1.   To approve and apply the attached Pre-Election Protocol to the operation and proceedings of the Council in the period from the publication of the Notice of Election for the Essex County Council Councillors in the District of Tendring at 4pm on 27 March 2026 to the close of Polls at that Election at 10pm on 7 May 2026.

2.   To circulate the attached to all Tendring District Councillors and to alert all staff to the Protocol ahead of its application in order to ensure that it can be applied as set out.

3.   To circulate the Protocol to Town and Parish Councils in order to inform them of the position.

To ensure that the Council can apply both the text and the spirit of the Code of Recommended Practice on Local Authority Publicity in respect of the forthcoming period referenced when there will be elections to the Essex County Council held in the District.

Not issuing the guidance was considered and discounted as it would not assist Members and Officers to work within the period of heightened sensitivity associated with the Election referenced.