Issue - meetings

To disclose the existence and nature of any Disclosable Pecuniary Interests, other Pecuniary Interests or Non-Pecuniary Interests relating to items of business on the agenda having regard to paragraphs 6 - 8 inclusive of the Code of Conduct for Members.

(Members are reminded that they are also required to disclose any such interests as soon as they become aware should the need arise throughout the meeting).

Local Government Finance Act 1992 – Section 106

Will any Members affected by Section 106 please note that any declarations to that effect should be made on the commencement of the meeting or immediately on arrival if this is later.  Under Section 106 a Member who has not paid an amount due in respect of their Council Tax for at least two months after it became payable is precluded from voting on any matters affecting the level of Council Tax or the arrangements for administering the Council Tax.  (The Member is, however, entitled to speak).

Councillor W Stamp declared a non-pecuniary interest as a Member of Essex County Council (ECC).

Councillor M F L Durham declared a non-pecuniary interest as a Member of ECC, advising that ECC were the main beneficiaries for Council Tax.

Councillor C Mayes declared a non-pecuniary interest in Agenda Item 9c – Discretionary Fees and Charges 2022 / 23 as she was the secretary for Maldon and Heybridge Heritage Harbour and the Brent Trust.

Councillor Mrs J L Fleming declared a non-pecuniary interest as a Member of ECC and any matter relating to them on the agenda.

Councillor A S Fluker advised that in relation to Agenda Item 13 – Updated Discretionary Non-Domestic Rate Relief Policy, given his involvement with Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the District, how they worked and trained with regards to the Policy he would leave the chamber at the start of this item and not return.

Councillor M S Heard declared a non-pecuniary interest in Agenda Item 9c – Discretionary Fees and Charges 2022 / 23 as a Trustee of the Brent Steam Tug Trust.

Councillor C Morris advised he would not be voting on anything to do with Council Tax.  He made a brief statement at this point during which Councillor Mrs M E Thompson raised a Point of Order advising that declarations were for stating matters of fact.  Councillor Morris continued referring to the legality of Council Tax in relation to the Local Government and Finance Act 1992.

Councillor K M H Lagan declared a non-pecuniary interest in Agenda Item 9c – Discretionary Fees and Charges 2022 / 23 as a Member of the Maldon Heritage Harbour Association.

Councillor Miss S White declared in relation to Agenda Item 13 – Updated Discretionary Non-Domestic Rate Relief Policy she ran a small business and would listen to the debate but not vote on this item of business.

Councillor R P F Dewick declared that as a recipient of Non-Domestic Rates he had a pecuniary interest and would leave the room for Agenda Item 13 – Updated Discretionary Non-Domestic Rate Relief Policy.

Following the declarations Councillor Stamp raised a question regarding council tax arrears and during the discussion that followed Councillor Stamp asked that the Minutes note that Councillor Morris had made an allegation at this point.