In local government councils, leadership positions such as chairman and vice chairman are typically elected through formal nomination and voting processes. The chairman serves as the representative of the council, responsible for chairing meetings, representing the council externally, and ensuring fair proceedings. The vice chairman supports the chairman and may preside over meetings in the chairman's absence. These positions are crucial for maintaining democratic governance and effective council operations.
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Full Council - 28 May 2026Added:
I hope you could hear me.
Could I introduce the very reverent uh Jessica Dr. Jessica Martin, dean of Chsford Cathedral to say prayers this morning. Thank you.
Let us pray.
You Lord are in the midst of us and we are called by your name. Leave us not, O Lord our God.
As we prepare to speak and listen and to make decisions, we ask for your blessing for the guiding wisdom of your Holy Spirit in all we think, say, and receive.
We ask your blessing upon this county of Essex and upon all for whom we hold responsibility.
By your grace, may we seek understanding and unity. May we listen in a receptive spirit and together discern the right path for the county. We give thanks for the opportunity to serve others through our several offices in this place and ask the assistance of your spirit in carrying out the work with which you have charged each of us. All this we pray in faith and to the furthering of your kingdom of love in Jesus's name.
Amen.
Good morning members. Um, thank you for your attendance today and and welcome to this first meeting of the of the new council. Good to see lots of new new faces, many of whom I I don't recognize. So, welcome to to everybody. Um, please be advised that this meeting uh will be livereamed to the Essis County Council Democracy YouTube channel. The recording will be available to watch back after the meeting, further details can be found within your agenda pack.
As usual, we're not expecting a fire alarm test during the our meeting.
However, should the should the alarm sound, all attendees must uh leave by the nearest door and the nearest fire exit. And this can be found by going down the stairs into the fire and into Duke Street. Please then assemble in the grounds of Chsford Cathedral, taking care when crossing the road. Please, can I remind everybody to remain engaged in the meeting and refrain from responding to emails and messages for its duration.
Can I ask that members uh show respect to colleagues uh when they're speaking and not to talk even quietly to your neighbors uh when others are speaking.
It can be very distracting um and disrespectful to your colleagues.
Members are reminded to keep their microphones switched off unless you wish to speak. And then please remember to address your remarks through the chairman. Members are able to sit or stand when speaking.
Please take care not to accidentally um place papers on the microphone button, to press the microphone prematurely and to cut another member off um by leaning back. Often people's elbows land on the on on on the microphone behind and that's that's quite disconcerting quite often. Um can I confirm uh that we've received a list of members wishing to speak on agenda items in advance and that the intention is to call everyone on that list. Thank you for letting us know um your intention to speak. If during an item you decide you wish to speak and you have not previously indicated, please wait for us to acknowledge your intention before lowering your hand. That way we will ensure that we don't miss anybody.
I don't believe any anybody is joining the meeting remotely but if you are please remain muted um unless called to speak. If you do wish to speak remotely, please make sure your intention make sure make your intention clear to officers. Please note you will not be able to vote on any items but can join in the de the debate.
Before we move into the election of um a chairman, I wish to announce the very sad death of two individuals um who frequented this chamber o over the years. Firstly, councelor Mike McCroy who re recently died. Members will be aware of the very sad passing of councelor Mike McCroy in April. Mike was a serving uh Essex County Counselor at the time of his death and just before he passed away, he attended the meeting within his division. Mike was first elected as a council county counselor in 2005 at the same time that I was. He represented the spring Springfield springfield division throughout his almost 21 years of service to the people of Essex. At that time he served on almost all of the council's committees contributing as chairman, vice chairman, me. During his time as a counselor, he was hardworking both in his division and here at county hall, always putting the interests of people first.
Mike served for many years as the leader of the opposition and was a strong advocate for effective scrutiny.
He was highly respected and valued member of the scrutiny board uh which I chaired over the last few years before coming chairman. Um his contribution in scrutiny will be missed. He was always interested, thorough and had an eye for detail and always considered the people involved. Beyond beyond his county role, Mike was a deeply committed to his local community. He served as a governor of Springfield Primary School and as a counselor at Chsford City Council or Burough Council as it was then for many years um including serving as mayor, leader, leader of the opposition and cabinet member, dedicating his um demonstrating his dedication to public service at every level. Mike worked tirelessly on behalf of the residents of Springfield, Chsford, and Essex. His passing represents a significant loss and will be greatly missed. Mike was devoted to his family and leaves behind his wife, Pat, his children, and his grandchildren who miss him greatly.
I had a strong recollection of Mike as well. who I considered him despite being on the opposition a very good friend even though he did on one once ask for my dismissal but I I'll I'll I'll pass that by because uh that that that went I I I I as I said really will will miss him. He was a good friend and actually a very um good contributor to to the debates and everything that went on in this this house. I've got a number of members who who have indicated they wish to speak. Councelor Stamp, Councelor Harris, Councelor Scott. Do any other members wish to speak, Councelor King, and Councelor Scottis.
Thank you. And councelor McCyver, sorry, Jamie Macyver. Um, councelor SC councelor Stamp.
Um, thank you, Chairman. Um, I didn't know Michael for very long. uh and like you said he was on the uh opposing not opposing a different political party than I was or viewer that I've got. But what I would say about him when we were any scrutiny committees he actually teased and pulled out all the relevant questions to scrutinize the administration which was different to the one at the moment that we've got now. And I had a great deal of respect for him. I can't say he was my best buddy by any means, which is absolutely fine by me, but I would like to say he was an excellent, excellent counselor and his untimely death was an absolute shock and my heart goes out to his family and his friends and all his colleagues who worked with him. Um, it was an absolute joy to work with him. He had a wicked sense of humor occasionally when he he allowed it to come out. uh and I will actually miss him especially on the LGR scrutiny committees and all the other committees that I was lucky enough to sit with him and serve on them. So thank you very much. Rest in peace Mike.
>> Thank you councelor Stamp. Councelor Harris.
>> Thank you chairman. Um, I'm deeply saddened to hear uh of the passing of councelor Mike McCroy, a dedicated public servant who gave so much of his time and energy um and compassion to the people of Essex. And I saw that also with my own eyes when I watched him numerous times on the video recordings.
I didn't have the honor of working with Captain McCory, but I've only ever been told of his unwavering commitment to his community, his integrity, and his genuine care for others.
And with the the chairman's permission, you know, I would like to sort of pass over to councelor Jamie McCyver um who knew councelor McCrory very well to speak on uh the administration's behalf.
>> Yes, certainly. I I did have him on the list. So, if I can do the others first, then I'll come back to council.
>> Thank you.
>> Shortly. Um councelor Scott.
>> Thank you, Chairman. Um, I knew Mike in a different capacity. But one thing I think everyone in who served with Mike would know is he was a gentleman. He was a good man, a gentleman, well respected.
We didn't always agree on many things.
And uh, chairman, I don't know if it was just by chance, but when I was before him in scrutiny, he never called for me to be dismissed. But there you go. We shared something in common. We both supported the best football club in this country but everyone will know is Leighton Orient FC and we planned to go to a match together which sadly we will not be able to do.
Mike was one of those people who it was quite difficult not to like him. He's just an all round good man. I was truly shocked when I heard that Mike had passed away. To his family we offer our condolences.
He will be missed in this chamber and may his memory rest in peace. God bless him.
>> Thank you, Council Scordis.
>> Thank you, Chairman. And I think it'll be repeating a lot of what's been said, but it's only fair that Mike was a decent bloke. It's the best thing we can say. Is completely honest. um would always speak to us about any issues he had. Um and as councilor Scott said, just a just a true gentleman um really experienced, really thorough when it came to scrutiny, really dedicated to what he did. You can see that by his years of service of sitting in this chamber for so many years. A huge loss for Chelmsford, a huge loss for Essics, a huge loss for this chamber. And I think all our thoughts go to his friends and his family and everyone who was touched by Mike and all the work that he did. And we should be proud to those of us that got to serve with him that we did get to serve with him. And one of my um memories of him is only at LGA last year. We had breakfast uh sitting around while some sort of crisis was going on on the TV and we were obviously chatting about how we would all sort out all the world's problems and so forth as we do in politics politely over full English.
Um, so a real loss. I can see why Valib Dems always had them as their group leader. He had that little bit of charisma as well that not everyone can have. And um, yeah, just getting a bit emotional. It's a bit sad to come here and not see Mike with his uh, just sitting here with his little smile, unusual casual demeanor, ready to go.
>> Thank you, Councelor Scottish. Uh, councelor Jamie McCyver.
>> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I echo the uh comments of colleagues and I what I will say about um probably the most immaculate counselor I have seen uh as a counselor. Mike was a gentle gentleman, a polite professional opposition, but as already alluded to an exceptional example of how you can achieve something in opposition. He had many successes as leader of the opposition but as a divisional member too and I think if there is an exemplar of what people should expect of elected representatives it would be that of councelor McCrory.
Um I also feel a need to share a story.
Of course myself and council mccory are not the ideal political bromance. In fact, we probably disagreed on everything apart from serving the people of Essex. And on the also untimely passing of her late majesty the queen.
Um I was tasked with quickly organizing a reef um to be made for the then chairman to lay as part of ceremonial duty. And following from that, I was uh invited to do a Remembrance Sunday wreath. And I had a lovely email from Mike saying, "I've got to speak to you about something." I thought, "Oh no, he's going to be unhappy. He's going to think it's a conflict of interest. My goodness, what have I done here?" And instead, he said, "The reef was so beautiful, so well made. I was deeply shocked you made it." And I think uh that is sums up his quick wit, his good humor, his ability to speak to anybody in this chamber. I will deeply miss his effective scrutiny. He was somebody that as an opp when I found myself as an opposition counselor briefly. He was somebody who um I looked to as in inspiration and I am deeply sad and he's a huge loss to Chsford and my thoughts and prayers are with his colleagues and his family and his residents at this time. Thank you.
>> Thank you councelor McCyver. Um so now we move on to former counselor Gerard Mccuran.
Oh, I'm sorry, Councelor King. My apologies. I missed you. Uh, thank you, Chairman. I know you didn't mean to do it. See what happens during the course of the today. I want to thank those who've spoken um with their own sense of Mike and I speak just briefly given the richness of what you've all said your personal experiences and your sense of his record and the reality that what matters most is the person and how they engage both here in this place and beyond this place. So for my colleagues and for myself, thank you to you for acknowledging and Mike, I'm sure you're about here somewhere. You love the chamber like many of us did and do. And so if you and when you hear these words and gather this sentiment to you um I I hope that it gives you a sense of a life in that in that professional way public service that's been welllived and I had my own personal thanks as somebody who gave me time and attention and I just one very small anecdote and it's well two for the price of one. He would come to Colchester which has got a huge lib dem presence as many of you know and he would go into our rather um empty room each year and do help us with our annual general meeting. Didn't have to do it.
It's friendship know another half a day traveling away and helping out friends and colleagues. But the the last thing for me to say on our behalf for our love and friendship for a great colleague and group leader in his last role was when I started to ring round and pass the message on uh with the sense of shock that I and others had.
What struck me was the first words that everybody said who knew him less the well than some. He was kind and thoughtful and generous with his time and I think all of us would feel quite satisfied with that as a essence of a person that they've served and worked with and thank you.
Thank you councelor King. Um moving on again to to Gerard Mccuran. Um, only last week I wrote to all members confirming of the sad passing of the former county councelor Gerald Mchuan or Mack as we all knew him. Everybody knew him as Mack. Um, Gerald was the the member for Anga and Rural between 1989 and 2013. He served as chairman of this council as many as well as on many other committees. Gerald worked hard for his residence and started his political clear career in his local parish council where he also served as chairman. In 2013, Jud stood down from the county council and his wife Maggie was elected in his place. He would be sadly missed by Maggie and his family and Mac would have celebrated his 97th birthday this week. So, our thoughts go to his family at this particularly difficult time. Just a word for myself. I'm probably the only member uh in this in this chamber now who was here when when he was he he he left in 2013. And when I was when I was newly elected, he was one of the most supportive father figures that I've ever come across. He was helpful and and didn't stint in in offering advice and support where it was needed. So, I've got some very fond memories of of Mack myself and I I I I pass those on to his wife and family in in that sad sad loss.
Um, councelor Harris, um, you you wish to speak on.
>> Thank you, Chairman. Um, just really on behalf of the the council, um, I wanted to extend our heartfelt condolences, um, to his family and friends. Um we understand that he was a dedicated and valued member of uh the community. Um and obviously we we we honor his legacy and gratit with with gratitude and respect. Um and and again chairman with your permission I would like to again pass over to councelor Jamie McCyver who I understand knew him well.
>> Yes. I I've actually got um got councelor mccyver on my list again.
>> Thank you.
>> So councelor Jamie Mccyver.
>> Uh thank you Mr. Chairman. Um, this is a deeply sad occasion for me as M was uh so instrumental um in following in the footsteps of his wife Maggie.
Mac was exactly the sort of person you would want to be your local counselor.
Everything about him, he was an immaculate man. He was so dedicated. And I actually first met Mack as councelor Gerard Mchuan, the county counselor at the time when I was a member of the Young Essics assembly, which obviously sits in this place. And it was at, you may remember, councilor googly army may remember and others the youth strategy group. And there I was as a youth counselor, 15 years old, mouthing off about how this council's doing nothing for young people and there's nowhere to go and you know what are you lot even doing and sharing the frustrations that perhaps peers still share of my generation and he pulled me to one side after the meeting and said you spoke ever so well. said, "But you know the thing is me and my wife, we met at Young Conservatives and we have been happy ever since." So, um, I sort of followed the advice by joining the party, but I haven't quite found my wife yet and nor have I been married and nor am I still a member. But I think what he represents was that generation of get on with it, do something. Don't don't focus on the the negatives in life. Gerard believed so much in young people and in fact Maggie and Gerard and myself, one of the first things we worked on together was to stop one person in Abridge complaining about the flood lights which now provide hundreds of young people the opportunity to play football in what is now in councelor Scott's division. He was the stalwart of Anga. Everybody knew councelor Mchuan living rural in in Higher and now uh later on in Firefield.
He was so passionate about the rural communities that make up the majority of my division. He was someone who always had this warm smile, a smile that literally lit up a room. And I'm so pleased to have had the opportunity to to see that smile just a few months ago during the election when I was actually on their doorstep. And I banged on the window and of course he wasn't his usual self, but he gave me this beaming warm smile, the same smile that I saw in that Zoom screen in 2021 when I was selected as the candidate to follow in his wife's footsteps. The people of Bonga have benefited so much from councelor Mchuan.
And I I would simply like to say that it is a huge loss, but how proud I am and have always been so proud to walk into this chamber and see his name on the wall as I walk in where there is today some flowers. He was a great man, a storewart of Ana. and on behalf of all of the people of Ana and Rural, I would like to send our condolences to the Mchuan family, but more importantly, our sincere gratitude that is a beautiful place and that will be forever part of his legacy. Thank you.
>> Uh thank you uh council mccyver. Um, councelor Steven Robinson, and I think I may owe you an apology because I I understand that you you I I recall that uh you were here for a period when when Mac was around.
>> Yes, thank you, chairman. Um, yes, I I was here in a very young counselor in 1993 and 97 with Mac. Um, we also had in common um a secondary school. His son Nick was the year above me at Bucksil County High School. One of the the first things I did on arriving here in 1993 was try working with him and other county counselors in Eping Forest to try and save the building that had been Buck Hill County High School and keep it in education. Um it became a different p a different school but um and ironically the the future of that building is still being debated. Um but as others have said um you could he was very friendly, very approachable. Um I worked with him here and at uh locally in Eping Forest on Eping Forest issues because I was a counselor in Eping Forest at the time.
Um and um he and his wife were a delight to talk to. They were always interested in what was going on. Um, and as I said, working here, working at and eing forest issues. Um, he was a very honorable man and I know he had his fallings out with the Conservative Party and, um, uh, and wanted to stand up for the people of Anga first and foremost. That was his mission as an elected representative. He served and Eping Forest extremely well.
Uh, and I send my best wishes to his son, Nick, and the rest of the family.
>> Uh, thank you, Councelor Robinson. Um, councelor Scott.
Thank you, Chairman. Um, I didn't know Mack, but I heard a lot about him and, uh, now represent, as council guy said, part of his old division and on behalf of a conservative group, I would like to pay our condolences to his family and again, may his memory be cherished and may rest in peace. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
>> Thank you. Um, please could I ask all members to stand for one minute in remembrance of Mike and Mike and back?
Thank you members.
I now call for nominations for the role of chairman of the council for the next municipal year 2627.
Um, we received one nomination in advance, councelor Karen Macccyver, who is to be proposed by councelor Harris and seconded by councelor Quirk. Please could I ask uh you to propose and second not to make any speech yet. Councelor Harris, I'd like to propose that. Thank you.
>> Thank you, councelor Quirk.
>> Chairman, I'd like to second, please.
Um, >> do I have any further nominations?
Thank you members. Um councelor Harris I believe you have a few words to say in support of councelor Karen Macccyver's nomination.
>> Thank you chairman. Um colleagues it is with my uh great pleasure to nominate councelor Karen Macccyver the member for north and nasin um as chairman of this council. I've known Karen Mccyver, Councelor Mccyver, uh, for over a year and I trust that she will bring sound judgment, respect, strong commitment to serving our community. Uh, Karen is somebody who deeply cares about the people she represents and I am confident uh that uh, this will become clear in the way she approaches uh, her important role with energy and passion. But members, please watch out for Karen McCyver's stare.
I'm certain councelor McCyver will make a great ambassador for Essics.
>> Thank you, Councelor Harris. Councelor Quirk, I believe you also wish to speak about the nomination.
>> Thank you, Chairman. Uh, it's with great pleasure, uh, genuine pleasure, uh, that I get to second councelor Karen Macyver as chairman of this council. Uh I first met Karen when she was a very very busy campaigner in Eping uh seeking to protect the women and the girls of that community uh and indeed Essex as a whole. Um so I guess she's now gone from a cold car park in Eping uh to this place. Uh that's quite some journey from the Bell Hotel to County Hall. Um and I think this rather demonstrates the importance and the power of getting involved in your community activism. uh and indeed I guess democracy in real time. Uh here she is. Um Karen, if I may address you probably for the last time as Karen informally uh about to be madam chairman. Um you're not just a campaigner, you have grit, you have sharp elbows. I understand you were quite an accomplished net player. Uh so we should watch out for that agility and that accuracy when she's in the chair shortly. Uh but I'll also warn you uh as councelor Harris has tried to do that. I understand she's also the daughter of a former army boxing champion. Uh friends and colleagues, remember if you decide to step out of line the words that I've just uttered, you have been warned. Um I'm delighted to councelor Carol Mcciser as chairman of this council.
>> Uh thank you councelor Quirk. Um councelor Stamp has indicated she wished to to to speak on this nomination.
Councelor Stamp.
>> Um did I Yes, I'm sure I did. It could have been my uh um group leader who's sadly sick and can't come today. Um >> am I allowed to speak about you at this one or are you am I speaking about you after this one?
>> I think that comes later.
>> Okay. Okay. So, back >> what I'm going to say is not a a surprise to many people in this chamber.
Um I've always championed um female involvement. I called out the opposition or no the opposition there who was in the other side many times last year and the year before about the lack of female representative. I think if everybody's done their homework they will realize that um Essex has more females than males. So I know nothing about the um chairman coming forward. One would hope, well, I certainly hope that she will be an ambassador in all ways for females, young girls, minorities that possibly um we have lacked on the front bench. I can see there is one female on the front bench this time. So, I'm absolutely over the moon. I'm sorry to see you go because I would have really liked you have to done a second term. I think that's the right thing that should have happened in this chamber. But sadly because of the change of the elections I understand and respect it. But um I'd welcome you to come over to the dark side in Burnham South minster and the Denji. We have um events. We have very friendly people challenging community buyers communities really involved in our communities sailing. We do even have boxing if you wanted to do that. And we have net ball. We've got a new court coming on and you can actually do the demonstration. So I'd welcome that. But what I would like to say is congratulations.
It's a huge act to follow because it's not easy chairing this rowdy lot. I don't know can't say about you but I can for some of my fellow members. No you um but uh uh no welcome and I wish you well. Thank you chair.
>> Uh thank you councelor Stamp. Um I now put the nomination to the vote. Um please could members confirm the nomination of councelor Karen McCyver as chairman of this council. Members is that agreed?
Thank you.
I now announce um councelor Karen Ma member for North and Nazing as the chairman of Essex County Council for the municipal year 2627.
Um Karen, if I can say that until you get here, please can I ask you to to make your declaration of acceptance of office, sign it, and then pass it to the chief executive for her signature.
>> Thank you.
I, Councelor Karen Macccyver, having been elected to the office of chairman of the county council for the county of Essex, declare that I take the office upon myself and will duly and faithfully fulfill the duties of it according to the best of my judgment and ability.
Thank you.
Thank you. I now uh remove the chain and and pass it to the new chairman.
So, we're now I think going to stop places, aren't we, Ray? Thank you.
Thank you for electing me to this office.
Members, I have lived in this great county for many years and I am delighted to have been elected as your chairman.
As my first duty of chairman, I would like to invite any other member who wishes to do so to share their appreciation of councelor Ray Gooding's time as chairman.
Councelor Scott.
>> Thank you, Madam Chairman, and may I congratulate you on your election.
Ray, I'm pleased you're going to be coming back to us. I regret the fact of you were not able to get your second year as the would normally be done of a county but I understand the reasons and uh in the immortal words of an abba song I believe the winner takes it all so that has happened you've again like I said earlier you're a gentleman you've conducted this chamber which has been I think as councelor stamp alluded to at times a little feisty um and maybe one of the members who will be back with us I'm sure in July will add to that for you. But you did it with dignity. You did it with respect. You allowed everyone to have their say. Um maybe sometimes a little bit too much have their say but you were first class Ray and I wish you nothing but success. you will be part of integral part of this group and you were a fantastic chairman of this authority. Thank you for everything you have done and I know everything you'll continue to do and again may I wish madame chairman every success in the coming period as chairman of this great authority of council.
>> Thank you very much.
>> Thank you.
>> Okay, next I'd like to call councelor stamp.
>> Yeah, thank you. Is this the right place when I wanted to speak? So, apologize.
Um, I first met Rey on my first council meeting under COVID. Um, members who have been in this chamber before I've heard this story, so forgive me. We walked into the um sports center in Chelsford, didn't we? I was new, wet behind the ears, didn't know a soul, got out, you know, my normal self, and saw this chap walking in. I went, "Oh, hello. How are you?" And he went, "Hello, I'm Ray." He said, "Hello, I'm Wendy." And ever since then, we didn't have a lot to do with each other because obviously he was on the Tory side of thing and I've always been an independent, strongly independent, and I guard that with every inch of my body, but he was very, very good. And then I was on scrutiny with him for PATH for five years. You were the chair of that with Carlo. Uh, and it was excellent. We did some excellent work moving things forward which I'm sure the um members on the other side of the chamber will learn about. Uh it wasn't all bad. In fact, a lot of it was very good. We did a heck of a lot of work behind the scenes holding the scrutiny committees to account. Um but as a chairman everywhere you've been to hold the office as Essex County Council that I've met fellow counselors on after have said what a fantastic chairman you've been how kind you are how pleasant how friendly and how professional and you didn't get involved in any political spats you were just there to represent everybody in Essics so from me personally I think it's a huge shame that the the opposition haven't conceded to let you do your second year because the second year, if anybody knows who's been a mayor or a chairman, the second year is the best. The first year is very hard because you're just actually finding your feet and learning how to manage meetings and they are strong meetings in here. We've now got 78. You had 75. Um whereas the second year, you enjoy it and you've got a lot more confidence.
So, I would personally like to thank you uh from me and my group who's not here uh but for anybody else who's known you and especially from the modern district when you've held functions and invited people uh to those things. We will miss you in that chair and I thank you very much. Thank you.
>> Okay, councelor Harris.
>> Thank you very much. Uh, Madam Chairman, um, yeah, I just wanted to say I mean I I have been a chairman myself at Tendering District Council and I know the the dedication, the time and you know, everything that that's involved in becoming a chairman. you know, chairing a meeting is just one part of it, but really being involved with the community, supporting uh really good causes, um charities, you know, you're you're the face of the council, and it is a huge huge job, uh to do. Um councelor Gooding, I I think that, you know, all I've ever heard of is is great things about you in in the role that you have fulfilled that with uh with great uh with great respect and great, you know, you've actually done a great job there. Um, I don't know you yet. Um, but I'm hoping to get to to know you as well as all the my colleagues opposite as well. I'm sure we will get to know each other very well uh over the the next year or so. Um, but yes, I just wanted to say congratulations in what you have achieved and uh yeah, thank you. Thank you on behalf of the council. Thank you for what you've you've done. Thank you.
>> Okay, then we move on to councelor Johnson, please.
Thank you very much, Madam Chairman, and congratulations on your installation. I wanted to stay say a few words today about Ry and your year in office as chair chairman of our great county.
In local government, people often just see the ceremony of the role, the chain, the formal occasions, the photographs, but they don't often see the reality behind it. They don't see the many miles traveled across the county, the community events attended, the charity functions supported, the long evenings, and the responsibility of representing the whole county, every member of this chamber, regardless of their politics.
Rey, you have carried out that role with genuine warmth, fairness, and integrity throughout your year. And I think that really matters particularly in public life today because the office of chairman should always stand slightly above the day-to-day politics of this chamber and throughout his tenure Ray has upheld that principle with professionalism, grace and often good humor. He has been approachable, courteous and gracious to members across all sides of the council and Essex has been well represented by him. Now political administrations change as they often do and the administration have every right to make their own choices.
But it's also right that we pause for a moment to recognize service that has been given well because a good chairman helps set the tone and character of the whole council and Rey has done that. So on behalf of colleagues sat on these benches and I suspect many former members watching online today, I simply wanted to place on record our appreciation for your service to Essex Ray, your commitment to our council and the dignity and kindness with which you carried out the office of chairman. Thank you.
>> Um thank you and I'm now going to move to councelor Lissymore.
>> Thank you. I just wanted to add just a few words myself. I was raised deputy for many many years when he was education cabinet member and we would attend our meetings and then retire for a coffee and put the world to rights. Um we have very long chats on the grammar school system. I particularly remember homeschooling. Ry is passionate. He is caring. Above all, he's a gentleman. You have been a great chairman. you will be greatly greatly missed in that seat. I wish you were here for another year, but we are where we are. So, thank you for your service. Thank you for being there.
Thank you for being a friend and I look forward to working with you in the future.
>> Thank you. Um, councelor Chris Oac.
>> Thank you, Madam Chair. Uh, Ray, we we had only met a few times previously, but of course, many of the members on this side have not had that privilege, and of course, that's just the nature of things. So I just wanted to echo that having met you briefly in my previous to joining local government. I was always impressed by what a gentleman you were, how gracious you were and many of those comments that have been echoed. I just want to testify that that was always my experience of you. So congratulations uh in terms of what you've achieved as chair. I've seen I've heard the comments about second year but again it's also acknowledged that's the nature of what it is. But that's absolutely on this side of no disrespect to the way you've obviously conducted yourself as chair.
And I'd just like to close by wishing you well as you continue this council to serve your community going forward.
Thank you very much.
>> Thank you council.
>> Thank you madam chairman. Chairman normally doesn't get up and speaks in this chamber but uh as is my last meeting I will break that role and I'm quite happy to do so. Right, it's been an absolute pleasure uh working with you uh not just in the last year as chair and vice chair but the five years we spend on the four years we spend on people and family uh as councelor stamp uh said we've uh had many achievements there and uh it was never always parents plain sailing but your wisdom and your calm and your the way you managed uh meetings even where they got quite difficult is second to none of Of course, you are the longest running uh cabinet member or you were the longest running cabinet member for education and and our paths crossed many times in those days and with several land swaps and uh many discussions on uh uh on how to find a solution to problems and um uh and you mentioned u um council mccroy uh wanted you to gone and that's was of the dean school that many people will remember, but I'm sure you you bear the scars and you bear the scars for a long time to come. Uh I just really wanted to tell you how grateful I am that you asked me to be your vice chairman and our privilege has been uh to to serve with you and to work together and uh I I will definitely not lose touch with you and I just wish you a very happy uh term in the opposition benches, but thank you for everything you've done for me.
>> Thank you. Do I have uh any other members who wish to speak? Please do.
>> Thank you on behalf of myself and my colleagues in in the extraordinary large democrat and independent group. Um I'd just like to um mirror what's been said but very briefly. It's been said very well. A personal and collective thank you to you Rey for your service for this council in this chamber and far beyond it. I I think there's a couple things we ought to just acknowledge that to get to and madame chairman congratulations to you in the normal way of things. It's not normal are the times. Uh it represents an honor. It still stands as such and whatever disappointments you may feel and that will be understandable for you to judge and carry, you carry clearly the respect of past members and present. and it was great to hear um an acknowledgement from the new administration as well. So, thank you from us for all you've done uh for the county in your past career that led you to this appointment and and I hope that you'll take away a a warmth with that.
It will help you in your own adjustment and we look forward to seeing you on this side. Um Madame Chairman, again, congratulations.
>> Thank you.
>> Thank you. Anybody else that'd like to speak?
Okay. Please can I now ask for a vote of thanks to councelor Ray Gooding and his wife Kathy Gooding for their hard work and dedication.
I would also like to present you with a past chairman's badge. Thank you, councelor Gooding, for your hours. You served this council and the people of Essex. I hope you've enjoyed visiting every part of the county, meeting the people, and seeing all corners of this amazing county we are fortunate to call home. I look forward to fulfilling this role in the coming year.
Good. Do you have anything to say further to say? Yes, please. Please do.
>> Uh, well, first of all, thank you. Thank you very much for to to everybody for the kind words. I I it's it's a job to get used to that. You usually all we get is abuse as as as members of the council. So, um, it's it it's it's really pleasant. I have to say that I've I've uh really enjoyed my time and I've been honored uh to to represent this this county as the chairman. Uh, albeit slightly truncated from what I was expecting, but hey ho, that's that that's that's life. Um, but most of all, I want to say a big thank you to to Karen and Sue in the chairman's office who have supported me through that process and really been u the mainstay to what to what I've done. They've kept me on track and actually managed to get me on time to places mostly, but that's that's always been a a problem that that I've had. I think the work of being chairman is is um quite um significant.
Obviously, there's chairing these meetings, which is no mean task. Um some sometimes um but actually it's the charitable and voluntary sector where the chairman makes a big input in support and all that goes with that. And I'm always reminded that um the charitable and voluntary sector is absolutely essential to local authority as our local authority is essential to support and maintain the charitable sector. Actually what um is done by the voluntary sector is the the very basis of of what we need. It provides all of the early intervention. It makes sure that those low lowhanging fruit are are cleared and dealt with before they become issues actually saving a lot of money. And I think if if you put it into business terms um any support we give them the return on that capital employed pays off over and over and over probably better than many of the other things that we can do. So my my my hope is that um council mccyver will will continue with that because I think it's a very important part of of of what we do. Um couple of things have been I I'm I'm really not very not very happy about um uh um councelor googly mentioning the dean school. Uh that that was that was really a very challenging period. I did actually get death threats sent to me at home. But I had I had £400 worth of post uh with no stamps on sent to my home address. Um which was quite an interesting process. So there are things that we do that are that are quite challenging um sometimes and I think probably with the exception of um councelor Robinson who whose time has been broken up, I'm probably the longest standing continuing member here now. I can actually say that I've never in the 21 years I've been here missed a council meeting which might be a bit sad in itself. So um I did have the education portfolio um for 8 years and actually I was I was counting up I've actually been on these top benches for 12 years of the time that I've been here um obviously as cabinet member when we sat up here so now I'm down in the in in the pits from here on but um so I think that that says quite a lot obviously the chairmanship is a non-political role and that always has to be me remembered to give everybody a fair fair chance to speak and and to do whatever's necessary. It does remove us from from that um political fight. But I wanted to say um one thing about the chair and I don't mean the chair in terms of the chairman, chairperson, madam chairman or whatever.
It's the seat in which they sit >> that is the most uncomfortable seat in this chamber. It's it's it's interesting because not only is the role of chairman challenging but the role of sitting in that chair is challenging as well. So good luck with that. I I I do recall and and you know the history of this chamber is that William CL paid and and had this developed in 1938. That's how it got its history, the murals and everything else.
Um but on the back of that chair he had two owls carved and the intention was that it provided wisdom to the incumbent. I hope they continue to do that. So very good luck uh and best wishes for the future.
>> Thank you very much.
>> Thank you.
>> Thank you.
I will now briefly speak on my plans on my time as your chair.
It is a great honor and privilege to have been elected to serve our great county of Essics as chairman.
This prestigious role is one which comes with sign significant constitutional responsibilities which I will take incredibly seriously in order to ensure the smooth democratic activity of this historic chamber. I will wear these chains with pride and honor, hoping the wisdom of those Essex boys and girls before me guide me and this county through inevitable challenges.
As the council's representative, I promise to represent you and make you proud of your chairman. There will be no patch of this glorious county that I will not visit. This chamber must repair its reputational damage where it has too often been seen as a place of estab establishment privilege that looks down on people rather than a place that was built to represent and serve people. I will do all I can to change the perception of this place and heal the damage for the members in this chamber in all corners of it. I will ensure you are heard inside and outside of the chamber. My pledge to you is firstly that I understand. I understand how hard you have worked to be elected to this place.
I know some of you won against all the odds. Others stood despite the odds.
What's true is that people place their faith in you.
This chair will place its faith in you, too. My office will support you. I want to see members grow, develop their own personal skills, and be champions for this place, too. I hope many of you will be joining me out there as I meet incredible people and organizations that keep this county moving.
Whether that's our heroic armed forces on standby to defend our nation, brave police, fire, ambulance, and emergency services, including the Harts and Essex Air Ambulance based in my very own Northfield and Nasing division, or our first class officers, many of whom are unsung heroes, especially in our children's and adult social services.
or whether you are part of a sports team flying the flag for Essex, I can't wait to see you in action and watch you celebrate and inspire others to take part in sport, something our county is known for achieving.
Finally, I want to say this to the most important people in this county, our residents. As your chairman, I am here for you. If these chains are to mean anything, they are to mean a binding commitment to this chair from this chair and to you. If you are a single mom just getting by, I'm here for you. If you are a family coping with trauma, I'm here for you. If you are bereaveved, I'm here for you. If you are lost, I'm here for you. If your business is struggling, I'm here for you. If your business is booming, I'm also here for you. If you're a young person worried about your future, I'm here for you. If you're volunteering at a food bank, I'm here for you. If you're raising money for your church or charity close to your heart, I'm here for you. I could go on and on. From Walam Abby to Harage, from Saffron Warden to Roford, from to Harlow, from Warden to Eping, from Brainree to Brentwood, from Burnham to Anga, from Clton to Lon. I am here for you. Essex is home to the oldest wooden church in the world. the ancient remains of the Roman Empire, the birthplace of radio, the home of RAF bases that defended these isles and the words the world's finest salt from Wen and jam from Tip Tree and of course beautiful Eping Forest, the lungs of our great country uh county. I could not be prouder to accept this off office. Here is to robust and respectful debate.
Serving the people of Essex and starting the meetings as we mean to go on.
Starting with the Lord's Prayer and finishing with the national anthem. God bless Essex and her people. May God bless his chamber.
Now members, it's very hot in here.
Please remove your jackets if you wish.
Um, obviously we're we're experiencing a heat wave, so that's no problem. And I would kindly ask also um when standing to speak um please say your name and the area that you represent.
Thank you. So we now move on to the appointment of vice chairman.
As my first item of business, I am now pleased to call for nominations for vice chairman of the council for the 2026 to 2027 uh municipal year. We have received one nomination in advance which is councelor Pat Murray, the newly elected member for tendering rural west which I understand is the same division that the current vice chairman represented. Councelor Harris, I believe you you will be posing and councelor Quirk, you will be seconding. Please, can I ask you to move your nominations but not make a speech at this point?
>> Uh, yes, Chairman. Madame Chairman, um, I'd like to move this motion, please.
Thank you.
>> Thank you.
>> Madam Chairman, I'll second if I may, please.
>> Do I have any other nominations?
Thank you, Councelor Harris. Uh do you have a few words to say?
>> I do, Madam Chairman. Um and I am absolutely delighted uh to nominate councelor Pat Murray. Um who, as you've said, represents Tendering Rural West as vice chairman. He brings with him 28 years worth of experience in local government. He is our most um experienced counselor from these benches. Um and indeed he has been and he has served as chairman of other councils three times. Um he is uh a very hard worker. Um he understands what the role means and uh his commitment uh to that role will be second to none and I think we we're lucky to to have him. Um I have no doubt that he is the right person uh for this role and I believe that he will give good counsel and support to you madam chairman. Um and I can think nobody better. So um I would like to go and nominate councelor Murray. Thank you >> councelor.
>> Thank you madam chairman. Um yes I can't think of anything anyone better either given uh his undoubted experience. Uh he will support you avidly I'm sure. Uh and certainly yes from the point of view of those on this side of the chamber he has so much experience that we can probably call him he's our kind of Yoda of Essics politics if you don't mind me saying that uh councelor Murray um so yes I'm delighted to to second you as vice chairman of this council.
>> Thank you. Thank you members. I therefore put to this council the motion that councelor Murray, the member for tendering rural west, be appointed to the office of vice chairman of Essex County Council for the 2026 2027 municipal year.
Again, as there is only one candidate, I propose that this be agreed by general ascent. Members, is that agreed?
Members, I'm pleased to announce that councelor Pat Murray has been appointed as vice chairman. I am delighted to be able to work with you and share our love for this county.
Um, yeah.
I, Councelor Pat Murray, uh, having been appointed to the office of vice chairman of county, county council for the county of Essex, declare that I take the office upon myself and will duty and fa faithfully fulfill the duties of it according to my best judgment and ability. Thank you.
Thank you, councelor Murray. Please may sign and pass um the declaration to the exec.
>> Please may I ask you to to pass your chain of office to the new vice?
Thank you very much.
Thank you.
Thank you and congratulations to Councelor Murray.
>> Thank you.
Thank you. I look forward to working with you. I would like to thank Carlo Gugalami for the for the former vice chairman and his wife Val Gugglei for the contribution they have made to the council and the people of Essics during Carlo's time as vice chairman and me a member of this council. I believe we have some speakers who would like to speak on councelor Google's time in office. Um, Council Liberty.
>> Well, thank you. And um, yes, I'd like to say a very big a very big thanks to to Cara Carla Googli for the support, help, and everything that he's gi given me over the last year in my role as chairman and his his as vice chairman. I did joke with him recently that he's done all of the jobs that I didn't really want to do, but I I I I but I thank him for that anyway.
Seriously though, his support has been um amazing, not just in in the last year, but we've worked closely together for for the last five years alto together, partly as chair and vice chair of the people and families committee and the scrutiny board, which I think councelor Stamp has already has already mentioned. So, a very big thank you to him for his support, his wise words, and everything that he's done to make this work properly for us both. And thank you to to you and to Val for everything that you've done. Thank you.
>> Thank you.
>> Thank you.
>> Thank you, Madam Chairman. Um well, Carlo, I may call you Carlo. Carlo um is I think one of the only counselors I actually know here. I know David. I know um Kerry Smith um who's not here today, but I've I've known Carlo for uh well since I became counselor in Tendrin since 2019.
And um Carlo is somebody that I've always looked up to um and has always been a fantastic role model. He's certainly been a personal role model to me and uh we haven't always seen eye to eye, but he is somebody that um you know I I would suggest any counselor would be proud to serve alongside. Um he's given years of dedication and service to his local area. Um and has you know if I can speak on on tendering uh you know he he's he's done an enormous amount of work for tendering. Um and I know that he's done an enormous amount of work for for Essics as well. Um I yeah I thank you for your service here and uh it's actually quite ironic because last week I voted for Carlo to be vice chair at Tendrin. Um but um yeah, he he's a um a credit uh to his party. He's a credit to uh this council and uh um yeah, he's he's absolutely somebody that I look up to. Um I I do hope that the extra time that you now have uh which will be quite considerable because I had dedicated to this role that you are um that you'll be able to spend more time with Val um and particularly in Italy where I know that yeah that's a love of yours as well. Um but um yeah good luck and thank you Ka.
>> Thank you um councelor Jamie McCyver.
Thank Thank you, Madam Chairman. Mommy, I've got to get that one done. I've done it now. I've done it now.
>> Had to be done. Thank you, Madam Chairman. Um, I just want to say councelor googly army, how fortunate I was to have you as my buddy when I was first elected in 2021 back in that first meeting in the sports hall. There comes ironically a turquoise Audi. So maybe that was a a foreshadowing sign of where I may find myself later in politics. But you were an amazing buddy. I couldn't have asked for someone better to speak to me in plain English and tell me exactly what was what, tell me off when I got things wrong, what give me a a well done when I got it right. And one thing that you did for me was you gave me so much patience when I was learning how to do the member locality fund because I just could not get my head around it. I have got my head around it now. Um and uh thanks to your charming help and patience uh many people in have benefited from from that fund. So thank you on behalf of them. Um but what I I must uh thank you for on behalf of the entire council uh something that you did that I just don't think has had the recognition it deserves and that is the work you did on county lines and a task and finish that work has that thorough work that was done with such good intention. I promise you, wherever I go in politics, I will make sure important people read that and action is taken to protect young, particularly young men in this county and all parts of our country. I will remember you uh for that and uh there's not many people brave enough to dive into something that is impacting lives in the most horrific way. So um that for me is my legacy and that proves what and to all new members that proves what a counselor can do. You really can do something impressive and thank you for being a great vice chairman. I always knew if I put my hand up you wouldn't pretend you couldn't see me and I'm pleased you've always given me that opportunity to speak. So thank you.
>> Thank you councelor Scott.
>> Thank you Madam Chairman Carlo. What can I say? We've served on so many different bodies together, pretendering Colchester Garden Community um where you were instrumental with others um with councelor King and myself in getting that vast sum of money from central government which is never easy whoever the central government might be. You're a very special person, Carlo. The guidance you've given, as we've heard just before, the guidance you've given, the advice you give, and your stature has been amazing. You've been a brilliant vice chairman to Ray. You've served this council for so many years.
You will be truly missed with no disrespect to the new counselor for your division. You will be truly missed in this chamber. And I hope that our friendship will continue. The only good news is you won't be able to ask me about highways or planning or anything like that anymore. I will leave that to the new administration. But Carlo, on behalf of our group, thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts.
>> Is there anybody else that would like to speak? Please.
>> Thank you. Thank you.
>> Thank you very much, Carlo. You know, you and I go back only the five years, but we've had some really good laughs.
You two are like Batman and Robin. you you served so well on the path committee and the I know we're talking here about the vice chair but you were superb and Jamie stole my thunder I'd written on here county lines and even to the last scrutiny committee we had at path I come I have to be careful because it could be under PNC uh so all I'll say it was in relation to county lines and police and I raised a point there going back to when you uh actually was on that working group and the very next day I got a response from the police. So, you did so much good and hard work. Especially in rural communities, we don't get the cover that we should get. We all pay our council tax. And I think you'll all know when you hear me going on at committees, we all pay our council tax. We're all entitled to the same sort of coverage, whether it be in rural areas or urban areas. And you did a lot of hard work.
So, I will definitely miss you and I'm sorry that you haven't stood again for election. Uh uh but you were absolutely brilliant. and there's things you don't know about him. He can be very naughty in committees. So, it's a good job maybe you're not on the committees anymore.
But, thank you and good luck.
>> Thank you, councelor. Um, councelor Hosac.
>> Thank you, Madam Chair Carlo, if I may.
Um, what do I say? I've met you on many, many occasions before and I just want to share this as a personal thought. when I was in my role at Brenwood in the Brentwood bubble, you got to make the acquaintances of people around the county and you were obviously one of those and I just want to say this to you that I always if I if I thought of words to describe you, there was always a warmth, a friendliness, you perpetually had a smile on your face and I personally always found it an uplifting experience when I made your acquaintance and met you around the county and I just wanted to convey my appreciation. Uh it's nice to see friendly faces in local government and amongst councils and you were always one of those and obviously reflecting the words that I've heard around the chamber. That's clearly an impression you've made across the board.
And just in closing, I know it sounds like you're continuing to do some uh service in tendering. I wish you well for that. But I what I really hope is that in the free time as Peter said that you have got that you make the most of that. Enjoy your family. Enjoy your freedom and I wish you every success going forward. Thank you Carlos. It's been lovely knowing you.
>> Thank you.
>> Thank you councelor Bray.
Uh thank you madam chair and can I add my congratulations to your appointment uh and to the appointment of vice chairman of course. Um it's right and probably we should have another voice from tendering. So I'll be that voice.
Um I've known Carlo for well since 2015 I think we go back to and uh sometimes on the same side sometimes not. So I've faced and joined. Um and I've always found Carlos to be an absolutely brilliant counselor. has always worked for his people really really hard. Um I know he's now become the vice chair at Tendering District Council. So he's switched one chain for another effectively. So there you go. You're never without a chain. Um but Carlo, I I really wish you all the best for the future and I thank you for all the help you've given me over the years. Um either from the other side or from the same side, you've always been approachable either way. So I thank you very much for all your help in the past and I wish you the very best for the future. Thank you, Sh.
>> Thank you. Is there anybody else that would like to say a few words?
>> Uh, thank you, Madame Chair. Uh, David King, councelor for Colchester North. Um, Carlo, briefly as again coming last, I say the best lines have been stolen by everybody else. But you, let's just talk to the person briefly on behalf of my colleagues here and for myself. Um, thank you for you, right, for bringing yourself to the chamber and to every meeting and as rightly described, warmth, uh, humor, um, passion for things that other people um, would rather avoid. Garden communities, uh, being one example. Well, hey, we got one out of four through. That's not too bad, is it? today's world. So that great success rate um we wish ourselves here in this chamber rather the better in working with government don't we but no thank you Carlo personally and collectively for all that you've done and the way as I say you brought yourself and the best of you to what you do continue with our thanks but continue in that manner be you Carlo up and down it was enjoyable nearly all the time and it was with laced with friendship and I know that's what those of you before can say again so thanks Thank you. Um, should we now have an applause to show a face?
>> I would like to ask the new vice chairman to say a few words on his appointment.
Councelor Murray.
>> Good morning.
I wasn't sure whether it was going to be the afternoon but it is now the morning.
So thank you uh madame chairman and I propose your my proposer and my second uh following the counselor's officers and in the council my congratulations to you madam chairman. Thank you >> on behalf of the on my appointment and I am very very much looking forward to working with yourself and the council.
Thank you for my propo proposer and my second very much appreciated your kind words and pre propose in proposing me as vice chair of the council. It is with great honor and privilege and I mean privilege for me to take this office on this role.
I really appreciate the trust that you have placed in me and I will do my duty to the best of my ability in supporting each and every one of you and mostly Madame Chairman.
>> Thank you.
>> Thank you.
Thank you members.
So we now move on to apologies for absence.
We now move to the apologies of absence.
Please could I ask Nicole Wood, chief executive, to notify council of any apologies received. Nicole.
>> Thank you, Madame Chairman. I've been notified of only a few apologies today.
that is councelor Samuel Cousins, councelor Paul Gad, councelor Darren Gardner, councelor Steven Swaybey, councelor Kerry Smith and we are also expecting to join remotely uh councelor James Abbott.
>> Thank you.
Declarations of interest. Please may I remind members of the need to declare any interests and to do so now are at the start of the consideration of any relevant item of business. As a reminder, you only need to declare an interest if it relates to something being discussed at this meeting.
No. None. Okay. Uh confirmation of the minutes of the meeting held on the 12th of February 2026.
Please please may I ask for confirmation of the minutes for the meeting held on the 12th of February 2026? Members, are these minutes agreed?
>> Thank you.
Return of members elected and proportionality.
I'm pleased to welcome new councilors to their first meeting of full council.
You are very welcome here today.
Please can now now ask the chief executive to present the report on the return of the members elected in local elections held on the 7th of May 2026 and a consequent political proportionality on committees. Please note there was an error in the report within your agenda. So refer to the meeting document circulated and the order paper for the full and correct list. Chief Executive Thank you, Madam Chairman.
I am pleased to present this report following the local elections on the 7th of May this year and to welcome new counselors to this annual meeting today.
I can confirm that the political proportionality and allocation of seats is legally correct.
>> Thank you.
I understand the recommendation on page 33 is to be moved by councelor Harris and seconded by councelor Quirk.
Councelor Harris, do you so move?
>> So moved, madam chairman.
>> And seconded, madam chair.
>> Thank you.
>> Councelor Stamp has indicated she wishes to speak. Councelor Stamp.
I think you need to put your microphone on. Thank you. Oh, we can't hear you.
Maybe go to the next one.
Um, thank uh Thank you, Madam Chair. Um, I'm not sure if it was me or Carrie who wanted to speak to be to be absolutely truthful. Um I'm a little bit disappointed obviously um about some of the the seating on here. I know it has to go with the political numbers. I understand that the balance is um but it's a real shame that um knowledge isn't going to be passed on. I'm hoping that the cabinet members or whoever because they're not allowed to sit on these groups of committees obviously for obvious reasons. But if if there is anything so so for existing counselors who are reelected and new counselors especially in my division is there anything coming forward on any of these committees or any facility that we could all work together to pass information on so our residents get continued uh um what's the word service um because on some of these committees I wasn't allowed to go back on the audit committee um because it's not a proper scrutiny committee I did look into it but I have been on that committee for five years and it's a shame. So could I actually ask the question even though I'm not allowed to sit on it, would it be possible for me to attend that meeting if I chose to do so or do I follow the correct procedure or the normal procedure and ask the chairman of that committee if I can attend and if I can speak? I'm just seeking clarification really. Thank you.
>> Thank you. Um councelor Harris or Quirk, would you like to reply to that? Um >> Madam Chairman, so I think we'll yield to offices in terms of the constitutional ability for that to happen. And I think from an administration's point of view, we have no problem with transparency whatsoever.
Uh and of course, so the the good work of the offices in terms of conveying uh past thoughts and information to the new administration, but I I'll yield perhaps to the chief executive in terms of whether that's actually >> Thank you.
>> Councelor Stamp, you can attend and participate under direction of the chair.
>> Thank you. Um we have a recommendation moved and second and so now I'd ask um that agreed members.
>> Great.
>> Great.
>> Thank you.
>> So we now move to the election of leader.
I now invite nominations for the position of leader of the council until the next ordinary elections of the council. I have one nomination in advance. Councelor Peter Harris.
Councelor Quirk, I believe you will be proposing and councelor Bray, you will be seconding. Please may I ask you to move your nominations but not to make a speech at this point.
>> Madam Chairman, delighted to nominate councelor Peter Harris as leader of Essex County Council. Reserve my right to speak if I may.
>> Thank you councelor B.
>> Chairman absolutely delighted to second that nomination. Thank you.
>> Thank you. Do I have any further nominations?
Councelor Quirk, do you have a few words to say?
>> Yes, I I'll try and keep this brief. Um, but there is something, ladies and gentlemen, colleagues, friends, that you should know. Um, councelor Harris and I have some history. It turns out um on this side of the chamber, you probably know this. Um, I decided some months ago to put my hat in the ring uh as one of the reform the prospective reform candidates for Essex Mayor. Uh, and of course then what ensued was a very full and thorough and proper process. um which ended up uh at the end of a kind of process of elimination with two people left standing in a kind of judges houses type scenario. Um I was one of them and councelor Peter Harris was the other. Um and so we were kind of rivals I think is fair to say. Um and councelor Harris won that battle. He was therefore as a consequence nominated as the reform candidate for Essex Mayor. um doesn't sit well with me losing I have to say.
However, however, um then of course we end up with um the often cancelled local elections which of course on this side of the chamber nationally we fought very very hard to make sure that the people of Essex were able to participate in.
And as a consequence of that, um, councelor Harris and I ended up bumping into each other a number of times as we helped various reform branches raise money for the election campaign. Uh, and we were asked to speak at various branch meetings and and help and mentor various candidates, uh, who obviously had been selective those elections. Um, we kept coming across each other. Um, and it was a bit uncomfortable I think at first because of course we had this kind of past rivalry. Um, but I have to say, standing at the bar over a kind of non-alcoholic Guinness every now and again, um, and starting a dialogue between ourselves, I started to realize what this man is all about. And that is very much that he has a civic heart. He cares very much about this county of Essics and very, very much about this country. So, kind of fast forward to the situation that we're all in here, which is that 52 reform counselors get elected to Essex County Council, uh, breaking a 26-year legacy from, uh, those on the other side of the chamber here. And of course, all eyes turn to who's going to be the leader of the reform group and therefore leader at Ves County Council.
And a number of people threw their hat in the ring. Uh, and some very, very worthy contenders indeed, I have to say.
Um, and so one day I get a call from councelor Harris. He says, "We should have a conversation." And so we met in a an illicit pub somewhere along the A12 halfway house between him and Clton and me in Brentwood. And we had a very very sensible conversation whereby we both decided and realized that for the betterment of this council, the reform group, our party and the people of Essics, we needed to be sensible. we needed to form a partnership uh which we then did in terms of me conceding that the right man at the right time for this role as leader of Essex County Council is councelor Peter Harris. So we are a bit of a double act. I guess it'll be up to you to decide as members as the weeks and months go on whether we're the Rolls and Royce of politics or uh the Lenin and McCartney or perhaps the Ant and Deck. We'll see. We'll see. Um but I am delighted to propose councelor Peter Harris as leader of this council. Uh and hopefully it will be unanimous vote.
Thank you.
>> Thank you. Councelor Bray, I understand you wish to speak in support of councelor Harris nomination as leader.
>> Thank you, chair. Um the idea of ant and deck is slightly concerning, but we'll we'll we'll move away from that, shall we? Um I've had the pleasure and privilege of knowing councelor Harris for a lot of years. Um we work very closely together. Strangely, he is the deputy leader of our group on tendering district council and I'm the leader. So he's my deputy leader. Um, we've worked together on many, many, many things. He followed me into the chairmanship at Tendering District Council and, uh, sad to report he was actually better than I was, which is slightly annoying, but there you go. What Peter is, um, is is a man with no end to energy. I can tell you that since his election as group leader here at county hall, Peter has been here every morning around about 8:00 or earlier and has rarely left much before 8:30 at night and that's every day. And that's his intention to continue doing that. That's a level of dedication that I don't have and I suspect most of us don't. He's a workaholic. He constantly is working.
His wife, whom I also know quite well, rarely sees him, although I'm not necessarily sure that's a bad thing from her point of view, but she does rarely see him. He is a man who gets things done, a man of action. This is a fantastic county. I've lived in it all of my life from Taxi to Saffron Walden through to my more recent years in and around the Claxton area.
It is filled with fantastic people. What it needs is a really strong leader. In Peter, we have that, but we have more because with Russell at Peter's side, we have two different personalities with two different skill sets who complement each other absolutely perfectly.
I call this the dream team because it is. And I'm really really proud to be able to second Peter in to the leadership of this council because I know I know he'll do a brilliant job and I know that all of us and I think on both sides of the chamber we'll be glad that we did. As we sit here today with memories of massive boxes of leaflets and worn out shoes, the rosettes are off now. It's time now not to worry about party. It's time to do the right thing by Essex and I know that this leadership team will do exactly that. Thank you.
>> Thank you.
>> Um, Councelor Stamp um has indicated she would like to speak. I have it on my on my notes.
>> I think somebody's having a laugh. I'm sure I didn't say I wanted to speak on everything.
>> Um, I will speak though. I I don't know you. Um um but not you. I've just underlined who you are because I was actually going to ask if all the cabinet members could actually stand up to say who they are because I was very honored to be able to be introduced by a couple of them who spoke to me this morning in the members room. But sadly I don't know everybody and I think my residents when I go home because some of them are sad and they watch us at this meeting would say Wendy I haven't got a clue who they are. So I I do think it would be really nice if each one of them stood up just to say who they are, not which division you are, but what what portfolio you've actually got. Uh so residents, if they email me, and believe me, they do. And I'll apologize now because you'll get loads of emails from me because my residents are very uh very vocal. Um they'll be very grateful. But I wasn't going to intend to speak, but congratulations on your appointment. I hope you are as open with as the previous leader. I know everybody's different politically, but the previous leader was excellent. He would come in and he'd come into the members room and he would say, "Morning, have a chat, get a coffee. I'll get somebody to get him a coffee." I mean, come on, let's be honest. Uh and uh and it was really nice. I hope there isn't going to be that segregation that you're over there and we're over here because that doesn't serve anybody with anybody's community.
So, congratulations. I don't generally bother the leader, but I do the cabinet members. Um, but I know your number if I need to contact you. Thank you. Good luck.
>> Thank you, Councelor Stamp. Um, I understand councelor Scott would like to say a few words.
>> Can I offer my congratulations as leader of the Essex County Council, you do have big shoes to fill. Kevin was here for a long while and as councelor Stamper said had an open door policy and I'm sure you'll be having the same open door policy and I know that you will want to listen to the opposition parties as well. Maybe not too much but I'm sure you will want to listen to the opposition parties. Um I recognize what happened at the elections and as I said earlier you have a large group. I hope for the people of Essex that you are able to carry out what you say. But I assure you as the opposition we will be here to uh not just oppose but be constructive as well but also to make sure that whatever happens this great county goes from strength to strength.
But as I say you do have big shoes to fill but I offer our congratulations.
Okay, councelor King, sorry. Would you like to say a few words?
>> Thank you, Madam Chair. I'm a big chap.
We'll both get used to where we are. Um, I just want to echo the words that just been said. So, it's absolutely right to recognize the election results, isn't it? And recognize the change that's happened and its significance and also to recognize, you know, the challenge that you will have. This is this is a big place, the county of Essics. We're proud of it. That's why we're here. We work to get here. We share many things and I think that's we can come back to that there will be points of agreement in and outside of the chamber and the latter is really important where even it's only in the margins that our policy might be the better for a conversation and a decision might be the better for a reflection. So on my behalf and of the groups you should expect to see us as constructive colleagues with that shared challenge frankly of delivering as well as we can. So good luck and personal congratulations to the leadership.
>> Thank you councelor King. Um do I have any other members who wish to speak?
>> Thank you members. I therefore put to the council the motion that councelor Peter Harris be appointed to the office of leader of Essex County Council until the next ordinary elections of the council. Again, as there is only one candidate, I propose that this is agreed by general ascent. Members, is that agreed?
Thank you. I am pleased to announce that councelor Peter Harris has been elected as the leader. Congratulations.
Um, councelor Harris, would you like to say anything on your appointments?
I certainly would. Yes. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chairman. I will actually keep this brief. Um, and those that know me know that that is actually quite something of a rarity. Um, but I will keep it brief and um, I'd like to to thank all the members across uh, this uh, this chamber for uh, for electing me. Um it is a a huge huge honor and privilege uh to uh to to you know be leader of this this great council uh represent this this great county. Um and it's one that I accept with humility commitment and a deep sense of uh responsibility uh for the community that uh that uh we all represent.
And I do want to acknowledge um those that have served before me and I recognize the commitment that uh they have also given uh this uh this uh uh county and council um and obviously across all parties or for the last 26 years. It was from one particular party, but I recognize all those that have gone before me. Um but local government works best when we focus on what connects us or what we agree on um and not what divides us. And it's certainly my intention to work across the chamber to engage with people from all political um persuasions and parties and I've already reached out uh to some councilors already uh to to that will demonstrate that commitment and it's something that I intend to do moving forward.
Our residents accept sorry expect even our residents expect us to work together our residents expect us to deliver on the services and the priorities for them and that's what we uh we will do. Um we will be a council that listens. We will be a council that reaches out to all members and yes my door will always be open most of the time but no it will always be open and you know it is my intention to hold monthly meetings with all the the group members and all those that represent each of the parties uh sitting opposite whether they're a main political party or an independent group are really you know we'll have an open door policy as far as that's concerned.
Um, I'm going to keep this brief because I got more to say a little bit later and you will hear from me moving moving forward. Um, that's for sure. So I pledge you know integrity, transparency and a determination and drive um and we will collectively work tirelessly um for Essex County Council um so that we have a strong chamber here and uh it can only be for a great future of Essex.
That's why we're here. We know that's why you're here as well. um we might vary and differ on on on the way to do it but we can do this together and I hope that we do. So thank you for your confidence and your um support of me. So thank you very much.
>> Thank you councelor Harris.
>> I I I believe also at this point I now need to introduce my um cabinet and so is that right?
>> Thank you.
>> Yes. Okay. Okay. So I would like to introduce my cabinet now. Um and before I do that I just wanted to you know say that yeah this is the way that we we we mean to go on and we believe in a meritocracy. So in selecting our our cabinet and all the positions um it it really was based on on the skills on the experience and the expertise of of the those that have been elected and we are extremely lucky here and whilst we may not all be previous counselors there's a there's a number of us that are so there's a bit of experience there in terms of local government what we have is people from industry from business, entrepreneurs, huge experience um which will bring a a different look to this council and I think that you know I am hugely proud to stand at head of this team and it is a team and each and every one of the counselors sitting here um is is is just as important whether they're on the cabinet or not they will be able to feed in and they will be part of this and I'm extremely proud u to uh to uh to do that and and to be to be leading that. So yes, we have I mean in in terms of the the portfolios I mean we we actually have I won't go through each and every one and each and individual but for example we have somebody in charge or heading up highways who's actually an expert in highways.
>> Wow. Um, we have somebody heading up our waste um and um uh recycling uh who's actually from a waste and recycling industry background. Um and and and and it goes on. We we have we are so lucky that they are able to bring their industry experience to this and that's the way that we will run this council. We are very mindful of the services that we have to provide our residents. But we will bring a business acumen to this council. Making business decisions, we will be efficient. We will save money. Yes, of course. In my business that I run, you know, every pound is very valuable to me. And it and do you know what? The pound here is even more valuable because it's not my money.
It's the resident's money. So, I'm going to be even more careful about the way I spend it. And that's the way that this council will operate. So, I'd like to to introduce my cabinet to you, which I was intending on doing, councelor Stamp. So, great minds think alike. Um, but at first, I'd like to introduce I'd like to introduce my deputy leader. Um, I'm not sure if you're and or deck. I'm not sure but uh councelor Russell Kirk and then if we could all say when we stand up which uh division we we are we represent and uh I I'll I'll read that. So councelor Russell Quirk.
>> Thank you. Uh I represent Brentwood Huffington.
>> Thank you.
>> You want to standing up still or sit down?
>> No. No you can sit down there. So thank you.
>> Okay. Secondly um for education send and skills we have councelor Sam Jane.
>> Thank you very much. Uh I represent the division of vange. Thank you.
>> Thank you councelor Jane. Um for regeneration planning and heritage u councelor Jeff Bray.
>> Thank you very much leader. Um I represent the division of tendering rural east. It's a lovely part of the country. Come and see us.
>> Thank you councelor Bray. For highways and infrastructure we have councelor Mark Webster.
>> Thank you leader. I'm represent the division of class south.
>> Thank you councelor Webster. uh for finance, corporate affairs and efficiency. Councelor Bo Davies.
>> Councelor Bo Davis. I represent Baxter Division. Don't let the accent confuse you.
>> Thank you, Councelor Davies. And councelor Davies has lived in England longer than he has the United States of America. So, he will have a Cockney accent soon, I'm sure. Um for children and families we have councelor Sue Truman.
>> Thank you leader. I represent the proud division of pity.
>> Thank you councelor Truman. For waste and recycling we have councelor Christopher Ben.
>> Thank you very much. I represent Wooden Ferris.
>> Thank you very much councelor Ben. Uh adult social care we have councelor Paul Godfrey.
Thank you, leader. I represent the division of Brentwood South.
>> Thank you, councelor Goffrey. And for residents and community services, we had councelor Chris Hosac.
>> Morning members. Uh Chris Hosac, Brim with North Division. Wendy, look forward to receiving or or or giving as much support as I can to you and your residents as I would across Essics. So, thank you, >> Madame Chairman. Members, we have a cabinet full of expertise and experience. May not be in chambers, but it is certainly in business and we will be thoroughly ruthless in terms of making sure that we achieve our aims and the aims and the priorities for our residents and we will work with each and every one of you in doing that. If we all pull together, you know, Essex will be even greater than it is today. So, thank you very much and I'm extremely proud to stand here. um heading up this cabinet. But as I said before, behind this cabinet, we then have deputy cabinet members, we have committee chairman, we have people on the committees. They're all equally as vitally important to this team. So, thank you very much. Thank you, Madam Chair.
>> Thank you members. We now move to public questions. I have received notification of two public questions.
Public speakers, when I call you, please present at the microphone and ask your questions.
First, we have councelor Richard Highland, a local counselor representing Gallwood Gallwood Ward, who is who is asking a question on the subject of measurable results. Councelor Highland, would you like to ask your question, please?
Dear Mr. Council, first of all, congratulations on your recent success in the county elections. I wish each of you a productive and impactful tenure, one that demonstrates kindness, commitment to your community, and transparency through clear published business cases underpinning your decisions.
I'd also like to thank the Essex Council Council leaders, the stating that they will reconsider the policy regarding the charge for reserving books in libraries.
This positive change will support our libraries as spaces for education, opportunity and social cohesion, ultimately serving the best interests of our residents. There are many expectations residents have of their county representatives representatives.
I believe the only are especially important to demonstrate how your leadership will benefit our communities.
Consistent attendance and meaningful contribution to these council meetings and committees.
Diligence in reviewing papers and understanding decisions to be made and competence in making a positive impact on the communities you serve, leading to improved delivery. broader outcomes and the appropriate use of funds for residents.
My question is focused on measurable results. How will this administration deliver tangible value and absolute transparency to residents in your first 100 days and throughout the remainder of your tenure particular with regard to the altered spending plans. council accountability and the financial justification for legally challenging local government reorganization.
I'm eager to learn how we can work together to achieve greater transparency and the best possible outcomes for our communities. Thank you for your attention and your dedication.
>> Thank you for your question. Councelor Harris, I believe you wish to respond.
Thank you madam chairman. Uh yes um as I've said earlier you know it is our intention to uh to work with you know partners and counselors across this chamber but it is also the case that um we intend to work with partners and counselors across the whole of Essex. Um and I soon we will be making an announcement with regards to um meeting with uh other councils ac across the uh across the county.
Um, transparency is something that I'm uh very keen on. Um, and I think it's essential part of uh local government um and indeed government um which uh sometimes isn't always the case but it is something that we are going to be transparent with um as well. But all decisions will be backed by clear papers setting out their rationale financial and other implications as well. And in addition um we it is our intention to publish a plan for um the first 100 days so that people are clear um exactly what we're trying to achieve and I will be reporting back at the end of that period uh to this council and to residents setting out the progress that we have made over the next couple of months. We will be working on a new corporate strategy uh for the organization and we will publish a performance framework alongside that so that our residents can see the commitments and can hold us to account for achieving them. I'm very mindful that the money we spend has come from taxpayers or businesses and we take our duties of spending that money wisely and embrace transparency and the role of the scrutiny committees as part of that responsibility.
I hope that reassures you and gives you the answer. But we will be we've been here for this is not even three weeks yet. We will be making lots and lots of announcements. uh we will be moving fast and we will be our aim is to take residents and other councils as well with us on that journey. Thank you madam chair.
>> Thank you councelor Harris.
>> Uh we now have Nicole Marrington a resident of Brainree district who is asking a question on the subject of safeguarding concerns for women and girls in Essex. Miss Marington please would you ask your question?
I repeat raised serious safeguarding concerns for women and girls in Essics.
Unfortunately, many were dismissed as not an issue. With the new reform led council in place, I believe you will put forward put safeguarding first and correct these failures without delay. My concerns are there appear to have been an unlawful shift to mix sex toilets in Essex schools breaching the small premises regulations and the Essex independent school standards regulations for the provision of single sex toilets for children age eight and over. I raised this in April 25 and then June council. I asked them to check with any legal teams but neither confirmed they had. I was just told officers had reviewed the school's decision and in brief.
Also on council use services and on school's website there are links to unchecked organizations offering important advice to children. I've provided evidence to the council which shows these young people's forums and where children can discuss quite intimate subjects with other unchecked public users. This presents a clear risk of online grooming. Yet the site is still promoted by the council and others say a garden failure. Finally, council libraries stop books aimed and available to 12 year olds. The detailed sex acts by some pornographic. I was told the council won't send this books and parents and guardians are encouraged to monitor their child's reading choices.
The council refused to recategorize those books to the adult section.
Introducing children to material and ideas that beyond their formative and emotional development is harmful. And because the library is displaying them in the children's section, it lends an air of respectability to the text.
Parents cannot be expected to supervise every page when the library categorizes the books as suitable. In December 25, I met with the heads of state garden and libraries, the director of education and two counselors where I raised my concerns that political neutrality has been compromised within the council. I ask the chair to set out how the council will assure the rule of ethics that it will immediately return to proper safeguarding of women and children as per the Supreme Court clarification that sex inequality acts biological sex by scrutinizing all relevant council policies and procedures with full legal rights. Restore and protect single sex basis services for females. Issue guidance to schools in Essics requesting they review their professional single sex toilets for children aged eight and older. Carry out due diligence and safeguarding checks on resources and organizations which resource schools and youth groups and are promoting promoted to children and ensure greater scrutiny engage appropriateness of books and online resources provided to children council libraries. I look forward to clear commitment to your clear commitment to the safeguarding of ideology.
>> Thank you Miss Marington for your question. Um councelor Truman I believe you wish to respond.
>> Thank you for for your question. My response is focused on the safeguarding questions related to resources and schools which sit within my remit as lead member for children's services. I will however ask that a fuller response covering all aspects of your question is provided and these will and the ones that are outside my portfolio with regards to school toilets.
This is regulated by the school premises England regulations of 2012 which schools are expected to follow.
This is an operational matter therefore um for the school and governing bodies, academic academy trusts or other responsible bodies determined how the school will comply with those regulations.
This guidance clearly sets out that separate toilet facilities for boys and girls must be provided except where the toilet facility is provided in a room that can be secured from inside that is intended for use by one pupil at a time.
In respect of due diligence and safeguarding checks on resources and organizations, I will ask officers to review whether this is suitable for Essex County Council websites to signpost young people to these sites recognizing the concerns that you have raised today. I thank you for coming today and asking this question and I will uh follow up with a full response in due course. Thank you very much.
Thank you, Councelor Truman. Um, councelor Harris, I believe you'd like to speak.
>> Thank you, Madam Chairman. Um, I just wanted to to to make a statement really in terms of to to to directly uh to the speaker Nicole Maron. um that you know I take very very seriously the the the well-being safety of um of our residents um especially you know children and and well women and children I take it very very seriously and it is extremely high on my radar in terms of making sure that that happens. Um I am all too aware of some of the challenges that Essex faces um with regards to um the inappropriate let's say uh actions that that um that happen. And I'm I'm I'm not going to go into that here. But what I would like uh please is to actually um arrange for a direct meeting after this at some point in the future with Miss Maritton so that I can uh follow that up directly with us so I I can get a better understanding of of uh of the points that you're making. Thank you.
>> Thank you.
Is there anybody else that would like to speak? M Council Stump, sorry.
>> Madam Chair, could I ask a question? Um it was said in the response a full response would be given. Could I actually ask that? that goes to all members. This is an important subject and I think responses given from whichever side of the chamber should be shared with all members. Thank you.
>> Thank you, Councelor Quirk.
>> Yeah, Madam Chair, thank you. And just to add, I'm very very concerned to hear uh that there may be third party websites that it's seen in some way are linked to Essex County Council. uh I've immediately asked uh our cabinet advisory team to look into that now uh to make sure that there is not some anomaly, some mistake, some error whereby we are inadvertently being seen to promote uh safeguarding or something that could be seen as a safeguarding issue. So we are already on it. Uh and as soon as we get a response in that regard to what that might be, perhaps you can help us actually after the meeting in terms of pointing us in the direction of some of those links. Um that will not be tolerated.
Uh thank you councelor Hosak I believe you want to speak.
>> Thank you madam chair. Um thank you for your question. I'm responding just for the elements of your question that related to libraries and I just want to assure you the leaders already offered kindly to meet with you and perhaps there might be a way that we can sort of meet together in that forum where we can discuss the concerns you've raised about libraries. But your point in your question about not putting ideology above safeguarding the protection particularly of children is not lost on me and that's certainly a conversation I would like to have with you and the leader to work out where the issues are, what might be done to address those if that if that is established that that is the situation. So thank you for your question.
>> Thank you. Thank you to our public speakers for coming here today. Um particularly coming all the way to Chford to ask your questions. Thank you.
Um, we now move on to chairman's announcements and communications.
Sorry, there wasn't anybody else that wanted to speak there, was there? I haven't missed anybody.
Okay, chairman's announcements and communications.
I just like to remind members that they need to complete the online form registration of interest and personal details. In particular, registrations of interest must be completed by the 4th of June 2026.
Please, can you make sure you complete this? If you have questions or if you would like support to complete the form, please speak to Paul Turner um or Joanna Bola as soon as possible.
You will also have received an email from Joanna Bola at 4 p.m. on the 19th of May, 2026 relating to the request for all counselors to undergo an enhanced DBS check. This requires you to bring in three forms of proof of identity which officers need to verify. Please can I ask all all newly elected members to do this as quickly as possible.
Thank you. I'm going to be inviting uh Essics local charities, organizations, and small businesses um for to our future uh group meetings um for members to network um on full council days. I think this is an opportunity for us to appreciate the work that they do and to use the opportunity to get them here where we can um all kind of meet and support each other. So, I hope you'll be pleased with that announcement. Um I would also like to encourage you all to invite me to your local events within your area so I can get to know you and your divisions and the people and organizations within them.
Um we touched on this earlier but I will repeat it. Um we also will be asking that at the start of every meeting um our prayers will include the Lord's prayer and I'm pleased to say that we will finish uh the meetings with the national anthem. Thank you. Now we move to petitions.
I've been notified of one petition in advance.
Please hold on to the petition and pass it to the officers at the end of the meeting. Councelor Mrison, I believe you have a petition to present regarding bus services in Benfleet. Um, councelor Merson, would you like to speak?
>> Madame Chair, thank you. Uh Nik Councelor Nikki Marrison uh Southbend Fleet Division. Chairman, I'm presenting a petition here from Southbend Fleet Residents regarding the proposed withdrawal of the number 21 first bus service. This petition highlights the serious impacts this will have on access to work, schools, medical appointments, and essential services, particularly for elderly and disabled residents who have no alternative. It also raises concerns about increased car use and the effect on our local economy. I formally submit the petition.
>> Thank you. Um, Council Webster, I believe you wish to respond.
>> Um, thank you for your question. I appreciate the item that you've raised and your concern. Uh, I will review the matter and come back to you in the written box. Thank you.
Thank you councelor Merrison for presenting your petition.
The next item is to note the political groups appointments to committees, appointment of chairman of committees and other appointments.
Members, the recommendations to make the appointments and to note changes to appointments to outside bodies as set out with the additional reports circulated within the order paper are to be moved by the c by councelor Harris and second in by councelor quirk.
Councelor Harris, do you so move?
>> So moved, madam chair.
>> Thank you. Councelor Quirk, are you second in the red?
>> I'll second, please, madam chair.
>> Thank you. Um, councelor Stamp, I'll have you down to speak again.
>> Sorry, Madam Chair. I was writing something else. Um, I I don't think I want to speak on this one. I don't >> That's no problem. Thank you.
>> Okay, we have recommendation um moved and seconded. Members, is that agreed?
>> Thank you.
Executive statements. Our next item on the agenda is executive statements.
Councelor Harris, I understand you have an executive statement titled highways, libraries, and local reorganization.
You have up to 10 minutes. Uh councelor Harris, um would you like to speak?
>> Thank you, Madame Chairman.
And whilst I said I was going to keep the first ones short, this one might be a little bit longer. So I am limited to 10 minutes, I understand. So okay. So, um, it's a privilege to stand here before you today as the newly elected leader of Essex County Council.
And on the 7th of May, the people of Essex sent a clear message. They are fed up with the way our county is being run.
They are demanding change and they want their country back. And that, members, is the reason why we are all sitting here.
Today is not just the start of a new administration. It is the start of a new kind of leadership for this county.
For us, it is simple.
It's about family, community, and country.
Let me be clear what that means to us here today. We will be business-like in how we operate, disciplined, focused, demanding value for money and efficiency.
We will be entrepreneurial in how we think, open to new ideas, new partnerships, supporting businesses, and boosting our economy.
We will protect and celebrate our Essex culture and heritage.
We will protect our country, agricultural lands, and green open spaces for the future generations to enjoy.
And nothing but nothing is more is of more paramount importance to us than the protection and delivery of adult and children social services, education and particularly those with send needs.
This is a county, this great county has enormous potential and it is time we started locking all of it. Unlocking all of it.
This is about delivering results and restoring pride.
Simply put, Essex needs reform.
But leadership goes beyond this chamber.
To our partners across greater Essics, my message is simple. We want to work with you seriously, constructively, and at pace to deliver better outcomes for the people we all serve.
Members, the elections are over and has already been mentioned, our rosettes have been removed.
I want to work with members across this chamber from all parties.
I want to extend an invitation to the leader of all groups and parties to meet me on a monthly one-to-one basis to help deliver what's best for our residents.
and my door will be open anyway. So, but we make sure we meet once a month. My ambition and aim is to make Essex County Council the exemplar council across this country, the very best.
Because if we get this right, the prize is huge for our residents and businesses.
But that starts with getting to grips with the basics.
and residents have been clear that they want the everyday things fixed.
So, we are acting immediately.
And today I'm going to sign formal executive decisions right here.
Starting with the previously announced decision to scrap the library reservation charge because we believe that this book tax was wholly unnecessary and a barrier to learning.
And today that ends with me signing this document here today.
Members sat here, all members have been knocking on doors for months speaking and listening to our residents.
And without doubt, we will all know this, without doubt, the number one issue was the state of our roads and our potholes.
I can see members nodding and we want to deliver on the priorities of our residents and repairing our roads is a shared priority.
We all drive on the roads. We all feel the pain and now we're going to feel the potholes.
Thank you. Thank you.
In week one, we met with senior officers responsible for highways.
Week two, we summoned the managing director of our highways contractor.
And what is clear to us, there are serious issues that need to be addressed by changing our approach to repairing our roads.
Week three.
As the newly elected leader of Essex County Council, I am today declaring a pothole emergency in Essex.
This executive decision that I'm about to sign acknowledges that the state of our roads is not currently acceptable.
Our policies, procedures, and plans need to change to deliver a better service.
As a result of this announcement, this administration and our new cabinet member will be focusing on delivering a pothole action plan which will transform our highways network and members. This work has already begun on housing and growth. We support development, but on the right terms, protecting what makes Essex special.
We will be a voice for our people and support common sense development that builds communities, not just houses.
We will work with our partners to ensure that we protect our green open spaces against the outrageous mandatory government housing targets that are threatening the quality of life of our residents by shoehorning houses in places where there is insufficient infrastructure.
We will use our role as the county council to help deliver the strategic development our county needs because our responsibility is not to ideological politician politicians or governments. It is to the people and the businesses of Essex.
I now wish to discuss local government reorganization.
On my second day in county hall, I wrote to the secretary of state requesting an urgent meeting to discuss LGR and informing him that a legal challenge was an option to us.
Since then, we have started the ball rolling by following that up with a pre-action or pre-protocol action letter. And in fact, I have written to the the Secretary of State three times.
Yes. three times. Such is the urgency and importance I place on this subject.
Essex County Council are blessed with having senior officers that are some of the best in the country and are delivering proven results, particularly in adult and children services which are rated highly.
There is very real concern amongst these officers that LGR, local government reorganization, will endanger these services and therefore the welfare and safety of children and most vulnerable people in Essex.
Splitting up essential services and then having to find five leaders of equal quality and experience in the unrealistic time scale the government has set is just delusional.
I am doing everything I can to I can to work with government and ministers to highlight the very real dangers that we fear when our senior experienced officers who are sector leaders are warning us of the serious possible implication in implications. We must listen.
I would not be fulfilling my duties if I did not take that advice seriously.
I come from a business background.
I understand that change can be good and it can be necessary.
What I would never do in my business or any business that I've worked is implement a plan without listening to the people who know how the business runs.
A bad plan can be disastrous.
This is not the right plan nor the right time scale, but it's not too late for the government to pause and think again, and I hope they do.
This is a new administration, a new direction, and a renewed sense of purpose and energy. We will be disciplined. We will be ambitious and we will be relentless in delivery because in the end we will be judged not by what we say but what people see and what people feel in their everyday lives. Members, I say to you, let's get to work and deliver for Essics. Thank you.
Is it these ones or these ones?
>> Thank you, Councelor Harris.
>> Madam Chairman, I would like to now sign the executive decisions. I've been given so much paper now, I'm not actually confused which ones it is. Is it these ones? Right.
Okay.
They're premature.
This is okay. So, the first one that I'm signing is for the removal of the um the reservation charge on the library books.
There we go. Thank you very much.
And the next executive decision that I'll be signing is for the declaration of the pothole emergency.
Thank you, councelor Harris.
Okay, three minutes are available to each opposition group leader or their representative to respond to the statement. I have been informed that the following members wish to speak.
Councelor Scott, you have three minutes.
Thank you.
>> Thank you, Madam Chairman. If I may start with what I would agree with. I agree that we have the best officers of any council I have ever had the privilege to work with. So, I'd like to give that part my full support.
I also agree that protecting some of the most vulnerable in our society is vital, which is why I'm sure that when we get to motions later, you may want to withdraw your amendment and support our proposal.
I also want to say that a lot of what you've said, pothole schemes, ambitions for Essex were part of a previous administration as well, and therefore that would not be difficult to take forward. We had everyone's assets. We also had schemes for members to take forward potholes. And I probably have the scars still. And my my heart goes out to the cabinet member for highways having done it for two years and being very relieved when I was moved to something else. But it is a thankless task and a very difficult task. We all know potholes breed in captivity.
I question where the money is coming from this. But I'm sure in the fullness of time you will let us know where the money is coming from this because it is as you know the amount of money that we've put into it in the past administration.
You will need even more money for the ambitions that the leader has just spoken about to be fulfilled. I want to now move on to local government reorganization.
We are going to be calling together with our party that the people have a say and a referendum be held on local government reorganization across our great county.
That is something that was put forward a number of weeks ago by the former leader of the council with the leader of her majesty's opposition.
You speak about the fact of building on green belt land. The government as we know has called gray belt land whatever that might mean I have previously said does that mean anything that they want to build on this green belt but they want to call gray belt we have to look at those housing targets I don't disagree with you but we also have to recognize that our children or in my case grandchildren want somewhere to live and there is a need for housing but it's got to be in the right place with infrastructure with the doctor's surgeries with the bus services with the dentists, with the education, all in the right place.
In my last few seconds, what I want to say to you is you've offered the open door policy on this. Where we can work together for what is better for the people of Essex, it is right and proper we do so. And where we disagree, it is also vital that we hold to account and put that forward. I give you an assurance in a constructive way, we will be holding to account. Thank you, Madam Chairman.
>> Thank you, Councilman Scott. Um, answer the stamp. I have you down to speak, please. Thank you.
>> Yes, it is me this time. It could be. It should have been my um leader. Um, if you Well, I won't go into that. Um, quick question really to the leader. Um, will your deputy leader be at the meeting of the leaders? What you've just said you're going to hold? Could you answer that now? Yes or no?
You've just said about inviting the opposition leaders open door to have a meeting with you. Will your deputy be present at that meeting?
>> Sorry. Could you say that again? Sorry.
Cuz >> Okay. The third time. You have just offered to have opposition leaders meet with you on an open door policy. Will your deputy be leader with you at that meeting?
If I can just madam chair if I may.
Yeah. I mean if he's available if he wants to be at that meeting I wouldn't personally stop him. So that's >> well thank my next question is why is it only for the leaders? Why can't deputy leaders come to that meeting as well? If you're going to have two deputy and a leader I suggest you open it up to the leaders and deputies of the opposition groups.
That's my first point. Yeah. It's only fair. You're going to have it. We should have it. Um the second one I was pleased to hear that you said about um development. I'm more bothered about the community impact of development. I've spoke to the the new cabinet member for highways. I've actually asked for him for help from him today already regarding the communive impact of development in rural areas without the infrastructure. So I'll wholeheartedly support you and help you on that. So that I think that's great. I'd like to know the detail on the pothole action plan as I've written down. How will that be delivered? Councelor Scott has already said we had the members pothole thing and it did work, but I'm more interested in how you're actually going to do that and are you engaging lists now? I certainly don't want my residents to miss out because we've got loads of potholes like everybody else sitting in this chamber. So, if you could give some more detail to members on that, it'd be great and not just shared at that side of the house. Um LGR totally agree totally should never have been five. I was a lone voice in modern district often cast you know aside because I they wanted the five. You maybe agree with five. I don't know. I don't think five is possible. I don't think it's financially viable. I've always been a three. In fact leader I wanted two but I was simply a lone voice on that one too because it was felt it was too extreme. Um but certainly support you and hope you have a working group for LGR and opposition leaders to be on it because I was honored to sit on that last time. So thank you.
>> Thank you councelor Stamp. Um next we have councelor >> is he answering any questions or is it just a a statement? We actually you are supposed to answer some of those questions.
>> Okay. Thank you. speak.
>> Okay. He will respond after everybody's spoken. Thank you. Um councelor King.
>> Uh thank you, Madame Chair. So the first thing to say is it's great to have a sense of your commitment and energy. Uh we'll see what it all works out through as will you, but you have to make a start. And so on on behalf of the group and I hope the chamber um welcome the fact that you've come in and you want to get cracking and that you're going to do that in a way which offers opportunity for the rest of the chamber to make a contribution as I say policy tuned we we would say wouldn't we can be the better um who wouldn't agree with I do most do family community and country uh as something that matters to all of us and on the specifics um book tax we as a as a group uh opposed that and argued against it and many of the things that in principle you're addressing were in our fully funded budget amendment extra support for social services for send where we're still despite progress laments below where we should be acknowledging a challenge and addressing something, you're absolutely right, drives every resident nuts, which is the state of our roads.
Um, and the absence of attention to safety issues. The the local highways panels, some know of them. Um, they are one of the most unwieldy, slowmoving creatures you'll ever design, run by committee, I suspect, designed by another. They're not effective. uh but they certainly can't work and they certainly can't get to the heart of local issues if they're not funded. So uh leader uh what we have to do is find a way in which the knowledge of this chamber and the connections we have to our communities can be reflected in a vice guidance and priority setting not centrally it's the failing of any large organization for a large area but more locally that's where buyin across the chamber in my view will come but so we need to see when you can when the highways member can how that might work and how that might engage others. If I could specifically say and we raised this in debate when the last budget was set, we need to look at the wider definition of highways footpaths.
35% of SS6 footpaths are needing repair.
That number on the data I saw was projected to grow. Each of you here, if you haven't had, will have stories of those who stumble, fall, who find them unattractive or simply dangerous. It's a disgrace. And whatever we do with national government under pressure, we must get more. I'll finish. Madam Chair, my apologies on LGR.
There is a case to be made that the whole of the county has had this conversation before. What we need is a resolution that leaves us knowing where we are, which at the moment is between two places. If you could share the the your challenge, I'll be grateful. Madam Chair, thank you.
>> Thank you, Councelor King. Thank you, members. Councelor Quirk, I understand you have an executive statement titled Next Zero and Fostering. In total, you have up to 10 minutes to speak.
Councelor Quirk, >> thank you, Madam Chairman. Um, shouldn't take that long. Um, net zero and fostering. Uh, these two things are not linked, by the way. We're not proposing that foster families have to be net zero. Um, in fact, quite the opposite.
Um, we are hereby cancelling net zero as an ideology within Essex County Council.
I expected a round of applause.
We should have had a preme on that. Um, striving to become a net zero authority or a carbon neutral county is a ridiculous endeavor. It is as pointless at it is as it is foolish. That's not to say that this administration does not favor clean air and clean waterways by way of a clean environment. Obviously, we do. However, endeavors to save the planet by way of signing up to some climate crisis or other here in Essex specifically in the scheme of things is frankly ridiculous.
Changing vehicles to EVs will not make a difference. Nor will building net zero homes, nor using bofuels, nor working from home in order to conserve the carbon that a commute would otherwise produce. Because whilst China, India, and the United States continue to increase their industrial activity year on year, any mitigation on our part is akin to a literal drop in the proverbial ocean. The quest for net zero is fatally expensive and ironically unsustainable.
Cancelling oil and gas licenses only to buy imported oil and gas from Norway is just stupid. Spending billions of pounds on offshore windmills and 180 kilometers of pylons scarring our green belt is as plain reckless as it is financially outrageous.
And so in our first two weeks here, we've already found some crazy legacy blockages caused by climate zealatry by the last administration.
An example of this is Hargrave House in Chsford. granted planning consent five years ago and has sat dormant ever since on land that we own but has still not been built upon because yes you guessed it the previous administration insisted that the build must be net zero. The consequence of that colleagues of course guess what it was completely unviable.
The additional build cost meant as a consequence that the cost of the construction would be more than the value of the homes that would be built for the people of Essex. It can cost between five and 10% more to construct a home that fits the net zero mantra than a standard building reglant construction. So accordingly, this this approach to buildings and all other zero net zero aspects of this council will now be reviewed and challenged with a view to ceasing them unless there is a genuine and separate economic argument to retaining that approach. Ladies and gentlemen, common sense will prevail.
Now let me turn to fostering. The most important function of this authority is our children and in particular fostering. A loving foster home is the next best thing to the home of a child's natural parents. However, many are not afforded such a basic need. It is our priority to ensure that the children of this county are safe, healthy, and have the opportunity to achieve their full potential. We currently work with over 500 foster carers who care for about 750 Essex children. This is lordable and is contrary to the direction of travel seen at other local authorities whereby we have seen an increase as opposed to their decrease in these numbers. Apart from the priority focus which is care, there is of course a financial imperative in that it can cost several fold more to house a child in a care home versus a foster home. Millions upon millions of pounds can be saved and children's lives improved immeasurably if we were to truly concentrate on increasing these numbers substantially.
Therefore, it is the intention of this administration to now proactively work to promote and improve foster caring in Essex by way of a prominent campaign that will raise awareness of the benefits of fostering. Be clear, this approach is about better outcomes for Essex kids. The financial benefits are though a bonus. Members, members of the public, we will always do the right thing by way of the vulnerable and the needy in ethics society.
Thank you, councelor Quirk.
Three minutes are available. Oh, sorry.
Three minutes are available. Sorry.
Yeah.
Yeah. I've got you. I've got you down.
Thank you. Yeah, thank you. Um, start again. Three. Thank you, Councelor Quirk. Uh, three minutes are available to each opposition group leader or their representatives uh to respond to the statement. I've been informed that the following members wish to speak.
Councelor Scott.
Councelor Scott, you have three minutes.
>> Thank you. Um firstly I think anyone in this chamber must recognize the fact of we are having a change to our climate. I don't think anyone can deny that. We've only got to look what's happened in the last few days. Well, you may want to deny it if you wish. We'll have to disagree on it.
I think also aspiring to achieve as much as we can for better houses so that people pay less electricity bills, less utility bills in general cannot be a bad thing.
So on that I think there is some points we will have to just disagree on.
Although on the net zero I take on board what you've said on fostering. I think it's fair to say that we have tried to as a previous administration promote fostering because you're perfectly right. It is so vital. The children are our future and having proper fostering care and having people willing to do it is vital. It's not always so easy. I think all of us would say you've got to find the right people. It's got to be the right we we can see some of the things that have happened when it goes wrong. But on fostering, I know that for um councelor Spence when he was in the cabinet role and councelor Egan when she was in the cabinet role passionately cared about that and tried to take it forward. So getting more people to foster children, we would certainly be supporting.
I think it's also fair to say that because you you mentioned our grave house.
It was a it was a very difficult one because Essex Housing which I and was chaired by councelor Gooding and did a brilliant job of chairing it. We always tried to make sure that what we were doing was profitable and would bring money in. It was less easy in practice sometimes. So I do accept what you say on Hargrief House and that is why it wasn't taken forward as you know as you know you will know from the briefings you've had but nonetheless we have to recognize apart from my friend over there that there is a climate change issue in this country and of course well we can deny it but it is happening.
Thank you madam chairman.
>> Thank you councelor Scott. Uh, Councelor Stamp, I have you next to speak. Thank you.
>> Yeah, thank you. Um, I um would like to actually thank the previous administration regarding fostering. Um, they did do a lot of work and they were very aware of how much it costs to have children in children's homes and the worst outcomes. Uh this was discussed many times on the PAF committee and I think it's only right to acknowledge that having so few children in foster care goes down to our officers as well as the leaders at the time to make those policy decisions. It was also um given out to counselors. Uh I think it went to district councils as well. There was many schemes that was offered out to find out if anybody on the council like council officers districtwide uh wanted to foster. I don't think that was as successful as it could have been. I think there was something a blip somewhere along the the lines to actually uh that to deliver uh come to fruition. So I think 100% fostering is the way to go. Um, we also need to make sure we safeguard the foster carers as well because I don't know if you listened to the radio 4 broadcast uh a few weeks ago regarding the dangers of malicious allegations possibly made um by certain placements. It's very serious. So, I wholeheartedly agree with this. But we must also make sure that we do all the safeguarding and do everything properly before we launch a great big campaign. We need to make sure we've got the um hard work and the the detail in the p in the background before we just go shouting headlines because look at us, I'm really brilliant. We need to make sure that we do things properly. But fantastic. The second point, net zero. I can't agree with everything you've said. I agree with some of it, but I've just got my Denji climate action group people in my division going mad. I you'll be getting emails. I'm going to personally give your email address out to them and forward everything on to you. I think it needs to be in degree, a level of degree. You can't just turn around and say it's not happening. You you whe you you'll have your turn to speak when it's your turn. Um but the thing is we have to make sure.
>> Can I just say at that point um I am the person that will say that.
>> Madam Mayor, Madame Mayor, thank you.
>> I'm not Madame Mayor. I'm I'm Madame Chairman.
>> But please carry on with your question.
If there's any disruption in here, I will be the person to correct it. Please carry on with your question. Thank you.
>> Well, I hope you do because I get I get all the time for my views.
>> Okay. Your views at least being listened to. Please continue. Thank you.
See, I'll tell you why I get crossed.
Because it takes away my thought process. When you get to a certain age, if people interrupt you, and it's all right gridding, when you get to a certain age, I don't know who else in this chamber is is my age.
>> Believe me, I'm too. I'm your age, too.
But carry on your question, please.
Thank you.
>> I I'm explaining why I don't like to be interrupted because I lose track of what I'm saying. That's all.
>> So, anyway, >> is yours?
>> Sorry.
>> The floor is yours. Thank you.
>> Thank you. I'm I'm trying to speak. Um I'm getting heckling from the chat up there as well.
>> You've got 10 seconds. Please continue with your question.
>> Well, I thought you was taking order here. Um the thing is we need the level of level of detail to find out what this net zero is about.
>> Have you finished councelor Stone or would you like to continue a little bit longer?
>> Um no really because as I've said I've been interrupted. It is not the way this chamber operates. It should have been stopped.
>> Thank you, Councelor King. You're up next. Thank you.
>> Thank you, Madam Chair, Deputy Leader.
Thank you for your your headlines and statements as well. Um there's a lot to love about caring for children, isn't there? and anything that reinforces what you recognize in terms of relative to the nation's challenges and ability to deal adoption is another issue isn't it actually we really struggle as a country and I'm adopted um I'm adopted parent so that that kind of means something to me personally but that to one side thank you for anything that reinforces um looking after the children in care not just for the economic reasons and you put it in balance balance but for the the quality of life all the way through life that can follow a good placement. So we would welcome that. I think our greatest challenge is going to be and we've had something of it here around the approach to net zero. You're absolutely right in today's times. I would personally agree we need to look at all the decisions that we're making locally because they're in our gift and we should review a decision that's been made that rules something out on viability grounds because we're balancing imperatives and house building affordable homes are things which matter to the people of Essics. I think that's entirely right and reasonable. I think what I would say to you is on behalf of those on this side of the chamber that we're looking for a balance to this. And if I might go to the central point about climate change, it would be helpful if we had a view from the administration of where you sit relative to that. The science can always be contested, but it seems overwhelmingly the case that we are going through a world in change. And if you want to look for a real issue for ethsics, it would be the impact of rising water, sea levels.
You can have a we can have a debate, but as a county, as a flood authority, uh we have a responsibility as well. So it may well be just the smallest of contributions that we can make, but it's about being responsible. And so in balance I think we have to acknowledge that whilst we cannot affect China curiously and maybe not our own government we should do what we can where we can. Thank you.
>> Thank you councelor King and thank you to members.
>> Yeah. Um councelor Scoldis there's a section that I'm going to come to. I do appreciate your patience but I have got you down and I will come to you at the right time. Thank you. Councelor Harris, do you wish to respond to these points?
>> Uh, yes.
>> I should say you have five minutes, too.
Thank you.
>> Thank you, Madam Chairman. Um, right.
Okay. Where's me notes? Okay.
I think uh councelor Scott um I think you know in terms of um the the potholes I mean I'm not sure if you were trying to defend what the previous administration had done with potholes but um you know there's no defense of it. Our residents have been telling us that the pothole situation is shocking and it really is. Um speaking from somebody who's actually had to replace two alloy wheels over the last couple of years. Um, you know, I I know that personally, but you know, I can talk about lots of uh individual stories, including one resident in North Clton um where um she was uh refused a pothole repair, a disabled lady right by her disabled uh um uh bay because you told it didn't hit didn't meet the criteria.
I've looked at it. I think it's shocking decision and then she fell over during that and and seriously injured herself.
You know, there are countless uh decisions like that. And in terms of, you know, our potholes, we I think we can all agree that there's there's a big problem. And one or two of you have said and and agree with us. It's not all about money, but money is important. And we have already we've been here less than 3 weeks. We've already started to uh find literally tens of millions of pounds which we believe that this council could better spend. And but it's not just about that. It's about efficiency. It's about changing the way we do certain things. You know, it was it was a conversation where we found out that our rural roads, which is where lots and lots of these issues are, um get inspected once a year. Once a year.
What does that say to our rural communities?
Clearly, we don't value them. Well, this administration does. So, we will be working on things like that. It's too early to say exactly everything we're going to be do be doing, but there will be an action plan. We have uh in Mark Webster, councelor Webster, we have somebody that's worked in in the industry and we will work together with our officers delivering change changing the priorities and make sure that that we deliver a better outcome.
Um in terms of uh climate and there's been one or two uh mentions of of climate um does climate change? Yes, it does. It's been happening for millions of years.
It happened millions of years. So I I can't see you know if we look at carbon you know this country is responsible I think it's 0.7% of the world's carbon you know if we if this entire country went carbon neutral tomorrow it would have zero effect on the on the climate it would have zero effect I recently came back on from holiday um in in South Africa beautiful place but we went past on one journey miles and miles and miles of trucks literally all queuing up to go to a portal. And I said to my friend, my good friend Chrissy, what's that? And he said, "Oh, those are the the vehicles."
He said, "That's full of coal." And he said, "And they're all going to China."
So I said, "Well, how often does that happen?" He says, "It happens every day." I mean, it's nuts. The whole net zero thing is net stupid zero. And and I and I just don't don't agree with it.
And the only people that it's it's costing are businesses and residents with extra costs and the bills that are going up.
Um, I'm glad. I think absolutely there's universal support in terms of uh fostering. Of course, it's it's uh uh a no-brainer. Of course, we want better outcomes for our children. And we're not criticizing the previous administration in in that whatsoever. But what we're saying, we recognize at an early point that this is um a vital service and it's something that we're going to get our energy. We're going to give it some business acumen to get behind it and really have a great campaign. and together with our officers, we we will do that. And in fact, we'll we'll get together with members on that. We're happy to get feedback and if we can all do that for the good of our our children in Essics, and of course, we we will do that. Um, in terms of uh I think I mentioned climate change, we're fostering um the footpaths, councelor King footpaths. Absolutely. We recognize that our footpaths, some of them are absolutely atrocious and I didn't know that it was 35% so thank you. Um but that is something that we've seen in our area and across Essex as clearly an issue and that is something that we're addressing. Um obviously it forms a part of highway so we will be looking at that as well. Um but you you did mention something that of course you know you believed in family, community and country. Um, I'm absolutely delighted that and we have a membership form for reform that I can get that I can get you. Come on. Cross the floor. Cross the floor. Um, so we'll be delighted to talk to you. But, um, yeah. Um, I think I've pretty much covered. Have I missed anything else?
>> You haven't said net stupid zero enough.
>> I have I haven't said net stupid zero enough there. So, I think we're okay there. And, uh, if I have missed anything, I'm glad, you know, please do speak to me after this meeting and I will speak to you on a one-to-one basis.
No problem at all. Thank you very much, Madame Chairman.
>> You councelor Harris, um I have not been notified of any questions in advance. I will allow a period of up to 10 minutes for >> point chairman.
>> Oh, to you.
>> I raised my hand several times to try and ask the leader a question.
>> Excuse me. I have you on my list. This is a a section that I'm coming to you now. So, please just wait. Thank you. I have not been >> Madam Chairman, it was a point of order.
I was trying to ask a question on the previous section >> now. Thank you.
Okay, if you just listen to what I'm saying now, then I will I will call you up to speak. I have not been notified of any questions in advance. I will allow a period of up to 10 minutes for questions if anyone has questions they wish to ask. Councelor Lee Scordius has been waiting very very patiently and I will start with you. Thank you.
>> A point of order. I'm trying to ask a question on the previous section, not the members questions. I know this is I think it's on the second.
>> Thank you. You would be next. You you you're down to speak next. Carry on, please. Council lead Gordis. Thank you.
>> Yes. Thank you. I I appreciate I'm the only Labor member at the moment. It might be better to streamline it. So even if I'm the only person I get I get to say. Um I guess the only questions on that. So pothole emergency. Yep.
Completely. Um biggest nightmare, biggest thing on the door. What I'd really like to see is that local members are included in this because I think we know better than most the potholes that people known about. Um, and frankly, no more shoddy repairs. I'm fed up of the really shoddy repairs with no seal that break away after 3 days, especially in the winter. We know it's a a nightmare.
Um, on LGR, um, I have done some investigation on this. Um all the tendering reform councilors actually supported going forward with LGR in 2025. So I'm wondering why there is a change of heart there. Uh council journey was in favor of Baz exit as far as I'm aware talking to colleagues there. So I don't know why that's changed and a bit odd about the Tory position on a referendum. I don't think the last one they had went as well. They lost to prime minister. Um but yeah concerns around net zero have been raised around that. I think the cat is out of the bag on that one from reform.
But your opinion is your opinion. Uh but they're my main concerns around that. So be interested to hear if uh on those two topics.
>> Thank you, councelor Squean. Thank you very much for your patience. Councelor Edwards, it's your turn now. Thank you.
>> Thank you. Uh it's just a quick question for clarification. Um in Castle Point going through the local plan, we had a lot of debate on the practicality of uh net zero homes versus the improved building standards that coming forward.
Um, but I've just got the question for clarification. Is this that you're abandoning net zero or you're abandoning sustainability targets on carbon reduction at all just to get a range of where we are?
>> Councelor Harris, would you like to respond to those questions um that have been raised at uh now or at the end?
>> Uh, thank you uh Madam Chairman. Um, coming back to councelor Sordis Scordis, sorry I beg you pardon. Um, uh, with regards to I'll come back to you on the on the on the tendering point. I've made it, you obviously didn't research it, uh, as much as you should have done, but I've always made it absolutely clear that, uh, I've been against the, uh, the local government reorganization. Um, you know, I'm a firm believer in localism. Um, this isn't it. Um this is a bad plan. Um but when we voted uh for the five as opposed to the three which we were given, you know, I think I described it in the chamber as the best of a bad bunch and that's recorded. So you will you will get that. But it's and since then we have of course found out more information of the costs and you know the 105 million that it's going to cost.
you know the 20 million pounds that it will cost between now and the end of the year. You know there are costs costs costs that is you know I would rather see those costs actually spent on public services >> and and coming from the Labor party I'm surprised you don't want to do the same but then you probably turn on that as well.
Um in terms of um what else did we um the sorry forgive me point to clarify what what point I forgot what point it was would you mind just repeating what you just said again is that okay sorry madam chairman >> certainly it was just to ask uh is the removal of the net zero commitment >> that's it thank you my apologies um yes We we are I mean everything is under review. Um but I think that we will be looking at you know we've already highlighted sort of one issue with these houses where you know it's just ridiculous 5 years those properties uh you know could have been built and our residents you know that do need um affordable housing and more housing. Of course they do but it needs to be done right and the fact that we've got net zero which is causing the these houses to be unaffordable. um and it was you know as a direct policy that you implemented um whereas we will uh remove those blockages where they are to get building done and sensible um uh we will introduce sensible policies again we're happy to to to have input from all members across the floor and including their own members but you know what we won't be doing is wasting money I said at the beginning that you know for me as a businessman money is important money is important where I spend in my business I'm looking for return on invest investment and I'm looking to spend every pound wisely.
I'm doubly trebly uh careful with public money and that's that's our position.
So, we will not waste it, but we will deliver the results for our residents.
So, we'll get our biggest bang for our buck, but we certainly won't be wasting it on net stupid zero.
>> Thank you all. We're going to take this opportunity now um to break for lunch.
Um we have 45 minutes break. Um so the clock in front of me says 10 to 1. So we will be back at 35 minutes past the hour. Thank you very much.
Not. Good afternoon members. Welcome back.
Um, a couple of things before we get going with the the second part of uh the meeting today. Could I please ask all members um when they speak um to speak into the microphone, but if possible, if you can face me when you speak into the microphone. Um, some people are turning around and speaking then others can't hear. Um, and also just a reminder because we're a lot of us are new here today. If you could say your your name and the area you represent when you start talking, that would just help us all.
>> Uh, madam chairman, there was also a lot of use of the word your and I don't think you personally are responsible. So perhaps just a reminder to members that they're addressing you through the chair and uh, not the individual member.
>> Thank you for that. I'm sure everybody heard. Thank you.
Okay, let's get going. Um, we've received two motions today and they will be taken in order received.
The first motion is from the Liberal Democrat and Independent Group, keeping people safe on Essex Highways. Moved by Councelor Lockxton and Councelor Corey.
um from the conservative group um protecting investment in children's services moved by councelor Scott and second by councelor Naylor um and just before we get going on that um there is a slight amendment to motion one um councelor webar um will be speaking um not councelor Harris okay so if we move to um motion one keeping people safe on essics highways I call upon councelor Lockxton as proposer of this motion to move the motion as set out in the agenda but do not make your speech at this point.
Councelor Lockson >> moved. Chair.
>> Thank you. Councelor Corey as second of this motion please purely confirm that the motion is seconded and let me know whether you wish to speak at the beginning or the end of the debate.
>> Thank you Madam Chair. Uh I will reserve my right. I confer I support this motion but wait till the end. Thank you.
>> Thank you.
>> Thank you. I have received notice from one amendment from the reform UK um to be moved by um now councelor Webster and seconded by councelor Quirk. I call upon councelor Webster to formally propose the reform UK amendment but you do not make your speech yet.
>> Thank you madam chairman. I propose the amendment.
>> Thank you.
Councelor Quirk, seconder of the Reform UK amendment. Please just second the amendment to the motion and let me know whether you wish to be speaking at the beginning or the end of the debate.
>> Thank you, Madam Chairman. Uh yes, I um second the amendment and like to reserve my right to speak at the end, please.
>> Thank you.
>> We now move into the debate on this motion and amendment.
Initial speech. I now call upon councelor Lockxton to speak to the motion. Councelor Lockxton, you have five minutes to do so. Councelor Lockxton.
>> Uh thank you chair. I am councelor Lockxton and I represent Chelmsford Central. So welcome to my ward. Um as this is the first meeting of new full council, I think perhaps it's worth thinking for a moment what the most important duty of this council is. Now, new members have sat through so many induction sessions, you've probably lost track a bit of how many duties the council does actually have. But I think there is actually a single task at the heart of the biggest three areas of work of this council and that is the task of keeping Essex people safe. The council spends around twothirds of its budget on adult and children social services.
Services that are here to keep the vulnerable and adults older adults safe.
services that are here to keep vulnerable children safe. Over the past year, I've served on the People and Families Policy and Scrutiny Committee, and it's been inspiring to hear how this council has worked to keep people safe.
But after that comes the third biggest area of this council's work, highways, where we also have a duty to keep Essex people safe. And on the highways, I'm afraid I don't believe that commitment to safety has received quite the same support as the other two. And that commitment, that duty has to rest with us, has to rest with the county council as the highways authority.
Those counselors here who were not so new will have heard me raise this issue before. I think I must have raised it at almost every full council meeting in the last year. I make no apology for that.
because it's an issue that is raised time and again with me by residents of my ward. Yes, they talk about potholes.
Of course they do. Just like everywhere else. I mean those of us who have been returned to this chamber or here for the first time are here because we understood that anger and and and acted accordingly.
But for all that anger, there is another issue that people talking about highways raised time and again and it is about safety. It touches people deeply that they do not feel as safe as they should on the county's roads and pavements. If you look at the statistics from the Safer Essex Roads Partnership, the casualty rate is stubbornly unchanging.
2019 to 2024, apart from during the pandemic, over three and a half thousand casualties a year with just minor changes around a flatline trend. slight casualties, serious or fatal, they're all unrelentingly steady numbers every year. Now, some of that is obviously beyond our control. We can't affect how selfishly people drive or not, but there are things we can do that are changes we can make that will make our roads and our pavements safer.
Last month, a slow sign and crossing in Molum Street in central Chelsea was repainted.
uh along with local residents. I was pleased I had after all called for exactly that. The old sign and crossing were hard to see. But that repainting came four months after I had raised it and residents had asked for it. And also four months after a pedestrian was actually hit by a car on that crossing.
Four months.
And that example isn't just about repainting lines. That was supposed to be the easy bit. The position of the crossing so close to a junction confuses drivers every day. There's more to be done that would make that junction safer. Further up the same road, Essex Tri Web faithfully records a large number of accidents, but nothing is ever done to try and reduce them. No funds for another crossing or for a central refuge for pedestrians on the border of my ward and councelor Clark's Chelsea West Ward. Every day children emerge from parked car from between parked cars to dart across Lin Drive on their way to school. But safety schemes, but the safety schemes that safety scheme that exists wouldn't fund anything like a builtout pavement or a traffic table that would give children and drivers a clearer view, a safer road. Now, I'm sure every counselor here has or soon will have many other examples of like that. It isn't just an issue for suburban Essics.
There are villages which have expanded, but the 60 to 30 limit still changes at the same place because that's where it's always changed.
So, that is why we've tabled this motion today because there are so many smallcale changes that could make Essex people safer.
This isn't a call for expensive grand schemes. It's about better crossings, speed limit zones, builtout pavements, small improvements that can make a difference.
My apologies, Madam Chair. I was more eloquent than I thought it'd be. I would just finish by saying I urge counelors to do better. I urge you all to support this motion un amended. Thank you.
>> Thank you, Councelor Lockston. Um, I now call upon councelor Corey to speak as a seconder of the motion. Councelor Cy, you have up to three minutes. Thank you.
>> Oh, it says here >> you want to speak at the end.
>> Okay. So, we're here. Yeah.
>> Yes. So, we're now so we're now the council house is moving the end.
>> Okay. So, cancel the website. Yeah.
>> Um, okay. Okay, I now call upon the mover of the amendment, councelor Webster. Councelor Webster, you have up to three minutes to speak.
>> Thank you, Madam Chairman. Um, first of all, um, we understand and I understand the importance of highways being fit for purpose, and I think we can all agree around this chamber um, that currently they're not to that level. I refer to the leader's executive statement earlier in declaring a pothole emergency. So, thank you very Thank you very much for that. We've declared this emergency because we have listened to the people of Essex and the mandate they've given us is clear. They want us to make a difference to our roads and we are going to fix them. Just on the scale of the task, our road network is vast.
And to put that into levels of scale and grandeur, our road network effectively stretches from Chumsford all the way to Las Vegas, five over 5,000 miles. Our pavements go from Chelmsford to Disney World in Florida.
And if street lights, which we have 132,000 of evenly spaced on the average of 40 mters apart, that would get us all the way to New York City.
As of 10 days ago, we currently have just under 31,000 defects recorded in the system.
That is just the scale of what it does.
what it is and currently there is a large proportionality of that being bottles.
We have various mechanisms including the casualty reduction budget that is datadriven and evidence-led for road safety. We are also looking at opportunities to rep prioritize existing allocations in highways and infrastructure so we can go further and faster.
Residential road safety is important issue for this council and for me personally. We are working currently with officers as part of a wider review of road safety priorities including the safe the uh speed safety uh draft strategy. Okay. At the center of everything that we're going to be doing are the people of ethics. We have heard you. We are going to get the things done and we are going to make a difference and make life better for the people of Essics. Thank you, Madam Chairman.
>> Thank you. I will now call on individual members to speak. Each speaker will have three minutes to speak to the motion or the amendment. I understand that this motion covers the portfolio of councelor Webster who will have up to five minutes um if they speak. Um Councelor Smith.
Okay.
Councelor Stamp.
Yeah, thank you. Um yeah, Councelor Smith is unwell. Thank you, Chair. Um Madame Chair, um I support this motion.
I also understand the horrendous task that you have got to undertake. So, anything we can do to work as a team, we we've got to do it. It isn't just the road road safety. I understand what this motion's about. It's everything. It's cutting hedges. It's working with the police. I don't know if where where you you're eing, I think. Forgive me, I'm not very good at remembering people's wards. Um, but we have a problem and increased problems of cannabis and cocaine taking. So we've had a high number of uh fatalities recently where they're obviously drugreated and we cannot get that information because it's with the police, Madame Chair. So we also need to work with our partners to find out what the causes are because it's not just speed. It's not just uh um rural streets and areas because they don't know the roads when they come out to visit because they want to sail on the river. It is drug taking and and I welcome and hope that you do work closely with the police because it is a bigger picture in in Essex. It's not only the speed but I do support the motion. Thank you madam chair.
>> Thank you councelor Scott.
You speak >> thank you madam chairman and I forgot earlier to say I'm councel Scott the divisional member for chigwell and buck east. I did forget that so apologies. Um I'd like to talk about a partic particular aspect on road safety having for the last few years or up until the election chaired the safer essics road partnership. Madam Chairman, in that role, we had to take into account uh what councelor Lotston had referred to in the number of accidents which had plateaued and in fact, if we're being honest, probably gone up a little fraction over this uh current year where I met with some of the most difficult meetings I've ever had to have as a politician. I met with the parents who had lost in one case two children, in another case one child.
from road traffic accidents.
It's very very difficult because again as councelor Lotston said you cannot control bad driving.
We hear it I don't know about other colleagues here but every evening from I can hear people racing round in a circuit racing each other at 2 or 3:00 in the morning.
What we need to have is joined up with the police because obviously we cannot enforce. It is the police who have to enforce in some areas particularly around schools more attention paid to what speed limits are. In some of the rural areas they are too high. So um I would ask through the chair uh madam chairman that the speed review which has been sort of going through at the moment be dealt with as quickly as humanly possible. if I can ask the cabinet member on that because it's vital.
But on top of that, yes, we need member schemes because each and every one of us know our areas better than anyone else. We know where the dangerous curves are where maybe it is overgrown and sometimes that's down to enforcement on private land because the overgrowth is not Essex County Council land and the land owners should be trueing back and repairing their own land on it. So from my angle on this road safety is vital. money was put for this and is being used for it. But yes, it does need to be reassessed as where that money is being used and where the areas are best suited to have that madam chairman. So from my point of view, I don't want a successor as cabinet member to have to meet with parents who've lost their child because there is nothing that could possibly possibly be worse.
And I said to those parents, I can't understand what you're going through, and forgive me. I don't want to ever have to understand what you're going through, but I do empathize with it, and I know that everyone in this chamber will do their utmost to make sure that it just doesn't happen. And that is why we will be supporting the motion. Thank you, Madam Chairman.
>> Thank you, Councelor Scott.
Um, councelor Thorood.
>> Thank you, Madam Chair. Council for author good uh Brainree Eastern. Uh I support this motion um because at the moment uh the local highways panel where Brainree anyway um doesn't have any funds for even minor schemes. So I just want to highlight a very small but important highways issue in Kelvin that exposes this big problem that we've got at Church Road. There is no dropped curb on one side of the road to allow elderly residents who use mobility scooters to cross safely and directly to access shops and health care services. Instead, they are forced to take a very lengthy de detour, including through a dark alleyway in the autumn and winter months simply because a basic accessibility measure is missing.
This is not a major engineering project.
A drop curb would likely cost something in the region of hundreds of pounds. Yet the local highways panel currently has no available funding route to deliver even such a very minor scheme like this.
I would therefore ask the administration to provide a funding mechanism either as our motion asks or financing the local highways panel to deliver smallcale accessibility and safety schemes where the cost is modest but the benefit to res residents is very significant. Thank you.
Thank you, councelor Thorood. Councelor Steel, thank you.
>> Uh, Council Steel, Broomfield, and Riddle. Um, so, um, bit of a history lesson to start with. So, many members here will not be aware of the local highways panels and what they did. Um, and they were they must have been going for over a decade. and they gave individual members the ability to act on requests from their residents on new capital highway schemes. This is not maintenance. This is new schemes.
The LHPs distributed a budget to the 12 districts of Essex giving control to the local members and they were very successful. Perhaps they were too successful and what we ended up with was a great long queue of schemes that couldn't be completed because only so many could be done per year but they were decided by the individual areas like Jonesford or or Brentwood. The situ the solution implemented a year ago was to close the LHPs to new schemes um and and we're in the second year now of that completion of the outstanding schemes and this left a gap. So what the original motion is basically asking is for that gap to be filled with a program for safety related most critical schemes and and to an extent we in the last administration did address that because we set aside a million pounds to act called LSHI local safety highway initiative and some funding was set aside but it's not a lot of funding and if we go with the original motion when when a crossing costs $35,000 pounds a million pounds isn't go going to go a long way. So what the motion is asking for is basically to continue that but continue that in earnest and whilst I support the original motion I do have some concerns about the amendment in as much as it it kind of doesn't keep that power and that decision making with the local members which was the important part of the LHBs and the LSHI.
So, I s strongly support the original motion and ask for it to be passed. Thank you.
>> Thank you, councelor Steel. Um, councelor Lee Gordis, I believe you'd like to speak.
>> Very quick. Thank you. Um yes, I think like like many others, we're we've become frustrated recently because one of the decisions made by the previous administration was to stop any new applications to local highways panels and most of uh any well any safety initiative had to go through that panel.
So for example, I can't get a bolard uh put out sick form center where parking is an issue and the outflow of teenagers at lunchtime is very very significant.
They take up the whole footpath. Um something as simple as that should cost about a grand. I can't get through and I have to tell people really sorry it sounds stupid. You've been directed to me for this. I can't do anything.
Literally can't do anything. So I think this is absolutely vital. There's many schemes in there around 20 mph where residents want them outside schools and so forth um that we should be pushing forward whether LGR happens or not that we leave a a fit state and safer roads for anyone and I don't think anyone can disagree with safer roads. I mean I would I would prefer that actually the whole kind of local highway panel thing is looked at anyway. I don't think they've worked since I've been a counselor nine years. Um the backlog is a decade in Colchester, possibly more.
Um and some of these again like a salt bin, we can't can't get a salt bin on a hilly road where the um where they don't get gritted. It's really basic stuff. So really happy to support this motion. Um it seems like common sense and if reformer common sense, please do support it as well and see what you can discover with your officers.
>> Thank you.
We're now coming to the end of this debate.
I now call upon councelor Quirk to make his speech.
>> Thank you, Madam Chair. Um, I think we need to clarify something with regard to the purpose, the essence of this amendment. Um, the purpose of the amendment is not to stop what you on the other side of the chamber would like to see from a highway safety function. Um, we are acutely aware of safety issues as they affect Essex people and Essex highways. Um but you also have to understand that we are barely three weeks into this administration. Our intention by councelor Webster is to ensure that the entire highways function is reviewed root and branch not just potholes but safety long-term medium-term resurfacing and so on. So respectfully and and I accept and applaud the essence of your motion, but at this stage in the administration 12 or 13 days in, for us to accept what I would call a boxing in motion, which is specific to tell this administration how to run the highways function is premature. So you have as the entirety of this chamber 78 members, you have an email address which I'm going to make sure that you know which is councelor.ark.webster essics.gov.uk.
Um here's your point man. Thankfully as a deputy you might want to perhaps delegate some of this counselor. Um of course if you have issues in your divisions if you have road safety issues particularly those that threaten life. I mean it's horrendous to hear what you were saying just now in terms of loss of life and ethics. Of course, you can allocate, nominate, um, put your heads above the parapit in terms of saying to this administration, via mark in particular, what you would like to be done. It's not a no. It's just this is a new form and a new way of doing things.
It's a new administration. So hopefully you accept why the amendment has been laid as it has. Uh, it's been done in good faith, but that's why we won't be voting for the motion, but we will be voting for our amendment.
>> Thank you, Councelor Quirk.
I now call upon councelor Corey to sum up and close a debate.
>> Thank you madam chair. Um councelor Mark Corey from Wvenhost and Andrew division.
So I appreciate the words just spoken by councelor Quirk there. You have only had 12 days in but you've declared a pothole emergency which I'm supportive of and I think in this motion it's clear that we want urgent action on safety. So three things for me are clear. Safety is so important. A lack of action is occurring at the moment and we need to use funding and transparency and localism to get to action. Councelor Webster, I've already emailed you today congratulating you but adding the issues that I believe are urgent in my area and um I get what councelor Quirk's saying and setting you up for lots more emails but that that will be a bit of a bottle jam which as councelor Scott has said as a previous portfolio holder will be difficult. So I do think we need uh to commit to urgency to commit to this motion to move forward and I feel that the amendment takes away some of that urgency. takes away some of the language and you said earlier you want to get things done. I do believe that where you've changed it to saying let's let's review instead of setting up as a a matter of urgency. Um I think the urgency you've talked about potholes is something you should not negate from this motion should keep it there. Also saying you provide sufficient funding.
We're not boxing you into how much funding. We're allowing you to to understand that. So again, taking away that means that there's less commitment to actually dealing with the issue. Um, so for me, there's been a lack of action as we've heard over a number of years now where we're missing out on supporting people. Take the opportunity to take action today with urgency and not take out that language from our motion. Also, it was interesting that the word transparent has been deleted when we want to ensure we can explain to residents why certain schemes are taken above others for data reasons or safety reasons again being more a higher priority. I think transparency is key for us as members. We we put forward our local schemes, but we have to prove why they are needed. I could waste my uh speaking time talking about my specific area where I need uh support, but I won't do that. I'll just come to the the final point here. We need an imp implementation program and again watering down the uh language in the amendment means that we're not going to see that coming forward with accountability. We want to hold you to account constructively to deliver on the safety measures that we need. Many of us who've been reelected have been waiting for this. We push you to not cross out urgency. We push you to deal with this as soon as possible. And that's why the Lib Dems are putting this forward. We hope you will accept without changes of words this motion. Thank you.
>> Thank you, Councelor Corey. We now come to the voting. As we have one amendment, there will be two votes. We will vote first on the reform UK amendment. We will then vote on the substantive motion, which will be the original motion as amended if the amendment is passed.
I will now put the Reform UK amendment to the vote. Those in favor, please show.
Thank you. Those against uh any abstensions?
>> So that is carried. Thank you.
If the amendment succeeds, it becomes a stance substantive motion. I will now put to this the substantive motion to the vote. This is the original motion amended in accordance with the reform UK amendment. Those in favor, please show.
Those against.
>> Okay. Um any abstensions?
>> Okay. So that vote is lost. Thank you.
Okay.
Thank you members. Um we won't be long and then we will get to motion two.
Thank you.
Thank you members. Um I've been asked to take the second part of uh that vote again. Uh if the amendment succeeds, >> it becomes a substantive motion.
On a point of order, chair, um, can you tell us which standing order says you can vote twice on a motion?
>> You can't?
>> There isn't one that says you can't.
>> There isn't one that says you can't.
>> Yeah. Okay.
>> Okay.
>> Thank you members. I will now put the substantive motion to the vote. This is the original original motion amended in accordance with the reform UK amendment.
Those in favor, please show.
Thank you. Those against.
Thank you. Any obstensions?
So that vote is carried. Thank you.
So we now move to motion two protecting investment in children's services.
I call upon councelor Scott as proposer of the motion to move the motion as set out in the agenda but do not make your speech at this point. Councelor Scott to move. So moved, lad chairman.
>> Thank you.
Councelor Naylor, as seconder of this motion, please purely confirm that the motion is seconded and let me know whether you wish to speak at the beginning or the end of the debates.
>> Thank you, Madame Chairman. I will speak at the end and I second the motion.
Thank you.
>> Thank you.
>> Thank you. I have received notice of one amendment from the reform UK uh to be moved by councelor Harris and second in by councelor Quirk. I call upon councelor Harris to formally propose the reform UK amendment but you do not make need to make your speech yet.
I think chair I would like to propose this motion. Thank you. Okay. the amendment.
>> Uh, councelor Quirk, a seconder of the Reform UK amendment. Please just second the amendment to the motion and let me know whether you wish to speak at the beginning or at the end of the debate.
Uh, >> madam chairman, I second the amendment and reserve my right to speak at the end of the debate.
>> Thank you. Uh, we now move to the debate on this motion and amendment.
I now call upon councelor Scott to speak the motion. Speak to the motion.
Councelor Scott, you have five minutes to do so. Thank you.
>> Thank you, Madam Chairman. Uh, this motion is about protecting services for some of the most vulnerable children in our community in Essex. And I I note that in the amendment as well, you're not saying that you don't support it, but I would ask a couple of things.
Earlier, leader, you said that the officers have done a brilliant job in social services. So would you agree that having in that it got outstanding rating twice is actually not saying what you said earlier about the fact of our great officers and the work they achieved here. I'm not asking you to pray for some previous administration although I'd be quite happy for you to do so but this is about our officers who worked day and night in it. So I do genuinely think the words outstanding should stay in there. I would ask you to reconsider that we've seen what has happened in cases across the United Kingdom, Madam Chairman, where things have gone wrong in children's social services. I don't intend on going through all those cases, but we all know what I'm referring to, where children have been let down. And I'm sure through the chair, the cabinet member is aware of her own responsibilities on that to the people as we all have responsibilities to the children on this.
The amendment that's gone down seems to change from and I again appreciate what you just said about you're three weeks into the administration. I do appreciate that. But it sort of changes the essence of it from being we will continue to being more aspirational and this is one area where we really do need to continue what has been carried out so far.
I have had experience uh in a previous role I held before entering uh Essex County Council of working with some of the families that have been involved in great difficulties. I thank to God that myself and my own family and we have five children and 18 grandchildren. Um yeah, I know 18. Um no, I can't name them all.
Thank you very much.
I've not experienced it, but I've seen firsthand what can happen through no fault of the parents. Sometimes they find people find themselves in positions that none of us would want to be in and it ends up with the children who are suffering and it's very very difficult.
So I really would ask I'm not going to prolong my speech but I would ask you just to reconsider on this one and vote for the original motion not the amendment whatever the reasons behind that. and I will listen carefully to what you're saying, but please I ask you to support it for the sake of the children of Essex. Thank you, Madam Chairman.
>> Thank you, Councelor Scott. I now call upon the mover of the amendment, Councelor Harris. Councelor Harris, you have up to three minutes to speak. Thank you.
>> Thank you, Madam Chairman. Um we've already you know said earlier about our commitment uh to children uh safety and social services and you know it is the uh you know the paramount thing that this council responsibility this council has is to keeping people safe um and our vulnerable people and children are the absolute priority. you know, we we've spoken about, you know, the way that we want to, you know, have a a big campaign and a push towards fostering and and I agree with you. Our officers, and I've said earlier, are absolutely outstanding and they really are uh the best in the country in my view.
We are only less than 3 weeks uh into the administration.
Um and you know we can't commit to the um existing levels of funding on anything but you we might surprise you and actually put more money in it and I I envision that we're going to do that but we can't commit at this moment in time moving forward. What I would like to say to all the u uh opposition uh group leaders is that let's work together so that we can work together on these plans moving forward so we can do what's best for the council. I don't want to play politics. I really don't where children are concerned particularly. Um, but you know, I think in hindsight, had we have got around the table, we could have actually put together uh a motion together that we all support and you know, we're all I think we're we're in in largely in agreement. But, you know, we just can't be at this moment in time uh committing to the spending levels of where they are at the moment. But that's not to set the hairs racing to say that we're they're making any cuts cuz we're not. Um but we are going to strengthen our um our uh policies. We're going to streng strengthen our services. We are looking at every single efficiency, every single department, every single area on this council. That's what we're going to be doing, but it's going to take a little bit of time. But um you know, be please be rest assured that uh you know the children are our absolute priorities and I think this is the timing thing. That's that's it. Okay. Thank you. Thank you, General.
>> Thank you.
So we now move to the debate. Um I have a list of counselors that I will be calling up to speak. Um and and I will be if anybody else wants to speak at the end um please make themselves known to me. But I will start with councelor Clele.
>> Thank you madam chairman. Can I start by congratulating you on your position.
>> Thank you.
>> Uh for those that don't know me my name is councelor Ross play. I represent Wam Town uh division. Uh and can I also take this opportunity congratulate everyone in this chamber on those electeds earlier this month. The fact of being elected to this council means many each of us in this room is also a corporate parent as set out under the children's act of uh 1989.
This council has a track record it can be proud of when it comes to children's services. In 2023, the service was judged to be outstanding in every area by Offstead, building on the inspection of 2018, which also judged to be outstanding.
The 2023 report indeed, and I quote, "The continued investment in new service initiatives is making significant and positive difference to many children.
leaders are outward looking and forward thinking already anticipating and planning for future changes to ensure that continued highquality and sustainable services are provided to children. The motion that the conservative group has put forward aims to protect this council's outstanding children's services and the vulnerable children who rely on them.
Sadly and regrettably, the amendment from the new administration sends all the wrong signals. It strikes through the efforts and dedication of this council social workers, the support workers, the foster families, and those parents who have adopted, striking out the facts and the strength of the service along with the commitment to protect and maintain existing service levels.
Many of those elected on the other side, I'm sure are good people.
And I'm sure they did not put themselves forward for office to cut any uh support to those and the most vulnerable, particularly the most vulnerable children in our society. Madame Chairman, I implore each and every one of them to reflect on that and consider is that really one of the first things they want to be acknowledged for and reminded as part of this council.
If I just finish by saying each summer this council puts on event called this is your life festival for children, young people and families that receive services from Essex social services.
Whether that be children in care, children who are subject to a protection plan, and children who are adopted. Some of those children will have experienced more trauma, disruption, and hurt in their first few years on this earth than many of us will experience in our entire lives. Yet, whenever I have spoken to those same young people, their passion, creativity, resilience, and determination to be in control of their own destiny is unceasing and truly inspiring. their talents and aspirations deserve to be realized. We support, we should not support any attempt which aims to cap or reduce existing levels of support to them and their futures. I would urge each and every one of us to vote against the amendment and support the original motion. Thank you.
>> Thank you councelor Lizzymore.
Thank you uh councelor Sul listens I didn't announce myself before uh Lexton Colchester uh division really what I want to say here is don't reinvent the wheel um I understand you were highly successful at the elections and you are full of energy you're full of bravado you want to change things you want to represent your residents I get it but you will not help this council nor our residents by changing things that don't need changing the amendments in this motion are small but having been in the opposition myself before for many years in Colchester I know it helps no one in disagreeing with everything.
There are many things you want to change understandably so but there are also areas that this council have done excellently. There are also officers here who have worked incredibly hard to make sure that we stay excellent.
Every child that is failed is a failed life, a failed future. I'm adopted myself. I'm a mom and I'm a grandma now.
And I understand the needs of some of our children. I just visited the ladies room during the break and there on the door was an advert advertising fostering services. Do you know someone who would be interested in fostering? So going back to your statement before, don't reinvent the wheel. Some of the things that Essex County Council have been doing in the past have been excellent.
Please don't disrupt that. Please don't change that. Thank you.
>> Thank you, Councelor Stamp.
>> Yeah, thank you councelor Stamp. Bernard Crouch, South Minister Division. Um I support uh some of the motion. I actually take on board what um I think the leader said or councelor Quirk I can't sure who who said it now um said about they are only so many days in. I actually don't agree uh uh with um my fellow members on this side. I don't think it is diluting it really. I think we have to take things into account and we have to be realistic. I also find it a bit rich that they now commenting on amendments that's being made at the opposite side of the house when through you, Madam Chair, we sat on here and they changed every motion that went to that side of a house. So, I do find it a little bit rich and I'm sorry I'm not supporting you, but I actually agree with the amendments on this one and I will be supporting the amendment. Thank you.
>> Thank you, council stamp. Councelor Shreder.
>> Uh if you please, Madam Chair. Uh Shrader, we can start.
>> Don't worry. It's f I mean minute now.
Councelor Kupa Colthula is going to get to his feet and then you'll really be your faces.
>> Um firstly, congratulations to you on your position.
>> Uh sorry, I should have announced myself. Andrew Shrader, Bursted Division. Um, I'd like to thank the uh the voters of Burstead for sending me here. I feel very privileged. Um, I also want to congratulate uh my Basel and colleague Councelor Jana on becoming uh the portfolio holder for um education and send and uh I saw in his uh Facebook post um he's always been very open about his own uh send background uh and how this was this appointment was um was personal to him. It wasn't just a just a standard appointment. And um I I can certainly identify with that. Um when I was in education um 30 odd years ago um I I had uh dyslexia um and I believe Essex County Council was one of the last leas uh back then to to accept that that dyslexia was a was a condition that existed. And so my my mother had to fight tooth and nail uh to get me the additional support that I needed in order to make a success of myself at school. And there will of course have been countless generations before me who were written off as slow or dim or badly behaved because they didn't concentrate in class etc etc. And now I have children of my own. I see how that landscape has changed and the support available is is much better now uh than it was uh when I was at school and certainly for the generations before me. But that's I mean and I completely agree with uh the comments that were made by councelor Scott and others that the children's services at this council are exceptional. That's not to say they were by any means perfect. Um, and there's always room for improvement. And I dare say all of us, uh, certainly I've been a Burough counselor for 13 years.
We will all have send parents in our wards and in our divisions, uh, who have plenty to say about send services and where they think they could be improved.
But what I would say is it we're not trying to set the budget here tonight and I understand entirely what the new administration is saying and they're going to want to kick the tires on things and make sure that you're getting good value for taxpayers money. Uh and I I totally get all the language around business etc. But can I just say to the members opposite when you invest in children you will always I guarantee you always get a good return on that investment. When you put money into children's futures, that is money well spent. That is money well invested. And if there are savings to be made in the budget, and I'm sure there are, they will be found in all sorts of places, but I put it to you, they will not be found in cuts to children's services. Not in a million years. Uh, so I will end there. Thank you, Mim.
>> Councelor King, have you down to speak? No. Okay. Um, councelor Gooding, would you like to speak?
>> Uh, well, thank you, Madam Chairman, and I should explain that I'm my division is Stanstead. Um, hopefully most of the people have heard from me a bit so far today. Um, I I speak on this motion actually as a as as an ex-C cabinet member for Children's Services. It's some while ago now, but it's it's um always a sobering thought uh to remember our responsibilities.
It's all been explained that we're corporate parents to those those children. We take on the parental responsibility for them and that covers all of us. But of course, the the cabinet member is also personally responsible as is the director of of children services in in in these matters. And that actually really sets an agenda to make to know that the buck stops with us personally in the in these matters. And I, you know, I I'm not shy to um recall some of the the cases that have happened over the last 30 years.
Some people may remember Victoria Climier and the issues that came with that, Peter Connelly, known mostly as Baby P, and then more recently Sarah Sharif in in in in Sar. And whilst all those cases had a multiple of causes and reasons why they happened, none of them acceptable frankly, there was an underlying issue that social workers were stretched to make sure that they could meet the needs of those children adequately. That's a very important point and I think we should we should concentrate on that. A lot of people say we should just run this like a business.
Well, that always sounds great, doesn't it? But in most businesses, the more you do, the more you make. Do we really want to take on more and more looked after children? That's not good business. Not good for the children. Certainly not good for for for the budget. So I think that we need to to to think about this.
My feeling is and the point that I would make in this is that the officers do the work behind all this. We set the the the agenda. We set the budgets. We set the policies. But we have to remember that all of this is is delivered by the officers and the social workers. They have to be properly resourced otherwise we do run this risk and I think that's absolutely has to stick in our mind. So on that basis um I would hope that the new administration would recognize the need for this to be properly resourced.
We can't have social workers that have got such a massive workload that they can't deal with any of those cases properly. We have to make sure that this is this is adequate. So, I will be supporting the motion, but I won't be supporting the amendment because I think in many ways the amendment slightly denigrates the excellent work that our outstanding officers have done over the recent years and doesn't recognize that that is the right thing.
The underlying thing is we have to resource this properly and if we don't I think that opposition members here will be calling that to account. Thank you madam chairman.
>> Thank you >> council.
>> Thank you madam chairman and congratulations on your appointment and that of your your vice chair >> and also to the leader and deputy leader. Um, I was warned by your speech, a hand of friendship, which I'll gladly take, although it will be a hand of a critical friend. And here we are being critical. Yeah. This this amendment honestly is not worthy of you guys.
Yeah. It's subtle and it underlining, but there is an ugly side to it and people won't have missed it. People will be saying, "What is the hidden message behind this?" Because there seems to be a hidden message. And that's why we would ask you guys to withdraw it. A lot of good things said and and it's hard to argue with some populist stuff, but the one that really strikes me is having people at our heart and working for them. Yet here we have a motion that actually takes something away. You don't need it. Let's all get behind children's services because this is the reality.
You want a penny pinch on on children's services, it will come back and bite you. And in this service, what happens when that happens is it's catastrophic.
Yeah. And it's tragic.
Be bigger than that. Be bolder than that. Withdraw the motion. Let's go forward together and let's build an essay that we're all proud of.
>> Thank you, uh, Councelor Hosek.
Thank you, Madam Chair. Uh, I think there's no lack of recognition on this side of the chamber of the importance of investment in children's services and to your point, Council Trader, the recognition that money spent on children and improving a lot of children is money well spent. I'm sitting here kind of casting my mind back a few years when we this was what I call like a sport really of putting an amendment amending an amendment and I'm listening to some of the comments and I'm listening to some of the words that are being used and I'm reading the motion as it stands if amended and I'm thinking what is the problem here? There's some words that are deleted and some words that are added. Some of the words you'd expect to be deleted. In fact, councelor Stamp might have alluded to the fact that maybe that used to happen before in this chamber. And so you might expect where there's a bit of self agrandisement of the achievement of the previous administration that might not be sustained within our amendment. But we do recognize and let me be clear on the motion that if amended this I don't understand. Well, I do understand because it's politics, but I'd rather rise beyond that. And this statement is concise and it absolutely supports everything that this administration wants to achieve on behalf of the children of Essics. It talks about the recognition of the that of the continued excellence of the service. There's no question of whether this is excellent.
It's been said over and over. It talks about it depends on appropriate investment. The leader has already said what may be appropriate is we actually invest more into this. There's nothing wrong with the word appropriate and building on its strong foundation. to suggest you build actually alludes to the suggestion of investment. So I see no fear of what I've heard from some of the members opposite that this I think the word cut has been used at least once but maybe more than once and this is absolutely not about it and there's no way this amended motion reflects that.
Exploring opportunities to f further invest in the service. If this was about cuts, why would that statement even be there? I just do not hear it at all. And the service is not placed at risk. Cuts would do that. That is not what is being proposed in this amendment and the progress achieved to date is sustained.
Well, I don't hear anything about cuts in that. I actually what I see is a concise motion that largely reflects the original motion and is slightly been nuanced to be more concise, but its message is clear. We need to ensure that children's services are appropriately investing to maintain excellence and sustainability. And that's how I read it. So, I don't recognize some of the comments opposite.
Thank you, Councelor McCyver.
>> Thank you, Madam Chairman. Um, I wasn't actually going to speak to this amendment. I'm very happy with the amendment of the reform administration has my full support and I think the motion felt as though it was no intended. And let me put on record my thanks to the incredible officers, not just the ones in this building, but the ones right now going into a home safeguarding a child happening right now as we all sit here. In fact, I put it to you, probably more than 10 children have been intervened by this authority today by outstanding professional class officers. And irrelevant of the motion, that will happen tomorrow. It will happen next week, next month, next year, whether it's this administration or any administration, what this administration has done and will do is make that experience even better, not just for the child in question, but for the officers that deliver that service. But I'm sorry, having sat in his chamber over there and seen this authority under the Conservative Party rush through on the speedy boarding lane for LGR, which is the number one thing that threatens the safeguarding of children in this authority. the brass neck to even mention safeguarding from the other side to try and even insinuate that this administration might somehow put the a child's life or life future in jeopardy because we will not commit to very vague Tory leaflet in the making rubbish that I think this motion was intended now. So what was I think possibly quite noble I think needs to be called out for what it is. The amendment here is appropriate. The amendment here will have my full support. But I will take no lectures particularly from conservative counselors who sat in this chamber not just cancellation of elections and all that ridiculousness which is why the group has shrunk.
Thank goodness.
But to have sat here and rushed this authority into LGR with no plan to now campaign against the plan and insinuate a referendum or div and delay whilst this administration will go on and deliver what I hope will be the total cancellation of a bad idea, retain this historic county for what it should be.
But the public ought to know, and it ought to be on public record from this meeting, that it is the Conservative administration, if anyone, that put safeguarding of children in Essics at risk by rushing us into LGR without a plan just to cancel elections. That must be a matter of public record, and I will take no lectures from Conservative Councils on that.
>> Thank you, councelor McQuiver.
Councelor Harding.
>> Thank you, Madam Chair. I'm Mike Hardware. I'm councelor for Harow, Pondon, and Toddbrook.
Uh, first thing I say is that Essex didn't cancel any elections. It was the government that council them and then reinforce them.
Uh now I'm now I'm I'm not going to set a precedence here. Uh but I'm going to agree with councelor Hosak. Um that uh you know we got to rise above the politics here. Uh I mean this is my third term here. Uh and I get very frustrated at some of the debates that take place and some of the amendments and the motions as being a complete waste of time. uh bluntly, we've put uh a motion forward that you've amended um in no substantive way really. So my argument to you which reflects what councelor Hosac says is why did you amend it? Thank you very much.
>> Thank you.
Would anybody else like to speak?
>> Thank you. I will now call on individual members to speak. Oh, I've just done that.
We are now coming to the uh end of this debate. Um I will now call upon councelor Quirk to make his speech.
>> Thank you madam chairman. Um, I think that was pretty thorough uh on both sides, don't you? Um, but I have to say, and I guess as is to be expected, bit of politicking on your side. I can see the social media post being written before we even get out of the chamber. Um, the little political traps and trip wires uh trying to get us to amend something so it looks like we don't favor children's services. Ladies and gentlemen, come off it. Um, we're all better than that. Uh, this is not about politics. This is about doing the right thing. But we are the administration. Uh we talk about not changing the uh the wheel, but of course as the new administration two and a half weeks in uh we do need to check for punctures. Uh if I might continue the analogy. Um nowhere in this amendment uh and nowhere from this side of the chamber will you hear that our desire is to cut investment in children services.
Uh that that simply is not on the agenda. However, at the same time, as I think we all recognize, this is not a budget setting meeting. We're not here setting a budget. We'll do that in February, I believe, which we will look forward to. Um, so for us to commit to a minority uh opposition in so far as frankly you calling the shots on what this administration does, that time, ladies and gentlemen, has passed. We are now the administration. We are the majority.
So, we will set the agenda. Uh but believe me, before you send that Facebook post or that tweet or that Tik Tok post in a second to say that we don't support the value of children's services, we do. It is goldplated. We understand it. Uh we are not seeking to cut it. But at the same time, respectfully, ladies and gentlemen, we will not have the opposition, the minority that you are, setting the budget just three weeks into our administration. Thank you.
Thank you. Um, councelor Naylor.
>> Uh, thank you, Madame Chairman. Um, you've asked us to introduce ourselves.
I'm councelor Sar Naylor, Constable Division.
>> Thank you. Thank you.
Um, like most of us here, I always write what I think I'm going to say.
Then I listen to what others say.
And in seconding and speaking about the uh original motion un amended, I want to reflect on how unfortunately it's been misunderstood.
So we started quite well. We all agreed that we are here for the betterment of the residents.
The reason this motion was put before chamber today is because this chamber is largely full of brand new counselors. I'm one. I'm one of those. And it it genuinely depresses me to hear multiple references of people looking in the rearview mirror to things that happened before I was elected, before many of you were elected. I had thought from things the leader said earlier that we perhaps could look forward to at least today more constructive dialogue. So I was really happy to hear that. Thank you.
This motion is exactly what it seems.
What we seek to do is to just agree that in all the change that's been going on in the last weeks that we remember why we're here. We're here for the residents. And in this case, we're actually here for the most vulnerable of residents.
And I I do hear councelor Harris that you need time to look at things. Of course you do. But unfortunately the unintended view consequence of your amendment which I understand in the context that you look at it if looked at from the outside from our residents from the officers from parents who are struggling is it does appear that the wording's been softened by the amendment. Whether that was intended or not, the word appropriate is subjective.
Whereas the words that we had chosen are specific.
We sincerely hope that as a result of um your cabinet's reook of all the money in the budgets that you find more money for the most vulnerable of our ch of our children.
We are corporately the parent of last resort. That's who we are. I'm so sorry.
I ask you in the spirit of cooperation.
We didn't have chance to do a joint motion in the way that you thought would be useful to please withdraw the amendment and allow the original wording to stand. You can delete references to the previous administration. I really don't mind.
All I'm interested in is the core facts here send a an encouraging message to officers to families who may understand the unintended meaning as being you're proaricating. You're not committing. And I'm so sorry if that's not what you intended, but it's it's definitely what's possible to infer from it. So please do withdraw and please let the original motion stand. You can delete anything that you think is political frriery. I don't mind. I commend it to the chamber. Thank you for voting.
>> We now come to the voting. As we have one amendment, there will be two votes.
We will vote first on the reform UK amendment.
We will then vote on the substantive motion which will be the original motion as amended if the amendment is passed. I will now put the reform UK amendment to the vote.
Those in favor please show.
>> Those against.
Thank you.
So, so that I don't hear any Thank you members. Um I'm passing over to our chief executive Nicole for um a named vote.
Hey, can you hear me clearly? Thank you.
So, we're now going to move to a named vote. Our first named vote.
So, I'll go through um alphabetically and you will vote for against or abstain.
And this is for we're doing the named we're doing the named vote on the amended >> motion >> to the reform UK amendment >> on the reform UK amendment. Sorry.
Okay.
>> Yeah. So for against or abstain and I'll go through in alphabetical order.
Okay.
So the first um person to vote will be councelor Bagnol as councelor Abbott is not here today. So we'll start with councelor Bagnel >> for the amendment.
>> Councelor Bellamy >> uh for the amendment.
>> Councelor Ben >> for the amendment.
>> Councelor Bray >> for the amendment. Councelor Callahan >> for the amendment.
>> Councelor Carlson >> for the amendment.
>> Councelor Stuart Clark >> uh for the amendment.
>> Councelor Hazel Clark >> against the amendment.
>> Councelor Paul Clark >> for the amendment.
>> Councelor Corey >> against. Councelor Cotis >> or >> Councelor Daisley >> for the amendment.
>> Councelor Davis >> for the amendment.
>> Councelor Edwards >> abstain.
>> Councelor Garnet.
>> Councelor Gascoinne >> for the amendment.
>> Councelor Godfrey >> for the amendment. Councelor Gooding >> against.
>> Councelor Harding.
>> Councelor Hardware >> against.
>> Councelor Harris >> for the amendment.
>> Councelor Hawkton four.
>> Councelor Hosac.
>> Four.
>> Councelor Jay.
>> Four.
>> Councelor Jerome.
>> Four.
>> Councelor Andrew Johnson.
>> Yes.
Councelor Carl Johnson.
Okay. Marcus absent.
Councelor J >> for the amendment. Thank you.
>> Councelor Ketica >> for the amendment.
>> Councelor King.
>> Against.
Councelor Cole Lubar Tulu >> Katula for the amendment.
>> Thank you. Oh, I need I need to have another practice at that one, I think.
Apologies. Councelor Lissa Moore >> against.
>> Councelor Longstaff >> for the amendment.
>> Councelor Loxton >> against.
>> Councelor Malvia >> for the amendment. Councelor Maxwell >> for the amendment.
>> Councelor Miguel >> for the amendment.
>> Councelor Jamie McCyver >> for the amendment.
>> Councelor Karen McCyver >> abstain.
>> Councelor McKenzie >> for the amendment.
>> Councelor Merrison for the amendment. Councelor Moen >> for the amendment.
>> Councelor Morris >> for the amendment.
>> Councelor Murray >> for >> Councelor Naylor >> against.
Councelor O'Neal >> for the amendment. Thank you.
>> Councelor Pereira >> for for the amendment. Councelor Fipps or Councelor Plle >> against.
>> Councelor Preston Hall >> for the amendment.
>> Councelor Pur >> against. Councelor Quirk >> for.
>> Councelor Robbins.
>> Councelor Robinson >> against.
>> Councelor Rocker.
I don't think we do. We have >> a point of order. You've skipped someone.
>> Oh, I think do we councelor Robbins? Do we not catch councelor Robbins?
>> No, he's here.
>> Okay.
>> For the amendment.
>> Councilor Robinson. Councelor Rocker >> for the amendment.
>> Councelor Shrader >> against.
>> Councelor Scordis >> against.
>> Councelor Scott >> against. Councelor Suttor, Councelor Spalding >> for the amendment.
>> Councelor Stamp for Councelor Steel >> against.
>> Councelor Thompson >> for the amendment.
>> Councelor Thurugood >> against.
>> Councelor Tibet >> for the amendment.
>> Councelor Truman >> for the amendment.
>> Councelor Turner >> against. Councelor Webster >> four.
>> And finally, Councelor Wilding Barrett >> for the amendment. Thank you.
Yeah. Yeah.
That's >> Thank you. So, we have the results.
We have 46 for 20 against and two abstain.
>> That's that's carried.
>> Thank you.
>> Thank you. So that's carried. Thank you.
Yeah.
>> Yeah. Yeah.
>> I will now put the substantive motion to the vote. This is the original motion amended in accordance with the reform UK amendment.
Those in favor, please show.
>> Madam Chairwoman, could I call for a recorded vote, please?
>> Oh, yes. Sorry. Thank you.
Big chunks.
So we will put ma madam chair sorry can I just ask a point for clarification as we go into the recorded vote can I just clarify under the constitution it is only necessary to say for or against or abstain. Adding three words just prolongs it by two/3 longer than it probably needs to be. Thank you.
You can again >> just be absolutely clear on what the vote is. So we are now putting the substantive motion to the vote. This is the original motion amended in accordance with the reform UK amendment.
So again we will say for against or abstain and again we're going to start with councelor Bagnel.
Okay >> for the substantive motion >> we may take some time. We may take some time. Okay. Councelor Bellamy four.
>> Councelor Ben four.
>> Councelor Bray four. Councelor Callahan, >> four.
>> Councelor Carlson, >> four.
>> Councelor Stewart Clark, >> four.
>> Councelor Hazel Clark, >> abstain.
>> Councelor Paul Clark, >> four.
>> Councelor Cory, >> abstain.
>> Councelor Cotis, >> four.
>> Councelor Desley, >> four.
>> Councelor Davis, >> four. Councelor Edwards >> four.
>> Councelor Garnet.
>> Councelor Gascoinne >> four.
>> Councelor Godfrey >> four.
>> Councelor Gooding >> abstain.
>> Councelor Harding.
>> Four.
>> Councelor Hardware.
>> Councelor Harris.
>> Four.
>> Councelor Hawkton. Four. Councelor Hosac >> four.
>> Councelor J.
Councelor Jerome >> four.
>> Councelor Andrew Johnson.
Councelor J.
>> Four.
>> Councelor Ketica.
>> Four. Councelor King.
>> Abstain.
>> Councelor Kolu. Tulua four.
>> Councelor Lissmore. It's getting tired.
>> Councelor Longste.
>> Councelor Lockton.
>> Abstain.
>> Councelor Malvia.
>> Four.
>> Councelor Maxwell.
>> Councelor Miguel.
>> Four.
>> Councelor Jamie McCyver.
>> Four.
>> Councelor Karen Macyver.
>> Abstain.
>> Councelor McKenzie.
>> Four.
>> Councelor Mrison.
Mozen four. Chancellor Morris >> four.
>> Councelor Murray.
>> Four.
>> Councelor Naylor.
>> Abstain.
>> Cancel O'Neal.
>> Four.
>> Cancel. Pereira.
>> Four.
>> Can the FIPS cancel the PL?
>> Abstain.
>> Cancel. Preston Hall.
>> Four. Councelor Pur, >> Councelor Quirk, >> four.
>> Councelor Robbins, >> four.
>> Councelor Robinson, >> Councelor Rocker, >> four.
>> Councelor Schrader, >> abstain.
>> Councelor Scordis, >> abstain.
>> Councelor Scott, >> Councelor Suttor, Councelor Spalding, >> four.
>> Councelor Stamp, four. Councelor Steel, Councelor Thompson, >> four.
>> Councelor Thurot, >> abstain.
>> Councelor Tibet, Councelor Truman, Councelor Turner, >> abstain.
>> Councelor Webster, >> four.
>> And finally, Councelor Wilding Barrett, >> four.
>> Thank you.
Thank you very much everyone. So we have 47 four non against and 21 abstensions.
>> So that's carried. Thank you.
Thank you. Council issues.
Council council issues to be found on page 44 of the agenda pack and it and it is to receive the report from the leader of the council on council issues. The issues for your consideration today are time of meeting. The recommendations within the report are to be found on page 44 and are to be moved by councelor Harris and seconded by councelor Quirk.
Councelor Harris, do you so move?
>> So moved. C uh chairman.
>> Thank you.
>> Councelor Quirk, are you seconding the recommendation?
>> Madam Chair, yes, I'll second, please.
Thank you councelor Harris. Do you wish to say anything on the timing of meetings?
Thank you. Um >> uh thank you chairman. Um basically what uh I'm my proposals will go uh you know forward to the uh constitutional working party um and in consultation with yourself and obviously the my recommendations will be uh made clear very soon. Thank you.
>> Thank you. Okay, I have some speakers in advance who have indicated they'd like to speak. Councelor Lee Scott.
>> Thank you, Madam Chairman. Um, with that, but it's going to constitution. I think we can discuss it there. So, that's fine.
>> Thank you, members. In terms of the recommendations, do you agree?
>> Thank you.
>> Oh, sorry.
You go first, councelor stamp. Thank you.
>> So, I did actually ask to speak on this one.
>> Oh, you're not down, but please go ahead.
>> Forgive me. Um, it's very important that we're informed as members what this is going to be. When, at what stage will we be um consulted on it? Because not everybody's a member of this constitutional working group. Thank you.
>> Thank you.
Councelor Harris, do you want to respond?
>> Um, it's going to the constitutional working party. So, you know, once it's discussed there, um, you know, every all members will be able to discuss it and have their input from there, you know.
So, that's what I said.
>> Councelor Edwards, did you want to speak?
>> Uh, it was just a question that we just asked to note this, but we appeared to vote on it.
So, uh, are we just noting this?
I think we vote we voted for it to be not for it to be noted. Thank you.
Okay, we now move to cabinet issues.
Cabinet issues is to be found from page 45 of the agenda pack and it's to receive the report from the leader of the council of the urgence decisions taken and the minutes of the cabinet meeting held in February and March. The recommendation on page 45 is to be moved by councelor Harris Harris and seconded by councelor Quirk. Councelor Harris and councelor Quirk but obviously not in attendance at these meetings so cannot answer any questions on them but they will move the recommendations.
Councelor Harris.
>> Thank you chairman and as you've said yeah this is uh meetings that were undertaken by the previous leader and administration. So so moved. Thank you.
>> Thank you councelor. Councelor Quirk, please second the recommendation >> and second you madam gentlemen.
>> Thank you.
Um some members have indicated they wish to speak. Councelor Stamp.
>> Yeah, thank you. Could I just actually ask for clarity on this because I was speaking to uh one of my colleagues earlier and I thought at the um cabinet members group cats Scott I think you was on it then the previous administration I thought the length of this contract had been agreed for longer than this 12 month contract uh and it wasn't I know all the discussions were under PNC which I wasn't part of but I thought the length of this contract had been agreed for longer in the 12-month period. So, I'm just querying if that could be confirmed or denied at some stage. Thank you. Because I think it's helpful going forward.
>> Thank you, Councelor Stamp. Um just checking. Is it the Essex Highway Contract that you're referring to?
um >> through through you chair. I thought it was part of the whole Ringways Jacob one. So >> is it not?
>> Yes. So I can confirm we will give a written answer. Thank you.
>> Okay. I think can that be shared with all members please?
>> Yes of course. Thank you.
Thank you members. We have a recommendation moved and seconded. Is that now agreed?
So our next item annual reports, member development, annual report and overview and scrutiny annual report. Our next item is to is to receive the annual reports for the overview and scrutiny and member development. These pro reports provide an overview of activity from the last municipal year. These reports are approved by previous councilors and are a useful guides to what scrutiny and member development services have been doing. I know most most of us weren't counselors last year, but these reports these reports are helpful orientation in our roles as county counselors. These reports can be found from page 63 of the agenda pack.
Appendix one, overview and scrutiny annual report starting on page 64.
Appendix two, member development annual report starting on page 88. Councelor Harris to move the to move the reports.
>> I move chairman.
>> Thank you. Councelor Quirk, I believe you are seconding the reports to be noted.
>> I'll second please. Madam Chairman, >> thank you.
I have been notified of some speakers in advance. I will take them first and then any from the floor.
Councelor Stamp.
>> No, >> remember asking for that. I think um I was put down for everything and I do apologize. I got no attention.
>> No problem.
>> Any more any more speakers from the floor today?
>> No. Members, the recommendation is on page 63. The council notes this notes this report has been moved and seconded.
So now I will ask if it is agreed.
Thank you.
We now move to oral questions to the leader, cabinet members, chairman of committee or the representatives of Essex Police Fire and Crime Panel.
Please, can I ask you clearly indicate your intention to ask an oral question and keep your arm raised until myself, Councelor Murray or Joanna Bola have indicated they have seen you in order to enable everyone who wishes to speak to have the opportunity. Please can I take please can I ask you to keep your questions brief and the same applies to those who are responding. I have a list.
Uh councelor Alan Edwards Thank you, Madam Chairman. I've been on my feet a little more than I planned earlier, so I'll keep this uh quick. Um I'm Alan Edwards Hadley Division. Um we're all in this chamber as uh we believe in democracy and we wish to represent our constituents as effectively as possible. And our constitution supports this. Article 1.3 states that the constitution exists to help members represent their constituents more effectively and to create a powerful means of holding decision makers to account. However, currently this conflicts with our standing order 16.8.2 creating a constitutional defect which prevents four members of this council who are sole party members from accessing the only mechanism for placing a substantive motion uh before full counsel. Now the motion allocation has therefore been made without any provision for four members of this council to propose a motion. Um now the suggestion it will probably be from some that the remedy lies in joining a group.
Um that's not available as an option to all members. So chairman with full knowledge that the council's current composition is now and I appreciate we've got elections pending uh and this constitutional defect formally raised in today's meeting. Will you commit to revisiting the constitution and the motion allocation before the first ordinary meeting at which motions are permitted so that all members of this council can represent their constituents throughout the whole municipal year as the constitution intends and requires?
Thank you.
>> Thank you. Councelor Harris, would you like to answer this question?
Yeah. I mean in in terms of uh sort of motions you want to put forward as long as you get a seconder, you can put my understanding of it is you can put a motion forward.
>> Is that right?
>> Yes, that seems to be correct.
>> Yeah. It was only one in the group. But >> get a second.
>> You get a second from another group. No.
>> From anyone. So it has to be with somebody within your own group.
>> What? To get a Is that right? You have to get Oh, okay. Well, that's something that we should look at then.
So I think uh the responses we'll give you we'll give you a written response.
We'll come back to you. Thank you.
>> Thank you councelor Kira McIll the cabinet member for highways and infrastructure.
>> Sorry that's what it says on my notes but anyway councelor Kira McIll. Thank you.
>> Good afternoon. I'm councelor Kira McIll representing Cami Island East. Now, I represent Cami Island, which has a population of close to 40,000 people.
But for generations, we've been forced to endure a crazy situation where there are only two roads on and off the island. Now, this creates daily misery and disruption for motorists, not only on Cami, but throughout the entirety of Castle Point. It's also got an impact on loss productivity. And if it was an emergency like a flood or a gas problem at the refineries, u the island would take hours to evacuate. There's been a real perception that Cambi has been left behind in previous administrations while the rest of Essex enjoys upgrades to the network. So, can we please guarantee in future that Cami will get its fair share of enhancements in line with the rest of the county? Thank you.
>> Thank you. Uh will councelor Webster be answering that question?
>> Thank you.
>> Thank you m Sharon. Uh thank you for your question. Uh I recognize the concerns regarding connectivity and infrastructure resilience on Canv Island. These matters form part of wider considerations around the whole of infrastructure priorities across Essex and I will provide a written response.
>> Thank you. Um councelor Stamp, you're next on my list. Do you have a question?
>> I do. I have two actually. One is for councelor Christopher Ben. Don't want to leave you out. Um happy that you're cabinet member for waste and recycling.
We're very lucky to have one in Bernamon Crouch and I just wondered if you've got any intentions when you're looking at your portfolio to maybe increase what can be recycled there. I'm happy to have a separate conversation with you outside if you want, but it's very limited. This council reduced us through you, Madam Chair, to four days a week. uh and it's all by booking which is fine. It worked out caused a lot of stick and everything, a lot of problems, but it actually works very well. And I just wondered if there was any any way or any future thinking about if we could take some of the other things that you have to go to Molden to to dispose of councelor uh which you can't get a booking for for absolute weeks and if you do a minor like you do a bathroom or something you can't get rid of it and rural areas through you madam chair and you has renowned for rural tipping fly tipping so I just wondered if if you've got any opportunity to be able to do that. Thank you councelor B.
>> Okay. Thank you councelor for your question. Um yeah the we are looking obviously at these uh sites. There are a lot more issues just than that of what vehicles can actually go into the sites, what the booking systems uh timings so forth. So I I will give you a more detailed answer later on but we are looking at this. Thanks.
>> Thank you. And the second one, Madam Chair, I'm not sure who to direct it to.
Um, but um I would like to know what has happened or happens to previous petitions. So it might be the leader, it could be the cabinet member for highways uh regardless of what petition it was because I presented one a few months ago uh on highways on something we've been trying to get through for five years uh despite we've had three cabinet members and it's failed all the way along. Um, and I I really don't want to overload you because you've got a hell of a task as it is at the moment, but I wondered if I could have some feedback. Yeah. On what actually happens to petitions and how they're dealt with.
>> Thank you, Council St. Councelor Harrison. Black Chancellor St. That's a very good question and we will find out and come back to you. Thank you.
>> Thank you.
Uh, next is Councelor King.
>> Thank you, Madam Chairman. uh to the leader. Uh two questions, different subjects. Grateful to have some clarity.
The first you may well your choice to come back. LGR has lots of complex financial equations in it. Um for those of us who had the pleasure of looking through the business cases and um savings were part of them of course as you'll understand as well as costs or inferred costs. Um I heard from you if I heard it correctly 105 million is the cost of the imposition if you will call it that the introduction of LGR and I just don't understand the equation and that may be me. I wondered if you could provide how that has come to what the spread of it is and whether or not there is allowance in the budget for it because clearly that would be an issue of concern for yourselves and for and for us all. That's the first one if I may.
The second is about uh Ukraine and a number of us uh I guess across the chamber um have met those who fled Ukraine in the wake of the invasion, the special military operation and have seen the distress that that's caused many families and and I hope have felt warmed by the response of people across Essics who've taken many into their homes.
Now my understanding is that the primary source of funding is from the government but the county council plays a very important role together with the offices of district city and burough councils and I like to hear what your view is about the future of such help and support and the role of the county council. Thank you.
>> Thank you councelor Harris.
>> Okay, thank you. Um in terms of the uh local government reorganization, yeah, these are estimated costs that have been given to me by officers. Um and uh these are estimated. So um if they're estimated, the costs are normally a lot dear than what they're actually estimated as. Um but you know, my my concern is you know, we talk about costs. My concern with LGR uh is regarding uh children's services, which we've spoken so much about today, and protecting our children. That's fundamentally the my my key uh reason my concerns for local government reorganization is the um the real very real concerns of our officers regarding the services of adult social care, children's social care in particular. Um you know the the money side of it is a lot of money. I think that what we could do with that we'd be better off spending on public services. Um but I think there's lots and lots of questions that the government have chosen to ignore.
they haven't explained their rationale on how they come to their decision. Um, and I'm simply trying to get a meeting with uh government to have a sensible conversation with him. So, the costs are on uh consultants on you know on on numerous things you know um and and regards you know it you know amalgamation there's lots and lots and lots you know we we're still trying to find out and uncover exactly you know what those costs will be. Um but yeah and we'll make it clear to everyone um you know with more detail as as we go on. So but fundamentally we are uh against it because you of the the uh um the the surge towards it. It's like the charge of the light brigade. You know the government have sent us off on this charge and it could end in disaster and we're asking them to stop think again and let's uh let's have a a sensible conversation.
Um in terms of Ukraine um obviously we we support uh Ukraine. My person I'll give you my personal views is I obviously support Ukraine in terms of um uh you know the illegal war uh against uh uh Ukraine. But in terms of you know the uh the residents that are here in terms of any any fun any support etc. really I need to come back to you in writing on that once I' I've got more information. But you know, I wholeheartedly support um the Ukrainians. Thank you, >> Madam Chair. I just ask a brief clarification question. Thank you. A supplementary.
>> Um thank you very much for both responses on on the form. I it would be helpful if it's possible to share whatever calculation you you have behind that number. I think that would help us understand better. Thank you.
If >> I can just reply to that and just say yes, that is all coming and we're working towards that. Thank you.
Thank you. Uh next we have councelor Loxton.
>> Uh thank you chair. I have a question for the cabinet member for education ascent and skills. Um I want to ask the cabinet member about what response he will make to the findings of the recent CQC offstead report on send support in Essics. The council's terrible record on providing EHCPs within the statuto 20 weeks is well known. But the report um also draws out another feature which is I hardly recognize it's a feature of every discussion I have with parents affected and that is that the communication the standard of communication in terms of timeliness and accuracy with uh parents is simply not good enough. Um I know that the cabinet member will have some understanding of the anxiety involved just in supporting a child with those needs.
um in itself without being kept in the dark about what the council is doing and when. I ask him whether he will undertake to consult parents over communication needs and overhaul that service.
>> Thank you very much madam chair and congratulations on your election to the chair. I believe after my election as mayor in Basdon we are now part of the chain gang. So congratulations and welcome. Uh I thank you very much to uh the member across the way there for his uh for his question in regards to send.
So as we know send is a huge issue well the issues within send across the country. Essex isn't alone but we have been open and we have been proactive in developing local solutions and reform UK administrations around this country are well known for doing great things for send. So as far as I'm concerned we will meet with parents. We will have those conversations and we will make Essex the epicenter of send provision in the country. But we have to also be completely clear around where we are sitting on our grading. So of the 71 areas inspected under the new framework, 25% have received the first outcome which is which is the best. 54% have received the second outcome which is where we are in the middle and 21% receiving the third. But as we know, funding and capacity pressures have continued to grow across the country, placing great strain on local area partnerships to meet high levels of need and deliver timely support. But we are very aware that behind every figure and statistic, there is a child and a family. And as somebody who is neurodeiverse, myself, as well as my deputy cabinet member, who is also neurodeiverse, we will do everything in our power to ensure that children, parents, and families get the get the send need that they need. Thank you very very much.
>> Uh thank you councelor councelor Harris I think you want to come back on that.
Thank you chairman for letting me come back in there and I just want to I mean this is a really good point and you know sorry to mention LGR again but we just spoke about £ 105 million potentially 20 million pounds that we're going to spend between now and the end of the year and you know councelor Jouri has just mentioned you know funding and capac capacity pressures.
We had a choice of what we could spend that money on, whether we could throw it into local government reorganization or spend it on public services and supporting our children or supporting potholes. But this is the reality of it and this is the fear. What do we want to spend our money on? Do we want to spend it on administration, reorganizing or throwing money into the public services what our our residents want? And I think that's a really good point. So let's visualize what LGR is the the real cost of it. Thank you.
>> Thank you. Um, next qu question is from councelor Farragood.
No.
No.
Okay. And we move on to councelor Preston Hall.
Thank you, Madam Chairman. So, um, thank you very much. I would like to say I'm from Roford North. Sorry. Um my reds feel a little bit ignored and they would like to have reassurance that Roford District Council and Essex County Council work going to work closely together. And with that in mind, I would like to invite all cabinet members, madam chairman, if you're available as well on Sunday, 31st of May. This Sunday at 11:00 a.m. we will be doing a meet and greet so that people can get to know the cabinet, know that we're there to work for Essics and work as a team and move forward for them.
>> Thank you.
>> Thank you.
>> Who would like to answer that?
>> Thank you.
>> Uh thank you and thank you for your question or councelor Preston Hall. Um you know we're going to work with with all councils. Um that's what we want to do. I said earlier that we uh want to have work with our partners across um and we will reach out to each and every one of them. Um so that's my intention.
Um I hopefully will soon be arranging for a meeting with all council leaders um and uh we can have uh some good conversation uh to be had there. So thank you.
>> Thank you.
>> Okay. Um, next we have a question from council councelor Shareda >> Shrada but you'll get sorry >> no no no one's pronounced it right yet so don't worry you're not you're in good company >> um thank you madam chairman I would like to ask a question of the cabinet member for highways um like many new members uh I was eagerly anticipating uh being assigned my highways buddy um my predecessors uh Tony Hedley and Richard Moore uh for the old Bericki and Bursted division both raved about the highways buddy system and how effective it was bearing in mind uh it's a big part of our casework load most members I suspect um and most of the members of the public who approach their counselor about highways issue have already been through the online reporting systems etc and they're looking to uh uh push it further up the chain And in order for them to do that, we need an effective uh mechanism whereby we can uh raise issues directly either with the cabinet member or with the appropriate officers. And uh the highways buddy system I'm led to believe was very very effective allowing members to raise those issues uh with with the appropriate highways officer. So I haven't been assigned a highways buddy yet. I'm getting a bit nervous because I'm hearing rumors that the buddy system is going to be scrapped. Um I would appreciate some uh clarity on that from the cabinet member. Thank you madam chairman.
>> Thank you. Would you like to come back?
Thank you.
>> Um thank you for your question. Um I appreciate the concern raised and yes there is a lot of um issue being raised around highways and infrastructure. So I fully fully get that. I'm going to review the matter um and I'll come back to you with a written response.
>> Thank you. Next we have councelor Scott.
Thank you madam chairman. A question for the leader of council if I may. You were saying earlier about meeting with councils. I believe that um braintry council have written to you requesting a meeting the new leader who I believe is taking place tonight. Um he asked if he could meet with you. So if you could perhaps contact councelor Tom Canian please.
>> Yes.
>> Thank you. Um next we have councelor Steel.
Thank you, Madame Chair. Um I've got two questions for the highways cabinet member. You were not surprised. So in the last two years, March 24 to March 26, we when we were administration, we um invested an additional 50 million pounds into Essex Highways on top of the 130 million base maintenance budget. And at the at the budget meeting, a further six million was agreed. And the key part is all members were given the opportunity or give to to manage that extra funding through the members highways initiative whereby members selected the worst defects in their division. So we had control. We members had control. Um ahead of the election the former leader committed to investigating at least an extra 50 million over the next two years and not just for potholes but all defects, pavement signs.
Will the Cabinet member for highways confirm that he will match match this commitment. Funding will be delivered to continue improving the highways and that all members have the opportunity to be involved much like the members highways initiative. And shall I wait for an answer then before the next question?
>> Um is it still the same um cabinet member?
>> It is the same cabinet member.
>> Why don't you ask the second question too?
>> Don't forget all I said on the first one. Um right. Um the second question was about this the draft speed strategy and I wondered what your intentions were. Um, it's recently went through a public consultation which I think gained a lot of support and I really was looking for a commitment that you will consider uh the public consultation results and take the draft speeds or at least consider taking the draft speed strategy forward to policy.
>> Thank you councelor Webster. Um so I'll deal with the second one first. Um so with regards to speeding um I'm currently as I said earlier I'm currently reviewing the draft uh safer speed strategy I'm working on with members and on road safety concerns across the county. So yes it is on my radar. We are doing things and I will come back to you with a written response. as to the as to the first one. Um I don't have the specific details that you're quoting uh in front of me. I'll need to go back and review them, but obviously we will be setting our own agendas on highways.
Thank you.
>> Thank you. Next we have councelor PL.
>> Thank you madam chairman. Uh and this is to the cabinet member for education send and skills. It's also on the uh the same topic of the recently published Offstead and QC Q Q CQC report. Um I think firstly it would be appropriate to acknowledge the uh the huge amount of work that officers have done over the last uh months and years to have moved Essex up that league table. Whilst this isn't a uh a competition, it is a great uh relief I'm sure to the many parents of in Essex uh of children with SEN that Essex is now doing better uh than it has done previously. However, we must not stop there. So, the question I have is um when can we expect that strategy to be published uh which details out the Nessie recommendations so that we can drive further forward improvements.
Thank you.
>> Thank you.
>> Thank you very much for your question.
Um, in regards to the report, I'll answer that point uh now for you. That is something we're looking into at the moment and we'll come back to you in writing with that. Uh, in regards to the great work the officers have done. Uh, I mean Essex has been on a send improvement journey over for the last several years and the partnership has a solid understanding of where improvements are needed. But inspectors have recognized the progress we have made and the families are kept at the heart of everything we do. Uh, and the strength and the clarity of the partnerships leadership. We need to do more. send needs more attention and that is exactly what you're going to get from reform UK. That's exactly what you're going to get from me as the cabinet member and that's exactly what you're going to get from my deputy cabinet member as well. Thank you very much for your question and we'll do best by your residence. Thank you.
>> Thank you um councelor Garnet.
>> Thank you madam chairman and congratulations from >> Thank you from Harow.
>> Thank you. It's a second a message to the highways and infrastructure uh portfolio holder. Can the portfolio holder sorry I've got site vision and infrastructure please inform us what his pro proposals are for the with regard to the red lining of Maddox Road and Mul Road in Harlow. If these two schemes go ahead, it will cause total unnecessary parking problems for the local residents. In essence, they would have nowhere to park. And all this has been has got agreement on I'm sorry. And has he not has he got an agreement with the North Essex Parking Partnership to enforce the schemes?
Um, thank you.
Sorry. Um, thank you for your question.
As you can appreciate, we're only new into uh the administration. I don't have the specific information to hand. I know we spoke briefly spoke earlier. Um, but I will take it away and I'll come back to you with a response.
>> Thank you. Um, councelor Johnson.
My question has in part been already asked by councelor Garnet. Um he's mentioned the red roots on Maddox Road and Minion Road and despite Harow members having verbal support from the prior cabinet member um and listening to what the uh the cabinet member for Highways has just said, officers in the highway department currently appear to be pushing ahead with a number of anti-car schemes in my town. Um, will he work with me and my Harlow colleagues who were overwhelmingly reelected by the electorate of Harlow um to continue the building and rebuilding of Harow Town to scrap all anti-car schemes in our town.
>> Um, thank you madam chairman. Um, thank you for your question. Obviously, as you can appreciate, I don't have the finest detail on that but happily happily we'll review the information and I'll come back with a formal response. Thank you.
Thank you members.
Um we councelor Harris did you have one more question? You >> chairman if if I I may. Uh I just wanted to clarify that we are a procar administration. So and uh I haven't actually mentioned what business. I've said I'm in business. I'm actually in the automotive business. Um and uh let me tell you we will be pro car and that's why we're sorting out the potholes.
>> Thank you.
Okay, as we come to close uh the meeting, I'd like to thank you for your support with the annual meeting today, my first meeting at the helm. I would like to thank you all for your patience and understanding whilst I learn the ropes. I wish you all a safe journey
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