Decision details

The Council considered the report of the Director of Strategy, Performance and Governance seeking the Council’s approval of the Mid Essex Alliance Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) (attached at Appendix 1 to the report). 

The report outlined the need to have localism for Mid Essex in light of the changing landscape of the NHS, with the dissolution of Clinical Commissioning Groups and the formation of Integrated Care Systems.  A Mid Essex Alliance was proposed to coordinate a place-based approach to health priorities to ensure the localism needed.  It was noted that Membership of the Mid Essex Alliance would enhance the systems management approach for the District and support work which would achieve delivery of corporate outcomes, and be further strengthened by all partners signing the MOU.

The Leader of the Council presented the report and put the recommendation as set out in the report.  This was duly seconded.

A debate ensued and in response to comments made the Director of Strategy, Performance and Governance advised that any matters relating to policy etc. would be referred back to the Council for decision.  He confirmed that the MOU had been reviewed by the Council’s legal department. 

The Lead Legal Specialist and Monitoring Officer clarified that the MOU clearly stated that it was not creating legal relations.  It set parameters between public sector bodies to give understanding how things would work.  There were no legal implications and it did not make for a binding agreement.

In accordance with Procedure Rule No. 13 (3) the Chairman requested a recorded vote.  This was duly seconded.

The Chairman then put the recommendation to the Council and the voting was as follows:

For the recommendation:

Councillors M G Bassenger, Miss A M Beale, B S Beale, V J Bell, Mrs P A Channer, M F L Durham, M R Edwards, B B Heubner, A L Hull, J V Keyes, K M H Lagan, C Mayes, C P Morley, S P Nunn, N G F Shaughnessy, R H Siddall, W Stamp, E L Stephens, Mrs J C Stilts, C Swain, Mrs M E Thompson and Miss S White.

Against the recommendation:

Councillor C Morris.

Abstention:

Councillor K W Jarvis.

This was therefore agreed.

RESOLVED that the Council agrees to be a signatory to the Mid-Essex Alliance Memorandum of Understanding.

Councillor K W Jarvis left and returned to the meeting during this item of business and abstained from the vote.