Main content
A series of plans and policies came before the latest meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny (O&S).
Corporate Plan
The Corporate Plan is Epping Forest District Council’s high-level strategic document. With the current Corporate Plan now in its final year, the first rendering of the council’s new Corporate Plan came before O&S councillors for examination.
The new draft Corporate Plan covers the period from 2023 to 2027. Main areas of focus for the four-year lifetime of the new Plan have been captured in a new set of corporate aims. A new set of key results have been developed to support the aims and key objectives. The corporate aims will be reviewed annually.
Comments from O&S will help to formulate the final version of the Plan before it is brought to Cabinet.
Qualis Business Plan
While high-level strategic documents such as the Corporate Plan can take a longer view, recent economic developments have introduced uncertainty for medium term business plans.
Rather than the usual 4 or 5-year business plan, councillors therefore received the latest 1-year Qualis Business Plan for comment and questions at Tuesday’s meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
Qualis is wholly owned by Epping Forest District Council. The company group comprises:
- Qualis Living
- Qualis Commercial
- Qualis Management
- Qualis Community
As sole shareholder, the council controls the strategic direction and key decisions of Qualis through the approval of its Business Plan. Income generated through Qualis helps the council to support public services.
Recently, residents have seen physical progress on major Qualis projects. In Epping the Conder Building (former council offices) has now been demolished to make way for new housing. First steps have also been taken on site of the new multi-story carpark in Cottis Lane. This will eventually lead to the construction of more housing and the new Epping Leisure Centre. Further residential construction is planned in Hemnall Street, Roundhills in Waltham Abbey and Pryles Lane in Loughton.
Recently implemented commercial property management arrangements have seen a 5% increase in commercial rent returns to the council. Qualis also provides maintenance services for the council’s housing stock of more than 5,000 properties.
However, recent changes in the economy may lead to projects including the acquisition of property investments delayed until market conditions stabilise.
Comments by O&S will go forward alongside the Business Plan to Cabinet for approval.
Keep up to date
Keep in touch with our latest news, service updates and reports.