Issue - meetings

To receive the report of the Leader of the Council.

The Leader offered his condolences to Councillor Oliver and to former Councillor Westcott’s family.

He said his report was included in the agenda papers this evening, but that since the report had been written he had attended with the Chief Executive a meeting with the new Chief Inspector, Chief Inspector Rawlingson, and that there would be a public meeting of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner in November.

He apologised that there had been no explanation given for the withdrawal of the motion regarding the payback clause for the investment in a running track at Carver Barracks.  The motion had sought the removal of the clause requiring a refund from the allocation of the approved sum of £500,000.

The reasons for the withdrawal of the motion were that a communication had now been received from the MOD estates surveyor in response to queries the Council had raised, to the effect that whilst removal of the contingent liability (payback clause) was helpful, it was not the main issue causing delay. The MOD had stated that a national review was being undertaken which included Carver Barracks within its scope.  Following the review, a plan would be formulated which required ministerial approval to implement, which was anticipated next year.  It was considered imprudent to embark upon the project immediately prior to a strategic level decision.  The Army had indicated it hoped the Council could continue to be patient whilst a ministerial announcement was awaited.

The Leader said he had attended the Conservative Party conference.  The news that the Housing Revenue Account borrowing cap for councils had been lifted was good news for Uttlesford.  He had had a meeting with the Housing Minister and would, with East Hertfordshire, be inviting the Minister for Transport to attend a meeting in the area.