In the absence of the Leader of the Council (Councillor M E Stephenson), the Chair was occupied by the Deputy Leader (Councillor I J Henderson).

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

Apologies for absence were submitted from Councillors M E Stephenson (Leader of the Council & Portfolio Holder for Corporate Finance and Governance) and J D Bray (Leader of the Reform UK Group) who had both been unable to attend due to illness.

To confirm and sign the minutes of the last meeting of the Cabinet held on Friday 27 June 2025.

It was moved by Councillor I J Henderson, seconded by Councillor Scottand:-

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet, held on Friday 27 June 2025, 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 at this time.

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

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

The Cabinet is asked to note any announcements made by members of the Cabinet.

The Leisure and Public Realm Portfolio Holder (Councillor Barry) was pleased to announce that car parks across Tendring had again been recognised for their high standards, receiving the prestigious Park Mark award from the British Parking Association (BPA). The awards, part of the Safer Parking Scheme, were given to facilities that demonstrated excellent management, effective surveillance, appropriate lighting, and a clean, safe environment for users.

Councillor Barry stated that: “It’s fantastic to see another 11 of our car parks achieving the Park Mark award — especially as we continue to grow and improve our offer with awards for Kiln Lane and Ardleigh. These awards are more than just plaques on the wall — they’re a sign to residents and visitors that our car parks are safe, clean, and well-managed. I’d like to thank our Parking Services team for their continued dedication. Their work helps make Tendring one of the best places in Essex to park with confidence.”

There are no matters referred to the Cabinet by the Council on this occasion.

There were no matters referred to the Cabinet by the Council on this occasion.

To enable the Cabinet to consider the recommendation made to it by the Audit Committee in respect of the proposed new Corporate and Housing Complaints Policy and its adoption.

RESOLVED that –

(a)     the recommendation made by the Audit Committee be accepted and that the response of the Portfolio Holder responsible for Housing and Planning thereto be endorsed;

(b)     the new Corporate and Housing Complaints Policy, as set out in Appendix 2 to this report, be approved and adopted with effect from 1 September 2025;

(c)     the Assistant Director (Corporate Policy and Support) be authorised to make minor adjustments to the Policy, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder designated as the Member Responsible for Complaints to address such matters as amendments to the Code of Complaints Handling by either the Housing Ombudsman or the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (or both); and

(d)     the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Planning be nominated as the Council’s Member Responsible for Complaints under the Policy and provide monitoring throughout the year, highlighting and addressing reoccurring themes to Cabinet and/or the Leader of the Council where necessary to do so.

Members were aware that the Audit Committee (“the Committee”) at its meeting held on 26 June 2025 had discussed the proposed new Corporate and Housing Complaints Policy. The Officer report submitted to the meeting of the Audit Committee held on 26 June 2025 was attached as Appendix 1 to the reference report (A.1) and at Appendix 2 to report A.1 was the proposed new Policy.

Invited to the meeting of the Audit Committee had been Keith Simmons, the Assistant Director (Corporate Policy and Support), and, in addition to the detailed report and appendix, a precis of the Executive Summary presented to the that meeting was set out as follows:-

·      an overview of the proposed new combined Corporate and Housing Complaints Policy for the Council had been provided;

·      the new policy had been prepared following a review of the current separate policies and assessment of the requirements of the parallel Housing Ombudsman’s Complaint Handling Code and the Local Government and Social Care Complaint Handling Code;

·      the contributing factor for the proposed new policy being adopted was that the two Ombudsman Services had similar complaint handling codes. This also meant that the complaints would be handled more consistently and in line with national Codes; and

·      adoption of the Corporate and Housing Complaints Policy for the Council would provide opportunity for training and support using a “lessons learned” approach.

The Audit Committee had resolved to recommend to Cabinet that the proposed new Corporate and Housing Complaints Policy be adopted.

Cabinet had before it the following formal response of the Housing and Planning Portfolio Holder to the Audit Committee’s recommendation:-

“I want to firstly say how grateful I am to have seen the proposal from the Audit Committee in relation to updating the Council’s Corporate Complaints policy.  The fact that the tenants panel and the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman have endorsed the new Policy speaks volumes for me. 

We all strive for the best possible service to our residents, businesses and customers. So negative comments about the delivery of those services are not what we would like to receive.  However, through acknowledging, reflecting on, and acting on complaints we can actually make positive changes that improve not only our quality of delivery, but our overall effectiveness.

I’ve been the Member Responsible for Complaints from our tenants and leaseholders for just over a year now and only last month I presented Annual Housing Complaints Performance and Service Improvement Report to Cabinet which included a self-assessment carried out against the Housing Ombudsman’s Complaint Handling Code for 2024/25.  I am keen that this approach to complaint handling and using complaints to improve performance is further developed across the Council. 

This new re-unified policy for complaints offers the opportunity to demonstrate continuous improvement by the Council.  I urge Cabinet to approve its adoption and the approval of all the recommendations submitted. I am content to extend my role concerning complaints handling and oversight of performance from housing to all services.  In doing this, I will obviously  ...  view the full minutes text for item 38.

To enable the Cabinet to consider the recommendation made to it by the Community Leadership Overview and Scrutiny Committee in respect of the funding of the Community Governance Review of Clacton-on-Sea, Holland-on-Sea and Jaywick Sands.

RESOLVED that the recommendation made by the Community Leadership Overview & Scrutiny Committee be noted and that the response of the Leader of the Council thereto be endorsed.

Members were informed that the Community Leadership Overview and Scrutiny Committee (“the Committee”) at its meeting held on 17 June 2025 had scrutinised the arrangements for a Community Governance Review of Clacton-on-Sea, Holland-on-Sea and Jaywick Sands.

The Lead Scrutiny Officer (Keith Simmons) had introduced the item and a precis of his contributions to the meeting was as set out hereunder.

•    reminded Members of the motion approved at the Full Council meeting held on 17 September 2025 (minute 50 referred);

•    at its meeting on 26 November 2024 (Minutes 75), Council had approved the requested report, including draft Terms of Reference, indicative costings assessed at that stage and proposals to establish the Committee as the body that would oversee Community Governance Review matters;

•    since the approval (on 26 November 2024) the draft terms of reference had been updated;

•    reported that there had recently been a meeting held for all District Councillors in the review area to discuss the proposed review;

•    meetings had been held of the Clacton Town Board and Tendring Together;

•    there had been a stall held at the Sports Conference in May 2025 for organisations involved in sport and activity provision in the District (including the review area);

•    reminded Members that despite the reference to minimal levels of support, for, say, a proposed Town Council not having been explicitly mentioned in the 2007 Act or statutory guidance mentioned in the report, they had been included as reassurance to the public that the exercise was not predetermined and that their say mattered;

•    relayed the importance of community input when considering community governance matters; and

•    made Members aware of the oversight role the Committee would undertake upon approval of the community governance review.

The Committee then asked questions around affordability and pricing of Council Tax for residents. Members were informed of the figures laid out in the report showing the average cost of Band D Council Tax charges of Parish Councils in Tendring.

It was also explained that the circulation of a consultation document for the review area was not possible as part of the Council Tax Bills as those were sent to all households across the District (and not just the review area).  The Committee had also discussed the likely question from residents in the review area about what the impact on their Council Tax level of any decision would be to, say, establish a Town Council.  While such a question was obvious, the answer was very difficult to predict given that Council Tax levels were made up of precepts from the County Council, District Council, Police and Fire Commissioner and no decisions had been made as to those precepts for 2027/28 (the year any new Town Council would take effect if that was the final determination).  In addition, any Town Council precept itself might reflect costs that could relate to items currently covered in Special Expenses and so one element of Council Tax could go down while another element  ...  view the full minutes text for item 39.

To enable the Cabinet to consider the recommendations made to it by the Community Leadership Overview and Scrutiny Committee in respect of the findings of the Crime and Disorder Task and Finish Group (Familial Violence/Abuse).

RESOLVED that the recommendations made by the Community Leadership Overview & Scrutiny Committee be noted and that the response of the Assets and Community Safety Portfolio Holder thereto be endorsed.

Members were made aware that the Community Leadership Overview and Scrutiny Committee (“the Committee”) at its meeting held on 15 April 2025, had considered a final report from its Council’s Crime and Disorder Task and Finish Group, which had been submitted following that Group’s conclusion of its enquiry concerning crime and disorder (familial violence/abuse).

The Committee had recommended to Cabinet that:-

(1)     the Council’s Community Safety Team undertake analysis of data from the National Centre for Domestic Abuse in relation to familial abuse in order to conclude whether that data provides the basis for a broader consideration of these matters by the Task and Finish Group.

(2)     encouragement is given to the Community Safety Partnership to advocate and champion local support services for survivors of domestic abuse in the District.

(3)     the County Wide Strategy Workshop is utilised to ensure that the importance of tackling Domestic Abuse is addressed by the proposed Mayoral Combined County Authority for Greater Essex from its creation and the intended new unitary councils across Essex from 1 April 2028.

(4)     the Council’s Community Safety Team ensure training about types of domestic abuse and how to signpost individuals to domestic abuse support services are available to Reception and Admin staff across the Council.

(5)     local refuge services for domestic abuse survivors and their children are advocated and championed for; and ensure that all available materials are reviewed and the updated materials are then made available to District Councillors and to Town and Parish Councils for their use.

(6)     encouragement is given to the Community Safety Partnership to urge school and academy leaders to take up the ‘Healthy Relationships’ sessions provided by the Police and Fire Joint Education Team;

(7)     to encourage the leaders of Secondary schools and academies in Tendring to participate in the Stronger Together Teenage Show 2025 (funded by Tendring District Council seeking to combat violence against women and girls and challenge toxic teenage cultures; and

(8)     engagement is made with other Local Authorities in relation to domestic abuse and priorities are in line with local government reorganisation proposals for Greater Essex and sharing best practice.

The Task and Finish Group’s final report was attached as an appendix to the reference report (A.3).

Cabinet had before it the formal response of the Assets and Community Safety Portfolio Holder to the Committee’s recommendations as follows:-

“May I thank the members of the Crime and Disorder Task and Finish Group for their work on an important and interesting topic.

I am happy to support the recommendations being made to Cabinet. Following Cabinet’s acceptance, I will invite Officers to engage with our partners to take action to incorporate the recommendations into our plans and enact them for those matters that are directly within the Council’s control. For those matters that lay outside the Council’s control, I will work with Officers and our partners as to the best way(s) to bring those recommendations to fruition.”

Having duly considered the recommendations made by the Community Leadership Overview and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 40.

Purpose

In readiness for the Executive Decision to be taken by Cabinet at its meeting due to be held on 12 September 2025, in response to the Invitation from the Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution to develop a proposal for local government reorganisation it is proposed that Cabinet RECOMMENDS TO COUNCIL:-

(a)     following an update to be provided by the Leader and Chief Executive, at its meeting on 14^th August, Council considers the available information on the options for Local Government Reorganisation in Greater Essex, as they have been announced and formulated; and

(b)     indicates its views on those options, and the preference of the Leader, based upon Council’s previous decision “to ensure that the District of Tendring is in the best possible position” and “the voice of Tendring (and north Essex more generally) is as strong as possible … recognising its opportunities and challenges”.

Background

On 5 February 2025, the Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution wrote to Leaders of Councils in two-tier areas and Unitary Councils in Essex, formally inviting them, together with the other council leaders in the area, to develop a proposal for local government reorganisation. The formal invitation set out further detail on the criteria against which proposals will be assessed, guidance for the development of the proposals and the timeline for this process.  Councils are expected to submit a final proposal on Local Government Reorganisation by 26 September 2025. 

The Government’s policy position for local government reorganisation has significant implications for this Council, the residents and businesses of the District and local Town and Parish Councils and those in unparished areas.  Consequently, it is appropriate, and follows previous practice, to enable all District Councillors to have this opportunity to consider the intentions for the District and to provide the Leader of the Council and Cabinet with its views, prior to a formal Executive Decision being made on the options before them.

A report is not being provided to support this recommendation, reliance is made on the content of previous reports to Council in January and March 2025, which contained the relevant information to support those decisions, and set out the process and criteria to consider at this stage.

RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL that –

(a)     following an update to be provided by the Leader and Chief Executive, at its meeting on 14th August 2025, Council considers the available information on the options for Local Government Reorganisation in Greater Essex, as they have been announced and formulated; and

(b)   indicates its views on those options, and the preference of the Leader, based upon Council’s previous decision “to ensure that the District of Tendring is in the best possible position” and “the voice of Tendring (and north Essex more generally) is as strong as possible … recognising its opportunities and challenges”.

In readiness for the Executive Decision to be taken by Cabinet at its meeting due to be held on 12 September 2025, in response to the Invitation from the Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution to develop a proposal for local government reorganisation the Leader of the Council had proposed that Cabinet recommended to Council that -

(a)     following an update to be provided by the Leader and Chief Executive, at its meeting on 14th August, Council considers the available information on the options for Local Government Reorganisation in Greater Essex, as they have been announced and formulated; and

(b)     indicates its views on those options, and the preference of the Leader, based upon Council’s previous decision “to ensure that the District of Tendring is in the best possible position” and “the voice of Tendring (and north Essex more generally) is as strong as possible … recognising its opportunities and challenges.

In considering that proposal Cabinet recalled that, on 5 February 2025, the Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution had written to Leaders of Councils in two-tier areas and Unitary Councils in Essex, formally inviting them, together with the other council leaders in the area, to develop a proposal for local government reorganisation. The formal invitation had set out further detail on the criteria against which proposals would be assessed, guidance for the development of the proposals and the timeline for this process. Councils were expected to submit a final proposal on Local Government Reorganisation by 26 September 2025.

Cabinet was aware that the Government’s policy position for local government reorganisation had significant implications for this Council, the residents and businesses of the District and local Town and Parish Councils and those in unparished areas. Consequently, it was appropriate, and followed previous practice, to enable all District Councillors to have this opportunity to consider the intentions for the District and to provide the Leader of the Council and Cabinet with its views, prior to a formal Executive Decision being made on the options before them.

Members noted that a report had not been provided to support the Leader’s proposal, with reliance made on the content of previous reports to Council in January and March 2025, which contained the relevant information to support those decisions, and set out the process and criteria to consider at this stage.

The Chief Executive (Ian Davidson) informed the meeting of the current LGR position including outlining the different submissions that were being drawn up by Essex County Council, Southend Council (on behalf of a number of Essex Councils), Rochford Council and Thurrock Council. Mr. Davidson expressed disappointment that he had been unable to provide any details at this meeting of the contents of two finance reports that had been commissioned from external sources. In deciding which submission to favour, Members would need to balance considerations of ‘Community versus Cost’.

Mr. Davidson informed Members that work was ongoing with the Council’s external partners to ensure that vital working relationships on  ...  view the full minutes text for item 41.

To consider the options in respect of the redundant Council Office site at Weeley in terms of the Council’s current priorities.

RESOLVED that Cabinet –

(a)   after assessing the various options set against the current associated on-going costs and in the context of obtaining the best consideration reasonably possible, determines that the vacant Weeley Office site is no longer required for planning purposes to deliver Council Housing and approves its freehold disposal;

(b)     subject to resolution (a) such disposal to take a phased approach as set out:

(i)    sell the site via auction with a reserve price reflecting current market conditions;

(ii)   If during the period the property is being advertised for auction, an offer is received which meets the Council’s requirements as set within resolution (c) below, the Leader of the Council and the Portfolio Holder for Assets and Community Safety can determine whether or not to proceed with the auction;

(iii)  subject to (i) above, in the event that the reserve price is not met and/or best consideration cannot be reasonably demonstrated, agrees to market the site via an open market tender; and

(iv)  subject to (i), (ii) and (iii) above, if best consideration obtainable cannot be reasonably be demonstrated via the above two options, then a further report be presented to Cabinet that explores / revisits potential alternative options.

(c)  subject to (a) agrees that the necessary decisions required through the phased approach be taken by the Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Assets and Community Safety, following receipt of professional valuation advice, and in consultation with the Section 151 Officer and the Monitoring Officer.

(d)   delegates authority to the Portfolio Holder for Assets and Community Safety, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, the Section 151 Officer and the Monitoring Officer to withdraw the property from auction and agree an alternative disposal and enable necessary consents to be obtained and legal agreements completed in the circumstances that an alternative proposal is received the meets the following criteria:

(i)    The financial benefit to the Council is more than could be reasonably anticipated at auction;

(ii)   The financial benefit to the Council demonstrates best value for the site; and

(iii)  The proposer agrees and signs a legally binding agreement prior to the date of the auction.

Cabinet considered a report of the Assets and Community Portfolio Holder (A.4) which detailed the options in respect of the redundant Weeley Council Office site in terms of the Council’s current priorities.

Cabinet recalled that it had agreed transformation proposals on the 16 December 2016 which had included disposing of a number of Council facilities, the former Offices at Weeley being one of them.  On the 17 December 2021 following an invitation of bids from two special purchasers, Cabinet had agreed to appropriate the land at the site for planning purposes, to facilitate the carrying out of housing development, to enter into an option agreement with the successful bidder, and delegating authority to agree Heads of Terms on the principles set out in the report.  Heads of Terms had been agreed on 25 April 2023. 

In appropriating the land for planning purposes to facilitate the carrying out of housing development, Cabinet had considered in December 2021, that the carrying out of development was likely to contribute to the economic, social or environmental well-being of the area, or which was required in the interests of the proper planning of the area in which the land was situated. 

Cabinet had further agreed on 11 April 2025, due to the time taken and remaining uncertainty as to the finalisation of the transaction, to cease negotiations with the previously successful bidder based on the existing Heads of Terms and to subsequently consider alternative options for the disposal of the site.

It was reported that, as part of its earlier decision in December 2021, the previous Cabinet had placed an emphasis on the opportunity to obtain additional Council houses as a way of achieving the best consideration possible for the site when it had agreed its associated preferred option. As set out in earlier reports, a number of important actions and initiatives had taken place in the interim period relating to the delivery of that recommendation that would have had a reasonable influence and learning opportunity when now considering alternative options. It was therefore reasonable to argue that to deliver the previous Cabinet’s recommendation, such negotiations were complex and challenging to conclude and would likely be encountered again if the Council continued to pursue the same option, albeit via alternative arrangements / bidders. Through experience to date, pursuing that option had become increasingly difficult to support from a wider and overall value for money perspective as highlighted within the options appraisal set out later within this Portfolio Holder report.

Taking the above into account and after considering the positives and negatives of the various options set out within the Portfolio Holder’s report (A.4), along with the ongoing costs for the site of approximately £65,000.00p/a, it was recommended that a pragmatic and phased approach was now taken to dispose of the site, set against the underlying requirement for the Council to reasonable demonstrate the achievement of the best consideration possible.

As set out within the Portfolio Holder’s recommendations, the preferred option was to dispose of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 42.

To provide an overview of the financial outturn for 2024/25 and to seek approval of the allocation of the overall 2024/25 General Fund revenue variance along with a number of proposed budget adjustments in 2025/26.

RESOLVED that -

(a)     the high-level Financial Outturn Position, as set out in this report (A.5), and the favourable General Fund Revenue variance of £5.417m for the year, which is currently held within the Revenue Commitments Reserve be noted;

(b)     the use of the General Fund Outturn for the Year of £5.417m, as set out in Appendix A (Section 1), be approved;

(c)     in respect of the additional £1.000m set aside to support the delivery of savings / efficiency plans and wider corporate priorities, the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Finance and Governance, be authorised to utilise this funding during the year;

(d)     in respect of the additional £1.000m set aside for Coast Protection Works, this be added to the remaining budget of £0.970m associated with earlier decisions, and that the Corporate Director (Operations and Delivery), in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for the Environment & ICT, be authorised to utilise this funding during the year;

(e)     the budget adjustments for 2025/26, as set out in Appendix A (Sections 2 and 3), be approved;

(f)       the Council’s Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Corporate Finance and Governance Portfolio Holder, be authorised to adjust the outturn position for 2024/25 along with any corresponding adjustment to earmarked reserves as a direct result of any recommendations made by the Council’s External Auditor during the course of their audit activities relating to the Council’s 2024/25 accounts; and

(g)     Officers, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Planning, be requested to continue to explore opportunities to support the Council in addressing the increasing financial challenge associated with the demand for homelessness / temporary accommodation, and to present reports to future meetings of Cabinet, including the potential options associated with the possible levying of charges, balanced against various issues such as the circumstances of those seeking support.

Cabinet considered a report of the Corporate Finance & Governance Portfolio Holder (A.5) which provided it with an overview of the financial outturn for 2024/25 and sought its approval of the allocation of the overall 2024/25 General Fund revenue variance along with a number of proposed budget adjustments in 2025/26.

Cabinet recalled that the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Finance and Governance had agreed the overall financial outturn position for 2024/25 on 27 June 2025, with a high-level summary of the General Fund revenue position set out below.

Some key highlights of the report submitted to the Portfolio Holder had included:-

1)       the favourable variance for the year of £5.417m was currently being held in the Revenue Commitments Reserve;

2)       revenue carry forwards totalling £15.093m had been agreed;

3)       a number of recommendations to Cabinet relating to the potential allocation of the variance of £5.417m highlighted in the table above;

4)       strong, effective and proactive financial management continued to influence the outturn position each year. Set against this approach, the comprehensive reviews as part of the quarterly financial performance reports during the year had provided timely opportunities to reflect on issues affecting the Council’s general financial position in 2024/25. The majority of budget areas had therefore performed to this adjusted position, with only a limited number of variances being highlighted at the end of the year, with many of the items relating to issues highlighted / discussed during the year rather than new items emerging.

It was reported that the Council’s overall general fund reserves totalled £38.194m on 31 March 2025 (excluding the General Fund outturn variance of £5.417m for 2024/25). However, £34.194m was in respect of earmarked reserves, which related to future year’s commitments (including the proposed 2024/25 carry forwards). Earmarked reserves therefore predominantly reflected previously identified priorities of the Council. The balance of £4.000m was the recommended level of uncommitted reserves, which included a ‘working balance’ that formed part of the Council’s treasury management processes. The total earmarked reserves also included the balance on the Forecast Risk Fund of £6.415m, which was in-line with the previously agreed amount that remained available to support the Council’s financial plans in future years.

In respect of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA), Cabinet was informed that the outturn position for 2024/25 reflected an increased overall surplus of £0.745m (from £0.418m), that had been transferred to general balances to support the HRA in future years. The HRA general balance at the end of 2024/25 totalled £4.052m.

This report also provided a timely opportunity to briefly reflect on the in-year position for 2025/26, with some further proposed adjustments set out within Appendix A (Sections 2 and 3) to the Portfolio Holder’s report (A.5).

The recommendations set out within the Portfolio Holder’s report (A.5) set out a number of delegations associated with the delivery / implementation of the various items agreed  ...  view the full minutes text for item 43.

To provide an update to Cabinet on the progress and forthcoming actions related to the Plan for Neighbourhoods programme in Clacton-on-Sea, previously known as the Long-Term Plan for Towns. It seeks Cabinet approval to accept a further capacity funding allocation of £200,000 from central government. This funding is intended to support the Clacton Town Board in the development of a comprehensive regeneration plan for the town.

To also request Cabinet’s approval for the immediate allocation of a portion of this funding. Additionally, to seek Cabinet’s endorsement to delegate authority for approving future capacity funding expenditure, including a revision to the delegation previously agreed by Cabinet on 24th May 2024.

RESOLVED that –

(a)   the updates on the new Plan for Neighbourhood programme which replaces the Long Term Plan for Towns, and the ongoing role for Tendring District Council as the Accountable Body be noted;

(b)  the £200,000 Capacity payment (subject to the conditions on which the grant is made) for the Plan for Neighbourhoods, offered by the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government, which is formally expected to be provided on 31 July 2025, be accepted;

(c)  the allocation of £450,000, as proposed by the Clacton Town Board, be approved; and

(d)  the Corporate Director (Place and Wellbeing) be authorised to approve variations of the Plan for Neighbourhoods (including Long Term Plan for Towns) capacity payments, upon receipt of minuted approval by the Clacton Town Board, and following consultation with the Council’s Section 151 Officer.

Cabinet considered a report of the Economic Growth, Regeneration & Tourism Portfolio Holder (A.6) which provided an update to it on the progress and forthcoming actions related to the Plan for Neighbourhoods programme in Clacton-on-Sea, previously known as the Long-Term Plan for Towns. It also sought Cabinet’s approval to accept a further capacity funding allocation of £200,000 from central government (subject to the conditions on which such grant was made), in addition to the £250,000 received to date. This funding was intended to support the Clacton Town Board in the development of a comprehensive regeneration plan for the town.

The report further requested Cabinet’s approval for the allocation of this funding in line with the proposals from the Clacton Town Board. Additionally, it sought Cabinet’s endorsement to delegate authority for approving future amendments to the capacity funding expenditure, including a revision to the delegation previously agreed by Cabinet on 24^th May 2024.

Capacity Funding

Members were reminded that MHCLGwas providing an immediate capacity payment of £200,000 in Financial Year 2025/26 to support the development of the Regeneration Plan. This funding was intended to provide the Clacton Town Board with the resources needed to establish robust governance structures, strengthen their presence in the local community, and to build capacity and capability required to launch effectively in 2026/27. This was in addition to capacity funding already received. Although the payments were received during specific financial years, funding could be carried forward subject to programme requirements. The anticipated conditions on which the grant of £200,000 would be made were that it would be used in support of the delivery of the Plan for Neighbourhoods programme, that the latest branding guidance would be adhered to and that the Council would cease to use the Funded by UK Government logo if directed to do so.

Allocation of Existing and new Capacity Funding

Cabinet was informed that, at its meeting held on 20 March 2025, the Clacton Town Board had approved a budget for the use of both the existing capacity payment and the additional £200,000 capacity payment. A detailed breakdown of the budget, totalling £450,000 was set out within the background section of the Portfolio Holder’s report (A.6). This required approval from the Council, in its role as the accountable body.

Future Delegation

Cabinet was advised that, as the Leader of the Council and the Deputy Leader of the Council were both members of the Clacton Town Board it was proposed to delegate authority for any revisions to the budget lines to the Corporate Director (Place and Wellbeing). This would be conditional on approval by the Clacton Town Board, and with the previous caveat that prior consultation with the Section 151 Officer still applied.

Acknowledging that the Council was committed to building pride in the District, championing the local environment and regenerating the area; that the funding provided by Government under the Plan for Neighbourhoods would support the Council to implement its priorities in Clacton; that the Council had agreed in March 2024  ...  view the full minutes text for item 44.

To inform Cabinet on the progress of updating the District’s Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plans.

To seek agreement from Cabinet that the final versions of five Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Plans be adopted by the Council.

RESOLVED that –

(a)   the outcome of the consultation, as summarised within the report (A.7), be noted; and

(b)   the formal adoption of the final Conservation Area Character Appraisal and Management Plans for the following areas (found at Appendices A - E) be approved:-

•   Ardleigh;

•   Bradfield;

•   Great Holland;

•   Ramsey; and,

•   Tendring Village.

Cabinet considered a report of the Housing and Planning Portfolio Holder (A.7) which informed it on the progress of updating the District’s Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plans and which also sought agreement from Cabinet that the final versions of five Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Plans be adopted by the Council.

Members were reminded that one of the aims of the Council’s adopted Heritage Strategy was for the Council to reassess each of the District’s twenty Conservation Area Appraisals. All twenty of those updated appraisals had now been the subject of public consultations, and the final five had been consulted on in early 2025.

It was reported that the first seven appraisals had been adopted by Cabinet in the summer of 2024. A further six appraisals had been adopted by the Council in January 2025. This report brought forward the next five appraisals for adoption, which would enable them to be given weight as a material consideration in planning decisions. The five Conservation Area Appraisals proposed for adoption were:-

·      Ardleigh;

·      Bradfield;

·      Great Holland;

·      Ramsey; and,

·      Tendring Village.

In order to progress projects specifically identified in the Council’s Heritage Strategy:-

It was moved by Councillor Baker, seconded by Councillor Scott and:-

RESOLVED that –

(a)   the outcome of the consultation, as summarised within the report (A.7), be noted; and

(b)   the formal adoption of the final Conservation Area Character Appraisal and Management Plans for the following areas (found at Appendices A - E) be approved:-

•   Ardleigh;

•   Bradfield;

•   Great Holland;

•   Ramsey; and,

•   Tendring Village.

To present to Cabinet the Housing No Access Policy for approval and adoption.

RESOLVED that –

(a)     the Housing No Access Policy be adopted for implementation;

(b)     the Corporate Director (Operations and Delivery) be authorised to make future updates or amendments to the policy in consultation with the Portfolio Holder responsible for Housing; and

(c)     the policy will be reviewed every two years.

Cabinet considered a report of the Housing and Planning Portfolio Holder (A.8) which presented to Cabinet the Housing No Access Policy for approval and adoption.

It was reported that the proposed policy formalised the work that was already undertaken in the Housing and Environment service. The purpose of the No Access Policy was to set out the Council’s overall approach to gaining access to Council homes to fulfil statutory and regulatory duties as a responsible social housing landlord. The policy defined when the Council needed to access its tenants’ homes and how the Council took appropriate and proportionate action if a tenant did not allow access.

Members were informed that the policy complied with the Regulator of Social Housing’s revised Consumer Standards that had come into effect from 1 April 2024.

To ensure that the policy was appropriately adopted, in accordance with the Council’s Constitution and to evidence compliance with regulatory standards:-

It was moved by Councillor Baker, seconded by Councillor Kotz and: -

RESOLVED that –

(a)     the Housing No Access Policy be adopted for implementation;

(b)     the Corporate Director (Operations and Delivery) be authorised to make future updates or amendments to the policy in consultation with the Portfolio Holder responsible for Housing; and

(c)     the policy will be reviewed every two years.

There are no Management Team items on this occasion.

There were no matters referred to the Cabinet by the Management Team on this occasion.