Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Chief Executive, (copy enclosed).

The Council considered the report of the Chief Executive seeking Members’ approval of the North Essex Councils (NEC), North Essex Local Growth Priorities document attached at Appendix 1 to the report.

The NEC partnership was established to drive forward collaborative working in a range of strategic areas including housing growth, economic development and climate action. The report set out the NEC Members.

The Leader of the Council introduced the report providing detailed background information regarding the development of the priorities document through collaborative working across all North Essex partners. He highlighted that although the mayoral elections would not be taking place in 2026 the combined authority would still be formed and that local plans were a key part of the work that the Government still wanted to take place. Despite the deferral of mayoral elections, the Leader explained that the formation of the combined authority would progress as previously set out and that the report was therefore the opportunity for the Council to raise a number of its key concerns as part of the formation of that new authority.

The Head of Economic Development gave a short presentation which provided further background information, the NEC vision and outcomes and set out the Growth Priorities which had been identified. The future-facing ambition of the priorities and how they are designed to remain relevant through LGR were set out in Appendix 1 to the report.

The Chairperson moved the recommendation set out in the report and this was duly seconded.

A lengthy debate ensued and in response to comments made the following information was provided:

·                It was understood that the new mayor would have the adult skills budget devolved to them which would give greater opportunity and flexibility to ensure the needs of Maldon district are delivered.

·                Councillor J R Burrell-Cook informed the Council of work he had been doing with Gwyn Owen on the inclusion of tourism as an addendum to the Policy. He advised that details of this had been shared with the Chief Executive and Leader of the Council.

·                In response to comments about the Maldon District being neglected in the report, the Head of Economic Development advised that Officers as well as the Leader had robustly presented the needs of the District, however as a regional strategic document some concessions were required across all North Essex Councils.

·                Concerns regarding tourism and hospitality were acknowledged by Officers, and it was noted that the work of the NEC related to the priorities across that particular area. Work regarding tourism, culture, heritage etc. formed part of work being undertaken with Greater Essex devolution.

·                It was confirmed, in terms of concessions made by the Council in discussions at the NEC, this related to not having reference to St. Peters Hospital within the document. It was noted that Officers and the Leader had sought for inclusion and therefore investment in this site, but it was not currently included in detail but did reference the St. Peters site. However, it was commented  ...  view the full minutes text for item 400