thank you Madam Chairman.
Happy birthday Councillor Bromwich.
Cllr Jaymey McIvor - 0:42:09
I was horrified to learn of the state
of temporary accommodation that a resident
was living in, a heavily pregnant young female who was outside of this district accommodated
in the most vulgar of accommodation with mould in the curtains, on the roof, with blood -stained
mattresses, with bugs flying around the room. I could list. The list goes on. I am very
grateful to the officers that acted quickly, including our chief executive, to quickly
remove that vulnerable person from the accommodation but also that now there are, as a result of
this incident, there won't just be biannual visits to accommodations, there will now be
alternative visits to ensure that temporary accommodation is to an acceptable standard.
I'm saddened that it's taken a case like this and there are other cases that have since
been brought to my attention in order for action to be taken. I appreciate officers
are under pressure with their day job anyway. So I have a question and that question is
would you like residents to be trained to do inspections of these accommodations on
a voluntary basis, a mystery shopping type scenario to ensure that we have regular inspections
unannounced to these accommodations so no Epping Forest resident, no matter how vulnerable
they may be could find themselves in such horrendous accommodation. If I may, Madam
Chairman, I believe that the issue of the elections cannot wait until mid -January. The
letter is only two pages. May I suggest that we get it on the screen and we get the Council
to agree whether we want elections or not to take place? It should not really be a question.
It should just be a case of we all want elections because we believe in democracy. Thank you.
Thank you, Councillor McFarland. There's two questions. Who's going to take the first question about the accommodation?
Anybody from the cabinet?
Councillor Patel?
Sorry, yeah, sorry, I was just discussing in between.
Cllr Smruti Patel - 0:44:15
No, I think we already have. We've already got the powers that anyone can go in and have the inspections done as well.
But yes, on that note as well, thank you for bringing that up.
We'll do our best and it's a shame that these things do happen, but yeah, we're definitely hot on it now. Thanks.
Thank you. We had a question about the election. Did you want to add to that?
Thank you, I want to quickly come back on the homelessness and temporary accommodation
Cllr Holly Whitbread - 0:44:38
issue. Obviously it is absolutely dreadful to hear of accommodation like that and I do
agree that accommodation should be inspected more regularly. It should also be noted we
have a temporary accommodation crisis. Members who have attended the budget briefings will
know the pressure we have around temporary accommodation.
It'd be a huge cost and challenge to our finance.
And as a council, we're working to get more
of our own owned temporary accommodation as well.
So I think it's just worth highlighting the pressures
that we face around that.
Obviously, first of all, we want to prioritise
putting people in Epping Forest District where we can.
Unfortunately, sometimes we do have to provide accommodation
outside of the district because of those pressures.
But I think that's just a really important point
to highlight.
I'm not sure about residents doing inspections.
Obviously it would take the work to train them up
and make sure that they were looking for the right things,
but certainly increasing inspections of our officers
of the accommodation we're using,
because I believe it's only several hotels
rather than many hotels outside of the district.
So I think that would be a sensible step forward.
Thank you, Chairman.
Thank you, Councillor Whitbread.
We also had, sorry, Councillor Patel, did you want to?
Just to really quickly add to that,
Cllr Louise Mead - 0:45:48
we do also get priced out of the market
Cllr Smruti Patel - 0:45:50
in Epping Forest as well,
because of other authorities who then give
all these caveats to the landlords in our area so we're a bit stuck and we
have to find this accommodation outside of the district and then sometimes
they're not up to our level but yeah we're definitely working on them.
Cllr Louise Mead - 0:46:09
Okay thank you Councillor Patel. We also had a second question about the timetable
for decision on elections. Councillor Whitbread. Yeah thank you
Cllr Chris Whitbread - 0:46:13
Cllr Louise Mead - 0:46:19
Chairman. Chairman I've been clear enough. Thank you. Okay okay thank you. Is there
anybody else there's quite a few that we haven't had the names down so can we
just put your hands up if you still like to speak we didn't have your names and
in council council church do you want to speak thank you madam chair this is a
Cllr Bob Church - 0:46:40
question for the finance and economic development portfolio holder Hollywood
Bread could you please tell us what we as a council are doing to support our
local businesses and farmers at this tough time so that we can ensure
businesses and farms have the support they needed to go forward in success.
Who wants to speak about that? Thank you Chairman and thank you to
Cllr Holly Whitbread - 0:47:06
Councillor Church for that question. We all know it's been a particularly
challenging year or so for businesses and for farms in particular with the
punitive taxes from government but also the recent budget hitting business hard again.
In Epping Forest District, one of the first things we're doing particularly in this festive
season is providing free parking in our car parks during the weekends in December. This
is really important to encourage people to shop local. Another initiative that we are
working on is the town centre partnerships and this is working to revitalise the town
partnerships working directly with businesses.
I know that's going really well, particularly in Debdon.
I know Councillor Rackham's been working hard
with the team there, and we're really trying
to bring those back to life.
Waltham Abbey in particular has a very vibrant
town centre partnership, which is doing well.
I know in Epping we have an ambition to restart that
and ensure businesses are fully engaged,
and that's really important to ensure businesses
are talking to each other and working together
to promote their areas alongside the council.
all. In the new year we're looking for initiatives to promote our local high street shops and
businesses and encourage people to shop local. In relation to farms obviously our ability
as a district council is somewhat limited but in terms of offering and promoting the
services that farmers provide also providing support through our various services and organisations
who can provide advice in difficult times. Thank you chairman.
Thank you, Councillor Holy -Whitbread.
Councillor Amos.
Cllr Louise Mead - 0:48:39
Thank you, Madam Chairman.
Cllr Clive Amos - 0:48:42
I originally put my hand up to ask a question about local government reorganisation, but
the leader in his comprehensive reply to Councillor Whitehouse covered the points that I was going
to make.
But I wonder if I can just take this opportunity.
It will be just one question.
Can I very gently request that when we're using TLAs,
three letter abbreviations in our reports,
can we first of all define them?
Some I know, some I can guess,
and some I haven't got a clue what they're talking about.
And if I could just illustrate what I mean.
I mean, SLT, Senior Leadership Team, spell it out first,
and then in parenthesis, SLT,
and then we perhaps would all understand it.
I'd say a general request but I would appreciate it. Thank you.
Cllr Louise Mead - 0:49:36
Thank you Councillor Amos. I completely agree if we could try and do that. I think we all feel very
similar. We all know our, we all know the initials for things we're working on but that doesn't mean
everyone else does. So if we could try and think about that for the future. Great point. Thank you.
Cllr Shane Yerrell - 0:49:51
Councillor Yeryl. Thank you Chairman. Happy birthday to Councillor Bromwich and happy Christmas to
all of our members. There will be a question at the end of it so I'll try and make it quick.
As we enter the Christmas period, I think it's important to remember that not everybody will be looking forward to it.
There are people that are sleeping out in the cold with nowhere to call home.
Statistics from last year show that 1 ,611 people experiencing homelessness died, which was a 9 % increase from the previous year.
55 % of those deaths were recorded as deaths of despair.
There are also people who have homes but will still be spending Christmas alone.
There are children who have lost parents and parents who have lost children and will be
spending their first Christmases without them.
On that note, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the young girl who was sadly
hit by a train at Loughton station just a few days ago and send my thoughts and prayers
to her family.
I'm here if they need anything.
I would also like to send my thoughts to a longstanding Waltham Abbey resident, Abby
Johnson who was sexually assaulted and has waived her right to anonymity to speak out
earlier this week. She is also going into Christmas struggling with the fact of what's
happened and that she's lost her job as a result of the sexual assault. Finally, I'd
like to send my thoughts to the 14 year old and the 26 year old girls who were sexually
assaulted just around the corner and are going into the Christmas period desperately trying
rebuild their lives and their confidence. We often take things for granted and forget just how lucky
we are to wake up every day and have a roof over our head, food on the table and be around
our loved ones. As I was saying a lot of people won't have that opportunity this year.
All of the people that I've mentioned above would have felt alone and lost at some point.
So my question is, we have been elected to serve these residents.
Will members of the council take a moment to stand and applaud all of these people that
have been through hardship, tragedy and a grieving and applaud their bravery to show
that we are standing beside them over this Christmas period should they need us.
Thank you.
Cllr Louise Mead - 0:52:35
Thank you Councillor Yeryl and our thoughts and condolences with all of those people you
about is we all feel very much similar and think about them at Christmas. Okay we now have Councillor
Cllr Maria Markham - 0:52:52
Markham. Thank you chair. Firstly I would like to thank our chairman Louise Mead for leading our
meetings with such strength and dignity.
And happy birthday, Councillor Bromwich. In light of recent events at the Bell
Hotel and hearing on more and more of our young women being sexually assaulted
and violated, I would like to ask what measures are being implemented to ensure
the safety and protection of our women and children in the community. As many
community members that continue to be anxious about this situation it's
important for us to understand the steps being taken if someone would reply thank
you thank you thank you for your comments council Markham and who would
Cllr Louise Mead - 0:53:37
like to do with that from the cabinet yes council yeah thank you chairman
Cllr Chris Whitbread - 0:53:43
chairman it's a situation we take very seriously at this council and that's why
we've taken the actions that we've taken what we have to remember is the Home
office didn't listen to us over the Bell Hotel.
They declined to take on board our advice that it was an
inappropriate location.
And of course as a council we raise our concerns whenever we
are aware of those type of situations.
However, this is a multi -partnership issue,
not just down to the district council.
District council has very limited powers.
We are not responsible for the actions that require the police
to be engaged. It needs a whole multitude of people engaged to try and address these
issues but primarily it is an issue for the police where safety is involved. We have been
liaising with the police on a regular basis and we want to make sure everybody is safe.
It's very important that women and children in particular are looked after and made sure
that they're safe and feel safe in our community, along with gentlemen as well.
There are many times when people feel threatened within the community. In fact
some of what we've seen in recent times has made people feel uneasy for a whole
range of issues. But primarily we have a community well -being team who engage
with the police. We work alongside the police wherever we can and of course
whenever we have concerns we raise those concerns. It's not many councils across
the country have done what Epping Forest has done and literally gone to try and fight for
an injunction and try and do the right thing.
We are probably a council that many people are looking at at the present time, but most
importantly our faults always are with the victims of anybody, as we've seen previously,
and most importantly we will always do the best we can, but we are not able to do everything.
Thank you, Councillor Whitbread. Councillor Markham, did you want to come back on that?
Cllr Louise Mead - 0:55:47
Cllr Maria Markham - 0:55:51
Thank you, Councillor Whitbread. I appreciate that. I would just like to take a moment on
behalf of myself and many women to give thanks to a local movement called the Pink Ladies
in all that they are doing in coming out in a peaceful process, in raising their concerns
about protecting the safety and the rights of women and children set up by women for
mothers, grandmothers, young girls, children.
It's about making a stand, having a voice and being heard with passion and drive to
try and make a change for a safer future for our children in this country.
Pink ladies, they are supported by men and those feeling enough is enough.
Let's face it, we've all been let down at the government of throwing us to the wolves.
Where is the safeguarding?
Where is the justice?
Having been assaulted myself as a young girl, I relate to how these young girls may feel
being afraid to talk, being shut down, feeling like it's their fault, discarded,
brushed aside like they have no importance, have no value to this world,
basically thrown to the wolves. Women in Britain, their bodies belong to no one
but themselves and if this government are making this choice we need to
provide our own safeguarding and protection in any way we can. Thank you.
Thank you, Councillor Markham.
Cllr Louise Mead - 0:57:05
Councillor Morgan.
Cllr Lisa Morgan - 0:57:12
We have heard some awful things this evening and we have heard some happy things as well,
birthdays, engagements, retirements. I would like to make Councillor Palcom quite happy
for once. I haven't got a question for him. This one is actually for the Leader of the
Council. You answered part of my question to Councillor Whitehouse about the upcoming
elections, but does the leader of the council agree with the leader of his party and the
district that the cancelation of elections to Essex County Council for the second year
in a row and to cancel the EFDC elections is a democratic disgrace and that anyone who
is up for re -election and also votes for cancelation should call a by -election to seek fresh mandate
should these elections not take place?
Thank you, Councillor Morgan. Who would like to answer that?
Cllr Chris Whitbread - 0:58:22
I have to say that I have not read the Government's letter yet on a notice. I still say the same
as what I said before.
However, I will agree, I believe in democracy.
I believe if someone is elected as a party,
then has to step down from that party
because they kicked out and they should call a by -election
and actually show their integrity at that point.
Fact.
But me personally, I believe in democracy.
My shoes are ready for the election.
Let's see what happens.
Thank you.
So, oh, do you want to come back on that one?
Cllr Louise Mead - 0:58:55
Cllr Lisa Morgan - 0:58:59
Cllr Louise Mead - 0:59:01
just thank you very much for that so that that was our 30 minutes exactly

10 Statement of Licensing Policy

thank you so item number 10 is the statement of licencing policy which can
be found on pages 38 to 59 of our agenda I ask Councillor Cascia to please
Cllr Paul Keska - 0:59:27
present the report. Thanks 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 it has now been
reviewed, reconsulted upon and must be approved by full council before being
adopted for a further period.
The policy sets out the principles
the Council will generally apply to promote the licencing
objectives.
We're making licencing decisions and aims
to provide guidance to applicants, residents,
businesses, and the wider community about the approach
we will take as a licencing authority.
In determining the 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 on the proposed policy and the Council's
licencing team has consulted widely on the revised statement of licencing policy by letter, email,
social media and on its website. Details of those consulted can be found in the report
and at Appendix 2 of the draught statement of licencing policy.
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 a local resident.
No objections were received to the proposed policy.
However, one minor amendment was requested by Essex County Fire and Rescue Service.
The policy has been updated to reflect this request.
However, no further amendments have been required.
Having considered the revised statement of licencing policy,
cabinet and over overview and scrutiny recommend to the council that they
approve the revised statement of licencing policy. Thank you councillor
Cllr Louise Mead - 1:01:50
Kesker. Do we have any questions on that report at all from anybody?
Members can we agree the adoption of the revised statement of licencing policy
and as listed on page 39 of your report. Thank you. So item 11 is the pay

11 Pay Policy Statement 2026/27

policy statement which can be found on pages 60 to 69 of our agenda. May I ask
Councillor Holly Whitbread to present the report. Thank you Chairman. I hope
Cllr Holly Whitbread - 1:02:17
members have had an opportunity to look at this report and the report was
considered by cabinet last week and the recommendation to Council is
to approve the pay policy statement for 2026 and 2027.
This is a report that we are,
we have to do as part of the Localism Act 2011,
and it sets out our numeration policy as a council
with particular focus on both low and high pay.
I'm happy to take any questions.
Thank you, Chairman.
Members, do we have any questions on the report?
Cllr Louise Mead - 1:02:54
and I can see Councillor John Whitehouse.
Cllr Jon Whitehouse - 1:02:59
More comment than a question, as I say, but I say this most years,
and I accept the pay policy meets the minimum requirements of the Act,
but it also says in the report it is possible to go further.
And as I said before, I think to give a full picture of the Council activity,
the pay policy would be more useful and more transparent
if we included the Council -owned companies as well as the Council itself.
Cllr Louise Mead - 1:03:26
Okay, thank you. Do we have any other questions or comments about the report?
So members, can we agree the recommendation to approve the pay policy statement for 2026 -2027
as listed on page 60 of your report?
Agreed.
Thank you.

12 Member Allowance Scheme 2026-27

Item 12 is the member allowance scheme which can be found on pages 70 to 97 of our agenda.
May I ask Mr Woodhill to present the report please?
Thank you, Chairman, and thank you, members.
Gary Woodhall - 1:03:56
Unfortunately, none of the members of the member remuneration panel could be here tonight
for various different reasons.
The panel met in November to consider the Council's member remuneration scheme for 26 -27.
The panel accepted the Council's current budgetary situation and did not recommend any changes
to the special responsibility allowances, nor to the implementation schedule either.
However, given that there was a small saving from the number of planning committees reducing from four to two,
they have recommended a small increase in the basic allowance for members from £4 ,600 per annum to £4 ,700 per annum.
As members are probably aware, the panel have felt for several years now that the basic allowance for Epping Forest councillors
was falling progressively behind the basic allowance paid to councillors at other authorities.
Indeed, this council is now the lowest in comparison to the other district
councils in Essex and also the other district councils in the family group.
Therefore the panel have recommended a small increase in the basic allowance
for all councillors with effect from the 1st of June 2026. Thank you chairman.
Cllr Louise Mead - 1:05:07
Thank you Mr. Woodall. Do we have any questions on that report?
Councillor Whitford, I'll go with you first.
Yeah, thank you, Chairman.
Cllr Chris Whitbread - 1:05:16
A comment rather than a question on the report,
so Mr Woodall will be happy, so I'm not being challenging.
The increase to the basic allowance is a minor increase,
but we are going through a really,
really tough budget programme at the moment.
In particular, we've had the settlement
government today and I think, oh, yesterday,
and the figures don't look brilliant.
You know, I think I know with Loxar I had a finance into a
small room to comb through the figures.
It's a great big long document that I've been talking to my
officers at county about all day today.
It's a big piece of work.
But we know how tight things are going to be.
And I would like to suggest that we pot off a decision on members' allowances until we
have a better idea of where the budget is.
Because whilst I'm very mindful, I'm asking officers to find big savings in service areas
and we don't have to stop doing some things.
So I just don't think we should have a small amount is, I think it's a principle that we
should just wait until we see the final figures for the budget in January before
Cllr Louise Mead - 1:06:36
we make any decisions. Okay I'm just going to go to the three councils and put
their hands up. So it's then councillor Tom Bromwich first. Thank you chair I
Cllr Tom Bromwich - 1:06:44
think I agree with everything the leader just said I think I'm just thinking of
this from a PR perspective about how it looks for us to be awarding ourselves a
a pay rise when everyone else out there is having it so tough and when we're looking
at a difficult budget.
And I'm just wondering whether it has been considered that we do have outstanding legal
fees.
I'm not going to go into it at all.
But I'm just thinking from an external perspective, I feel like any money that we have lying around
needs to go to that rather than increasing council tax, which I know hasn't been confirmed
at all.
but I just think I'm just thinking of the PR perspective of that and lucky you
Tom you're off so you don't have to deal with this but I'm wondering if that has
Cllr Louise Mead - 1:07:36
been considered. Thank you. Councillor John Whitehouse. Yeah I mean the other
Cllr Jon Whitehouse - 1:07:38
thing I suppose to add to what's been said is that if there are no elections
next year the argument that we need extra money to recruit candidates which
I never really have found is true in my case and won't apply in any case.
Thank you and Councillor Lisa Morgan.
Cllr Louise Mead - 1:07:54
Cllr Lisa Morgan - 1:07:59
Thank you Chair. I totally agree with what the Leader says but I would like to say I
think we just shouldn't have them full stop. Sorry we haven't got the money, we've got
a struggle with the budget and we shouldn't have an increase at all. The money could go
to all tougher things. Thank you, Councillor Morgan.
Cllr Chris Whitbread - 1:08:19
Chairman, there are no changes in the allowances. What we're talking about is a
municipal change of a hundred per... yeah, so we're not doing it. Well, we're not
going to consider it until we come to the budget, but that's a member choice as
we come to the budget, but no members are getting a major increase and none of us
ever in this office, in these offices, go into being a councillor for the
sake of the funds and the money that we get, at the end of the day, we spend hours doing
this and it really just covers costs, to be honest with you, and certainly doesn't recruit
people as Councillor Whitehouse tried to suggest.
Cllr Louise Mead - 1:08:55
Thank you, Councillor Whitbread. So, Councillor Chris Whitbread, are you proposing to defer
Cllr Chris Whitbread - 1:09:11
the decision for this item. Chairman I'm proposing that we thank the
remuneration panel for their work that goes into coming up with this report and
we will consider what to do with this report when we get to the budget making
process in January but at this stage no we're not accepting any increase in the
member remuneration the basic allowance until we know what the budget says.
Thank you council Whitby. Do you have a seconder for your proposal?
Councillor Balcombe. Do you wish to speak at the moment?
Cllr Louise Mead - 1:09:38
We also have Councillor Whitehouse.
Cllr Jon Whitehouse - 1:09:45
The point of personal information, because I think I was misheard or mis -bake,
it's the panel who suggested that the remuneration had an influence on criminal councillors.
That's never been my experience.
And Councillor Murray.
Cllr Stephen Murray - 1:10:04
Yes, thank you, Chairman. We made a decision as a Council by not increasing in the past
a long time ago that we were going to be one of the lowest in Essex and one of the lowest
in the comparative family group in terms of expenses or allowances rather. I don't think
it's either neither here nor there in the last two years of Epping Forest that we increase
by a hundred independent panels recommendation I think we should just
fix it as it is for the next two years and we remain at 4600 and we don't need
to consider it as part of the budget we just say thank you for your work but no
Cllr Louise Mead - 1:10:48
thanks. Thank you Councillor Murray and Councillor Tom Bromwich did you have your
hands up again I was told you did is there anybody else that wanted to comment
on this? Councillor McIver. Thank you Madam Chair I just want to briefly mention
Cllr Jaymey McIvor - 1:10:56
£100 is a lot of money to many people in Epping Forest and I think we should be careful
about how we discuss miniscule amounts of money. I appreciate in the proportion of a
multi -million pound organisation £100 doesn't make a huge difference to the budget but I
think we should be very careful about how we speak. We've heard about how people in
our district are up against it at the moment and I think it's important just to bear that
principle in mind and to add my personal view. My personal view is that we should just be
saying thank you very much for their hard work we don't need to consider as
part of our budget because we don't intend to raise our allowances full
Cllr Louise Mead - 1:11:32
stock thank you okay is there anybody else I've missed he wants to talk about
this proposal to defer okay council but but did you want to speak German I'm
Cllr Chris Whitbread - 1:11:41
happy to go what council Morris suggested and just put a freeze on it
but I do think we should when we when we look at the budget we look at it in the
round and that includes this but I'm happy not to take any increase so I
that's the sensible future and I agree with Councillor Murray I'm happy to second his proposal.
Cllr Louise Mead - 1:12:00
So Councillor Whitbread are you prepared to withdraw your motion to defer?
Cllr Chris Whitbread - 1:12:05
Yeah I'm happy to withdraw my initial proposal and go with what Councillor Murray has suggested
that we have a two -year freeze.
Cllr Louise Mead - 1:12:13
everybody rejects it right so what's the question we're asking so they're clear
sorry councils I'm just getting exactly clear what you'll be voting on sorry not
so we don't
So councillors we are going to vote on it the six the six recommendations
We're going to vote on each of them individually. You should have them in front of you so we don't have to read them out again
So one and two together
One and two first.
And if it's a council's wish to do as Councillor Murray says,
then they need to reject those.
So those four, one and two, those against one and two?
I'm sorry, like that?
Yes, they still need to pass the Members' Allowance Scheme,
so they still need to have five, but five won't have the increase.
Right, okay, you might need to help us go on.
Right, so we're going to go with, first we're going to vote on the,
so if you've all got it in front of you, the six recommendations,
We're going to vote on one and two on block just one and two. So all those for the recommendations one and two
Cllr Louise Mead - 1:14:04
Gary Woodhall - 1:14:10
If sorry if it's the council's wish to
Andrew Small - 1:14:14
Do as councillor Murray suggests then you need to reject one and two
and then probably agree the other options instead.
So on one and two again, if members want to,
to do as Councillor Murray says,
then they need to vote against those recommendations.
So those that want to freeze,
want to freeze it, they would vote against one and two.
Cllr Louise Mead - 1:14:37
So if you want to choose to freeze the amount
and you would vote against one or two.
Let's start with those for one and two. None. Those against points one and two.
Unanimous, Chairman. Thank you.
Cllr Louise Mead - 1:15:05
We are going to take three, four, five and six on block.
Just to clarify, you do need a members allowance scheme, so really you need to agree those
recommendations for clarity.
Andrew Small - 1:15:18
So three, four, five and six, those that agree.
Cllr Louise Mead - 1:15:21
Unanimous, Chairman.
We need to vote on the amendment for one.
Cllr Louise Mead - 1:15:28
The amendment was to keep the basic allowance at 4 ,600.
Gary Woodhall - 1:15:36
We have rejected the original recommendation for it to go up to 4700.
We need a vote now to keep it at 4600 for two years as suggested by Councillor Murray.
We will vote on it anyway.
Cllr Louise Mead - 1:15:47
Are those four keeping the same amount, 4200 for the next two years?
All those for that?
Virtually unanimous, Chairman.
I think there was one or two extensions.
Cllr Louise Mead - 1:16:03
Cllr Stephen Murray - 1:16:09
I have to say, Chairman, by dealing with number two, we have already done that.
I understand that, but we have had a bit of an argument up here, so we are still going
Cllr Louise Mead - 1:16:14
with it. And abstentions?
None, Chairman.
fine

13 Calendar of Meetings 2026/27

Gary Woodhall - 1:16:20
Cllr Louise Mead - 1:16:22
okay so we now have uh item where are we oh we've got item 13 the
calendar of meetings 26 27 these can be found on pages 98 to 105
of the agenda may i ask council Chris Whitbread to
present the report please
Cllr Chris Whitbread - 1:16:47
Thank you, Chairman. The calendar of meetings is always one of the longest debates that
we have every year, but of course it's when we put Mr Woodall into a darkened room and
he works out when meetings will be held each year and trying to avoid all holidays that
may be of interest to members. But members, you have before you the calendar of meetings
for the coming municipal year and I ask you to agree them. They have been through various
different committees in particularly cabinet but last Monday and I just asked
for members support for what's what's before us. We have Councillor Murray that
Cllr Louise Mead - 1:17:24
Cllr Stephen Murray - 1:17:26
would like to speak. Yes I did give notice to the chair of the Communities
Committee on Tuesday to talk to officers before tonight's meeting so I could have
this reassurance. I was pleased to see that there were more community meetings
scheduled in this calendar than there was in last year's calendar. We actually had more
added in the end but I did seek an assurance at communities and asked the chairman to have
talks to officers and I assume she has had those talks. Can she give members an assurance
that we have the required number of community committees in this calendar that we need to
carry out our business.
Thank you, Councillor Murray.
Cllr Louise Mead - 1:18:10
We've got Councillor Bromwich, no.
Okay, Councillor Lucas.
Yeah.
Thank you, Chairman.
Cllr Jodie Lucas - 1:18:18
I was just going to come back to Councillor Murray's comments.
And yes, I can give you that assurance that this, what is scheduled is a repeat of what
was necessary this year.
Obviously there is the option to add additional meetings as we did this year.
So that will be possible next year if the chairman feels it's necessary to do so.
Thank you.
Thank you, Councillor Lucas.
Cllr Louise Mead - 1:18:46
Okay, so members, can we agree the recommendation that the calendar of meetings for 2026 -27
as listed on page 98 of your report be adopted?
Agreed.
Thank you.

14 Motions

Item 14, our motions.
and Mr. Woodall do we have any motions?
No Chairman, no motions for consideration tonight,
thank you.
So now we're on item 15.
Gary Woodhall - 1:19:07
Cllr Louise Mead - 1:19:09
This is the report from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

15 Overview and Scrutiny Committee

May I ask Councillor Baldwin to present his report please?
You may indeed Chairman, thank you.
Yes, so,
Cllr Roger Baldwin - 1:19:17
well there's not been a meeting of the Overview
and Scrutiny since the last four Council meeting.
We did have something which was called a budget briefing.
We've done that in the previous, for a few years now.
And as I reported to cabinet, I don't want to repeat verbatim
exactly what I said in cabinet, but yeah, we just go through our
spending priorities, and we had a few appendices, went through
spending priorities when we come to formulate the budget, which I
think is going to be in February.
The leader will correct me on that one.
So we found that a very, very useful meeting to thrash out our spending priorities and
I'm sure we will continue with that in subsequent years.
There is an additional thing which I want to bring up and I think you're aware of this,
is that the Community Scrutiny Committee recognised the value and perspective on independent co -op member
is to bring a new co -optee onto the communities committee
since the unfortunate passing away of Wynn.
So, and they've requested that officers started the process
of identifying a suitable candidate
to ensure that tenants opinions and input
would be considered.
So overview and scrutiny have very much supported
this approach.
Anyway, on the 16th of December,
myself and the chair of communities, Councillor Lucas, met with Ms Narinder Lard, known as
Sonia and who has a wealth of appropriate experience. She is active on our tenants and
leaseholders panel and has been involved in consultation on policy with the housing service.
So I must apologise, I do not have a written report due to the timing of our meeting, but
If it is acceptable to the chairman,
I would like to propose to council
that Noreen de Lard be appointed as a co -opted member
of the community's scrutiny committee
until the end of the municipal year.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you, Councillor Baldwin.
Cllr Louise Mead - 1:21:37
So members, do I have your agreement
that we approve this appointment for Noreen de Lard
to be co -opted as a member
of the overview and scrutiny panel?
Agreed.

16 Joint Arrangements & External Organisations

Thank you. So agenda item 60. Oh sorry Councillor Placa I didn't see you sorry.

15 Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Thanks Chairman it's probably the best time to say it now but as I'm sure you
Cllr Joseph Parsons - 1:22:02
all know we've got TFL coming to place on the 27th of January. Any questions
need to be sent in advance so any any questions please get them sent over to
Laura by the 5th of January and to be considered. Thank you. Thank you very much

16 Joint Arrangements & External Organisations

Cllr Louise Mead - 1:22:16
Thank you. So agenda item 16 is the joint arrangements of external organisations. Do
any members have any reports they would like to present this evening? Council McIver. Thank you
Cllr Jaymey McIvor - 1:22:29
Madam Chair. It's a brief report with relation to the citizens advice. I had the pleasure of meeting
the citizens advice bureau for Epping Forest as part of my appointment to support them and I have
some very interesting statistics which I think should be shared and we should be proud of our
Council's commitment to support citizens' advice, and I welcome the leaders' commitment
to do that again this evening. First of all, there are both advisors and supervisors, and
I think it is very impressive that many people are having significant training to deal with
complex advice, of course, citizens' advice being that signpost to help people get to
the right place. 80 per cent of people that have used Epping Forest citizens' advice believe
that their problems have been solved. 75 % said they could not have done it without citizens'
advice. 90 % said they had a way forward thanks to citizens' advice. Four in 10 say that life
is better thanks to citizens' advice Bureau. I think that is something that we should be
proud of here in Epping Forest. I encourage all members that we all receive significant
different amounts of casework, many of which is not relevant to our roles as district councillors.
I am fortunate to be a council councillor, that is helpful. Many of us receive complex
queries from residents that perhaps should go to a member of parliament, but not always
do you get where you want to go in a very long queue to a member of parliament. We have
a very unique opportunity to refer people to Waltham Abbey, where they have representatives
from Universal Credit, the District Council and QALIS. There is a fantastic hub at the
Waltham Abbey Leisure Centre and I encourage all members to signpost their residence there.
But also when we do have those complex matters which relate to things like His Majesty's
prison service, the court services and supporting victims of crime, the Citizens Advice Bureau
is a fantastic resource. We must use it and I am of the belief that if you don't use it,
you lose it and I'm not referring to this council's commitment but more
broadly speaking these people want to help people and I think perhaps it would
be routine for me to take this opportunity to put on record our thanks
as a council to Epping Forest Systems Advice Bureau who are doing an
incredible job for us. Thank you. Thank you Councillor McIver. Do we have any
Cllr Louise Mead - 1:24:51
other reports from external organisations at all? No. Okay thank you.

17 Exclusion of Public and Press

So item number 17 on our agenda is the exclusion of public and press. There's no
items for consideration at the exclusion of the public and press so I'd like to
take the opportunity to wish everyone here, members here and everyone who's
watching the webcast warm greetings for the season. I'd like you all to just
wait behind after the meeting closes for an announcement but I'm going to
close the meeting formally at 8 .25pm.
Cllr Clive Amos
District councillor for Theydon Bois with Passingford ward
Liberal Democrats
View profile Cllr Clive Amos
Cllr Roger Baldwin
District councillor for Loughton Forest ward
Loughton Residents Association
View profile Cllr Roger Baldwin
Cllr Tom Bromwich
District councillor for North Weald Bassett ward
Independent
View profile Cllr Tom Bromwich
Cllr Bob Church
District councillor for Buckhurst Hill West ward
Conservative Party
View profile Cllr Bob Church
Cllr Howard Kauffman
District councillor for Loughton St John's ward
Loughton Residents Association
View profile Cllr Howard Kauffman
Cllr Paul Keska
District councillor for Ongar ward
Conservative Party
View profile Cllr Paul Keska
Cllr Jodie Lucas
District councillor for Waltham Abbey West ward
Conservative Party
View profile Cllr Jodie Lucas
Cllr Maria Markham
District councillor for Waltham Abbey South and Rural ward
Independent
View profile Cllr Maria Markham
Cllr Tim Matthews
District councillor for Waltham Abbey South and Rural ward
Conservative Party
View profile Cllr Tim Matthews
Cllr Jaymey McIvor
District councillor for Ongar ward
Independent
View profile Cllr Jaymey McIvor
Cllr Louise Mead
District councillor for Loughton Fairmead ward
Loughton Residents Association
View profile Cllr Louise Mead
Cllr Lisa Morgan
District councillor for Grange Hill ward
Independent
View profile Cllr Lisa Morgan
Cllr Martin Morris
District councillor for Waltham Abbey North ward
Labour Party
View profile Cllr Martin Morris
Cllr Stephen Murray
District councillor for Loughton Roding ward
Independent
View profile Cllr Stephen Murray
Cllr Joseph Parsons
District councillor for Waltham Abbey West ward
Conservative Party
View profile Cllr Joseph Parsons
Cllr Smruti Patel
District councillor for Buckhurst Hill West ward
Conservative Party
View profile Cllr Smruti Patel
Cllr Sheree Rackham
District councillor for Loughton Roding ward
Loughton Residents Association
View profile Cllr Sheree Rackham
Cllr Kaz Rizvi
District councillor for Chigwell with Lambourne ward
Conservative Party
View profile Cllr Kaz Rizvi
Andrew Small
Chief Executive (Acting)
Epping Forest District Council
View profile Andrew Small
Cllr Darshan Sunger
District councillor for Chigwell with Lambourne ward
Conservative Party
View profile Cllr Darshan Sunger
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 Jon Whitehouse
District councillor for Epping East ward
Liberal Democrats
View profile Cllr Jon Whitehouse
Cllr Ken Williamson
District councillor for Buckhurst Hill West ward
Conservative Party
View profile Cllr Ken Williamson
Gary Woodhall
Team Manager - Democratic and Electoral Services
Epping Forest District Council
View profile Gary Woodhall
Cllr Shane Yerrell
District councillor for Waltham Abbey West ward
Independent
View profile Cllr Shane Yerrell