Cabinet 20 April 2009

Published on 24 April 2009

A reduction in the number of gypsy and traveller pitches, recovery of money from the collapsed Icelandic Banks and changes to the recycling service were all on the cabinet agenda for Monday 20 April 2009.

View webcast of cabinet meeting on 20 April 2009 (opens in a new window)

Gypsy and Traveller Consultation

Epping Forest District Council is telling the Government that not more than 20 additional gypsy and traveller pitches should be allocated to the District. Councillor Anne Grigg, Planning and Economic Development Portfolio Holder told the Cabinet that the Government had already reduced the number of pitches provisionally allocated to the District from 49 to 34. However, the Cabinet endorsed her recommendation that the Council should argue for further reductions.

Later in the meeting Councillor Anne Grigg gave further feedback to Cabinet on gypsy and traveller site consultation. Potential sites are to be categorised depending on apparent suitability. Cabinet also noted a sustainability appraisal by Essex County Council will be published for a six week public consultation.

The scale of the gypsy and traveller consultation work has created extra work for staff leading to delays in the Core Strategy of the Local Development Framework. Cabinet considered future staffing requirements. Members felt that the creation of a temporary Senior Planning Officer post within the Forward Planning section would better serve the needs of the Council rather than continue to employ a consultant.

Icelandic Bank

Councillor Chris Whitbread, Portfolio Holder with responsibility for Finance and Performance Management presented details on the Annual Report of the Executive for 2008/9. Director of Finance, Bob Palmer was invited to provide an update on recovery of money from the collapsed Heritable Bank. Mr Palmer said that the Administrators were indicating that councils would receive between 70 per cent and 80 per cent of money deposited with Heritable.

Grant Aid

Grant Aid ranging from a few hundred pounds to many thousands is made by Epping Forest District Council each year. The Cabinet approved changes to the way the council makes grants to community Groups. Councillor Syd Stavrou, Community Well-being Portfolio Holder outlined the adoption of a ‘score-card’ system for assessing grants and restrictions on applications from groups outside the district. The Council will positively welcome applications from local groups that have never previously applied.

Bobbingworth Tip

Councillor Mary Sartin, Environmental Protection Portfolio Holder reported on remaining work to the former Bobbingworth Tip near Moreton. The former landfill site is due to open to the public as a wild flower meadow and park in the near future.

Flood Alleviation

Flood Alleviation works have been completed under budget. Councillor Richard Bassett, Civil Engineering and Maintenance Portfolio Holder reported on the return of £100,000 to the council’s coffers.

Climate Change

The Nottingham Declaration signed by Epping Forest District Council commits councils to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fighting climate change. A key requirement is the production of a Climate Change Strategy. Cabinet supported the adoption of the draft strategy.

Disabled Adaptations

Housing Portfolio Holder, Councillor David Stallan received Cabinet support for proposed re-allocation of £200,000 from the Major Repairs Reserve to clear a back-log of outstanding disabled adaptations. The recommendations will be referred to Full Council.

New Refuse and Recycling Service

The revised Domestic Refuse and Recycling service will start on 7 September 2009. Cabinet agreed proposals by Councillor Mary Sartin for the procurement process of wheeled bins, food waste containers and five new refuse collection vehicles.

Grounds Maintenance

Cabinet also agreed to make a recommendation to Full Council for arrangements to buy six new Ford Transit vehicles for the Grounds Maintenance Section.

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