Overview & Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday 14 April 2026, 7:00pm - Epping Forest District Council webcasts
Overview & Scrutiny Committee
Tuesday, 14th April 2026 at 7:00pm
Speaking:
Agenda item :
Start of webcast
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Cllr Roger Baldwin
Agenda item :
1 Webcasting Introduction
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Laura Kirman
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Laura Kirman
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Cllr Roger Baldwin
Agenda item :
2 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
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Laura Kirman
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Cllr Roger Baldwin
Agenda item :
3 SUBSTITUTE MEMBERS
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Laura Kirman
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Cllr Roger Baldwin
Agenda item :
4 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
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Agenda item :
5 MINUTES
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Agenda item :
6 Matters Arising and Outstanding Actions
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Agenda item :
7 Public Questions & Requests to Address the Overview and Scrutiny Committee
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Laura Kirman
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Cllr Roger Baldwin
Agenda item :
8 Executive Decisions - Call-In
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Cllr Sheree Rackham
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Cllr Roger Baldwin
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Laura Kirman
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Cllr Roger Baldwin
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Cllr Sheree Rackham
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Laura Kirman
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Cllr Roger Baldwin
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Cllr Stephen Murray
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Laura Kirman
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Cllr Stephen Murray
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Laura Kirman
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Cllr Roger Baldwin
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Cllr Mandy George
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Laura Kirman
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Cllr Alan Lion
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Cllr Mandy George
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Cllr Alan Lion
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Cllr Roger Baldwin
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Andrew Small
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Cllr Roger Baldwin
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Cllr Ken Williamson
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Cllr Roger Baldwin
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Andrew Small
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Cllr Roger Baldwin
Agenda item :
9 Annual review of the work undertaken by Epping Forest Youth Council (EFYC)
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Vanessa Gayton
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Youth councillor
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Cllr Roger Baldwin
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Cllr Lisa Morgan
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Cllr Roger Baldwin
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Cllr Stephen Murray
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Youth councillor
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Cllr Roger Baldwin
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Youth councillor
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Cllr Stephen Murray
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Cllr Roger Baldwin
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Cllr Alan Lion
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Youth councillor
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Cllr Roger Baldwin
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Cllr Alan Lion
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Cllr Roger Baldwin
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Cllr Craig McCann
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Youth councillor
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Cllr Roger Baldwin
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Cllr Sheree Rackham
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Youth councillor
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Cllr Roger Baldwin
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Youth councillor
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Cllr Sheree Rackham
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Cllr Roger Baldwin
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Cllr Holly Whitbread
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Cllr Stephen Murray
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Cllr Stephen Murray
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Cllr Alan Lion
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Cllr Roger Baldwin
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Cllr Holly Whitbread
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Cllr Roger Baldwin
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Cllr Roger Baldwin
Agenda item :
10 Garage Policy
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Cllr Smruti Patel
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Cllr Roger Baldwin
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Cllr Stephen Murray
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Dawn Harrisson
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Cllr Stephen Murray
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Cllr Lisa Morgan
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Cllr Smruti Patel
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Cllr Roger Baldwin
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Cllr Alan Lion
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Cllr Roger Baldwin
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Dawn Harrisson
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Cllr Roger Baldwin
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Cllr Will Kauffman
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Dawn Harrisson
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Cllr Roger Baldwin
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Cllr Sheree Rackham
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Dawn Harrisson
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Cllr Roger Baldwin
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Cllr Sheree Rackham
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Dawn Harrisson
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Cllr Roger Baldwin
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Cllr Alan Lion
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Dawn Harrisson
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Cllr Roger Baldwin
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Dawn Harrisson
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Cllr Roger Baldwin
Agenda item :
11 Chairmen to Report on their Scrutiny Committee Business
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Cllr Stephen Murray
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Cllr Roger Baldwin
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Cllr Joseph Parsons
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Cllr Roger Baldwin
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Cllr Stephen Murray
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Laura Kirman
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Cllr Stephen Murray
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Cllr Roger Baldwin
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Cllr Lisa Morgan
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Cllr Roger Baldwin
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Cllr Stephen Murray
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Cllr Roger Baldwin
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Laura Kirman
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Cllr Stephen Murray
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Laura Kirman
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Andrew Small
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Cllr Stephen Murray
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Andrew Small
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Cllr Stephen Murray
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Cllr Roger Baldwin
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Cllr Sheree Rackham
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Cllr Roger Baldwin
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Cllr Lisa Morgan
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Cllr Roger Baldwin
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Cllr Edward Barnard
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Cllr Roger Baldwin
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Laura Kirman
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Cllr Roger Baldwin
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Cllr Stephen Murray
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Cllr Roger Baldwin
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Cllr Martin Morris
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Cllr Roger Baldwin
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Andrew Small
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Cllr Roger Baldwin
Agenda item :
12 Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Work Programme
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Cllr Martin Morris
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Laura Kirman
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Cllr Roger Baldwin
Agenda item :
13 Cabinet Business
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Webcast Finished
Disclaimer: This transcript was automatically generated, so it may contain errors. Please view the webcast to confirm whether the content is accurate.
1 Webcasting Introduction
Cllr Roger Baldwin - 0:00:02
Next we will haveacon liberalWelcome, everybody, to the overview and scrutiny committee this evening. The first thing is
to Laura, could you read the webcasting introduction for us, please?
Laura Kirman - 0:00:55
I would like to remind everyone that this meeting will be filmed live and recorded anduploaded to the internet and will be capable of repeated viewing. Therefore by
participating in this meeting you are consenting to being filmed and to the
possible use of those images and sound recordings. If any public speakers on MS
Laura Kirman - 0:01:17
teams do not wish to have their image captured they should ensure that thevideo 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
and turn them off when they've finished.
Yep, thank you for that.
Cllr Roger Baldwin - 0:01:34
So I'm the chairman, Councillor Baldwin,and my vice chairman is Councillor McCann.
And to my left is Andrew Small, who's our chief executive,
and to his left is Dawn Harrison,
and who is our service director of housing.
Tomorrow also is Laura Kerman from, not domestic,
democratic services and Steve Mitchell is broadcasting the meeting. We also have a number
of officers in the chamber and online should they be needed. Then we go to item 2 which
2 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
is apologies for absence. We have received apologies for absence from
Laura Kirman - 0:02:18
Councillor Bassett, Councillor Lucas and Councillor Markham.Thank you.
3 SUBSTITUTE MEMBERS
Cllr Roger Baldwin - 0:02:24
And then we go to item three.I think any substitutes this evening?
Laura Kirman - 0:02:32
Councillor Richard Morgan is substitutingfor Councillor Bassett.
Okay, thank you.
Cllr Roger Baldwin - 0:02:37
And then we go to item four on the agenda,4 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
which is declarations of interest.
Members, are there any declarations of interest at all?
No, thank you.
5 MINUTES
Then we go to item five, which is the minutes.
The minutes are on pages five to nine.
Can we confirm that the minutes from the 3rd of February?
Agreed.
Thank you.
We are going through these quickly, aren't we?
6 Matters Arising and Outstanding Actions
Item six, matters arising and outstanding actions.
Members, are there any other matters arising or outstanding actions?
Any matters arising or outstanding actions?
Nope.
Nope? OK.
And then we go to Item 7 on the agenda,
which is, um...
7 Public Questions & Requests to Address the Overview and Scrutiny Committee
..which is public questions and request to address
the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
Laura Kirman - 0:03:37
None received, Chairman.None received.
Cllr Roger Baldwin - 0:03:40
and so no, right, okay.8 Executive Decisions - Call-In
And then we go to item eight.
Now item eight, I think we do have a call in this evening.
We've received a request for a call in
on the cabinet decision made at the meeting
on the 30th of March, 2026,
relation to the council housing development,
S106 purchase of nine affordable units
at the Hawthorne's fire field.
This request is being progressed in line with the procedures set out in the constitution.
Yes, so did you...
Yeah, so I have finished on that one, so Councillor Rankin, do you want to say something?
Thank you, Chair.
Cllr Sheree Rackham - 0:04:32
I'm actually concerned about the decision that this decision is being rushed through before the elections in three weeks.And the thing is we could have a change of administration.
That's number one.
Number two, I'm also concerned about any decision that is taken
by the administration because it may be used as part of their
election campaign.
And also, I would like to know how this fits in with
the PIRDA rules.
So with this in mind, I don't know how the other members feel,
but I would like to propose deferring the decision and I'd like someone to
second that and possibly we can have some individual votes on that. Thank you.
Cllr Roger Baldwin - 0:05:17
Yes please. Thank you Councillor Rackham. Can I just go over to Democratic Services.Laura Kirman - 0:05:24
There has been a request for a calling on that decision. That request was receivedlast night just after 11 o 'clock. It is with the monitoring officer there is a
process that must be gone through, which is set out in the Constitution, and you're being
informed of it under the appropriate part of this agenda today.
Okay, so in terms of the data, what does that mean to us here?
Cllr Roger Baldwin - 0:05:45
Cllr Sheree Rackham - 0:05:46
The decisions that will come out of the process. There's no further discussion on that tonight.Laura Kirman - 0:05:51
The process as in the procedure will be followed, and the monitoring officer will be consideringthis tomorrow and dealing with it in due course.
Cllr Roger Baldwin - 0:06:04
Cllr Stephen Murray - 0:06:07
Thank you. Councillor Murray. Yes, thank you that confirmed my understanding ofthis. We're not here to debate the issue tonight. Absolutely delighted that it's
been called in I must say. I don't know who's called it in. I operate as one
person so presumably a group has called it in. If I had been asked to be one of
I would have signed, absolutely delighted.
I wasn't necessarily of that view on Thursday, but I'm certainly of that view once I've given
the consideration this weekend.
So I'm absolutely delighted that it's been called in.
Are we able to have a brief description of, or be reminded briefly what the process is
from here on in or do we just need to wait until we get a detailed timetable following
the request we are calling or is an officer able to just remind us what the procedure
is from here on in as regards a request for a requested calling?
Laura Kirman - 0:07:14
Thank you for that, Laura. The calling has been received. It has met the initial criteria.there were the right number of members on that.
It made the deadline by 30 minutes
and therefore it technically has been received.
The detail of the calling will be viewed
by the monitoring officer and relevant officers
and the decision will be made to confirm that it is valid.
If it is valid, there is then an informal meeting
called with the chairman of this committee,
Council Baldwin with members of the put forward the request for calling to see
if there can be a suitable outcome achieved if that isn't achieved there
will be a request that that goes to overview and scrutiny committee the
normal process is that that would go to the next overview and scrutiny
committee if it's felt that that is too long the special meeting can be called
has been pointed out there is an election in between the monitoring officer will be in a position to take that into account and the
Lead signatory will be advised of all that in due course
Beyond that as it always only received last night. I can't give any time scales. I'm sorry chairman
Cllr Stephen Murray - 0:08:32
I just have one follow -up question. That's a very useful answer. This is important. So I'm sorry toSpend time. Well, I'm not sorry to spend time on it. We need to spend time on it. That's a very useful answer
Can I can I just ask a follow -up question?
and you should say I perhaps should know every page of our Constitution.
Presumably there are very clear grounds and very clear reasons why the monitoring officer
can only declare an invalid calling on very clear and substantiated grounds that would
be explained to us.
Is that the case?
Laura Kirman - 0:09:09
It is the case then, it is said in the Constitution.I'm giving you this advice as a Democratic Services Officer.
Unfortunately, the Monitoring Officer and our Deputy are not here tonight,
so I am trying to be helpful without the Constitution in front of me
and giving you a more practical approach.
We have, as a Democratic Service Officer, I saw that and it met the criteria for calling.
That's all I can say at this stage. I'm not in a position to provide any further information.
Cllr Roger Baldwin - 0:09:38
Thank you, Kay.Cllr Mandy George - 0:09:43
Hi, thank you, Chair, and good evening, everyone. Could someone explain to me why? It's onlybeen disclosed now in Council meeting regarding the validation of the calling, and no email
has been received to confirm that. Thank you. As I've tried to explain, Councillor
Laura Kirman - 0:09:59
George, the monitoring officer actually deals with this. I'm trying to give you some practicalsteps of what's actually happening. I've looked at the form, because you sent it through to
me separately and I confirmed and it got sent through to the relevant officers that it had
got the right amount of signatures and that it was in time because obviously there is
a time limit on when callings can be requested. This is quite an un, because the decision
was taken on the 30th of March but this is done on working day so because it was Easter
and there were a few bank holidays in between they don't count so it was within time of
That was the only judgement and decision that I made.
The monitoring officer will be in touch with you in due course.
Thank you and Councillor Lai.
Thank you Laura for coming back on that and explaining.
Cllr Alan Lion - 0:10:51
Cllr Mandy George - 0:10:54
But it would have been nice just to have an acknowledgement, yes it's validated and I could have taken it further.I understand the monitoring officer has to proceed with it and be held and lead it with what the calling has happened.
And so yeah, I did you've discussed now that it's me
I did call it in last night and there was an hour and one minute to go before the
Midnight hour was happening. Thank you. I do appreciate you lot. Okay. Thank you. Can I go to Councillor Lyon? Thank you chairman
Cllr Alan Lion - 0:11:19
I'm not aware of this call in and I don't know whether all members of the committee are made aware of itso
It's completely new that this has come up this evening
And I think I'd like it noted that this has not been communicated to all members of the
committee and therefore it's probably inappropriate to discuss it.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Cllr Roger Baldwin - 0:11:42
Andrew, would you like to come back from that?Thank you, Chair.
I was just to say, yes, it was received yesterday evening.
I know the monitoring officer was out in a meeting all day today, so hasn't had the opportunity
Andrew Small - 0:11:53
to respond to it yet.There is a process.
It's set out within the constitution.
We will get back to you.
It just so happens that the overview and scrutiny committee
happens to meet this evening, which is why
you're able to raise it this evening
under normal circumstances.
There would have been a period of a few days to validate it
and then we'll get back to you with a formal
setting out what the process is next.
So, I mean, it just so happens that less than 24 hours
is a lapse pretty much between the call in being submitted
and this meeting taking place.
Thank you.
Can I go to Councillor Williamson, please?
Cllr Roger Baldwin - 0:12:28
Thank you, Chair.Cllr Ken Williamson - 0:12:32
My understanding of the cabinet decision was that it was to enable officers to negotiate,and any negotiation, any possible deal would come back to overview and score, to a scrutiny
committee, I'm not sure which one, and then back to cabinet for approval.
This was not approval for a purchase.
It was approval for a negotiation.
Andrew, can you come back here?
Thank you.
Cllr Roger Baldwin - 0:12:58
I strongly advise that we let the monitoring officer look at the call in first before weAndrew Small - 0:13:02
have a debate about it in this chamber.Okay, thank you.
Cllr Roger Baldwin - 0:13:11
So let's move on to our most substantial item on the agenda, which is a big welcome, itemnine, big welcome to our Youth Council.
9 Annual review of the work undertaken by Epping Forest Youth Council (EFYC)
And I'd like to say congratulations to the newly elected members of the Youth Council,
I think some of whom are present this evening, so congratulations.
I'm sure you're going to have a very, very interesting, stimulating two years ahead of you.
And I'm sure that the outgoing members of the Youth Council who are outgoing,
I'm sure you've had a great experience too.
So we look forward to hearing all about that this evening with our usual excitement.
I will go over to Vanessa if I may to lead this.
Thank you Chairman.
Vanessa Gayton - 0:13:51
Good evening councillors.Thank you for inviting the Epping Forest Youth Council here this evening to deliver their
annual progress report.
They will update you on their projects and community work that they have undertaken this
last year.
As the Chairman said, we had recent elections as I am sure most of you are aware.
and I'm delighted to see the top row filled with some of our new cohort to experience
overview and scrutiny and the Council Chamber.
We also have some of our previous Youth Council here to support our presenters, so they're
in the second row.
I'm sure they will assist in answering any questions.
And then we have our five presenters.
Four have been re -elected and one is leaving.
I would like to also say that Evie has stepped in last minute today due to illness, so she's
literally covering the presentation really quickly, so thank you for that in advance
Evie.
And I'm going to pass over to you now to start the presentation.
Thank you.
Thank you Vanessa.
Youth councillor - 0:15:03
Good evening and thank you for inviting us to update you about our work.Firstly, we would like to introduce ourselves. I'm Evie Griffiths, I'm 14 years old and I attend Debeden Park High School.
Hi, I'm Reece Bartlett, I'm 16 years old from Waltham Abbey and I attend King Harold Academy.
Hello, my name is Alexander Omoeteng, I'm 15 years old and I attend Epping St John's.
Good evening, my name is Abigail Barger. I am 17 and I attend Roding Valley High School.
Good evening, my name is Oscar Rufen. I'm 16 years old and I'm an independent youth
counsellor attending the Hearts and Essex Sick Forum in Bishopstawford. I have served
with the Youth Council for four years. We are proud to be here tonight representing
the young people of our district. Our goal is to raise the profile of young people and address the
key issues they face. We've all served two years. Oscar has served four years and myself, Alex,
Abby and Reece have been re -elected. So as we say farewell to many of our peers tonight,
we are delighted to have this opportunity to continue serving our community as Epping Forest
Youth Councillors. We have thoroughly enjoyed our time as we see the Youth Council go from
strength to strength. We are now in our 18th year and the new cohort will be
part of planning to celebrate our 20th anniversary in 2028. Since taking office
in April 24 we have embraced opportunities to represent young people
at public events and community meetings. We work well as a team, valuing and
respecting the different skills we bring. Our focus is to be effective in our
communities and to achieve our goals.
In March, youth elections were held in all secondary schools.
We worked within the schools to encourage pupils to stand as a candidate and we are
delighted to share that 48 candidates took part in the 2026 elections.
The candidates stood for 23 seats and a total of 6 ,183 votes were cast.
Six current youth councillors re -stood for election and were successfully re -elected.
Our 2026 -2028 cohort of Epping Forest youth councillors consists of 15 girls and 8 boys,
representing 12 schools across the district, with one youth councillor who is home educated.
There are five independent youth councillors with us tonight who live in the district and attend schools outside the district.
These schools are the Bancroft School, St Nicholas School in Old Harlow, the London
Academy of Excellence in Stratford.
Our youngest member is 12 and our oldest is 17.
The induction training is an intense programme that forms the foundation of being an effective
youth counsellor and strong representative of our peers.
It prepares us to act professionally, work confidently in public and uphold the high
standards expected of our role. The training covers team building, leadership, presentation
skills, time management and public speaking. It also deepens our understanding of diversity
and equality, helping us to appreciate the importance of respect and having a positive
attitude. Together, these skills and values shape how we work as a team and guide the
way we interact with others.
The Youth Council's 2025 project, Ditch the Vape, was widely recognised as a huge success
by local MP Dr. Neil Hudson, local councillors and service providers.
We engage with key organisations including the Children's Society, Public Health, the
Amy Winehouse Foundation, Essex County Council and Health Watch.
These meetings informed us about the challenges faced by service providers, schools and parents.
Almost 3 ,000 pupils completed the Youth Councilor's School Survey and the report attracted media
attention from ITV News reporter Emma Volkney. Members of the Youth Council were interviewed
by ITV and featured as part of her news report, which we will now show.
Around one in 10, 11 to 15 brands face and most are buying them in person, face to face.
Some shops are knowingly selling vapes to children under age and our investigation suggests that fines just aren't strong enough.
What I can say is the fine for selling vapes to an under 18 person is only £2 ,500 which arguably isn't that much to a large business.
It's turning over £100 ,000 to £1 ,000 a year.
Between 2022 and 2024, more than 3 ,500 shots were caught selling vapes to children,
but fewer than 100 were shut down. And we've even heard accounts of children buying vapes
while wearing their school uniform. We've spoken to teenagers who are seeing the impact.
Sometimes it's not even actually the nicotine addiction, it's actually the physical action of
bringing something to your mouth, you know what I mean? And there's been ways that people have
that I've seen necklaces that almost people have brought in.
When we're doing research to combat that physical addiction as well.
Trading standards tell us they see the same offenders time and again.
A new law is coming in meaning that for the first time shops that sell vapes will need to be licenced.
In theory that will give the authorities more power to take action, but will it get to the root of the problem?
The report has also been highlighted by the Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care
Board as an essential piece of research that can help shape future policy and has been
added to their research database for health professionals.
In November, we successfully organised and hosted the 9th Epping Forest Youth Conference,
welcoming 104 pupils and their teachers from 8 secondary schools across the district.
The conference supports UK Parliament Week by highlighting the importance of youth voice
and helping young people gain a better understanding of the work of the House of Commons and the House of Parliament.
The event was supported by a wide range of services and partner agencies.
an MP, Dr Neil Hudson, was praised for her outstanding work on the vaping awareness report,
recognising our strong commitment to addressing important issues that affect our peers. Participants
also engaged in enthusiastic debate on the motion, artificial intelligence does more
harm than good. The majority voted against the motion, concluding that AI will do more
good than harm. 46 .5 % voted for, whilst 53 .5 % voted against the motion.
Pupils explored a range of issues in 12 discussing groups which included local
democracy, substance misuse, social media, loneliness and isolation, physical
activity and crime and justice. There was also a teachers discussion group led by Helen
Gregory the well -being and public health manager at Essex County Council, Vanessa Gardner from
Healthy Schools and Steve Bish from Active Essex. The teachers main concern was youth
vaping in schools. The session was an opportunity to share information and promote new programmes
such as the pilot programme, offering secondary schools a range of interventions including
delivery of Break the Vape, behaviour change training and support for delivering vaping
education.
There is also a Youth Vaping Quit pathway available through the Children's Society.
Teachers spoke about some tobacco products such as nicotine pouches which are particularly
difficult to detect in schools as they can resemble tins of sweets.
Teachers highlighted that further education on these types of tobacco
products would be highly beneficial. The healthy schools programme was introduced
and schools were encouraged to engage with the team to discover what support
is available. Active Essex spoke about their work in schools and emphasised the
importance of building opportunities to encourage physical activity into the
school day. As a part of the youth conference the hashtag have your say
consultation was held, providing the District Council with an opportunity to
engage directly with young people on the issues that matter the most to them.
Delegates were asked to select one issue they would like the Youth Council to
come campaign on the coming year, which would also form the focus of the 26 to
28 project. The three top priorities were identified as violence against women and
girls, knife crime and feeling safe on the streets. Violence against women and
will therefore be the focus of the project for the 2026 -28 Youth Council.
The Jack Petry Foundation supports young people to seize opportunities and actively participate in society.
Epping Forest Youth Council have been affiliated with the Foundation for 15 years and are awarding annual grant.
Each year, six youth councillors are selected to receive a prestigious Youth Achievement Award at a high -profile ceremony,
which will also feature a showcase of young talent.
Youth Councillors have used their funds to cover costs for the Youth Conference,
the Vaping Report and Training Days, including a coach to the House of Parliament.
Youth Councillor Jacques Prinzler has also received the Jack Pecci Environmental Award
for his work with bees and producing local honey and wax products.
Jacques received a grant for £300 to purchase an additional bee colony.
Also, in recognition of her long -standing involvement, the Foundation has awarded the
lovely Di Butler, the Young Persons Officer, a Certificate of Recognition.
The award includes a £500 grant to be spent on the Youth Councillors' projects as a thanks
for their commitment to the community.
Youth Councillors attend monthly full Youth Council meetings, receive training and engage
in consultations.
They also volunteer extensively in the community.
So in the last year, from April 2025 to March 2026,
youth councillors contributed over 300 hours of volunteering,
supporting over 30 events, including community litter -fic days.
The City of London Planning Day for their 150th anniversary of the Epping Forest Act in 2028.
Loudoun Fun Day in Eppingtown Show
Essex Boys and Girls Youth Voice Conference
The National Holocaust Remembran...Mem...Memorial Day, my apologies
Remembrance Day Services
Civic Events including the Chairman's Christmas Carol Services
Dementia Awareness Events such as the Memory Train
Police Open Day in Loudoun
Some of us had a lovely lunch with the North Wild Seniors group.
Youth Councillors are consulted with over a wide range of topics.
This is central to our work as we are giving young people a say in future planning and
decisions.
We learn about the local community and about the services that exist for current issues
which inform future projects that will benefit young people in our communities, engaging,
educating and signposting them to ensure the environment they live in is a
healthier and happier place. In the past year the surveys and consultations have
included the Essex County Council and Public Health Youth Vaping Programme, the
Children's Society Good Childhood Report, the Youth Voices Consultation, the
Violence and Vulnerability Unit and Essex Council Voluntary Youth Services,
the Google Cloud Project, Harlow and Gilston Garden Town, Youth Voice Day
Safety in Essex. Our work in schools continued in 2025 as we secured for the second year running
£7 ,800 from the Essex County Council Local Community Fund. This funding enabled us to
recommission Arc Theatre to deliver the broadcast roadshow to tackle sexual harassment and promote
positive relationships for year -rate pupils and a further £7 ,000 from the Community Safety
Partnership for the Not So Sweet Roadshow which addressed substance
misuse and included underage vaping awareness programme for year seven pupils.
ARC Theatre uses a range of activities and techniques including a highly
engaging theatre discussion and short film to reinforce positive messages
engaging theatre discussion or sorry supporting young people and develop new
counter -narratives to challenge violence against women and girls, abuse, misogyny and domestic
violence. The programme is designed to support schools in successfully delivering the new
relationship, sex and health education curriculum while promoting to health, wellbeing and safety
of pupils.
Social media is essential for promoting our work and raising the positive profile of young
people. We have a combined total of 2 ,261 followers across all of our social media platforms.
The Youth Council continues to receive awards and letters of recognition for our contributions
to the community. At this year's Civic Awards Dinner, five youth councillors received achievement
awards from the Chairman, Councillor Louise Mead. Caroline Wiggins, the Director at Specialist
Regulatory Services was nominated by the youth councillors for the Jack Pecci Leaders Award
for her exceptional contributions to the youth council, sourcing funding that enables us to
deliver outstanding safety projects and road shows to our schools. Youth councillors don't just stop
when their term ends, they continue to develop as leaders, influencers and change makers. For
a 12 -month personal development programme designed to nurture leadership skills and expand opportunities
for young people. Additionally, three former youth councillors now serve on the Youth Consultation
Panel, a 12 -member advisory group that helps shape and design the Jack Pecci Grants programmes
for London and Essex, ensuring young people's voices play a key role in funding decisions.
Four former youth councillors are now serving as adult councillors. Holly Whitbread and
Jamie McIver as County and District Councillors, Tom Bromwich as a District Councillor and
Erica Skingsley as a Parish Councillor. This demonstrates how the experience of being a
Youth Councillor provides a foundation for ongoing personal growth, leadership and meaningful
impact. External funding allows us to undertake valuable
training such as British Sign Language, First Aid, water skills and self defence. It also
supports educational visits to other youth councillors, promoting best practise and networking
with like -minded young people.
Last November, six youth councillors attended the Youth Voice Day Safety in Essex conference
at Anglia Ruskin University, organised by the Essex Boys and Girls Club and the Essex
County Council Voluntary Youth Service. This event contributes to the work of the Essex
Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner and the Violence and Vulnerability Unit.
It provides an excellent platform to raise our profile in the county and it participates
in workshops on key youth issues including vaping awareness and hate crime awareness.
Last year the Youth Council secured an additional £14 ,800 in external funding to support our
project work and school road shows.
The Youth Council received £3 ,600 from the Jack Pecci Foundation with the reassurance
that we can apply for this funding annually for the lifetime of the Youth Council.
The funding recognises the achievements of individual youth councillors, members of staff
and also helps support the projects and educated visits.
The grants received in addition were £300 from the Lee Valley Community Access Fund,
£100 from the Essex Council Voluntary Youth Services
and £140 from the Community Safety Partnerships.
All in all this totals to £18 ,940.
The Youth Council
actively represent young people on various local
and county -wide groups. They are the Brentwood
and Epping Forest Independent Advisory Group, the Young
Essex Assembly, Youth Parliament, the Safer Epping Group and nine school councils and
school parliaments. We are proud to contribute meaningfully to these groups and continue
raising the profile of young people in the district and beyond.
We appreciate the continued support from members. As we approach our 18th anniversary, Youth
Council participation remains strong, with family legacies growing. Being a Youth Councillor
has become a family tradition for some.
Chris Goheil and siblings Ashwin and Esha
collectively served 10 years.
Jacques and Martin Prinsloo
also served a collective six years.
Ella, Evie and Zach Foster
also served a combined six years.
Matthew and Olivia Tinker served five years
and Samantha and Susie Halcro served a combined four years.
We would like to thank the overview and scrutiny committee
for supporting one of the most successful
youth council. We look forward to working together with the council to keep Epping Forest
a great, safe place to live, work and learn. Thank you for your time this evening and for
listening to us. We now open the floor to any questions.
Cllr Roger Baldwin - 0:33:45
First of all, I'd just like to say thank you for your very comprehensive and wide -rangingreport. I mean, it made my head spin, listening to all your activities. I'm certainly glad
you were doing them, not me. It sounded tremendous. And I like the way you coordinated everything,
the way you went from, in a semi -circle there. I thought that was very, very good. Well,
choreographed I was going to say. Right, so I will open up things for questions. I'm sure
Cllr Lisa Morgan - 0:34:19
Thank you very much. Mine actually isn't a question, it's just to say, first of all, thank youfor my badge. I've actually put it straight on. I'm very impressed. You've done a great survey
on the youth vaping and things. I remember reading it and you presented it to us as well.
And I've also seen you at the seniors plumber's lunch in North Wild, which was very good.
Actually, they were very helpful. They even washed up everything as well, so I'm sure they can
definitely come back again and I've also seen lots of you at the Dementia Fair,
the Loudoun Town Fair and on the dementia train as well. And I've got to
say I really enjoyed the fact that after you came in last time you invited
councillors to come along and speak to Youth Council individually. I really
enjoyed that so I'm hoping, this is more of a plea, would you like to invite us
again please? So we can see the new people coming in, they can meet us as
because I think that was really good.
And I really enjoyed it.
I wasn't called speed dating, but it
was a bit like speed dating, where
we had to come along and meet.
And more of a speed meeting, but it was really informative.
And I think it helped a lot of the councillors understand
what you do, rather than just like they're the youth council.
We suddenly come back and it's like, oh, they do this,
they do that.
Obviously, I do know a bit more than something
because my daughter is, you saw up on the screen.
And I think it's a real great achievement
that you've managed to get outside funding of nearly £19 ,000 to continue the great work
that the Youth Council does. So thank you from me, and I'm sure everybody else will
say as well, thank you so much for all that you do and welcome to all the new people.
Can't wait to meet you all. Some I do know and have seen before, and some of the old
ones. Good luck in what you're doing going forward. Thank you very much. Thank you, Chair.
Thank you very much, Councillor Morgan. It's a very nice contribution.
Cllr Roger Baldwin - 0:36:12
Yeah, Councillor Murray.Cllr Stephen Murray - 0:36:17
Thank you, Chairman. It might be the teacher in me, but this is the highlight of the yearas far as I'm concerned with regards O &S. There are going to be a couple of difficult
questions and that might be the teacher in me as well. But I want to thank you for your
presentation and thank you to the outgoing members and welcome to the new members. We'll
in the members room with most of you before the meeting.
I've got two questions, Chairman, and then I've got a number of points I wish to make.
So my two questions, and I don't mind who answers them or how many of you choose to
answer them, what do you regard as your biggest impact in your two years, and how do you think
you have personally as an individual benefited and developed from your time on the Youth
Council?
So whoever wants to answer, what's your biggest impact as a group in the two years, and how
do you think you have personally benefited and developed in your time as a youth councillor?
And then I'd like to make some points after that, Chairman.
Well, thank you.
I think when we think about what we've achieved as a collective, certainly the vaping report,
Youth councillor - 0:37:28
which was very comprehensive and actually reached a lot of people, I think we had nearly3 ,000 responses on that.
And what I think is a mark of its success is the fact that,
I know Dai has been telling us that Harlow Youth Council
are trying to implement that same idea using the format
that we've created in their area.
So we're really sort of creating and initiating change
in a way which is really positive,
not just in our community with that,
but in communities around Essex
and hopefully throughout the country.
Cllr Roger Baldwin - 0:38:01
Youth councillor - 0:38:04
Building on from that, not only has our vaping report had a massive impact in the community,we've also had very large personal contributions I think.
So as Councillor Morgan mentioned earlier with the dementia fairs and the various other
local community events we've gone along to, we've really raised the profile of the
Youth Council while also helping specific groups around the communities.
I think in terms of personal growth I think I'm really proud of how my public
speaking skills have grown over the last four years with the Youth Council so
like when I first started I definitely couldn't have done this but I think I
felt really confident about tonight now and yeah I just feel much more confident
with public speaking and it's basically all thanks to the Youth Council.
I would also say that my confidence has definitely grown. I would also say like my networking skills have improved
because when we first did the speed meeting I was quite nervous but now if we were to do it again I think I'd just enjoy it more and have a lot more confidence with it.
Thank you, Chairman. Those are great answers. If I can just make some points, and I will
Cllr Stephen Murray - 0:39:24
try not to repeat what Councillor Morgan has said. I think we would all agree that theYouth Council does excellent work. We have heard about their involvement in community
events. I have seen them in action at most of the, in fact all of the, Loughton events
that they referenced. And they don't just turn up and slouch around. They actually turn
up and do a job of work. I mean, the Loughton community today couldn't have done without
you. Jesse Green couldn't have done without you. So it's not just a question of turning
up and we're here to help and we do as little as possible. They get stuck in. And I've seen
that in all the events, my experiences within Loughton. Not in any particular order. This
This is one for the current leadership, well maybe not the current leadership of EFDC,
but an old leadership of EFDC.
And I do say this every year, but I just want to say it every year, I am so pleased that
a combined effort of backbenchers across the groups, I hasten to add, saved the Youth Council
in its current form in 2015, because it was in serious jeopardy.
Maybe for good reasons, but a combined effort across the group from backbenchers saved the
youth council 11 years ago.
I want to share something that I said at council last Thursday.
For whatever reason, and I can't quite put my finger on it, the current youth council,
the one that is ending, and I know there is an overlap, I think has been particularly
I've seen quite a lot of youth councils over the years.
For whatever reason, you particularly impressed me.
I'm sure that the new members will do just as well.
And I have to say, chatting to most of you briefly in the members' room, first impressions,
and I know you're not meant to go by first impressions, but psychologists will tell you
that you tend to, very positive.
I asked some of you the reasons why you had stood for election and I was very impressed
by the range of reasons.
Another point that I want to make, and I know there are members sitting here tonight who
are keen to be new members of the Unitary Authority.
I'm not one of them, so that is why I'm making this statement loud and clear.
When elected next year, I do hope that new members of the Unitary Authority find some
way of keeping, even if it's not Eppin Fries Youth Council going, a youth council within
the new Unitary Authority, which will be covering Harlow and Huttlesford, kind of goes up the
M11.
I'm sure something will be worked out.
This good work can't be lost.
I hope you are listening, Councillor Ackman.
I hope you are listening because I know you are keen to be a new member of the Unitary
Authority.
So I have heard, but I might be wrong.
I do think thanks has to go to the officers and particularly the Dibutler for the work
they have done.
One overlap that I will mention, but I'll just put a slightly different slant on it,
Councillor Morgan mentioned the external funding, and that's important and that is good, but
that also tells me that our Youth Council is well regarded by these external bodies.
They don't throw money around, and if they did not think our Youth Council was properly
structured, was made up of positive members, and was doing a good job of work, they wouldn't
to attract external funding.
And I think the final comment I will make is purely a personal one.
I was so keen to be here tonight and listen to the Youth Council.
I made quite a personal sacrifice.
I'm missing my only second game of Leighton Orient at home tonight.
And as a loyal season ticket holder, that's quite a sacrifice.
I don't want any thanks for it because I've actually benefited from the presentation tonight
and I only hope that Leighton Orient do as well tonight as you folks have.
Well done.
Thank you, Councillor.
Cllr Roger Baldwin - 0:43:57
It's fantastic to hear.Yeah, Councillor Lyon, can I go over to you?
Thanks, Chairman.
Cllr Alan Lion - 0:44:04
I had the pleasure of joining the Youth Council on the 31st of March when we welcomed thenewcomers and I was really impressed to hear what they had to say and how quickly they've
actually got accustomed to their role.
I mean, a couple of the Youth Council were old hands so they know what they're talking
about but I think the new guys are really doing very well.
On the 31st of March we were challenged to a number of questions so now it's my turn.
It's not really a question, it's really a request.
I chair the Digital Inclusion Project for Epping Forest and one of the things that is
particularly important is getting people who are not totally familiar with IT and with
technology a bit more confidence.
I'm just wondering whether there's something that the Youth Council can do to assist those
people that need help.
If anybody wants to offer any suggestions, I'll be willing to listen.
Thank you.
Youth councillor - 0:45:15
I mean, I think as youth councillors we have a lot of experience dealing with technologyand I think we would be very valuable in helping with that and really developing skills for
people who aren't really exposed to that kind of media.
So I think that the new youth council would really be engaged with that as well.
And I know a lot of my peers have really thought a lot about engaging with the digital world
but helping other people with it as well.
We're always really community minded
and really focused on how we can volunteer and support people.
So I'm sure we'll have no issue in supporting you with that.
Thank you, Mr. Councillor.
Cllr Roger Baldwin - 0:45:52
Oh, yeah.I'm happy to meet anybody after the meeting tonight
Cllr Alan Lion - 0:45:55
if you want to volunteer.But I won't hold you to that.
So thanks very much for the offer.
Thank you.
Cllr Roger Baldwin - 0:46:05
Can I have the Councillor, the Can the Vice Chairman?Thank you, Chair.
So I've got a comment and a question.
Cllr Craig McCann - 0:46:12
So one of the youth councillors has mentioned the word impact.I was in Jordan.
Part of my job is to work internationally in capacity
building efforts on behalf of the UK government.
And one of the things that came up during a conversation
was the Jordanians were looking to build youth councils.
Very nascent piece of work,
and they were looking around for best practise.
So the impact you're having here
is not just localised around this district
or even the country,
because I cited your work on the VAPE project
as best practise.
So just to let you know that your efforts
are being spoken about in other parts of the world as well.
So you are not just tremendous ambassadors for our district here but
obviously internationally. So thank you that's the first comment. A question I
suppose it's directed at the outgoing councillors. What one piece of advice
would you give to the to your successors who are coming on board?
Youth councillor - 0:47:18
I'd like to start off by saying thank you for giving what we've done to otherpart of the country and the world even. I think to know that we've made an impact not
only in the United Kingdom but in other countries is such a great pleasure to us. For those
leaving I'd say take the opportunities you can, do what you can and have fun while you
do it. As someone who's done a lot of volunteering and got to meet a lot of people, well not
only have I grown skills but I've grown relationships that I will take with me for the rest of my
life, especially with Di and everyone I've worked in on the Youth Council. It has been
the time of my life and I'd definitely say take every opportunity you can to do something.
Cllr Roger Baldwin - 0:47:58
Councillor Rackham. Thank you, Chair. As you know, I'm a realCllr Sheree Rackham - 0:48:03
fan of you guys and I have been since I was elected as a councillor. I think you do amazingwork and I know that the ones that are going off to do their own thing will get on really
well in life. I look forward to seeing the new councillors and what they're
going to bring to the council and I just wanted to ask are there any subjects
from the new guys at the back that you're already looking at that you're
going to focus on and I'm interested now because we've got councillors that were
youth councils that both in County and in district and in parish is anybody
issue.
a little bit better said actually, so that's basically
Youth councillor - 0:48:59
stump but it's about everyone who isLazore in 40 years and we have a
My name is sheddingG, also by Opera
of listen, you your native
opportunity. It was that and to represent young people in my area because I sort of live in a grey area. Like I live
sort of in between Essex and
London, so it's sort of a grey area and I wanted to represent those who
don't really feel represented by
Epping Forest. So yeah, main reason why I joined is to pursue my career in
politics,
specifically international relations as well.
So yeah. Thank you for listening so diligently tonight to the old people and
us guests as well. The main reason I joined actually I've been in contact
with Councillor Whitbread about this opportunity and obviously her work as an
ex Youth Councillor and now serving on the real thing you'd say has really
inspired me to get involved.
And I think I like to keep informed with developments that
are going on in the world, in the UK, in the local district.
I've been particularly interested in the new
development in Thaden Boys.
And I think standing up for young people and their concerns
about those kind of things are what really motivated me to
join the Youth Council.
Thank you very much.
Cllr Roger Baldwin - 0:50:27
Anyone else want to make any contributions to CouncillorRackham's question there?
Yeah, in the back.
Youth councillor - 0:50:34
I think in terms of what topics we are planning to tackle,we are obviously very fresh.
And at the moment, we are focusing on team building,
getting to know each other, because we don't know each
other, really.
We've known each other for a couple of weeks.
And I'm willing to bet most people don't even
know each other's names yet.
So right now, it's for us about team building and training
and learning what traits we need to develop
to succeed our roles properly.
And I believe that when the time comes,
we will settle as a group on main projects
we want to focus on.
Cllr Sheree Rackham - 0:51:16
Cllr Roger Baldwin - 0:51:21
Polly, did you want to say anything or did you?Cllr Holly Whitbread - 0:51:28
I did have a couple of comments but I think Councillor Murray is on the committee andhas another question.
Okay, sorry, Councillor Murray.
I didn't want to jump in front of Councillor Wilks but it's just a piece of information
Cllr Stephen Murray - 0:51:36
that's helpful for Councillor Lyon and for the Youth Council.That's why I wanted the Youth Council to hold it because I don't believe in reinventing
the wheel.
As far as I'm aware, voluntary action, lapping forest and certainly loud and voluntary care
Cllr Stephen Murray - 0:51:57
do hold IT clinics which are mainly designed for the elderly where young people can getinvolved and support. It tends to be largely sixth formers who are doing their gold D of
E, but I'm sure there's no real barriers. So rather than necessarily the youth council
setting up their own IT support scheme, there may be ways that they can work with the two
schemes, certainly the Loughton voluntary care one takes place in Loughton as you would
expect. From memory I think the voluntary action Epping Forest one takes place in Onger.
So I just provide that as information because Councillor Lyon asked a really good question
and I think it's probably quite good to investigate whether youth councillors can support those
existing schemes rather than set up a separate one. But you know, maybe there is room for
another one.
Councillor Loyn.
Thanks, Councillor Murray for your comments.
Cllr Alan Lion - 0:52:52
Yes, we are fully engaged with Voluntary Action Epic Forest and Nick Robinson is their representativeand has been doing sterling work.
And of course, Councillor Morris is part of the VAF organisation providing support.
But again, that's only a few people.
And if we had the Youth Council on board, I'm sure we would get
some additional value to actually support our residents.
And the people that sort of come along, and I hear this quite
regularly, you know, how do I access the NHS?
How do I order my Tesco groceries?
There's all these sorts of things that people are really
unfamiliar with, and, you know, young people who are instantly
accessible to the IT staff would be really, really advantageous.
So anything you can do to assist, and I'm sure Dolly is aware of my request, we can
support you to support us.
So thank you.
And thank you, Councillor Murray.
Thank you.
Cllr Roger Baldwin - 0:53:57
Councillor Whitburn, would you like to start?Thank you, Chairman.
Cllr Holly Whitbread - 0:54:01
Just a few comments from me.I just want to say thank you to the previous youth council
for all their work.
As a former youth council, which feels like a long, long time
ago now, I've done 10 years on the Eppin Forest District
Council.
So it's a long time ago since I was a youth council,
a youth councillor.
But it really is an amazing opportunity.
I still think back very fondly of my memories.
And actually, the skills that I learned as a youth councillor
really helped me in my life in many different ways from speaking in this chamber.
But it's also the soft skills and talking to people and learning about your community
and different ideas.
So I know how important the work of the Youth Council, this cohort has been, and I know
that the next cohort will also do fantastic work in our community.
And it's great to see Freddie on the Youth Council.
We had a conversation a number of years ago, and I know how enthusiastic he is about politics,
both nationally but also locally, which is what the youth council is all about and actually
is what the district council is all about. It's about community. Good luck and thank
you for all the work that you do. I wasn't on the district council in 2015.
If I had been, I would have been arguing to save the youth council. I'm so pleased that
it still exists in its current form. Actually, what a fantastic job you do in bringing in
funding, I mean that is a huge challenge for an organisation
such as yourself.
And as someone said earlier, that shows what an impressive
organisation you are and the external organisations think
you're worthy of that funding is testament to how brilliant
the youth council is.
And just to pick up on the comment about as we move on to
unitary authorities, it's vital that the youth voice still
exists and that a localised youth voice still exists.
So I do hope that we soon start looking at how we can form a West Essex Youth Council,
which replaces the Youth Council in the next phase, because that's going to be vital, and
I hope many of the new Youth Councils today will still be on there in two years' time.
Thank you.
Thank you very much.
Cllr Roger Baldwin - 0:56:09
So maybe making some concluding comments that you've been well eulogised, you know, so I'mI'm sure I speak for myself and all the other councils
that we're very, very proud of the work that you've done
over the last two years.
And you know, the fantastic report on vaping
and I myself refer to it sometimes.
And as Council Woodbrood has said,
you're really, really crucial that we have, you know,
the voice and the opinions and the input
from our young people.
It makes a huge difference to the community
And it's a great way to nurture future politicians and people to become engaged in local politics.
So we are very, very proud.
And I've just asked if there's any other comments before anyone say anything.
In that case, oh, lost my page now.
So I would thank the Youth Council, plural Youth Councils.
and offer the opportunity to leave the chamber
at this juncture.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I don't think Gaurabji's actually hack it after that,
does he?
I don't think Gaurabji's really hack it after that.
Well, that is a highlight, actually.
Should we have a recess or?
Carry on.
Can you carry on?
No reason.
Okay.
Cllr Roger Baldwin - 0:58:19
Okay, so after, we'll cover a bit after that.10 Garage Policy
So anyway, we come to the highlight of tonight's meeting.
The highlight of tonight's ONS meeting,
I'm sure you all agree, which is garage policy.
So I shall go over to Councillor Patel to lead on that one.
Is that correct?
Cllr Smruti Patel - 0:58:45
I think so.Thank you very much chairman.
So yes, how do I follow up from that?
This is the first time I'm thinking,
nope, I won't be getting high praises from Councillor Murray
cause he's given all the praises to the Youth Council today
and deservedly so.
So yes, I'm quite excited about that.
So yeah, I mean, just to put it on record,
I was speaking next,
so I didn't really want to say anything earlier.
Just quick, welcome to all the news councillors
and all the new councillors and the outgoing ones as well.
And it's difficult, you know,
for them to be in the chambers and, you know,
present the way they have, and they've done a wonderful job.
Moving on to garage policy, as you can see,
I'm trying to hold on to the excitement
of the youth council as for as long as I can, you know?
So yeah, so with the garage policy
that you've got in front of you,
it sets out how Epping Forest Council's housing
and property services will allocate, manage, and maintain,
and where necessary redevelop its garage stock.
Garages are an important council asset.
So supporting neighbourhood safety, storage needs
for residents and rental income generation.
The policy establishes a transparent, fair,
and financially sustainable management framework
for the period of 2026 to 2029.
The reason that this policy is in front of you is because we wish to propose that the
garages are part of the HRA fund, which is the housing revenue account, and currently
only led to the HRA tenants and residents.
What we're saying is that we want to now make it available to any resident within Epping
Forest District Council who wishes to rent them out as well because we do have
some empty garages as well in the district so we'd love to utilise them.
So the existing use also has been noted for things like only cars back when cars
could fit into them. We can't have the cars, a lot of the cars that we have
drive around here we cannot fit into those garages. So what we're also
amending the policy to include is that you will be also able to store household items
including furniture as long as there's nothing inflammable, sorry nothing flammable, or any
kind of business related storage. So just for household purposes if you want to use
them for bikes etc for your children or any other vehicles that you can think of. So that's
me. Any questions? We've got our housing director, Don, here as well.
Cllr Roger Baldwin - 1:01:23
That's fine, yes. I love these other questions. Yes. Hold on.Councillor Morgan got their phone.
I think you were pipped at the post there by...
You were just about, yes.
That's fine.
Okay. Thank you.
Cllr Stephen Murray - 1:01:41
Fine. I'm not squeezing this. I can say two nice things about the portfolio holder.Because compared to Communities Committee, one, she's here, when the relevant portfolio
holders weren't at Communities Committee.
As I said at full council, there may well be good reasons, but we didn't receive those
reasons.
They just weren't there as far as the committee was concerned.
So one, you were there here, and two, you've had ownership of the report and presented
it.
In an ideal world I would prefer garages to be used for cars, but I do understand that
in all the areas I've ever represented now, the garages probably could fit what I call
a normal car.
I'm not talking about the Essex tanks that seem to be quite popular, a normal car like
I drive.
The only problem is you could drive it in, but you couldn't actually get out once you
parked it.
I do understand we need a change of policy.
I did just have one question.
I am not going to identify particular areas because that will set a hair running within
my ward and there will be very mixed views on this.
Has any thought been given, because I couldn't see it contained within the policy, has any
thought been given where on our estates we do have quite a number of garages as an integral
part of the estates, not suitable for parking, but we have a real parking problem.
In other words, there aren't enough parking spaces.
Has any policy been given to knocking down garages rather than using them as storage
and then turning them into parking bays?
You probably couldn't turn each garage into a single parking bay, but I can think of areas
within the ward I represent where a relatively cheap solution to a massive parking problem
could perhaps be achieved by knocking down the existing garages and as I say just turning
them into quite a large number of parking bays. Has any thought been given to that as
a possible solution with residents' agreement, you know, general approval in some of our
estates?
Please, can you come back door?
Thanks, Councillor Murray.
Dawn Harrisson - 1:04:05
Within the policy, it does talk about redevelopment opportunities and that's not just redevelopmentin terms of knocking garages down and rebuilding homes.
It will take into consideration other opportunities such as additional parking.
I'm really pleased to hear that, Chairman.
Cllr Stephen Murray - 1:04:22
I did read that line but I just assumed because of what's happened in the past that meanthousing but it's a wider understanding of the word redevelopment.
but that's great, thank you, Chairman.
Yep, can we go to Councillor Morgan, please?
Thank you.
Cllr Lisa Morgan - 1:04:38
I did say he was probably gonna say the same thingsas I did, so I won't go over them,
but I do want to say thank you to Councillor Patel
for coming again to speak on the housing issues,
because you do every time, and it's really good
to actually have the portfolio holder here talking
and answering our questions for us, so thank you.
The question on the garage is yes,
I was going to ask something similar,
because we've got a lot of gages on the estate near us
that are falling down and that need developing.
But I'm so pleased that we're looking at this
for people for storage as well,
because we have a huge problem with a lot of the people
on the estate near us that haven't got storage
in their properties.
And they really do need some help with that.
So thank you very much.
I'm really pleased with it.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Yep, please.
I'd just like to come back on that.
Thank you so much for all the kind words,
Cllr Smruti Patel - 1:05:30
but I nearly broke my streak today, Councillor Murray.So yeah, I nearly couldn't make it today,
but I endeavoured.
Thank you.
But she would have given us a reason.
Can I ask myself, is that, oh, Councillor Lyon,
please come.
Cllr Roger Baldwin - 1:05:48
Thanks, Chairman.Cllr Alan Lion - 1:05:51
Just one point that bothers me.Some of the garages in the sort of area
a state nearby where I am ward councillor. They've constructed properties above the garages.
Now I'm concerned about the fire safety aspects of these and if they're used for storage how that
will be maintained. I know we've said we're looking at the sort of regulations but again
these were obviously designed in the late 60s and I'm not sure how the the
fire regulations then would be dealt with today so there may be some
significant investigation into how those garages would be utilised but they have
constructed properties above them. Thank you. I also share some of the same
Cllr Roger Baldwin - 1:06:45
Dawn Harrisson - 1:06:48
concerns. Thank you. I think the garages which have homes above, I mean they weredesigned for storing cars which contain petrol which is a flammable material.
When we're talking about storage we want to make sure that people aren't storing
gas canisters and things like that. The buildings will have been
assessed, they will have a fire risk assessment. We need to ensure that the
garages are actual compartments themselves so that it limits the spread
a fire and the fire risk assessments will detail that so that's something
that we can look into in a bit more detail if needed. Thank you.
Cllr Roger Baldwin - 1:07:20
Thank you chair. Councillor Lyons sort of picks up the point I was going to just sayCllr Will Kauffman - 1:07:26
with point four in the actual licences itself I was going to suggest at pointfour C you might need to include batteries within that high -voltage
batteries, bicycle batteries.
It says at point C, not to store petrol, diesel,
other than that containing a vehicle's fuel tank,
vulnerable spirits, gas canisters, oxygen cylinders,
kindling fuels, or any other combustible explosive items.
So it just ties in that to include batteries,
so electric bicycles, that sort of thing.
Thank you.
Yeah, I think it's a very good point.
The other point, which was I don't know,
and it may be going too far down the line,
is how would we deal with matters to deal with insurance?
Is there an insurance recharging scheme?
So if someone rents a garage from the council,
do you, would you, you'd pay a rent
and presumably a contribution towards the insurance?
Dawn Harrisson - 1:08:23
So the rent would cover buildings insurance,but people that rent garages are required
to ensure their own contents.
Thank you.
Councillor Rackham, do you want to?
Cllr Roger Baldwin - 1:08:34
Thank you, Chair.I really, really welcome this.
Cllr Sheree Rackham - 1:08:38
I think it's for some of our residents that are really struggling with parking.I think this could be a really, really good way forward.
I just wonder what the criteria will be for residents if they would like to pursue the
possibility of garages being changed into parking spaces, please.
Dawn Harrisson - 1:09:02
I don't think we have anything in place for residents to request that we changegarages to parking spaces. I think it will be something that the asset team or
the development team will look into on a site -by -site basis because we
wouldn't just demolish one garage for one parking space. We would look at a
cluster of garages and if there was no opportunity for other development or it
was not cost effective to repair those garages,
then that could be something that would be considered.
Cllr Roger Baldwin - 1:09:29
Good question, would there be a cost implementationCllr Sheree Rackham - 1:09:31
to the residents if it was accepted and going forward,could they pay for those spaces?
Would that be something that you would look at?
I think that's something that we'd have to take away
and give consideration to.
Dawn Harrisson - 1:09:45
Councillor Lai.Cllr Roger Baldwin - 1:09:50
Just on a point there.Cllr Alan Lion - 1:09:53
We have heard of fires from the electric scooters and the electric bikes.I don't know whether we're going to have power in these storage areas.
If there's no power that stops the problem because I would say no charging of batteries
to be in these garages?
There's no power or any utilities within the garages
Dawn Harrisson - 1:10:20
that we currently let, so that wouldn't be an option.Thank you.
Cllr Roger Baldwin - 1:10:27
Could I just ask myself about the,is there any priority for local residents?
I mean, is there a particular radius from the garage,
such as a quarter of a mile, where, you know,
have different criteria for allocations, would you be allocated a garage close to you?
Dawn Harrisson - 1:10:48
I suppose it would depend on the number of people on the waiting list. If there wasn'ta high demand for a particular garage, you might broaden out the area for which people
might want the garage. In most cases, people are going to want a garage which is quite
near to where they are, and particularly if they're using it for a vehicle or for storage,
they're not going to have to want to travel huge distances, I wouldn't have thought. But
The waiting list will be based on time on the list,
so it will be the date that people register.
Okay, yeah, thank you.
Okay.
Cllr Roger Baldwin - 1:11:18
So members, we have considered and commented on the report.Can we recommend that the report goes to cabinet
with the suggested amendments?
Agreed, thank you.
11 Chairmen to Report on their Scrutiny Committee Business
So now then we move on to item 11.
Chairman's report on their...
Yeah, um, geometry report on their select committee business business pages 33 to 37.
So just I have to just read this part out that council Lucas has sent her apologies.
The last community meeting was on the 3rd of March 2026 and as can be seen on page 33 and 34
of the work the work programme has been completed and that we have considered the garage policy.
So, any comments or questions on the Communities Committee?
Councillor Murray.
Cllr Stephen Murray - 1:12:44
Yes, Chairman, I won't repeat everything I said before council, because everyone washere.
We had a report on the museum service and subsequent to that report, we had a very full
response to members' inquiries.
I have just double checked the response to that have gone to members of the Communities
Committee, but it's not formed part of the Communities Committee's minutes, which I would
understand that because it runs to pages.
I think because we don't know which members of Council would be interested in knowing
about the work of the museum, I would ask that the officer response template that was
sent out to members of the Communities Committee, and if it helps, it was sent out by Serena
Sharnay on the 25th of March.
I think that would be useful if that was sent to all members of Council.
They can ignore it if they wish, but I thought that the detail that was given about the museum
service and the stage that it's at and so on was so good that it's worth giving all
members of Council an opportunity to read that.
So if members think that that's a good idea, just to guide Laura, I've just told you when
that email was sent out, it's the officer template to the questions that were asked
at the Communities Committee, but it doesn't form part of the minutes, which I kind of
understand.
and my final comment would make and I make it every year but it has to be made
every year what a formidable chairman and vice chairman we have on the
Communities Select Committee Councillor Lucas and Councillor Lee I wouldn't like
to cross either of those and I'm sorry I'm saying that in a really nice way
sounds as if I'm being nasty I'm not I'm being quite the opposite they do a
fantastic job and have done a fantastic job again this year.
Cllr Roger Baldwin - 1:14:55
Yes, I certainly would agree with that. So I can go to Councillor Parsons. Would youprovide an update for place, please? Thanks, Chairman. So we had our last place
Cllr Joseph Parsons - 1:15:04
meeting on the 17th of March and completed the work programme. So our first report wasan update on the Planning Advisory Service Committee review. I think for members, it
it was mainly a positive update.
And I think members were quite happy with the changes
and there were comments about,
or positive comments about the fact that members
in their specific ward could take a stronger stance
against applications.
And that report was noted.
The second report was an update
on the Epping Forest Economic Development Strategy.
There was a lot of comment by members
and that was recommended to cabinet.
And I think we agreed at the place committee
that we'll get an annual review of that
to see how that's going. The last update was on the fight to tackle fly tipping. So the
main positive thing here was members were very happy that the fines were increased to
£1 ,000. I think we'd all like it to be much higher than that, but it's what the government
has said. And it was good to hear that increased work was being done to communicate with external
organisations to try and tackle it. I think members also pointed out that it appeared
fly tips were being collected more quickly, which was again another positive. And I think
we've requested twice a year reviews for the updates on fly tipping, see how that's going
on a much more regular basis. So that was the last meeting of place. I'd like to thank
all the committee members for their contributions throughout the year and also officers for
their reports and special thanks to my vice chairman, Councillor Soongar and Flora Kerman
for their support this year. Thank you.
Cllr Roger Baldwin - 1:16:41
Thank you very much for your report, Councillor Parson.Is there any questions on the report from Councillor Parson?
Cllr Stephen Murray - 1:16:56
Before I go on to that, am I taking it as agreed that we have agreed to circulate themuseum?
It wasn't actually formally decided.
I just want to clarify.
Laura Kirman - 1:17:09
I'm not aware of that. I will look to way of ensuring that that is circulated to members.Maybe after the meeting, Councillor Marek, I could just speak to you because there's
some quite extensive notes on the minutes of the last meeting. I will ensure something
circulated. I'll speak to you after the meeting if that's okay.
Cllr Stephen Murray - 1:17:30
As I said, it wasn't actually notes from the last meeting. It was a detailed response toquestions that were asked at the last meeting.
So I didn't have any problem with the minutes of the Communities Committee, but I'm saying
that because the minutes of the Communities Committee consisted of a lot of questions
that members wanted answered, we've now had them subsequently answered in a separate document,
and I'm saying that it's that document that should be circulated so other members have
an opportunity to read about the museum in depth if they wish.
They might not wish, but if they wish.
Just going to place, I'm not a member of place, but I do pop in and out, either physically
or online.
I think the last meeting on fly -tipping was a very useful piece of scrutiny.
We're obviously all delighted that the first £1 ,000 fine, well, not delighted that it
to be used but delighted that it's an option and long may that continue.
And I just wanted my nice comments to continue.
Councillor Parsons has done an excellent job again.
He has a different style of chairmanship and it's a style of his own but it's a really
effective style of chairmanship and he's done it really well.
I personally think, as I think I said at another meeting, it was best exemplified by how you
chaired the TFL meeting.
But you've got a wonderful style of chairing the meeting.
As I say, it's different from a lot of chairmen I know, and I just wanted you to know that
that's been recognised.
I think it's a lovely style and an effective style.
Cllr Roger Baldwin - 1:19:26
I can completely endorse that in my next comment.I also think that Councillor Parsons did a great job with TFL and also you have a great
style and you manage the committee very well and we are very pleased with you.
I must not use those too much.
Councillor Morgan, did you want to come in with a comment?
Yep.
Thank you very much.
Cllr Lisa Morgan - 1:19:50
Yeah, mine was on the place scrutiny for the TFL.Just a positive that because the chair allowed
all of the councillors to speak,
even the ones that weren't on there,
we've actually managed,
one of the things that they said they would do
was try to get some more through trains on the loop line.
And we've actually got another through train
that is now up and working on the loop line.
So council Parsons, thank you for allowing us all to speak.
and put that point across because it's actually working.
So thank you very much and I hope that you get them back again next year.
Thank you.
I hope so too.
Cllr Roger Baldwin - 1:20:27
So I'd also like to thank the communities also for the effective scrutiny they've carried out this year.So fantastic.
Now I have to talk about my own work programme for the overview and scrutiny committee.
The Urban Discrutiny Committee confirm their work programme at the start of each municipal
year. A work programme shown on page 38 has been completed with the exception of the item
relating to the Qalis Business Plan. So I just need to ask members if they would agree
that this item should be considered for inclusion in the work programme for next year. That
That is the Qalis business plan, because that's one thing we haven't managed to complete in
the work programme.
So we want to include that in the work programme next year.
So thank you for agreeing to that.
And I also want to advise the committee that a request has been received from Councillor
Dadd to set up a task and finish panel to consider planning matters relating to the
the Greenbelt land in the district,
and in particular land classified as best
and most versatile food producing land.
Councillor Dadd has been working with the service area
to define the objectives of the panel.
However, it would seem appropriate
that the membership of the group should be established
after the election and appointments at full council.
So just to ask, can the committee endorse the setting up
of a task and finish panel with the members of the group to be agreed at the first meeting
of ONS in the new municipal year.
Thank you for agreeing.
So members, any other?
Councillor Murray, go on.
I think it's quite important.
Cllr Stephen Murray - 1:22:24
I hadn't picked it up, but I'm now just having a very quick look at the ONS Scrutinywork programme because I do try and read my agendas. You've just told us that the
quality business plan that we would scrutinise is something that we haven't
managed to do. Well unless I've missed it and I've just had another quick read I
can't actually see it as being on the work programme as something that we
haven't achieved. I would expect it to have been on the work programme and us
being told we haven't achieved it. So unless I've missed it I would like to be
pointed out where it is on page 38 and 39.
Number six.
Ah, right, yes.
Sorry, yes, thank you.
So I'm at fault.
I've missed that.
I would have thought it's quite, you know, I'm a one -man band, so it's quite difficult
to be on top of everything.
That would be my excuse.
It won't be because I don't read things.
I spend too many hours reading council papers.
But I am a one -man band and I've got no one else that I can say read this for me.
I'm not looking for sympathy, it's just that I'm sure other groups divide things
a little bit.
You know, you focus on planning and I'll focus on this, that's common sense, but I
can't do that.
So I had missed that.
Can we have an explanation, because I would have thought that's quite important that
we scrutinise the quality of business plan.
I would have thought that's one of the most important things that we should have scrutinised.
So can we have an explanation for why we haven't managed to do that?
Cllr Roger Baldwin - 1:24:01
Councillor Murray, when the Work Programme was initially drawn togetherLaura Kirman - 1:24:05
and agreed at the start of the municipal year, this municipal year,it was recognised that that would be an important aspect.
And I think Councillor Barnard may have done something
that he's mentioned throughout the year.
It was always down as to be confirmed when it was available.
and it was regularly questions were asked about it and therefore it hasn't
just hasn't come to this committee as of yet. Is that because it hasn't been
Cllr Stephen Murray - 1:24:35
available is that what you're saying? Chief Executive allows. Because thatLaura Kirman - 1:24:39
worries me as well. I mean our job is to ask difficult questions so theAndrew Small - 1:24:43
Cllr Stephen Murray - 1:24:46
Democratic Services if I've understood what I've just been told is that wewould have been able to scrutinise it if it had been made available but it hasn't been
made available. I mean it's reasonable to ask the question why.
Andrew Small - 1:25:01
Councillor Murray, I'm not completely sure of the answer so I'll probably have to comeback to you but I suspect it's to do with the review of the quality that's been undertaken
at the moment of which a number of members are involved with as well. So I think once
that's completed that will lead to the business plan being completed I assume and then we'll
obviously come to members as the normal sequence of events, but I will confirm that with you
outside of this meeting if that's okay.
Cllr Stephen Murray - 1:25:32
I just do want to come back. I don't want to be over alarmist, but dim red lights arebeginning to kind of flutter away. What I would say then is at the earliest opportunity,
i .e. the first meeting of the new Civic Year, it comes to us really.
Because I would have thought it's an obvious thing for colleagues to have a business plan
and it's renewed annually or reviewed annually.
And it is of concern that it hasn't come to us this year.
And as I say, I've put my hands up.
I've missed that fact.
But it needs to come really to our first meeting, whatever date that is.
it's in my diary, but whatever date are next,
we know we need it soonest.
Cllr Roger Baldwin - 1:26:20
Okay, thank you for that.And can I move on to,
so Councillor Rackham, did you have a question?
I would just like to give my word of thanks
Cllr Sheree Rackham - 1:26:27
to both yourself and to your vice chair,who I think have been excellent this year.
And I hope you carry on next year as well.
Well, sorry, from May.
I hope that will be the case.
Cllr Roger Baldwin - 1:26:43
And I'm very much in favour of continuity and consistency.So, and thank you for your comments.
It's much appreciated.
So can I have the Councillor Morgan, please.
Cllr Lisa Morgan - 1:26:56
Come on, sorry. Thank you.It was just for, and you small talk.
Could you actually, when you send your reply,
could you send it to the whole committee please rather than just thank you sorry
Cllr Roger Baldwin - 1:27:13
Cllr Edward Barnard - 1:27:17
thank you just bring up when we're talking future work plans full councilmeeting for last we're talking about green bins and concessions and there was
promise that that would come to Ovi and scrutiny is that planned for early next
In the work programme.
In the work programme, please.
Cllr Roger Baldwin - 1:27:36
The work programme for overview and scrutiny is agreedLaura Kirman - 1:27:39
at the first meeting of the municipal year.A draught programme is pulled together,
which I think is one of the reasons why the chairman has suggested
that these things be put together.
All suggestions from all the scrutiny committees
will be put forward onto the proposed work programme.
sorry that's a really difficult polls work programme for next year and will be
at the first meetings including that including that item. Yes Councillor
Cllr Roger Baldwin - 1:28:12
Mina, if you want that included then that's fine you can request that and that willbe the case. Yeah Councillor Murray. Yeah can I just make the point that if the
Cllr Stephen Murray - 1:28:21
quality business plan is ready for our first meeting even if the first meetingmeeting is the meeting where we draw up the plan for the year. I don't think there's any
problem because it was on our plan this year that it is at that meeting. I don't want a
kind of rudimentary, not rudimentary, that's the wrong word, but the initial OS meeting
of the year just being a set up meeting for what we're going to do for the rest of the
year because we haven't had the quality business plan this year when we were expecting it,
Even though I didn't know we were expecting it till now, but now I'm aware of it. I'm very keen
If it's available and ready for our first meeting
I can't think of any constitutional reason why it can't be on our first agenda and make our first
Ons meeting have a a more meaningful focus as well
Cllr Roger Baldwin - 1:29:16
it's noted, the comments are noted.Yeah, Councillor, your comments are noted
and it will most certainly be included in the work programme.
So, yeah.
Councillor Morris.
Councillor Morris, yeah, come here.
Hi, thank you, Chairman.
Cllr Martin Morris - 1:29:38
Yeah, just sorry, going back to the Coriolis business plan.You mentioned that there's possible reason
it hadn't come to the committee was because
there's currently a working group
looking at the structure and operation
of the two wholly owned companies,
which are TVS and Qalis.
Does that mean somehow that Qalis are operating
at the moment without a business plan?
Cllr Roger Baldwin - 1:30:04
No, I mean, the existing business plan will stay in placeuntil it's updated by a new business plan.
Andrew Small - 1:30:10
So there's always a business plan in situ.The question of whether it needs to be refreshed
in light of kind of more recent events.
I suppose that's why I can't give up.
I don't have an answer for the committee this evening, so which is why I need to go away,
find the information and come back to the committee so you can operate with the correct
information.
Thank you.
Cllr Roger Baldwin - 1:30:37
Can I just go back to the, I omitted to ask the committee, can the committee endorse thesetting up of a task and finish panel with the members of the group to be agreed at the
first meeting of ONS in the new municipal year.
Can we agree on that?
Yeah, great, thank you for that.
12 Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Work Programme
Okay, so then we go to item 12, cabinet business, page 41.
So how should we progress with this?
Okay, so members, are there any comments?
comments or queries on cabinet business or queries on the forward plan?
Cllr Martin Morris - 1:31:41
I just had a question about this item for the HRA capital acquisition for the purchaseof 45 affordable units for somewhere in the region of 20 million which is in the cabinet,
it's in the forward plan cabinet business. What does this mean exactly? I mean it's,
the date of the meeting is given as today, so what does this mean? It's been scrutinised
today and then it will go to cabinet. I just wasn't very clear about the meaning of that.
Sorry, Councillor Morris, there's a line above there where it says HRA capital acquisitions.
Laura Kirman - 1:32:18
It's not down, the meetings in the overview and scrutiny committee is relating to thegarage policy. It's dropped down on the menu. It's in reverse order.
Okay, so this is something that's planned for later on
Cllr Roger Baldwin - 1:32:40
Okay, so then we go toThere's no item 13
13 Cabinet Business
But I'll go to the exclusion of public and press
And so just for me to read out members. We have no items that require the public and press to be excluded from the meeting
So, as a final comment, I'd like to thank the committee and all members for their attendance
at the meeting this evening.
I did mention this at Council, but I wanted to reiterate that scrutiny is an invaluable
process and I believe that this has been an effective year for scrutiny across all three
committees.
committees. I'd like to thank members of the um, scrutiny committee and other councillors
and the cabinet for attending and engaging in a scrutiny process through this municipal
year. Special thanks go to myself, no, not just myself, special thanks go, I thought
I would include that. Special thanks go to my vice chairman, Councillor McCann and the
Chairman of Communities, Councillor Lucas, Vice -Chair,
Councillor Lee and the Chairman of Place,
Councillor Parsons and the Vice -Chairman,
Councillor Soonger.
I'd also like to acknowledge the support from a wide range
of officers and thank them for their input and professionalism.
Their dedication has been instrumental in the delivery
of our scrutiny programme.
I don't know what we'd do without them.
So this is the final scheduled meeting of ONS this year
and I close the meeting at 2034.
- Minutes Public Pack, 03/02/2026 Overview & Scrutiny Committee, opens in new tab
- Report Annual review of the work undertaken by Epping Forest Youth Council (EFYC), opens in new tab
- Garage Letting Policy Scrutiny Cover Sheet, opens in new tab
- Garage Policy, opens in new tab
- Appendix 1 - Garage Policy, opens in new tab
- Appendix 2 Garage licence, opens in new tab
- Appendix 3 Garage offer & refusal form, opens in new tab
- Communities Scrutiny Committee - 26 Mar 2026, opens in new tab
- Place Scrutiny Committee 30 Mar 2026, opens in new tab
- O & S work programme 1 Apr 2026, opens in new tab
- Printed plan Forward Plan - 01 April to 31 July 2026 Cabinet, opens in new tab