Council - Thursday 9 April 2026, 7:00pm - Epping Forest District Council webcasts

Council
Thursday, 9th April 2026 at 7:00pm 

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  1. Cllr Louise Mead
  2. Gary Woodhall
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  1. Gary Woodhall
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  42. Cllr Louise Mead
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  1. Webcast Finished

1 Webcasting Introduction

Councillor Louise Mead.
Good evening everyone, please be seated.
Cllr Louise Mead - 0:00:18
Again, good evening, everyone. Agenda item number one is the webcasting introduction.
I am going to ask Gary Woodwell to read the webcasting introduction, please.
Gary Woodhall - 0:00:52
Thank you, Chairman. 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. Very 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 - 0:01:32
Thank you very much. Agenda item two apologies for absence. Mr. Woodall do we
Gary Woodhall - 0:01:37
have any apologies for absence this evening? Thank you chairman we have
apologies for absence from councillors Brooks, Gabbard and Sherriff.
Cllr Louise Mead - 0:01:46
Cllr Holly Whitbread - 0:01:52
Cllr Louise Mead - 0:01:56
Councillor David Stocker please. Thank you thank you chairman and for
Cllr Chris Whitbread - 0:02:00
Councillor Malcolm for lateness and for Councillor Bedford apologies. Yes thank you.

3 Declarations of Interest

Cllr Louise Mead - 0:02:05
Anyone else? No okay. Agenda item three are there any declarations of interest
for our meeting tonight?
Councillor Murray. Yes Chairman can I just point out that I think Councillor
Cllr Stephen Murray - 0:02:26
has appeared online. I know that doesn't count as a full attendance but just
Cllr Louise Mead - 0:02:35
bringing that to members attention. Thank you very much. Any declarations of

4 Minutes

interest? No thank you. And agenda item number four is to approve the minutes
from our meeting held on the 19th February
2026 which you will find attached on pages 6 to 27 of our agenda. Members may
I now sign these minutes as a true record of the meetings?
Agreed.
Thank you.
Okay.
So, agenda item six.

5 Announcements

6 Public Questions (If Any)

Before I go into my announcements, unfortunately I have to give sad news that a previous district

5 Announcements

councillor, Kay Rush, has sadly passed away and I'm going to hand over to Councillor Whitehouse
who'd like to pay tribute to Kay Rush.
Cllr Janet Whitehouse - 0:03:29
Thank you, Chairman.
I've known Kay for a long time, and I was sad to hear yesterday
that she died last week.
She represented Thaden Boys from 2004 to 2008.
And then, sadly, she decided reluctantly
she couldn't stand again because she had severe diabetes and the council meetings were
making it very difficult for her to eat when needed and to control her diabetes.
She served on the usual committees, the council, the Ovary and Scrutiny Committee, Planning,
Licencing and Housing Scrutiny, but also on some committees that we no longer have. So
she was on the leisure task and finish panel, which I think was the one that we were discussing
in the outsourcing of the sports centres and so forth.
And she was also on customer service and ICT scrutiny,
which seemed a very useful one.
And she was chair of the housing appeals panel
where tenants could come and appeal directly to counsellors
if they had some problem.
Unfortunately, we don't have that anymore.
Kay used to say that she'd been persuaded
to stand as paper candidate in the election.
And partway through the count, someone said to her,
you better go home and put your best dress on,
because it looks like you're going to win, which she did.
And I think that was due to the very large personal vote that she had because Kay was so involved in all community life.
She was president of the Thaden Boys WI and a member of NAFFAS.
She sang with the Thaden Singers and was very involved with the Thaden Boys Drama Society where she helped with whatever was needed.
Organising the costumes, selling the tickets, acting in serious and comedy plays and pantomimes where she was principal boy ten times.
She was also involved with Wansfield College and was a member of the Copped Hall Catering
team where her delicious cakes were very much enjoyed.
She was very generous in contributing her baking skills and providing cakes to many
other organisations and she'll be greatly missed by a number of people.
Thank you.
Thank you very much Councillor Whitehouse.
Cllr Louise Mead - 0:05:28
So our sympathies go out to her family.
You may all be wondering why there is a painted lion in the well of the chamber this evening,
which you can't miss. From 23 July you will see similar lion sculptures popping up across
Loughton and Epping. They are part of a sponsored sculpture trail, Lions on the Loose, to raise
funding for St Clair's Hospice. The Council is one of the sponsors for the trail and our
Our Communities team has been working closely with the charity in developing the trail which
will run throughout the summer until the 10th of September.
If anyone would like more information or to get involved, there are sponsorship opportunities
still available.
You can visit Lions on the Loose website at www .lionsonthelose .co .uk.
I'd like to welcome our lovely lion this evening.
I hope you enjoy looking at him throughout the evening.
So for my announcements as to what I've been doing, I hope you all had a very good Easter
break and I'd like to wish a happy Versaaki 2026 next Tuesday to those that celebrate.
Okay so councillors here we are, my final full council meeting as chairman and I find
myself reflecting on a year that has been nothing short of extraordinary, not because
of me at all but because of the people of Epping Forest. This district is powered by volunteers,
community champions and everyday residents who quietly make life better for others
and it's been a privilege, the privilege of my life to meet them, celebrate them and learn from them.
And that leads me on to my honour two weeks ago of announcing the new Epping Forest Youth
Council results and the event last week thanking our outgoing Youth Council and giving them
their certificates which were well earned. I want to send my good wishes again to them
and a warm, warm welcome to our new Youth Council, one of which is my own daughter.
I'm really looking forward to watching them all grow over the next two years.
So over the past year I've had another honour of opening various things, but also a brand
new leisure centre in Epping. And not just with anyone, but with an Olympic gold medallist,
James Guy. And I still can't quite believe that my name sits next to his on a gold plaque,
Especially as I was always last to be chosen for the netball team at school.
He has earned his place there through years of training and world -class achievement.
I earnt mine by turning up with a pair of scissors and a smile.
But what a moment for our district and what a reminder of the ambition we should always
hold for our residents.
It wasn't always easy for James, as he said himself on the day of the official opening,
but he persevered and his storey is really heartwarming for anyone to listen to. There's
always hope. And one of the proudest moments of my year didn't come from a particular civic
event but from my daughter's uniquely me talent show, a celebration of individuality, creativity
and courage. She raised over 700 pounds for my chosen charities and the room was filled
with lots of support. We have the High Sheriff of Essex, MP Dr Neil Hardison, the Lisa, Councillor
Whitred, the Mayor of Epping, Councillor Janet Whitehouse, other councillors as well, families
and young people cheering each other. And my daughter became well known by BBC Essex
presenters. She even managed to talk on air with Sadie Nine on BBC Essex at the High Sheriff
Awards to promote her talent show. So watching her lead that talent show has
reminded me why inclusion matters so deeply and why our district must always
make space for every voice. Another highlight of course was our Civic Awards
in March, an evening that truly captured the spirit of Epping Forest. We
recognised residents who give their time and energy and their hearts to others. It
was a night full of pride and laughter and together we raised over £900
pounds for my chosen charities and I want to thank everyone that attended, supported
and nominated. You made it an unforgettable evening and a particular mention to Regus
and Qualis who sponsored the event. I've also had the joy recently of planting a tree
Cllr Louise Mead - 0:10:22
and a bee hotel with Countrycare and it was a simple act but the bee hotel wasn't quite
simple because it was really hard work. I thought I was just putting a bit of wood into
the ground. I didn't know I was going to have to use this big long thing and it's really
hard to work. I need a lot of muscles for that but I had a go. I did actually do it.
But it's symbolic of what the role has meant to me. It's planting things that will outlast
us and nurturing our community roots and creating spaces where life can thrive. In March I also
enjoyed attending the Chigua Amanda for International Women's Day and the focus this year was Give
again. It was a really thought -provoking event where I was also reminded to cheque my own health
with regular mammograms as there was a doctor there telling women the importance of this
and sharing her knowledge at the event. And so often we're so busy we forget to cheque our own
health so it's really important that we will take that away from that event. Although my time as
as Chairman is nearing its end. The work and the joy certainly hasn't slowed down. The
next few weeks are full of visits and celebrations and community events. And in May I will have
the honour of attending Buckingham Palace with some of our District Council staff as
my guests. And I can't think of better company to share such a moment with. So I'm really
looking forward to that. And as I prepare to hand over the chain, I want to say that
Epping Forest is extraordinary because its people are extraordinary. And you've welcomed
me, supported me, challenged me and inspired me and my daughter and showed me the very
best of public service and the best of humanity. And to all of my fellow councillors, as our
last time together here this evening, thank you for your dedication. I've got to know
each and every one of you individually and it's been an honour to know you. I wish all
those much luck who seek re -election and my thanks and good wishes to those that are leaving.
Thank you for making these meetings up to this point that have I've chaired be respectful,
meaningful and a place for healthy debate. I hope you will all stay after the meeting for some
snacks and fairy cakes that my daughter has made as a token of thanks for all your support.
Thank you very much. I've been expecting applause but thank you. So item six is

6 Public Questions (If Any)

Gary Woodhall - 0:12:52
public questions. Mr Woodall are there any public questions tonight? No

7 Questions By Members Under Notice

Cllr Louise Mead - 0:12:57
Chairman there's not any tonight. And item seven on our agenda is questions by
Gary Woodhall - 0:13:02
members under notice. Are there any questions by members under notice? We

8 Reports from the Leader & Members of the Cabinet

Cllr Louise Mead - 0:13:06
haven't received any Chairman thank you. Thank you. So item eight on our agenda is
reports from the Leader and members of the Cabinet. Written reports can be found
on page 28 to 46 of our agenda.
Council Little Whip Bread, as leader of the council,
would you like to present your reports?
Thank you, Chairman.
Cllr Chris Whitbread - 0:13:21
Chairman, as members will be aware,
our legal efforts to prevent the use of the Bell Hotel
for asylum seekers has not been successful.
We continue, however, to explore every other possible avenue
within our remit to address the ongoing concerns
of residents.
Resident voices remain at the forefront of our discussions and we are committed to finding
constructive ways forward.
We continue to maintain strong working relationships with the police, particularly in relation
to the protest that continues to take place outside the Bell Hotel.
These demonstrations, which now involve a core group of about 40 protesters each week,
have fortunately been peaceful in recent times.
Our regular liaison with the police ensures that we are responding swiftly
to any developments and maintaining public order. Our engagements with the
Home Office are ongoing. I'd like to highlight some of the key messages from
recent correspondence. The Home Office recognises the distress that has been
caused to our community. They are taking this seriously and consequently we have
seen the numbers be reduced.
Obviously, we will not be satisfied until the hotel
is closed.
The Home Office also recognised the operational
strain on local services, particularly us and the
police, and have committed to working more closely with
us and our system partners to minimise resulting
pressures through multi -agency forums and regular health and welfare meetings.
We continue to press for greater transparency and improve communication to ensure that local
concerns are properly acknowledged and addressed.
Our focus remains on safeguarding the wellbeing of both residents and those accommodated in
the Bell Hotel.
and we will continue to advocate for robust support measures and appropriate oversight.
Ultimately, we have to recognise that this decision to close hotels is taken nationally, not locally.
There is a push to move away from using hotels, but this is gradual.
And a system wide change, not an immediate solution to the Bell Hotel in the near term.
My papers are being messed up.
Perhaps I'll move on then to something that is of better news, which is the Community
benefit fund. I'm pleased to update Council on the launch of our £3 million community
fund, a significant investment in the people and communities of Epping Forest District.
The fund is designed to respond to real local need, including support for young people,
barriers to employment, social isolation and families under pressure.
We know that local charities, voluntary groups and community organisations play a vital role
in supporting residents and strengthening community life.
This fund is about empowering those organisations to deliver
projects that make a real lasting difference.
A robust and transparent process is in place to ensure funding is
allocated fairly and delivers positive outcomes for residents.
I'd like to thank officers for the work in developing and
launching the fund.
We had a very successful launch here a couple of weeks ago with
many of the local charities and organisations present.
And of course with the Chairman to headline for us.
And it was certainly very successful.
Of course I would move on and say, look,
recognise as the Chairman did the successful opening of,
the formal opening of Epping Leisure Centre, which again,
Again, a great success with James Guy MBE alongside the Chairman to open and unveiled
a plaque that says it's finally an official building for Epping Forest and that's really
good news for everybody and it's been certainly recognised as a first class building for its
building and delivery for members.
The next part I have to do is again probably one of those more difficult ones.
as it starts with an apology for residents
who have seen their waste collection
and food collection disrupted in recent days.
As members know, we had to put in place
a new food collection service across the district
and of course that is quite a complex thing to do.
There has been some issue over delivery
of brown waste bins.
I believe that is in the process of being rectified
and we will be sharing with you a regular dashboard
that will show you where the bins are
and how they've been delivered.
In the first weeks, as you would expect,
with such a service change, there has been some disruption,
including my own row.
But we are now starting to get on top of that and understand
what the issues are.
On day one, we had three of our new lorries that were not fully
operational for the first couple of days, one,
two of them because of the actual function of the lorries,
one because it was involved in a small road incident. But of course that doesn't help
and our apologies go to residents who have been in any way disadvantaged by that problem.
It's never good to have that sort of storey. However, I'm more positive, you know, they
have made a major cut. The majority of the food waste, I think it was about 18 ,000 tonnes
if I remember correctly, which is equivalent to about 70 small cars.
So that in itself is a feat that should be recognised.
Obviously we continue to press ahead and make sure that we rectify the issues as quickly
as possible.
The other waste element that is really important to us of course, and we saw at recent meetings,
is fly tipping. And as members know that we have now sought to increase fines up to a
thousand pound. And the first of those fines has now come about today for a fly tipping
in Berry Lane Epping where the person involved
has been fined a thousand pounds.
And I think that's good news in itself
because obviously this council is deeply concerned
by fly tipping.
It's a blight on all our communities
and needs to be tackled.
Personally, I wish it was a lot more than a thousand pound,
but it's a good start in the right direction.
At the same time, there are a number of fixed,
400 pound fixed penalty notices
given out in Onge and Abridge.
Also, I think it's worth recognising this month that Country Care, a great service provided
by volunteers, has become faulty and that's something that we should recognise.
Their conservation activities have supported and enhanced the natural environment for local
people and wildlife in our district for 40 years.
And I know that's really important for residents of the green area, and we are pleased that's
the case.
As the Chairman said, it was great to welcome the new Youth Council.
I know we're really proud of our new Council and it's something that we want to see continue
for many years ahead.
They certainly do some very good work for us, and I'll bring your attention to their
faping survey, which has been nationally recognised again, and we should be proud of everything
that they achieve in our really useful part of this council they bring forward
a real help to what we're doing.
Also at this stage I'd just like to thank the chairman and congratulate
the chairman on what was a wonderful Civic Dinner and awards evening. I thought
that really recognise the strength of our communities,
as the chairman said, and just underline how good
this year has been.
The chairman's work has been phenomenal.
I can't stop this evening without talking about local
government reorganisation.
We now have the government's minded to decision where they
have decided to go for geography in place over sustainability and
have chosen the five unitary council option.
Obviously, we will now work to get the best
from that option for the residents of Epping Forest
and our future partners in Ustford and Harlow.
I actually believe we are fortunate to have a unitary
that is a functional, not just geographic area,
but a functional area when it comes to delivery
of service as well, with great opportunities
for the future in economic development with an airport which is north and of course being
the gateway to London in the south. So we have a really good opportunity to build a
great unitary for the future. If I was going to be part of any unitary which was 105, that
would be the one I would choose and we will make it work for our residents and get the
best outcomes for the people and residents of Forest and of course our new partners
in the future. Members it has certainly been a busy time since the last full
council I'm bound for forgot something and I'm happy to take any questions.
Cllr Louise Mead - 0:23:47
Thank you Councillor Whitbread. Are there any questions on the leader? Yes
Cllr Chris Pond - 0:23:58
Councillor Ponds. Madam Chairman I noticed that the leader said we had to
introduce a new waste collection system.
Can I just make the correction?
We did not have to do it.
We did it from the point of view of raising money,
reducing a service which fulfilled its statutory
requirements very well, and which I've had numerous
comments from constituents.
I do hope that the new Unitary Authority may have a different view on this, but it was
really done, I think, to save the county money.
Other than that, I think we all want to note that the five Unitary Authority has been decided
on.
What we don't know, of course, is that the leader of Essex County Council has said that
he's going to conduct a challenge in the courts
to that choice.
And I wonder if the leader of the council
knows any more about that.
Councillor Whitford.
Thank you, Chairman.
Cllr Chris Whitbread - 0:25:10
Chairman, as you would expect as a County Council,
we have concerns over the five unitary effect
because of social care and the deliver of social care
and financial sustainability.
We know the challenges only too well
of what the future years hold for us
when it comes to social care
and when it comes to the gaps that we face.
What the leader of Essex County Council said,
he would seek legal advice.
He did not say he would take legal action.
Where we are is, from my point of view
as Epping Forest District Council,
we accept that the government has chosen the five option
and I want to see work carried out constructively and early
with a very clear focus on the need to address social care in
all its forms, send, and of course to make sure that the
future council is financially sustainable.
Because without that, we're not doing the best for our
residents in their younger years, later years,
or while they're working, you know,
working hard to provide the monies that we all require to
make sure that the new West Essex unitary is successful.
With regards to the waste question,
we are not making money from the waste.
We had to start separation of green waste and food waste.
It wasn't an option.
We had to do it.
But there wouldn't have been, I doubt there would be any
opportunity for it to be reversed in the future.
It's the way of dealing with waste.
We collect the waste, county currently disposes of the waste
and it's the disposal element that means
that you have to move to waste separation.
Thank you, Councillor Whitburn.
Cllr Louise Mead - 0:26:57
Is this on the leader's report, Councillor Yerrel?
Yes.
I'm sorry, my question is for Councillor Chris Whitburn.
Cllr Shane Yerrell - 0:27:05
You mentioned that you was in touch
with the home office, which is great.
Looking at online, we met with the secretary
of State for Justice on the 5th of December and I asked him directly, he said that he'd
closed 200 hotels, two out of the 400, which again is great.
My question is why was the bell not one of them when we've had two sexual assaults and
several other incidents?
So online, and you know, like I said, he couldn't answer that question, but online it states
that the contract between Somali hotels and the bell was due to end in March 2026.
We're now in April.
I've just looked on my phone and it's now changed to April.
So I'm just wondering if you've heard anything,
because nobody from the Home Office seems to be transparent
and they seem to be forgetting that two girls,
or a lady in a young girl's life has been turned upside down.
So I just wondered if they've been a little bit more
transparent with you than they have with us.
Thank you.
Thank you,
Cllr Chris Whitbread - 0:28:06
Councillor Giroir, and thank you for the question.
There are things I can say and things I can't say,
as you can imagine, when you're dealing with the home office,
they will tell you certain things.
What I can tell you is that the occupancy of the hotel is
reduced by 50 % since the incident last summer.
That's no consolation to the people who suffered,
but it has been reduced down to 50%.
I believe that some of it has been put around that the hotel
will close in April.
That is not the case.
The government is in the process of,
and they keep telling us that they're in the process
of reducing the use of hotels.
But obviously they are contracted for a period of time
and they will see through those contracts.
Every time we speak to them, whether it be myself,
officers, we are always very clear
that we were right in the first place
that hotel should never have been used for this purpose
and it should be closed as soon as possible.
And I can assure you we continue on that basis
at every meeting that we have.
Cllr Louise Mead - 0:29:11
Thank you, Councillor Whitford. Are there any other cabinet members who would like to add a verbal update to their written reports?
No? Councillor Casca.
Cllr Paul Keska - 0:29:20
Thank you, Chairman. I hope that the Council will accept the report of regulatory services,
which if you've read it you will see covers a very large area of operations. I would just like to
the point that in a newspaper recently a Councillor said that local government is
well and truly broken can I just make the point that Epping Forest District
Council is not broken and we continue to serve our residents extremely well due
to the dedication and efficiency of all District Council staff thank you thank

9 Questions by Members Without Notice

Cllr Louise Mead - 0:29:59
Thank you Councillor Keska. So we're on agenda item 9 which is questions without
notice. So I will allow the usual 30 minutes for this item. May I ask those
wishing to speak to clearly indicate their intention by raising their hand
and can I ask that you're brief and to the point when asking a question. We'll
see how it goes but if you have more than one question your second question
may be asked after other councillors have spoken. So what we're going to do
this evening we're going to make a note of each name of the council's would like
to ask a question if you could put your hands up now if you'd like to ask a
question so we can take your names down so just hold on for a moment have a bit
of silence for a moment whilst we get all your names thank you
Sanga, yeah, Sanga and Hondo.
J .D. Ruke, Students, Hondo,
Yeah, I've got one.
Murray.
I haven't got mine.
Gares.
Yeah, I've got one.
Yeah, Morris, that's it.
Morgan, Morris.
Yeah, we started off with Morgan.
Morris, I'll marry that.
Okay.
So Morgan first.
I'll go with that.
Thank you councillors. I think we've got all the names of councillors that had their hands
up. So I'm going to start with Councillor Morgan.
Cllr Lisa Morgan - 0:31:39
Thank you chair. This question was actually for Councillor Balcombe but he's not here.
Can I ask Councillor Whitbread, the leader, I've got to... I don't really know where to
start. I was here on Tuesday and was really shocked to find that we had over 1 ,200 people
call about the new brown bins. On reflection, I am quite pleased that my correspondence
was probably not even a hundredth of that, so I am really pleased. One of the main questions
that have come up is the fact that the little brown bins are being broken quite quickly.
I am not saying it is, I am just saying what residents have said by the TVS staff throwing
them back. I have got to say mine was actually placed back very nicely outside my house,
but they have complained that the handles are breaking, the bins are breaking and residents
are really, really concerned that they are going to end up having to buy new bins when
it is not their fault for it being broken. I have got to say that the ladies at reception
that did say that they had had lots of people saying the same things. One of the biggest
issues that I have had, I have got a lot of elderly residents locally, and I spoke to
a couple more today, that are saying because they have disabilities and they cannot lift
the heavy brown bins, they are really struggling getting the bins, once they are full, from
their kitchens, outside. Is there any possibility, and I do not expect an answer now, because
obviously we will have to go back to Portfellow and discuss it. Maybe we can do something
else, maybe have some attachment where we can put wheels on the bottom for the people
that are really struggling. I know that sounds a bit out there, but unfortunately they are
really struggling and this evening I actually carried a bin out for somebody because they
could not manage it themselves. Thank you.
Thank you Councillor Morgan. Councillor Whitford are you going to try and answer that?
Thank you, Chairman.
Cllr Chris Whitbread - 0:33:35
I've spent most of my day talking rubbish,
so I will continue now.
In fact, it was relieved to have a call about a pothole
at lunchtime.
So my, if I sound like I've been on the bins a bit too long,
excuse me.
Obviously, as I said, this is a major roll out of a new service.
You've got new trucks, new operators, and, of course,
a completely new system in place.
And I apologise for anyone who has been inconvenienced by it.
I think that's first and foremost.
Will we learn from the new system?
Of course we will.
I mean, there are things that will change as you move along,
as we did when we introduced the previous system.
The problem of the bins.
I mean, like yourself, my bin was collected today.
It was late, but they turned up, they collected it,
they put it back onto my driveway.
no problems at all. One of my other neighbours came up and said Chris my bin
was just left on the path you know and that's not acceptable. Now obviously on
on the waste vehicles are cameras but those cameras point in a certain
direction. These aren't like if you're doing your normal bins you pick the
wheelie bin up and roll it up to the thing and it lifts it up and throws it
into the back. This is different they've got slave bins they empty the bins into
the slave bin, they then take the slave bins up so you can't tell all the detail.
And there's no video of that part of the movement. So if anyone has any evidence
for us of bins being treated robustly, broken, thrown on the pavement or anything else on there,
ring doorbells, we all know useful ring doorbells are these days, let's let us
have them, pass them on to officers or myself and we will make sure that gets
fully investigated as to why it happened.
The bins, as you know, were checked and tested and chosen
for the purpose of what they are.
They're the same sort of caddies that are
used around the country.
But we will have to keep a watchful eye on that.
They shouldn't just break.
They should be robust enough.
And of course, we've got the small matching brown kitchen
caddy that is meant to feed into the larger caddy.
But I do accept when you have to lift up,
If you're an older person, it can be more difficult.
But please contact us.
If anyone is having difficulties, please speak to TVS.
Please go online and report anything.
And if you haven't been cleared by tomorrow morning,
please let us know and we will put more pressure
to get them collected.
They are catching up on themselves.
We are the next step, obviously, with any new services to make
sure that it's working on a good, regular basis.
Cllr Louise Mead - 0:36:27
Oh Councillor Matthews yes you can add to that.
Councillor Whitburn could you just turn off your microphone thank you.
Cllr Tim Matthews - 0:36:36
Thank you Chairman just just to say some of my residents have contacted me about missing
bins.
I managed to report that to the council and pleased to say I've got a lot of messages
through today very grateful that the council have dealt with that immediately and got that
out today.
So that's within 24 hours.
So, you know, encourage members to communicate
with their constituency and to get that direct
to the council.
Also note the council's updated the website
and that website has now got a link direct
for people that have got any missing caddies
or any issues with the bins.
They can go onto the website and a link comes up
straight away and the council are doing a fantastic job
of rectifying any missed bins.
So just a good storey to report there, thank you.
Thank you very much Councillor Matthews. Councillor McIvor.
Cllr Louise Mead - 0:37:20
Cllr Jaymey McIvor - 0:37:24
Thank you Madam Chairman. If I may just say you have been a wonderful first class chairman
and you've had a first class consort as well so thank you very much. The next Madam Chairman
has got very big shoes to follow and I'm sure there will have to be stylish shoes to follow
yours. Madam Chairman, my question is for the Leader of the Council. In relation to
the Bell Hotel. I welcome the fact that the occupancy is reduced and of course we all
appreciate the anxiety within the community. This week I tragically met with a family whose
daughter was murdered by somebody who lived in one of those hotels. I appreciate the Council
has done all it can from a legal perspective with regards to planning law, but is it not
now the time to take a serious look at the safety implications of these hotels and the
risks that they bring to communities like Epping and if the hotel is not to
close imminently we must redouble our efforts to make sure the Home Office
recognise the safety risk that these hotels pose and take a very different
approach from a planning approach. Obviously nobody wants to see a tragedy
repeated but it is a matter of data and fact and reality that it is possible and
we must do all we can to make it impossible. Thank you.
Okay Councillor MacIvor. Councillor Chris Whitbread.
Cllr Chris Whitbread - 0:38:46
Thank you Chairman and I appreciate the question from Councillor MacIvor.
Of course as a council we continue with our endeavours to get the hotel closed and we
are recognised from day one that the hotel wasn't suitable for the use that it was allotted
for last April and therefore we continue on that basis.
The trouble for local authorities is that there's only one route you can take other than the route we took.
We took the route of an injunction because that would have been the speediest route to get the hotel closed.
Unfortunately, as is now history, we started off against Somali Hotel.
They were then joined by Clear Springs, who were then joined by the government.
So it was certainly David versus Goliath.
and when you're taking all three of those on you can imagine what it was
like in court. So the court routes have closed off. The
government has a policy of using hotels at the present time although they're
trying to reduce them and find alternatives. They are doing it at their
own pace and I take on board what Councillor Yerrel said that they've
closed 200 so far but they also increased the number of hotels in use
from what the last government left it.
So it is a difficult one.
What can we do next?
Well, we are following the enforcement route,
but that will take time.
That can take years.
It's not an easy answer, but we are following that route
because that's the right thing to do.
We can't close it for an injunction,
but we will try for enforcement.
Most importantly, we remind the government
And every time we speak to them, our concerns over this hotel.
So we are addressing that.
But it takes a government change in policy to actually do more
than what we're doing.
It needs a national change.
It needs this government to recognise the concerns of the
people that live nearby to some of these hotels,
particularly when they sit next door to a school,
which is what we told them at the time.
So we will keep doing and battling on as Ethel Forest District Council and we will keep doing
our best to get that hotel closed.
But what we actually need is the government to change its policy, which I believe they
are trying to do.
They're just taking a long time in doing it.
Thank you, Councillor Whitburn.
Councillor Dadd.
Cllr Louise Mead - 0:41:16
Thank you, Chairman.
Cllr Mary Dadd - 0:41:20
My question is to the portfolio holder of the planning procedures.
It relates to a government document that came out on 2 April, relating to changes for appeals
for written representations procedures.
It does state that interested people, which would be objectors and presumably the council,
are not able to submit comments at the appeal stage.
Any comments made by interested people
during the application stage will be forwarded to the two
and considered by the inspector when deciding the appeal.
Interested people may also withdraw earlier comments.
So my question really is,
that is going to affect town and parish councils.
So that's every appeal that's been made
from the 1st of April, 2026.
it's going to affect what evidence is put forward by town parish councils if
they are objecting and also what objections Councillors are putting
forward if they want to refuse and any other objectors as well and when can we
expect some guidance for Councillors more Councillors as well and parish and
Councillors please. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you chair. Thank you for the question.
Cllr Ken Williamson - 0:42:45
The real answer is as soon as the officers have a position it will be
circulated to all the members here and I presume parish and town councils as well.
Cllr Louise Mead - 0:42:58
Cllr Martin Morris - 0:43:00
Thank you Councillor Williamson. Councillor Morris. Thank you chairman. My question is for Chris Whitbread,
the leader of council, and it's about the decision taken at the last cabinet meeting
on the 30th of March regarding the payment of $2 .6 million for affordable properties
in Fifield. I was present at this meeting and I did make my views clear at the time.
Now, I don't take a view on whether this decision was correct or not. My concern is that contrary
to statements made in recent emails, there was insufficient information provided to enable
a considered and reliable decision to be made.
I think we should receive assurances that,
as mentioned by leader of council during the meeting,
that the decision will be reviewed once a complete
and full analysis has been made available
to cabinet members.
I would also like to see a confirmation
that in future decisions of this nature will be reviewed
by ONS prior to consideration by cabinet.
Okay, thanks, Councillor Morris.
Councillor Whitbread.
Yeah, thanks, Chairman.
Cllr Louise Mead - 0:43:59
And I thank Councillor Morris for his question.
Cllr Chris Whitbread - 0:44:01
and he certainly was very clear at cabinet
about his position and concerns with regards to report.
And I'm sure officers will pick up on those comments
about the depth of information within the report
in appendices in future.
But this is the way that we deal
with these types of situations.
And it's nothing unusual to have these opportunities
come forward to cabinet because we would not want
to lose the opportunity for affordable homes
within the district, particularly in rural areas
where they're hard to come by.
We really would have had three options open to us.
One was that the developer located a housing association.
They couldn't.
Two would have been to accept a contribution
for affordable housing from the developer offsite.
That would have not been in the district's interest.
If we had taken that route, the money that we would have got
contribution would not have helped us to achieve nine
properties within a locality such as that which is rural,
where we have a large number of people on our waiting list.
So the options are clearly laid out before us.
This simply makes sure that the money is in the right place
within our capital programme, enables officers to continue
the negotiations.
they will then come back to cabinet with the final negotiations for cabinet to make a decision
upon that. And that's the correct process that we always take and we have done I believe
since 2015. So it's not the first time we've done it and I take on board what Councillor
Morris says and the transparency of the documentation and everything else and I'm more than willing
to have that further debate. There was an email from one of our fixatious complainants
that we have occasionally that I've asked for a statement to be produced and
that statement I believe has been shared with members this afternoon or first
thing tomorrow morning which gives an in -depth response to what was in
contained in that email and will help members to understand what the process
is and how that decision was taken. Thank you.
Cllr Louise Mead - 0:46:18
Thank you. Sorry. Can I thank the leader of council for his assurances.
Cllr Martin Morris - 0:46:22
Of course, yes, that's fine.
Cllr Louise Mead - 0:46:26
Councillor George.
Cllr Mandy George - 0:46:31
Thank you, chair, and good evening, everyone.
My follow -up is from Councillor Morris, actually, where the meeting took place.
I don't know if many people know, last Monday, cabinet decided to approve the nine properties.
But I would also like to ask Councillor Patel, would you agree that the scrutiny, over the
scrutiny committee should look at this further once more documentation is available like
the viability test?
Thank you.
Cllr Smruti Patel - 0:47:00
Do I believe that O &S should have a look more further into this?
I think what we're doing is in terms of when the information goes out and gets analysed,
The officers do a really good job of making sure
that all the I's are dotted and T's are crossed out
kind of thing.
So it is a process that we already follow.
It's a set process from our council.
So I don't know if there's anything in addition
that we can do for that reassurance at all.
I would have thought we would just follow
the normal process.
Okay, so it is for the chair of scrutiny
to decide what the work programme is.
Cllr Louise Mead - 0:47:33
Yeah.
Cllr Mandy George - 0:47:39
Okay. Okay, thank you. We'll see what the chair of the committee says.
Okay, Councillor Baldwin, did you want to comment on that?
Cllr Louise Mead - 0:47:44
Cllr Roger Baldwin - 0:47:46
I don't think, according to our constitution, according to the procedures that applications of the referred to would normally come to ONS
before a planning decision is made that would be outside our normal procedures, I believe.
So I just wanted to make that comment.
Okay, thank you.
Is there anything you want to say about that?
Cllr Louise Mead - 0:48:07
I said I've been emailed to members as well.
Yeah, an email has been sent.
So that would be discussed.
Yeah, we'll discuss it with the chair
of overview and scrutiny.
Okay, thank you.
So we now have Councillor Pons please.
Cllr Chris Pond - 0:48:34
Excuse me Madam Chairman, returning to the Vets question of kitchen waste etc.
I've been a bit, well I must say first of all I can't declare an interest because my
caddy was not collected today as it should have been.
But I've had several complaints about the size.
These are five litre containers.
And I've had representations that large families find them insufficient.
Is it possible that the portfolio holder when he returns could possibly authorise the supply
of an additional cavity to anyone who demands it?
And I also have a constituent who is very concerned about fruit and the large amounts
of fruit provided by trees in his garden.
And he says that, A, the caddy is too small for his windfalls, and, B, it is not sensible
the new the ocean is from whether it's garden waste or kitchen waste so if
council ball come can from you I'd be great thank you chairman in the guise of
Cllr Chris Whitbread - 0:50:08
council council ball come it's a challenge I have as well
council pond all apples that fall from trees for the green waste or for the bin
I think they're for the green waste.
I'm sure I might be told off later, but I don't fall.
An apple that falls to the ground
can go in the green waste quite easy.
I did actually speak to Councillor Balcombe this afternoon
regards to can people have a second ground bin
if they require it?
Obviously, if they're a large family,
I'm sure if they spoke to TVS, that would be possible.
In fact, that's what Councillor Balcombe told me earlier.
So I'm trusting in Councillor Balcombe there
not to get me in trouble.
but I think in the circumstances that can happen of course it's like anything
else isn't it when we when we introduced wheelie bins originally you know there
are some families that the bigger families require slightly bigger bin but
at this stage I can't imagine that they would say no to get rid of the food
waste but if I'm in trouble I'll reflect on it later on. Thank you.
Councillor Sungga.
Cllr Louise Mead - 0:51:14
Thank you, Chairman.
Cllr Darshan Sunger - 0:51:17
My question is for the portfolio holder
for communities in health and wellbeing
and my esteemed colleague, Chigua Glambon Ward,
Councillor Councillor Risby.
Can you outline how, so Councillor Risby,
how the recent Stay Safe and Well events,
particularly the very successful North Wheel session
are helping residents in across the district
to live healthier, safer and more independent lives and how we plan to
build on that success going forward. Thank you.
Cllr Kaz Rizvi - 0:51:51
Thank you Councillor Zanga for that question and really pleased to report
back to Council that we've had two recent Stay Safe and Well events in the
district over the last couple of months in Northfield in March and Fyfefield in
February, both were a resounding success. We had over 50 residents in North Wild
and around about 40 odd and five fields with overwhelmingly positive feedback.
And the thing that's most encouraging for me is the fact that the turnout
isn't just full of local residents but it's the feedback that they've provided
us as well. And 98 % of the attendees at our Stay Safe in the Wild events had told
us that they felt more confident about staying safe in their homes and staying
safe in their communities.
And around about the same proportion
said that the event had encouraged them to think
about being more active.
So we had around about 20 external organisations
and local stakeholders attend both of these sessions.
They were there to offer practical advice about health
and weight management, things like blood pressure cheques
to fire safety and scam awareness.
I'll try not to keep my comments too long,
because I think an important man has entered the room.
I'm really privileged as a GP because I see day to day, first hand, the impact that events
like the Stay Safe and Well initiatives that the council delivers has on our residents
because it's exactly those kind of interventions that help people to remain independent, it
helps them to optimise their health and it helps them to make themselves become a fabric
of the community for which they encounter these events with.
So most importantly, it helps to reduce the pressure on the health and social care services.
But what I'm especially proud of is actually how locally driven these events are and how
well engaged the residents, but most importantly, our CDW offices are to help set these up.
They're not events which were mandated to deliver.
They're non -statutory services, actually.
and it goes to show once again that us as a local authority,
and I know members within this chamber think the same,
we go above and beyond to deliver for our residents.
And in particular, this administration,
over the last few years, has gone the extra mile
to deliver some of these sessions for our residents
in Epping Forest.
And I know from previous events, some of our wiser and more
mature members within this chamber
have personally been able to attend the Stay Safe and Well
events and provided me with really, really
positive feedback in person as well.
So I'd encourage all councillors to join in to the Stay Safe
and Well events whenever you'll be having them in your patch.
And looking ahead, Councillor Sanga, as you'd asked,
you'd be very pleased to know that we've
secured some dates for later on in the year as well,
Water Mabie in October, and for our Chigua residents
in Limes Farm to come in and participate as well.
So we're committed to expanding and reaching the programme
throughout the whole year.
I would like to finish by taking the opportunity to go on record to thank our officers, in
particular Karen Murray, who is our dedicated Older People's Officer, for going above and
beyond to deliver on these events.
I for one look really, really forward to more of them in the future.
Thank you very much.
Thank you very much, Councillor Risby.
Councillor Williamson.
Cllr Louise Mead - 0:55:12
Thank you, Chair.
Thank you, Councillor Risby.
Cllr Ken Williamson - 0:55:16
I think he was referring to me because I attended one of the very first Stay Safe and Well events
in Buggerstil and as a communication officer in this council that has a video
of me doing I believe it's called seated dancing so it keeps me totally in line
Cllr Louise Mead - 0:55:39
with everything they want me to do. Thank you councillor Williamson. I've done the
seated exercise too and I completely agree it's really good.
Councillor Whitehouse, John Whitehouse.
Cllr Jon Whitehouse - 0:55:50
Thank you Chairman, if I can thank Councillor Matthews for his report on page 38.
Possibly free of the space, there's nothing in there about the site disposal programme
and particularly as one of those sites in my ward, I just wonder if there's an update
on Qualys's policy about land sales and an update on where the company is with each site.
Cllr Tim Matthews - 0:56:15
Thank you, Councillor Whitehouse. Things are still in progress at the moment and a commercially
sensitive stage in terms of disposals. The QALYST as an organisation is constantly looking
at best value, how we can provide best value for the Council. We've got a steering group
organised, which is cross -party members in the room here this evening, contributing to
that regularly, looking at how we can best steer QALYST to provide the best value for
residents. We've got a large number of cost savings that we've introduced already, more
to come down the line. In terms of disposals and site asset sales, there is a lot going
on at the moment. I'm keeping members updated with cabinet meetings, as I'm sure members
will understand certain aspects especially that are commercially sensitive need to be
in closed session so I would encourage members to please attend those meetings. I know not
everyone can always make cabinet meetings but if possible you can hear there first hand
and as soon as that information is available for me to share with the wider group and with
the public then I'll bring that straight to the floor. Thank you.
Cllr Louise Mead - 0:57:32
Thank you Councillor Matthews. We have five more minutes of our 30 minutes and I have
three more councillors that wish to ask questions.
So we'll stop at those three councillors.
So we have Councillor Lucas.
Thank you, chairman.
Cllr Jodie Lucas - 0:57:43
And I just like to take this opportunity to thank you
for your chairmanship this year as well.
You've been a wonderful chairman.
I'm not sure which cabinet member this will go to,
but I would like to ask how the generous grants
from the Pelican Construction Company
that delivered the new sports centre will be spent.
Councillor Patel.
Cllr Smruti Patel - 0:58:05
Thank you, Councillor Lucas, for the question. I actually want to second what you just said
about the chairman as well, so I really wanted to say it. It was a great speech and you actually
did deserve a round of applause, which is why you got one. It's been amazing to have
you as our chair. Going back to the question that you've asked,
Councillor Lucas, on the launch day that we had for Epping Leisure Centre, which a lot
pick champion as well. Pelican awarded us with or presented us with £2 ,500 worth of
cheque. And then it was the other surprise was a further £6 ,000 worth of a cheque from
other six construction partners that were involved in the project as well. So the likes
of FT Leisure, ICS, PP Construction, BIS, all of those. It was really nice to see that
And I really have never seen something like that where,
you know, delivery companies actually, you know,
returning something back to the council.
And it really showed the commitment to the project as well
and the successful delivery.
And it was in budget as one thing that was a highlight
of the announcement as well.
So, but also I actually want to take up this opportunity
for all the councils in terms of Epping Councillors as well,
who might want to know that the next make the difference
Day, which is a housing portfolio initiative where we have the big skips placed around
the district. We had one in September in Buckhurst Hill we started off with, another one in Round
Hills in January. So we've got the next one coming up, which is going to be on the 16th
of April in Birchview. So if you've got any residents living near there, it's ideally
for council tenants. So we don't have as much fly tipping or they don't have any opportunities
to go and take big equipment or whatever it is out to the dumping ground so they can actually
use the skips provided by us for it. There will be another further one on Western Avenue
in Epping as well so that's just a quick couple of announcements as well while I've got the
floor. Thanks. Thank you Councillor Patel. Councillor Murray.
Cllr Louise Mead - 1:00:13
My question has already been asked.
Cllr Stephen Murray - 1:00:15
Cllr Louise Mead - 1:00:19
Lastly, Councillor Tom Bromwich.
Thank you, Chair. I hope you don't mind. I'm going to talk crap.
Cllr Tom Bromwich - 1:00:25
It's to do with sewage in North Weald, particularly.
I'm not sure who it would be aimed at, but as I'm speaking, as we're all sitting here,
There are tonnes of sewage pouring into our rivers nationally,
but also specifically in North Weald.
I've had a few emails from people
who have complained that some of our wonderful streams
and brooks, Thornbrook, Weald Brook, Shonks Brook,
and Hastingswood are being polluted by sewage, basically.
It's Thames water pouring sewage,
disposing of it in our local rivers.
I used to live on the Roding Estate in Loudon,
and I used to go swimming in the river roading.
I wouldn't let my dog swim in it now.
It's absolutely terrible.
And whilst this isn't a big issue in my area,
I don't get loads and loads of emails about it,
it feels like as a district we're getting
attacked by water pollution.
So I'm just wondering what representations to Thames Water
have been made by the council, and are we
considering any sort of motion to signal
our complete and utter objection and opposition to any further water
pollution. Thank you. Okay thank you. Yeah you both like to have a go I don't know.
Cllr Louise Mead - 1:01:47
Councillor Whitbread do you want to go first? I think probably Councillor Williamson will be
Cllr Chris Whitbread - 1:01:52
better equipped to to deal with this but I do think it's something where scrutiny
may wish to call in the affinity Walter and Thames Walter and to answer some of
these questions but I also think it's important to engage with the environment
agency as a good stepping stone to try and address the problem. It is a shame
where we see our waterways polluted and of course it has a long -term impact.
I will hand over to Councillor Williamson who has a much better idea I'm sure.
Cllr Ken Williamson - 1:02:20
Thank you, thank you chair, thank you. Councillors I'm not sure I've got a
better handle on this. The specific points you raise should be raised with
the Thames water directly or affinity water,
whichever one it is.
If you make us aware of these things, as you now have,
but the specific discharges need to be recorded
and mentioned to Thames water.
It's outside of our absolute control,
but I'm happy to lobby whoever if you give us the details.
Thank you very much, Councillor Williamson.
So that's the end of our questions.
Cllr Louise Mead - 1:02:59
My members without notice.
Oh, you want to come in?
So sorry, Chairman.
In all my excitement about the money that we received,
Cllr Smruti Patel - 1:03:06
I actually just realised it's been highlighted.
Thank you, by my colleagues.
I didn't say what we were gonna use the money for.
Completely my fault.
So it's basically going to be used for the children
that are living in temporary accommodation for our district.
So all of the money, which is eight and a half thousand
pounds is going to be used towards children's swimming
lessons in temporary accommodation.
Thank you.
Cllr Louise Mead - 1:03:29
Thank you. We have one final word from Councillor Balcombe, is that correct? Go for it.
Cllr Raymond Balcombe - 1:03:35
Now I've started, yeah. It's just driving back from my holiday listening to the radio,
which happened to be all you live, I'd just like to pick up a couple of points that my
My assistant here didn't answer.
I nearly said beautiful assistant, but I changed that.
In answer to, I think it was your question Lisa, about bins and the weight of them,
you can ask for an assisted collection and the dustbin will actually pick it up from the door and put it back there.
But the little bin is designed to be taken to the big bin and the big bin is what's designed to be left near the gate, obviously.
But they will come and pick you up if you apply for it.
That applies for any bin, but you have to go through the right channels.
Councillor Pond, I'd just like to answer your question.
Yes, you can have more than one bin, you just have to ask for it.
So it's as simple as that.
I think you can have up to three, but I might be wrong.
I know it's definitely two,
but I think the limit we put on it was three.
One other point I would just like to say that,
as you know, we did introduce this
and 16 ,000 properties have actually signed up
for the green bin already.
And that was this morning.
So it's over 16 ,000 now, I presume.
As Chris said, this has been a big challenge.
And it's a new service, new vehicles, new staff who don't know their rounds,
plus a new thing on white spaces.
It's a big thing to actually get out there.
It's a totally new system.
But we have so far collected, and I can't find my note now,
86 tonnes of food waste last week, which is actually a lot.
I am told that all the properties last week were collected by Saturday lunchtime.
We are approximately 2 % across the whole district of bins, or shortage of bins, which actually
comes roughly 1 ,000 bins.
They have already put out 400 more in the last three days, so hopefully we will be finished
by the end of next week and we will be caught up with the brown bins.
What you have got to remember is we are not the only authority doing this at this time.
It is all across the country.
It is too many.
Getting hold of the stuff is just difficult.
we have done so well and one of the few authorities that have been able to get
this service out on date so that's amazing and as I say they have cleared
90 % of the waste on time so I think they've done a good job we all have
problems. I don't think there's anything else I'd like to say I think Chris said it all thank you.
Thank you Councillor Baucom I know you've had quite a long journey so thank you for coming and answering those questions.
Cllr Louise Mead - 1:06:54
I have a comment.
Yeah, it's just, Councillor Balcombe did brilliant well to clarify all of the questions,
Cllr Kaz Rizvi - 1:07:01
but I think the one that everybody wants to know about is what Councillor Crispond asked
about what bin does the apple that falls on the floor go in?
Don't make me wrong.
Cllr Raymond Balcombe - 1:07:11
I think the answer to that is quite simply it could go into two bins, the green or the
I will cheque it, but that is my understanding of it.
Thank you very much.
Cllr Louise Mead - 1:07:37
There we finish the questions.
We are on to agenda item 10 now.

10 Anti-Fraud and Corruption Strategy

This is the anti -fraud and corruption strategy, which can be found on pages 47 to 74 of our
agenda.
may I please ask Councillor John Whitehouse to present the report.
Thank you, Chairman.
Cllr Jon Whitehouse - 1:07:56
Yes, Council has asked to approve this after it was considered by the Audit and Governance
Committee at its most recent meeting.
Perhaps I will highlight in particular section 5 which sets out a non -exhaustive list of
the sort of areas that the Council is, and strategy is guarding against and the risks
of fraud the Council is exposed to.
That's on page 53.
The Ordering Governance Committee gets regular reports
about the work done on counter fraud.
And if any of you want more detail,
I would encourage you to look at those as it actually explains
how the strategy is being implemented in practise,
including looking at every single one of the right to buy
applications that come in.
That's all I'll say except that on your desks you've got the
related party transactions that's another of the council's controls and is
required for the annual accounts and I'd encourage you particularly if you've got
nothing to declare to fill in it in and give it back to one of Democratic
Services staff tonight if you can thank you very much thank you very much
Cllr Louise Mead - 1:09:07
Councillor John Whitehouse. Do we have any questions for Councillor Whitehouse on that report?
Cllr Martin Morris - 1:09:14
Councillor Morris. Thank you Chairman I just like to ask one question I did I
I did read the policies and I did notice that no mention was made either of the threats
posed by artificial intelligence or the benefits that could come from it by fighting against
fraud.
I wonder if some more explicit mention could be made of that aspect of both fraud and its
detection.
I am happy to take that back.
Cllr Jon Whitehouse - 1:09:41
There is in the Council's wider risk register an item on AI and the Council has recently
adopted an AI policy which I think the Audit and Government Committee may want to look
a bit more at at a future meeting.
And certainly analysis of large volumes of data is something that AI can be effective
for.
Particularly when you're in the investigation side of counter fraud, you've got to be very
careful to follow the correct regulations, the correct bits of evidence
gathering and so forth and you've got to be aware of anything that might
introduce sort of things outside that very clear evidence chain I suppose.
But certainly I'm happy to take that back to committee members and officers.
Thank you, Councillor Whitehouse.
Councillor Murray.
Cllr Louise Mead - 1:10:32
Cllr Stephen Murray - 1:10:33
I hadn't intended speaking but I just wanted to respond to something that
that Councillor Whitehouse said, because I think inadvertently he may have given the
wrong advice, though I do accept he knows far more about this than I do.
But my understanding is that this third party transaction or related party transaction isn't
something to be encouraged to be filled in.
It's an absolute legal requirement in terms of audit and so on that members fill it in
and return it.
I might be wrong, but that's my understanding.
So to encourage us is nice, but actually he should be telling us that it is a requirement.
If I'm wrong I apologise, but I don't think I am.
Thank you, I'm encouraging people to fill it in tonight.
Cllr Louise Mead - 1:11:14
Cllr Jon Whitehouse - 1:11:15
I'm telling them he's been filled in by the deadline, definitely.
Thank you, Councillor Whitehouse.
Cllr Louise Mead - 1:11:20
So members, can we agree the recommendations to approve the Anti -Fold and Corruption Strategy
as listed on page 47 of your report?
Thank you very much.

11 Revision of Article 14 (Decision Making) and Article 17 (Access to Information)

Agenda item 11 is a revision of Article 14, Decision Making, and Article 17, Access to
Information, which can be found on pages 75 to 93 of our agenda.
May I please ask Councillor Allen -Lyon to present the reports?
Cllr Alan Lion - 1:11:48
This is a tidying up of the areas in the constitution proposed by the Monitoring Officer and a great
considered by the Constitution Working Group on 31 March. Both the decision -making rules
and access to information are compliant with the relevant legislation, which is important
a regulatory framework applied to the Council's governance arrangements. The group proposed
a number of small changes, mainly typographical, but did propose that service directors should
attend scrutiny meetings if required. This was not explicitly stated in the original
draught. I think it's an important issue. The report outlines the changes to both articles
in more details. In Article 14, just to draw your attention to the proposals on key decisions,
because a number of the references to key decisions were not in fact key decisions,
So this is related to a financial limit which is now £250 ,000 and previously was £100 ,000
of unbudgeted expenditure.
So this simplifies the current arrangements and aligns the Council with other Essex authorities.
So the revised articles have been included in the appendix of the report and officers
are available for more detailed questions should that be required.
and I recommend the report from the Constitution Working Group to be
Cllr Louise Mead - 1:13:26
approved. Thank you. Members do we have any questions on the report?
So can we agree the three recommendations to revise article 14
decision -making and article 17 access to information as listed on page 75 of your
report.

12 Appointment of the Head of Paid Service (Chief Executive) on a Permanent Basis

Agenda item 12 is the appointment of the head of paid service, chief executive, on a permanent
basis. Details can be found on pages 94 to 95 of our agenda. May I ask Councillor Chris
Whitford to present the report?
Cllr Chris Whitbread - 1:14:08
Thank you, Chairman. As you were part of, the Senior Management Selection Panel met
a few weeks ago now to discuss making permanent the roles of Mr Andrew Small and Mr Owen Sparks
in their roles as set out within this report. We had an assessment panel for those roles.
I mean, I think we're extremely lucky to have officers at such a
senior level of such high quality, particularly bearing in
mind the challenges that we now face through local government
reorganisation and to have that type of experience is going to
be essential.
And I do believe that we will bring a great deal of stability
to our organisation as we move forward and confidence that they
have brought to our staff as well across the authority,
which is really important.
The assessments found that all three of the appointments
were acceptable.
Of course, Mr. Spool's appointment has to be confirmed
by full council because that's the head of paid service
along with the statutory roles that will be covered
by the finance officer, Mr. Owen Sparks.
Members, I'm sure you've had the opportunity
to read through this report.
It comes to you with my strongest recommendation
and I hope that you can agree with the recommendations
as set out on page 94. Thank you, Councillor Whitbread. Do we have any questions on the report?
Cllr Louise Mead - 1:15:32
No. So members, oh Councillor Risby. Sorry Madam Chairman, not a question, more of a comment and
Cllr Kaz Rizvi - 1:15:41
a point of order. May it be noted that Mr Small had left the Chamber before this item was discussed.
Cllr Louise Mead - 1:15:52
Yes, thank you. Thank you. Any questions? No. So members, can we agree the recommendations to approve
the permanent appointment of the Head of Paid Service Chief Executive as listed
on page 94 of your reports. Thank you. We're just going to bring Mr Small back in
before I go on to agenda item 13.

13 Appointment of the Chief Finance Officer on a Permanent Basis

We are also going to note the appointment of Mr Jennifer Gould as the role of Deputy
Chief Executive to be noted.
Agenda item 13 is the appointment of the Chief Financial Officer on a permanent basis. Details
can be found on pages 96, 97 of our agenda. May I please ask Councillor Chris Whitbread
to present the report. Thank you. Now I welcome our permanent top
Cllr Chris Whitbread - 1:17:18
top senior level management team which is really good and really good for this authority.
Of course we have to do the the technical work that goes behind it which sees Mr Andrew
Small as our head of paid service and of course Mr Owen Sparks as the statutory chief finance
officer be nice to him in future.
Members can we agree to that last recommendation, number one?
I agree to agree.

14 Calendar of Meetings - Revision of Scrutiny Committee Dates

Cllr Louise Mead - 1:17:49
On agenda item 14, calendar of meetings 26 to 27, revision of scrutiny committee dates.
May I please ask Councillor Chris Whitbread to present the report.
Cllr Chris Whitbread - 1:18:07
Thank you Chairman and this report actually improves upon the overview and
scrutiny arrangements and something that's come up a number of times where
scrutiny was falling in the wrong times to our cabinet meetings but it's
important that scrutiny meets first and then the cabinet meets after and
hopefully these changes will bring that into line and will work better for
members and I'm sure that those members of scrutiny will be pleased to know they
have an extra meeting built into it as well. Okay do we have any questions on
Cllr Louise Mead - 1:18:36
the reports? Councillor Murray. It's not a question chairman but it's just an
Cllr Stephen Murray - 1:18:40
observation I just say very nicely that I do not really understand why this
hasn't been in place for a long time. Scrutiny is such an important part of
making sure the cabinet makes sound decisions. The fact that we haven't been
doing this for a long time rather worries me and it should have been built
into the calendar but we are where we are and we've had a new officer who has
given us advice and experience from her previous councils and we're learning
from that so this I fully support it but you know it should have been in place a
long time ago in my view. Okay thank you for your comments.
Cllr Louise Mead - 1:19:21
Cllr Chris Whitbread - 1:19:23
Thank You Chairman I accept what Councillor Murray is saying I think at some point in
the past it's got out of sync it's now back in sync and I think it'll be
Cllr Louise Mead - 1:19:34
helpful to us all as we move forward. Thank you. Any other questions? Okay so
members can we agree the recommendation that the calendar of meetings for 2026
to 27 revision of scrutiny dates as listed on page 98 of your report be
adopted. Agreed. Thank you so we have a supplementary agenda which we call 14 .1

14 a) Renters Rights Act 2025 - Delegated Authority

So item 14 .1 on the agenda is the Renters' Rights Act 2025, Delegated Authority, which
can be found on the supplementary agenda pages 104 to 108. I'm satisfied that by reasons
of special circumstances, this is to enable delegated authority to be given to the officers
to undertake functions of the Council contained in the Renters' Rights Act 2025, which comes
into force on 1 May 2026. This item should be considered as a matter of urgency. I am
going to ask Councillor Kesker to present their report.
Cllr Paul Keska - 1:20:40
Thank you, Chairman. You have presented it extremely well. What has happened is that
The Government has brought in a new Act, the Renters' Rights Act, that has meant new responsibilities
for local authorities and the proposals that we are bringing forward tonight are enabling
our officers to carry out their duties.
I will just read the two recommendations.
That delegated authority be given to the Service Director, Regulatory Services, to exercise
the functions of the council contained in the renters rights act 2025 referred to in this report
and two that delegated authority be given to the monitoring officer to amend the scheme of
delegation contained in part three appendix three of the constitution accordingly thank you council
Cllr Louise Mead - 1:21:30
Lecaster now we are going to be having a briefing on this due to its complexity in the next municipal
year just to let you know. Members are there any questions on that report?
Cllr Stephen Murray - 1:21:44
Councillor Murray. I just wanted to make a few comments chairman as a long -standing
independent I very rarely get excited by national legislation in fact I can't
think the last time I got excited by national legislation. Doesn't interest me
local local local however this legislation has really excited me and
I think it is to be welcomed.
No good landlord has anything to worry about the rights that tenants are being given.
And the reason why I'm particularly excited about it is we have to realise that the proportion
of residents, not necessarily in EpiFroz but across the country, I don't know the figures
for EpiFroz, perhaps I should but I don't, in the private sector has actually increased.
It tends to be poorer families that are in the private sector, renting as well.
And the other thing that does concern me and therefore I'm pleased with these rights, one
of the biggest changes I've witnessed within my time as a Councillor is the transfer of
council housing stock under the Right to Buy.
And we were told that that was going to be a transfer into home ownership.
And it was initially, but the Chartered Institute of Housing now estimates, based on their normal
ways of estimating figures, that 40 % of the housing stock that has been sold in the last
40 years, so 40 % of the social housing stock that has been sold off in the last 40 years,
not a policy that I was necessarily against, because it was meant to promote home ownership,
had in fact ended up as a transfer to the private renters sector.
So I think that's just worth telling members that it is estimated that on good practise,
it's not a figure plug for them to see now, 40 % of the social housing that we once had
in this country is now privately rented.
And therefore I'm really pleased with this piece of legislation and actually did get
a little bit excited about it.
The next one will probably come along in 20 years time.
Great, thank you, Councillor Murray.
Cllr Louise Mead - 1:24:00
Councillor Sungga.
Thank you, Chairman.
I welcome this report.
Cllr Darshan Sunger - 1:24:04
As someone who's been directly involved in shaping this legislation through my national
role at Propertymark, I understand both its intent and its complexity better than most
people.
The Renters' Rights Act is a landmark moment for the private renter sector and I support
this council taking its enforcement and enforcement responsibilities very seriously. But we are
less than four weeks away from the biggest change to renting law in a generation. And
I have to ask, what are we doing to help our residents understand it?
Tenants who don't yet know their new rights, landlords who don't yet understand their new
obligations, real people are our residents.
This is not about taking sides, it never should be.
It is simply about making sure that every resident in Epping Forest, whether they rent
or let, has access to clear, impartial information before 1 May 2026.
So I ask the portfolio holder, which I believe is Councillor Paul Kesker, directly, will
he commit to ensuring that practical guidance and signed posting is put in place for residents
before the clock runs out?
Because Madam Chairman, the law doesn't wait and neither should we.
Thank you.
Thank you Councillor Sanghat.
Councillor Kesker did you want to come back on that?
Cllr Paul Keska - 1:25:42
I will try and answer that if I might.
I'll make one comment first.
The law allows a difference between local authority tenants
and private tenants.
You may think that they are the same,
but they are treated rather differently.
Now that we have provided you accept this tonight,
we will be making sure that officers make information
available to both renters and landlords.
I cannot promise that it will be done by the 1st of May,
but it will be done as soon as it's practical.
Okay, thank you.
There's a part of an answer.
Cllr Louise Mead - 1:26:18
Was there somebody else that wanted to,
from the cabinet, wanted to add something?
No?
Okay, and as I said before,
we will be asking for a briefing for councillors
in the next municipal year.
So members, can we agree the attached report
rising from the Renters' Rights Act 2025?
Agree.
Thank you.

15 Motions

So, Agenda Item 15 is motions.
Mr Woodall, do we have any motions tonight?
Not tonight, Chair.
Gary Woodhall - 1:26:48
Cllr Louise Mead - 1:26:50
Agenda Item 16 is the report

16 Overview and Scrutiny Committee

from Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
Can I ask Councillor Roger Baldwin
to present his report, please?
Yes, thank you, Chairman.
Cllr Roger Baldwin - 1:27:01
So, ONS hasn't met since the last full Council meeting,
but there has been a full and varied work programme
that has been completed to date.
I believe that scrutiny has been invaluable
in the development of a wide range of policies,
especially in relation to our revised housing policies
that have ensured legal compliance
and the safety of our residents.
There's also been scrutiny of our partners
and external organisations, including QALYSS, TVS,
and the Community Safety Partnership,
the Health and Wellbeing Partnership and of course TFL.
My committee ensures that the organisational performance,
projects and the budget of this Council are scrutinised
and many Cabinet decisions have been considered and strengthened by a pre -scrutiny process.
Although it should be noted that Cabinet can be called to account
and this year we had a call -in process relating to the green waste collection.
I feel the strength of scrutiny comes when we work together and the setting of the budget,
or with the setting of the budget, the role of scrutiny in that process epitomises the strength
that scrutiny brings. Scrutiny provides councillors an opportunity to engage,
challenge and shape policy and I cannot urge members enough to get involved as they normally do.
I would like to thank members of the scrutiny committees
and other Councillors and the cabinet for attending
and engaging in scrutiny throughout the municipal year.
Special thanks go to Vice Chairman, Councillor McCann
and Chairman of Place, Councillor Lucas
and Vice Chair, Councillor Lee
and the Chairman of Place, Councillor Parsons
supported by Councillor Soonger
who have delivered their work programmes
and supported this committee throughout the year.
We've all been supported by a wide range of officers through.
And I would like to thank my personal thanks to them
for their professionalism.
And it's only because of their input
that we can carry out scrutiny.
And that should definitely be recognised.
And so last thing is the next ONS meeting
for this municipal year will be next Tuesday on the 14th.
Is that the last meeting of the present Youth Council?
Yes, my understanding is that they are going to be presenting at the end of the evening next Tuesday.
Thank you very much.
Cllr Louise Mead - 1:29:44
Thank you, Councillor Baldwin. Do we have any questions on that report at all?
Councillor Murray.
Cllr Stephen Murray - 1:29:51
Thank you, Chairman. It's a contribution because, as you know, my role in this Council is quite
minimal and it's in the area of scrutiny. I'd like to thank what the Chairman has said.
I'd like to thank him also for his hearing office as our Chairman because I was going
to make that remark anyway. But I will just politely say, based on something he said earlier
in the meeting, not within that report, yes, scrutiny will keep to the Council rules, but
Bluntly, we can ask to scrutinise anything we want to, as long as it's not illegal, indecent
and dishonest.
Those are just the guides.
We want to scrutinise what we feel is necessary to scrutinise and I would agree with the point
that's been made within the questions that I do think a five -field purchase will be one
of those issues.
That's a personal opinion.
Other members will have to agree.
Since the last meeting we have had a communities scrutiny panel and that was a very important
meeting.
Without naming names I will just gently say that I was disappointed and I wasn't the only
member of the panel disappointed to say that the relevant portfolio holders were not there.
We didn't even have an explanation for why they were not there.
I understand that there can be very good reasons for why a relevant portfolio holder might
not be there, but at this particular community's committee, they weren't there and no explanation
was received either for why they weren't there.
Councillor Patel, our housing portfolio holder continues to be a shining example of attendance
and commitment and ownership to her reports.
I will just make two other comments.
We had a scrutiny of the Newseum service.
On a slightly negative note, members weren't particularly impressed by the depth and quality
of the report.
But though we haven't met as a group since then, as a scrutiny panel since then, I'm
sure members of the community panel will agree.
absolutely blown away with the quality of the follow -up report that we had on
the Museum Service. I mean it ran to pages and it was absolutely fantastic.
So we moved from a very kind of shallow report to members now having a very
detailed handle on how the Museum Service has managed in its last, in its
first two years as a standalone body.
And I have to say that made very, very impressive reading.
And we had one of the trustees here tonight.
So I do want her to take that back, please.
The report that we've received
and we'll be able to ask questions about at the meeting
because that's an important part of scrutiny as well.
It was absolutely excellent.
And I just wanted to finish with the Youth Council as well.
I'm really looking forward to meeting with the youth council next week.
And you're always on dangerous ground when you say something like that, this, particularly
as I think we've got three ex -youth councillors sitting in the chamber tonight.
I have been particularly impressed by the quality of this group.
I don't quite know for what reason they seem to have gelled, the quality of their insights.
I've tried to attend a little part of their own meeting as well with their invitation
and I just think the quality of the outgoing group has been particularly high so I'm sure
that the quality of the new group will be just as good but I just wanted to note that
personal comment.
I think we've just for whatever reason we just seem to have had a really good group
in the last Youth Council.
Thank you Chairman.
Thank you Councillor Murray.
Councillor Chris Whitfres.
Cllr Louise Mead - 1:33:52
Cllr Chris Whitbread - 1:33:57
Thank you, thank you Chairman and like Councillor Murray I wanted to thank the Chairman of O
I think it's all a benefit to us and it shows a new strength in scrutiny.
The work over the budget was first class in a very, very difficult and challenging financial
situation.
I believe it actually brought the council together and got the best results we could
from that budget process.
But especially we just have to say a big thank you because I know how much work goes into
scrutiny and I know that it's been carried out in such a very excellent manner over the
year. Thank you Councillor Whitbread. Councillor Misfi, did you want to say anything? No? Not anymore? Okay. Thank you very much.

17 Joint Arrangements & External Organisations

Cllr Louise Mead - 1:34:57
So we're on to item 17 which is the joint arrangements and external
organisations. Do any members have any reports they would like to present this
evening on external organisations or joint arrangements? No? None? Okay thank you.

18 Exclusion of Public and Press

Item 18 on our agenda is exclusion of public and press.
As there are no items for consideration at the exclusion of the public and press, I declare
this meeting closed at 8 .35 pm.
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 Tom Bromwich
District councillor for North Weald Bassett ward
Epping Forest Independents Group
View profile Cllr Tom Bromwich
Cllr Mary Dadd
District councillor for Ongar ward
Conservative Party
View profile Cllr Mary Dadd
Cllr Mandy George
District councillor for Epping West and Rural ward
Liberal Democrats
View profile Cllr Mandy George
Cllr Paul Keska
District councillor for Ongar ward
Conservative Party
View profile Cllr Paul Keska
Cllr Alan Lion
District councillor for Grange Hill ward
Conservative Party
View profile Cllr Alan Lion
Cllr Jodie Lucas
District councillor for Waltham Abbey West ward
Conservative Party
View profile Cllr Jodie Lucas
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
Reform UK
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
Epping Forest Independents Group
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 Smruti Patel
District councillor for Buckhurst Hill West ward
Conservative Party
View profile Cllr Smruti Patel
Cllr Chris Pond
District councillor for Loughton St John's ward
Loughton Residents Association
View profile Cllr Chris Pond
Cllr Kaz Rizvi
District councillor for Chigwell with Lambourne ward
Conservative Party
View profile Cllr Kaz Rizvi
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 Janet Whitehouse
District councillor for Epping East ward
Liberal Democrats
View profile Cllr Janet Whitehouse
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