The Council is asked to note any apologies for absence received from Members.

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors Baker, Bush, Codling, Davis, Goldman, Placey and Platt.

The Council is asked to approve, as a correct record, the minutes of the budget and council tax setting meeting of the Council held on 17 February 2026.

It was moved by Councillor M E Stephenson, seconded by Councillor I J Henderson and:-

RESOLVED that the minutes of the budget and council tax setting meeting of the Council held on 17 February 2026 be approved as a correct record and be signed by the Chairman.

Councillors are invited to declare any Disclosable Pecuniary Interests, Other Registerable Interests or Non-Registerable Interests, and the nature of it, in relation to any item on the agenda.

There were no declarations of interest made by Members on this occasion.

The Council is asked to note any announcements made by the Chairman of the Council.

Prior to the commencement of the meeting, Members had had circulated to them a list of the Chairman of the Council’s civic events that he had attended on behalf of the Council since the end of January 2026.

The Chairman highlighted several of those events that he had found particularly enjoyable and inspiring namely:-

(1)     Pride of Tendring Awards Evening – Thursday 26^th February 2026;

(2)     Saffron Schools Music Concert – Tuesday 3^rd March 2026;

(3)     The Sanctuary (Mental Health), Clacton-on-Sea – Wednesday 18^th March 2026; and

(4)     Essex County Council Reception for the enrolment of the new High Sheriff of Essex – Monday 30^th March 2026.

The Council is asked to note any announcements made by the Chief Executive.

The Chief Executive made the following announcements:-

Local Government Reorganisation

“Chairman, Councillors, last week Government announced its choice of configuration for local councils across the Greater Essex area; with the way ahead being five new unitary councils replacing the existing 15 local authorities.

As a reminder, this puts Tendring on a footprint with Colchester and Braintree, with the new North East Essex Council taking on the services and responsibilities of Essex County Council for the area too; and this was the preferred option of this council.

We will now?step up our collaborative?work with all partners across?Greater?Essex to deliver this change to?best?serve the interests of our communities,?including the people of?Tendring,?and to ensure this process happens in a smooth way as possible?with minimal?disruption to?the public.?

We?understand there will be lots of questions at this time,?and we will be working hard to answer those over the coming weeks and months?as?the implementation plan is developed.? I would remind Councillors that an All Members’ Briefing will take place after this meeting.

We welcome the clarity from Government about future election arrangements; with confirmation there will be elections to the new unitary council in May 2027, with councillors elected for an initial five-year term to cover the transition process. This will replace scheduled elections to this authority, with your terms extended once the necessary legislation comes into place.

While there is a lot to do,?we?will?continue?to provide excellent local services for our residents and communities right up until the point at which?Tendring District?Council no longer exists on 1?April 2028; and we will work hard to maximise the opportunities re-organisation presents to provide better services to the public in the future and to put Tendring in the best possible place for the future.”

Katie Wilkins

The Chief Executive announced with great pleasure that he would be amending Katie Wilkins’ job title from that of Assistant Director (People) to Director (People). This change reflected and recognised Katie’s role on Management Team and on the Essex LGR Working Group on HR and staffing matters.

The Chief Executive thanked Katie for her contributions.

Members congratulated Katie with a round of applause.

The Council is asked to note any statements made by the Leader of the Council. 

Councillors may then ask questions of the Leader on his statements.

There were no statements made by the Leader of the Council on this occasion.

The Council is asked to note any statements made by Members of the Cabinet (Portfolio Holders).

Councillors may then ask questions of the Portfolio Holders on their statements.

There were no statements made by members of the Cabinet on this occasion.

To report any ‘live’ petitions that have been submitted in accordance with the Scheme approved by the Council.

On this occasion it was reported that no ‘live’ petitions had been submitted in accordance with the Scheme approved by the Council.

Subject to the required notice being given, members of the public can ask questions of the Leader of the Council, Portfolio Holders or Chairmen of Committees.

The Chairman shall determine the number of questions to be tabled at a particular meeting in order to limit the time for questions and answers to 21 minutes.

Subject to the required notice being given, members of the public could ask questions of the Leader of the Council, Portfolio Holders or Chairmen of Committees.

It was reported that, on this occasion, no such questions on notice had been submitted.

To notify Members of recent Executive Decision(s) taken in the circumstances set out in the Council’s Constitution in:-

(a)   Rule 15 of the Access to Information Procedure Rules (Special Urgency); and/or

(b)   Rule 18(i) of the Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rules (Call-in and Urgency); and/or

(c)     Rule 6(b) of the Budget and Policy Framework Procedure Rules.

Council considered a report of the Leader of the Council (A.1) that, in accordance with the requirements of Rule 16.2 of the Access to Information Procedure Rules and/or Rule 18(i) of the Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rules and/or Rule 6(b) of the Budget and Policy Framework Procedure Rules, notified Members of recent Executive Decision(s) taken in the circumstances set out in Rule 15 of the Access to Information Procedure Rules and/or Rule 18(i) of the Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rules.

(1)     Engagement of resources from Local Government East to provide capacity within the Housing Repairs team in relation to the maintenance of Council Housing Stock

It was reported that, on 24 February 2026, and in view of the urgency of the issue concerned, and in accordance with Rule 18(i) of the Overview & Scrutiny Procedure Rules, the Leader of the Council had sought and subsequently obtained the Chairman of the Resources and Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee’s consent, that his urgent decision, on behalf of the Cabinet, relating to authorising the use of up to £310,000 from the Housing Revenue Account Reserves, to fund the engagement of resources from Local Government East, to address an urgent need to provide capacity within the Housing Repairs team, to meet the Council’s statutory obligation in relation to the maintenance of Council Housing Stock, could be taken under the special urgency procedure and therefore be exempted from the call-in procedure.

The Leader’s urgent decision, on behalf of the Cabinet and using the special urgency powers, as provided within Schedule 3 (Responsibility for Executive Functions) and the Access to Information Procedure Rule 15 (Special Urgency), in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Planning, and the Section 151 Officer and the Monitoring Officer had been as follows:

“To authorise the use of up to £310,000 from the Housing Revenue Account Reserves to fund the engagement of resources form Local Government East, to address an urgent need to provide capacity within the Housing Repairs team to meet the Council’s statutory obligation in relation to the maintenance of Council Housing Stock.”

It had been felt that any delay likely to be caused by the normal key decision process and/or the call-in process would have seriously prejudiced the Council’s and the public’s interest for the following reasons:-

“Due to the urgent need for the Council to enable there to be a management structure within the housing repairs service by entering into an agreement with LGE, for a period of up to six months, via the use of reserves within the HRA, by the 5^th March 2026, the decision to use HRA reserves is proposed using special urgency powers, as set out in Part 3, Schedule 3 of the Constitution.

In addition, in order to meet the deadline to sign up the specialist resource, by 5^th March 2026, permission will need to be granted by the Chairman of the Resources and Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee to exempt this decision from both the Forward Plan  ...  view the full minutes text for item 120.

The Council will receive the minutes of the following Committees:

(a)     Resources and Services Overview & Scrutiny of Wednesday 14 January 2026;

(b)     Community Leadership Overview & Scrutiny of Thursday 15 January 2026;

(c)     Planning Policy & Local Plan of Thursday 22 January 2026;

(d)     Tendring Colchester Borders Garden Community Joint of Monday 26 January 2026;

(e)     Community Leadership Overview & Scrutiny of Tuesday 10 February 2026;

(f)       Audit of Thursday 19 February 2026;

(g)     Human Resources & Council Tax of Monday 2 March 2026; and

(h)     Resources and Services Overview & Scrutiny of Tuesday 10 March 2026.

NOTES:          

(1)   The above minutes are presented to Council for information only.  Members can ask questions on their contents to the relevant Chairman but questions as to the accuracy of the minutes must be asked at the meeting of the Committee when the relevant minutes are approved as a correct record; and

(2)   If any recommendations to Council have been made by those Committees, these are included within separate reports for Council to decide upon (i.e. by noting the minutes those recommendations are not approved at this stage of the proceedings).

It was moved by Councillor M E Stephenson, seconded by Councillor P B Honeywood and:-

RESOLVED that the minutes of the following Committees, as circulated, be received and noted:-

(a)     Resources and Services Overview & Scrutiny of Wednesday 14 January 2026;

(b)     Community Leadership Overview & Scrutiny of Thursday 15 January 2026;

(c)     Planning Policy & Local Plan of Thursday 22 January 2026;

(d)     Tendring Colchester Borders Garden Community Joint of Monday 26 January 2026;

(e)     Community Leadership Overview & Scrutiny of Tuesday 10 February 2026;

(f)       Audit of Thursday 19 February 2026;

(g)     Human Resources & Council Tax of Monday 2 March 2026; and

(h)     Resources and Services Overview & Scrutiny of Tuesday 10 March 2026.

Council will consider motions, notice of which have been given pursuant to Council Procedure Rule 12.

On this occasion it was reported that no motions on notice had been submitted in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 12.

To enable Council to adopt the annual Capital and Treasury Strategy, as required by the Council’s Policy Framework.

It was reported that, at its meeting held on 20 March 2026 (minute 127 referred), the Cabinet had considered a report of the report of the Corporate Finance and Governance Portfolio Holder (A.9) which had sought Cabinet’s agreement of the Annual Capital and Treasury Strategy for 2026/27 (including Prudential and Treasury Indicators) for submission to this meeting of Full Council.

Cabinet had been reminded at their meeting that the Local Government Act 2003 and supporting regulations required the Council to set out its treasury strategy for borrowing, and to prepare an Annual Investment Strategy (as required by Investment Guidance subsequent to that Act) that set out the Council’s policies for managing its investments and for giving priority to the security and liquidity of those investments, “having regard” to the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy’s (CIPFA) Prudential Code and the CIPFA Treasury Management Code of Practice. Revised editions of both documents had come into force in 2023/24.

The Capital Strategy continued to be combined with the Treasury Strategy into one document, which was required to be updated / approved annually. The proposed Annual Capital and Treasury Strategy for 2026/27 had been set out in Appendix A2 to the Portfolio Holder’s report (A.9) and it had continued to reflect the various changes set out in the latest Codes mentioned above.

Members of the Cabinet had been informed that the Capital Strategy element of the combined document had covered the various elements surrounding capital investment decisions and the key criteria that investment decisions should be considered against.

The Treasury Strategy element of the combined document had covered the various elements that satisfied the requirements of the various codes that governed the borrowing and investment activities of the Council and had been prepared in the light of advice received from the Council’s Treasury advisors and had reflected the latest codes and guidance.

Cabinet had been made aware that Prudential and Treasury indicators had been included as an Annexe to the combined strategy and had therefore been included within Appendix A2.

Members of the Cabinet had been advised that, under the Prudential Code, the Council had freedom over capital expenditure if it was prudent, affordable and sustainable. The Prudential Indicators either measured the expected activity or introduced limits upon the activity and reflected the underlying capital appraisal systems and enabled the Council to demonstrate that it was complying with the requirements of the Prudential Code.

Cabinet had been reassured that the Council’s investments would be undertaken in accordance with its Treasury Management Practices (TMPs).

Cabinet had been informed that, following on from comments made last year, the Strategy now acknowledged potential obligations that would be placed on the Council due to the emerging legislation around Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). 

Cabinet had, inter alia, “RESOLVED that the Annual Capital and Treasury Strategy for 2026/27 (including Prudential and Treasury Indicators) be recommended to Full Council for its formal approval.”

A copy of the published Corporate Finance & Governance Portfolio Holder’s report (and its appendix) to the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 123.

Council will consider any reports submitted to it by an Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

On this occasion it was reported that no reports had been submitted to the Council by an Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

To invite the Council to consider the recommendations submitted by the Human Resources & Council Tax Committee in relation to the draft Pay Policy for 2026/27.

The Chief Executive, the Corporate Director (Law and Governance) and the Corporate Director (Finance and IT) each declared an Interest and left the meeting whilst Council considered this matter and reached its decision thereon.

It was reported that, at its meeting held on 2 March 2026 (Minute 25 referred), the Human Resources & Council Tax Committee had considered a report of the Assistant Director of People (A.3), which had sought the Committee’s endorsement of the draft Pay Policy Statement 2026/27.

The Committee had been reminded that Sections 38 and 39 of the Localism Act 2011 (Chapter 8 – Pay Accountability) required the Council to prepare and publish a Pay Policy Statement that set out the Council’s approach to a range of matters relating to the pay of its workforce.

Members had been advised that Schedule 2 of Part 3 of the Constitution confirmed that Full Council was responsible for the preparation and approval of a Pay Policy Statement for the forthcoming financial year, in accordance with the requirements of the Localism Act 2011. Officers had explained to the Human Resources & Council Tax Committee that they had historically overseen the preparation of the draft Statement and had recommended it to Full Council for approval and adoption.

Members had been also reminded that the statutory Pay Policy Statement must include the following matters:

•    The Council’s policy on the level and elements of remuneration for each Chief Officer.

•    The Council’s policy on the remuneration of its lowest paid employees, including the definition of “lowest paid employees” and the reasons for adopting that definition.

•    The Council’s policy on the relationship between the remuneration of Chief Officers and other employees.

•    The Council’s policy on other aspects of Chief Officer remuneration, including remuneration on recruitment, increases and additions to remuneration, performance related pay, bonuses, termination payments and transparency.

The Committee had noted that the draft Pay Policy Statement 2026/27 had incorporated a number of updates to ensure continued compliance, transparency and alignment with national frameworks. The main changes had reflected revised national pay arrangements, updated statutory reporting requirements and associated workforce policies. Those had included:

•    Implementation of the nationally agreed 2025/26 NJC pay award, including the removal of Spinal Column Point 2 from 1 April 2026, in line with changes to the national pay spine.

•    Updated pay multiple calculations to reflect the revised lowest paid spinal point and the associated forecast pay multiple for 2026/27.

•    Updated gender pay gap figures and narrative in accordance with the latest statutory reporting period.

•    Confirmation of the Council’s continued use of Essex County Council’s Managed Service Solution framework for temporary staffing, supporting consistent and compliant off payroll engagement.

The Committee had been further advised that, in the interests of transparency, all amendments had been shown in red within the draft Statement.

Officers had confirmed that the Committee was requested to review and provide comments on the draft Pay Policy Statement 2026/27 prior to its submission to Full Council.

The Committee had “RESOLVED that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 125.

To considerapproval of the reason for Councillor Anne Davis’s non-attendance at meetings of the Council etc. for the period of six months commencing 30 October 2025 (if she does not attend such a meeting before 29 April 2026).

Council considered a report of the Chief Executive which sought its approval of the reason for Councillor Anne Davis’s non-attendance at meetings of the Council etc. for the period of six months commencing 30 October 2025 (if she did not attend such a meeting before 29 April 2026).

Council was informed that the last meeting, which Councillor Davis had attended, was that of the Licensing and Registration Committee held on 29 October 2025.

Members were aware that, if a Councillor did not attend any meeting of the Council (or any of its Committees or Sub-Committees) for a consecutive period of six months, Section 85 of Part V of the Local Government Act 1972 disqualified them unless the Full Council approved the reason for non-attendance before the end of that period.

It was reported that, on Thursday 19 February 2026, the Leader of the Reform UK Group (Councillor Jeff Bray) had handed to the Democratic Services Manager a letter dated 16 February 2026 and signed by Mr. Floyd Davis for, and on behalf of, Councillor Davis. A copy of that letter was appended to the Chief Executive’s report. Members were cognisant that Councillor Davis was a member of the Reform UK Group.

In that letter Councillor Davis had informed the Council that she had suffered a major medical issue in November 2025 and that, since that time, Councillor Davis had remained in hospital undergoing treatment. Councillor Davis had stated that she was recovering well, albeit slowly, and believed it wholly possible that she would be fit and able to return to her Council duties in the not-too-distant-future.

Being mindful of the statutory limit for absence that applied to elected Councillors, Councillor Davis had respectfully requested Council to approve the reason for her non-attendance at meetings thereby removing the risk of disqualification from office and granting Councillor Davis a further period of grace.

If Council did so approve that request, Councillor Davis would need to attend a meeting of Council, or a Council Committee or Sub-Committee et cetera, before 29 October 2026 to remain a Councillor (or otherwise be subject to a fresh approval of absence by Council prior to that date).

It was moved by Councillor M E Stephenson, seconded by Councillor Brayand:-

RESOLVED that Councillor Davis’s reason (namely health issues) for non-attendance at meetings of the Council etc. for the period of six months commencing 30 October 2025 (in the event of her not attending such a meeting before 29 April 2026) be approved.

To approve the recommendations from the Interview Selection Panel (Audit Committee meeting 25 June 2025 minute no. 6 refers) to appoint Mrs Sue Gallone as the Council’s Independent Person to the Audit Committee for a term of two years.

The recommended appointment is to be for the period expiring 31 March 2028.

Council considered a report of the Corporate Director (Finance & IT) (A.5) which sought its approval of the recommendations from the Interview Selection Panel to appoint Mrs Sue Gallone as the Council’s Independent Person to the Audit Committee for a term of two years. The recommended appointment was to be for the period expiring 31 March 2028.

It was recognised that Audit Committees were a fundamental pillar of good corporate governance of which the composition was a key factor in achieving the characteristics of a good Audit Committee. 

Council was informed that the appointment of (an) Independent Person(s) to Audit Committees had initially stemmed from recommendations emerging from the Redmond Review, which had been a national independent review into oversight of local audit and the transparency of local authority financial reporting undertaken by Sir Tony Redmond.  The outcome of that review had remained a cornerstone of various improvement plans and revised arrangements considered and introduced by the Government.  In terms of the latest review, the Government had proposed to mandate audit committees within Local Authorities, including the provision for one independent member on those committees.  Notwithstanding the above, CIPFA had issued their own guidance which stated:

“The audit committees of local authorities should include co-opted independent members in accordance with the appropriate legislation.  Where there is no legislative direction to include co-opted independent members, CIPFA recommends that each authority audit committee should include at least two co-opted independent members to provide appropriate technical expertise”.

It was believed that Audit Committee members needed an underlying independent, sceptical mindset and a willingness to provide robust challenge.  The introduction of independent members was seen as beneficial to the Audit Committee in many ways, including:

·      ensuring a mix of skills and experience across a range of functions and activities;

·      providing an external view can often bring a new approach to committee discussions;

·      reinforce/support the political neutrality and independence of the Committee within the Council; and

·      helps maintain continuity of committee membership where membership is affected by the electoral cycle.

Overlaying the above with the CIPFA guidance mentioned previously, general aptitude also needed to be considered alongside relevant knowledge, skills and experience.  The appointment needed to take account of the overall knowledge and expertise of the existing members of the Committee. Based on the most recent review the Council had looked for someone who could demonstrate a good understanding in the following areas:

• Financial stewardship/value for money; and
• Risk management/business continuity.

The Audit Committee had delegated authority to make decisions on behalf of the Council in a number of areas as highlighted within its terms of reference – it was not proposed to provide the independent member with voting rights.  This would remain subject to ongoing review to ensure that the arrangements remained appropriate and effective.

Members’ Interview Selection Panel

Council was made aware that, on 5 February 2026, a Panel consisting of Councillors Sudra, Steady and Fairley, together with the Council’s Section 151 Officer and the Corporate Governance, Performance and Procurement Manager, had interviewed a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 127.

Subject to the required notice being given, Members of the Council can ask questions of the Chairman of the Council, the Leader of the Council, Portfolio Holders or Chairmen of Committees.

The time allocated for receiving and disposing of questions shall be a maximum of 30 minutes. Any question not disposed of at the end of this time shall be the subject of a written response, copied to all Members the following working day unless withdrawn by the questioner.

Subject to the required notice being given, Members of the Council could ask questions of the Chairman of the Council, the Leader of the Council, Portfolio Holders or Chairmen of Committees.

It was reported that no questions on notice had been submitted by Members on this occasion.

The Council will consider any urgent matters submitted in accordance with Council Procedure Rules 3(xv), 11.3(b) and/or 13(p).

No urgent matters had been submitted in accordance with Council Procedure Rules 3(xv), 11.3(b) and/or 13(p) for this meeting.