RESOLVED that -

(a)    in consideration of the lack of financial information on the level of deficits for 2023/24 and future longer term financial sustainability of the North Essex Parking Partnership (NEPP), the options available to protect the Council’s position be noted;

(b)    the feedback from the Resources and Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee’s enquiry at its meeting on 5^th March 2023 be noted and welcomed;

(c)    the Leader of the Council and the Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Public Realm, in discussion and consultation with Cabinet Members, be authorised to decide whether to service a Notice of Withdrawal from the NEPP following the meeting of the Joint Committee on 21^st March 2024;

(d)    subject to (c) above, cabinet approves such decision being taken up to 31^st March 2025, being supported with a detailed report on the updated position and the assessment of risk to the Council;

(e)    the Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Public Realm, in consultation with the relevant Officers, be authorised to seek a variation to the Partnership Agreement to allow a Notice of Withdrawal to be served coinciding in a timely manner with the receipt and consideration of financial information certified by the NEPP Treasurer and/or to allow a Notice of Withdrawal to be rescinded upon receipt of such information being provided; and

(f)      the Leader of the Council and the Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Public Realm, in consultation with the relevant Officers, be authorised to finalise and request any additional information in respect of financial and governance matters required to support resolutions (c) and (d) above.