Agenda item

To consider any reports referred from the Executive.

To consider any reports received from the Cabinet

C42                 REPORTS FROM THE LEADER AND MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE

The Leader thanked the Chairman for his report, adding that he was flying the flag effectively for the district.

The Leader referred to significant items due to come to the meeting of Cabinet in October.  The items included proposals to give £300,000 to Harlow College’s training and skills resource at Stansted Airport, which would be the District’s first tertiary education facility, about which it could be proud.

Further items coming forward included the policy on street naming and land West of Braintree, and the consultation on planning for the right homes in the right places.  It was most councils’ view that the Government should set out from the start how many houses were needed, rather than councils having to “second guess”, and the Government had now expressed this intention as a formula.  Whilst the model was not quite right, the Council was progressing its response to the consultation. 

The Leader then said he had attended the Conservative Party Conference, where there had been a uniform feeling on housing that there was a national shortage, becoming a crisis.  He spoke about the issues caused by the lack of housing.  This council wanted to play a part in the Government’s initiatives, and would be speaking to the Minister.   It was disappointing therefore to find campaign material in his village vehemently opposing development, and he questioned this disconnect expressed by what was a caring community, between need and taking measures to address it. 

The Leader reminded members Dr Hugh Ellis had given an informative and inspiring presentation to them on garden communities.  It was beholden on members to get the message about inspiring development across to their communities.  The Planning Policy Working Group would hear next week about the Regulation 18 consultation response. 

Councillor Rolfe reminded members of the Local Strategic Partnership assembly taking place on 9 November, on the themes of loneliness and social isolation.  He said depression was a leading cause of disability and ill health worldwide, and loneliness was a key factor.  He was therefore delighted the assembly would focus on how to tackle loneliness. 

The Chairman said he endorsed the Leader’s comments. He represented the Council on the Uttlesford Community Transport Forum, which played an important part in supporting those who would otherwise face isolation, and he was aware of the significant role in combating loneliness played by the Day Centres. 

Councillor Ranger then reported on his portfolio.  He said the housing teams’ multi agency trailer had been on the road, and updates were available on Facebook.  Officers were supporting the West Essex Clinical Commissioning Group in its Winter Warmer advice, which included a hot meal and a booklet of information, for which he thanked Lucy Fish, the officer responsible. 

Councillor Morris had approached him regarding a proposal to close the streets of Saffron Walden for a cycle race, the Saffron Walden Grand Prix, in August 2018.  British Cycling were supporting the venture, and he encouraged Dunmow and Stansted to arrange similar events in their areas.  Trim trails were being established and officers had surveyed three areas in the district, in conjunction with the Young Foundation, to find out whether people felt connected.  On 15 October in Takeley an event was taking place, and he encouraged members to toake the messge to their town and parish councils to bring evidence of people who felt that all was not right in their world.  The aim was to set up self-help groups.  As the Council moved to provide new communities it should support a solution for existing families.  Today was World Mental Health Day, and he implored all to look out for those slipping through the net. 

The Chairman thanked Councillor Ranger for his report.  On the subject of new ventures which provided opportunities for participation in activities locally, he said he had been made aware that a boxing gym had recently been established in Clavering.