Agenda and draft minutes

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting and went through some general housekeeping arrangements for the meeting.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors M G Bassenger, K M H Lagan, A M Lay, C P Morley, N G F Shaughnessy and S White.

To confirm the Minutes of the Council meeting held on 12 December 2024 (copy enclosed).

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 12 December 2024 be approved and confirmed.

To disclose the existence and nature of any Disclosable Pecuniary Interests, Other Registrable interests and Non-Registrable Interests relating to items of business on the agenda having regard to paragraph 9 and Appendix B 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

Willany Members affectedby Section106 pleasenote that anydeclarations to thateffect should bemade onthe commencementof themeeting or immediately onarrival if thisis later. Under Section106 a Memberwho has notpaid anamount due inrespect oftheir Council Taxfor at least twomonths after it became payableis precludedfrom voting onany matters affectingthe levelof Council Taxor thearrangements for administeringthe CouncilTax. (TheMember is, however, entitledto speak).

There were none.

To receive questions from members of the public, of which prior notification in writing has been received (no later than noon two clear working days before the day of the Council meeting).

Should you wish to submit a question please complete the online form at www.maldon.gov.uk/publicparticipation.

There were none.

At this point the Leader of the Council advised that in response to a public question received by the Council at its meeting on 14 November 2024 he had provided a statement about the number of properties occupied at Westcombe Park, according to the Council’s Council Tax records. Following correspondence with the master developer the Leader informed Members that he was able to provide an update and as at 2 December 2024 the total number of occupations stood at 117 dwellings. Since that date further correspondence on 3 February 2025 showed that on 31 January 2025 there had been a total of 141 residential occupations.

The Leader of the Council advised that Councillor N G F Shaughnessy was currently undergoing treatment in hospital and on behalf of all Members wished her well and looked forward to seeing her back in the chamber.

Councillor R Pratt informed the Council that, in his role as Vice-Chairperson, he had attended a moving and poignant Holocaust Memorial Day at Rayleigh, hosted by Rochford District Council.

Alongside the Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson had attended the day of dedication at the Maldon Woodland Glade at Maldon Cemetery. This event had been delayed due to the storm in December 2024. Memorial trees had been placed by volunteers and all families present were able to add wooden plaques with personal messages onto the trees.

It was noted that the Chairperson had attended the Heavy Vehicle meet at the Promenade Park and thanks were given to all staff involved.

Members were advised that Procedure Rule 4(8)3 standing to address the Chairperson would be suspended for this meeting.

Link to Committee report pack

Amended Contract Procedure Rules in line with legislation under the Procurement Act 2023

RECOMMENDED

(i)             That subject to the above amendment, the Contract Procedure Rules 2025 (attached at APPENDIX 1) be approved to ensure the Council is compliant with the Procurement Act 2023;

(ii)            that the Council’s Constitution at pages 218 to 242 is updated with the Contract Procedure Rules 2025.

The Council considered the following recommendation coming forward from the Performance, Governance and Audit Committee for consideration:

Amended Contract Procedure Rules in line with legislation under the Procurement Act 2023

RESOLVED

(i)             That subject to the above amendment, the Contract Procedure Rules 2025 (attached at Appendix 1 to the Council agenda) be approved to ensure the Council is compliant with the Procurement Act 2023;

(ii)            that the Council’s Constitution at pages 218 to 242 is updated with the Contract Procedure Rules 2025.

At this point in the meeting Councillor Durham made a short statement. Referring to the last six months, his recent illness and the unexpected death of his eldest son the previous month. Councillor Durham expressed his sincere and heartfelt gratitude for all the messages of condolence, cards and flowers that his family had received during this very difficult time. He thanked Councillor Driver for covering for him at meetings and along with support received from the local government family at Maldon and Essex.

Link to the Committee report pack

Fees and Charges Additional Information: Car Park Charges – Burnham-on-Crouch

RECOMMENDED

(i)             That the Car Park charges proposed for all Burnham-on-Crouch car parks not be agreed, and the Council continues to offer free car parking at all Burnham-on-Crouch car parks.

Council Tax Support Scheme 2025 / 26

RECOMMENDED

(i)         That the following changes to the existing schemes are approved:

a.      a cost of living increase in line with the Department for Work and Pensions schemes be included in the Local Council Tax Support Scheme (LCTS) for 2025 / 26 for Pensioners only;

b.      that any legislative changes being introduced to the Housing Benefit Scheme, for 2025 / 26 are mirrored in the Council’s LCTS to ensure consistency;

c.      minor technical amendments to ensure that the Council is able to administer the Scheme reflecting current local and national guidance and that the Council may disregard anything determined to be a local welfare payment from its calculation;

(ii)            that these decisions have been made following Members careful reading of and regard to the Equality Impact Assessment at APPENDIX 1;

(iii)           that Members note the unchanged framework for the Hardship Provision at APPENDIX 2;

(iv)           that the Policy document at APPENDIX 3 be approved;

(v)            that the final Policy document relating to the Council Tax Support Scheme at APPENDIX 4 be approved.

Business Rate and Council Tax Discretionary Polices 2025 / 26

RECOMMENDED

(i)             That the proposed Discretionary Non-Domestic Rate Relief Scheme at APPENDIX 5 be approved;

(ii)            That the proposed Empty Homes and Second Homes Premium Policy at APPENDIX 6 be approved.

Hythe Quay Dredging Project

RECOMMENDED

(i)             That a budget provision of up to £135,000 is created for desilting the Hythe Quay and Visitors Pontoon.

UK Shared Prosperity Fund 2025 / 26 Allocation

RECOMMENDED

(i)             that Members consider the opportunity to 100% match fund the Council’s allocation to maximise delivery opportunities for the benefit of communities and the District.

Revised Health and Safety Policy and Statement of Intent

The Strategy and Resources Committee (S&R) at its meeting on 23 January 2025 discussed the report related to this item of business and Members made a number of recommendations to the Council.

Following feedback from the S&R, the Council is asked to defer consideration of these recommendations to allow Officers to review the tone of the Council’s Corporate Health and Safety (H&S) Policy before it is brought forward to the Council for approval. In response to recommendation (i) Officers propose that the Council has a separate H&S policy for Members that better reflects their activities, linking to other relevant policies as required. As Council Members are generally not classed as ‘paid employees’ and so in some respects, fall outside of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, senior officers feel this would be a better approach. Members will have the ability to inform this Policy through a focused Task and Finish Working Group, with the Corporate Health and  ...  view the full agenda text for item 537.

The Council considered the following recommendations coming forward from the Strategy and Resources Committee for consideration. These recommendations were presented to the Council by Councillor J Driver, Vice-Chairperson of the Strategy and Resources Committee.

Fees and Charges Additional Information: Car Park Charges – Burnham-on-Crouch

In response to a query by Councillor A S Fluker regarding consultation with the Doctors surgery, and why Members of the Car Parking Task & Finish and Finance Working Groups had not supported the proposal at the last meeting of the Strategy and Resources Committee, Councillor Driver advised that he would provide a written response.

Councillor Driver then moved the recommendation and upon a vote being taken this was duly agreed. Councillors Driver and M F L Durham asked that their abstention from the vote be recorded.

RESOLVED that the Car Park charges proposed for all Burnham-on-Crouch car parks not be agreed, and the Council continues to offer free car parking at all Burnham-on-Crouch car parks.

Council Tax Support Scheme 2024 / 25

RESOLVED

(i)         That the following changes to the existing schemes are approved:

a.         a cost of living increase in line with the Department for Work and Pensions schemes be included in the Local Council Tax Support (LCTS) Scheme for 2025 / 26 for Pensioners only;

b.         that any legislative changes being introduced to the Housing Benefit Scheme, for 2025 / 26 are mirrored in the Council’s LCTS Scheme to ensure consistency;

c.         minor technical amendments to ensure that the Council is able to administer the Scheme reflecting current local and national guidance and that the Council may disregard anything determined to be a local welfare payment from our calculation;

(ii)        that these decisions have been made following Members careful reading of and regard to the Equality Impact Assessment at Appendix 1 to the report considered by the Strategy and Resources Committee;

(iii)       that Members note the unchanged framework for the Hardship Provision at Appendix 2 to the report considered by the Strategy and Resources Committee;

(iv)       that the Policy document at Appendix 3 to the report considered by the Strategy and Resources Committee be approved;

(v)        that the Policy document at Appendix 4 to the report considered by the Strategy and Resources Committee be approved.

Business Rate and Council Tax Discretionary Policies

RESOLVED

(i)         That the proposed Discretionary Non-Domestic Rate Relief Scheme at Appendix 1 to the report considered by the Strategy and Resources Committee be approved.

(ii)        That the proposed Empty Homes and Second Homes Premium Policy at Appendix 2 to the report considered by the Strategy and Resources Committee be approved.

Hythe Quay Dredging Project

RESOLVED that a budget provision of up to £135,000 is created for desilting the Hythe Quay and Visitors Pontoon.

UK Shared Prosperity Fund 2025 / 26 Allocation

RESOLVED that Members consider the opportunity to 100% match fund the Council’s allocation to maximise delivery opportunities for the benefit of communities and the District.

Revised Health and Safety Policy and Statement of Intent

Councillor Driver  ...  view the full minutes text for item 537.

To note that since the last Council, up until Wednesday 5 February 2025 (Council agenda dispatch) the following Committees have met, and to receive any questions in accordance with Council and Committee Procedure Rule 6 (2).

The Council noted the list of Committees that had met before and since the last meeting of the Council, up until Wednesday 5 February 2025 for which Minutes had been published.

To resolve that under Section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act, and that this satisfies the public interest test.

RESOLVED that under Section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act, and that this satisfies the public interest test.

To consider the report of the Interim Chief Finance Officer (copy enclosed).

The Committee considered the report of the Interim Chief Finance Officer presenting Members with income and savings proposals to reduce the projected budget gap through the period of the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) 2025 / 26 to 2028 / 29.

The report provided an update in respect of the MTFS, funding expected and the projected budget gap for future years. It was noted that a further drawdown of reserves would be required to balance the revenue budget in 2025 / 26. The Finance Working Group would be undertaking further work to address the remaining gap in future years, and this would be reported to the Strategy and Resources Committee during 2025 / 26.

Appendix 1 to the report set out a number of options to close the budget gap and each item had been given a Red, Amber, Green rating in terms of deliverability and impact.

It was noted that the Strategy and Resources Committee had considered this report at its meeting on 23 January 2025 and recommended that the savings identified be supported.

In response to questions, Members were provided with further information regarding some of the saving options identified.

Councillor A S Fluker proposed that the Council agree the recommendation and thanked the Interim Chief Finance Officer, commenting that the position was much better than that reported 12 months ago. This proposal was duly seconded and upon a vote being taken was agreed.

RESOLVED that the final list of income and savings options as set out in Appendix 1 to the report, be approved.

To resume the meeting of the Council in open business.

RESOLVED that the meeting of the Council resumed in open session at 8:03pm.

To receive a Budget Statement from the Leader of the Council, to consider the following reports of the Section 151 Officer (copies enclosed) and to determine the level of Council Tax.

Members’ attention is drawn to the following Procedure Rules:

·                Voting – Procedure Rule 13(5) set outs the requirement for any vote taken at a budget decision meeting (as defined by the Local Government Finance Act 1992) to be recorded in the Minutes.

·                Budget Speech – Procedure Rule 1(13)(a) sets out the time limits in relation to the budget speech and (b) details the requirements for making alternative proposal or amendment as part of the Budget and Council Tax setting.

The Council considered the reports of the Interim Chief Finance Officer (Section 151 Officer), on the recommendations of the Strategy and Resources Committee at its meeting on 23 January 2025 relating to the revenue budget and the proposed level of Council for 2025 / 26.

The Leader of the Council made a budget speech (attached at APPENDIX 1 to these Minutes), during which he thanked the Interim Chief Finance Officer and his team for their hard work. He advised Members that the proposed budget and Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) provided a financial framework and strategic plan for the Council to deliver the priorities in its corporate plan. The Leader believed that the Council had the financial resources, workforce, leadership and determination to achieve the goals and looked forward to Members supporting the budget and MTFS presented.

In accordance with Procedure Rule 1(13)a, each of the Opposition Leaders responded to the budget speech.

Councillor J C Stilts, Leader of the District Support Group (DSG), thanked Officers for the work that went into presenting the budget and noted that it was a cross-party budget which supported the corporate plan and strategic priorities of the Council. She highlighted the importance of ensuring Maldon was a good place for the future and continuing to support businesses, tourism and residents. She advised that the DSG supported the recommendation, specifically not to introduce car parking fees in Burnham-on-Crouch, the proposed desilting of the Hythe Quay and reintroduction of green food waste sacks. Councillor Stilts informed the Council that the DSG was committed to working in partnership with other Groups and ensuring collaboration with the Police and other organisations to keep services local for residents.

Councillor J Driver, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group (LDG), thanked the Leader for his speech and he noted the number of significant achievements made by the Council along with the changes made since the last election in 2023. He referred to the collaborative working of the LDG with the other political groups and thanked the Interim Chief Finance Officer along with the Finance Working Group for all the work which resulted in a finance plan that reflected strategic priorities and community needs. Councillor Driver referred to the continuing aim to deliver and improve services for residents and commented on the reintroduction of green bags for food recycling in response to residents’ concerns and the investment in community facilities such as play areas and skate parks. The Council needed to ensure it built a stronger voice in support of health, education, transport and affordable housing needs of the District. He commented how the Governments new planning policy placed greater pressure on the Council’s planning department and the ongoing need to ensure the department was resourced and organised to meet these challenges. The Local Government Reform and Devolution presented significant challenges for the Council and Councillor Driver commented on the need for the Council to be strategically positioned to navigate them effectively. Overall, the LDG supported the budget which demonstrated strong financial planning  ...  view the full minutes text for item 542.

RESOLVED that the Council approves:

(i)             the Capital and Investment Strategy 2025 / 26 (Appendix 1 to the report), which includes the Capital Programme for 2025 / 26 – 2028 / 29 (Appendix 1a) and new Capital Projects Bids (Appendix 1b);

(ii)            the Minimum Revenue Provision Statement 2025 / 26 (Appendix 2 to the report);

(iii)           the Treasury Management Strategy 2025 / 26 (Appendix 3 to the report), with the Treasury Management Practices (Appendix 3a).

The Chairperson moved the recommendations set out in the report.

In response to a question raised regarding the Leisure Contract and the assurance statement of the Interim Chief Financial Officer Members were advised that the risk identified relating to the volatility of the contract was because it was demand led, something which the Council could not control, and in response the Council had put mitigations in place which was the normal course of business. The Section 151 Officer had highlighted this within his report to ensure that Members and the public were fully aware of it and that measures had been put in place. A further question regarding sharing the details of the contract with Members, the Officer advised that he would advise Members outside of the meeting.

The Chairperson then put the recommendations and in accordance with earlier notification the voting was as follows:

For the recommendation:

Councillors V J Bell, D O Bown, S J Burwood, J Driver, M F L Durham, A Fittock, A S Fluker, L J Haywood, J C Hughes, K Jennings, W J Laybourn, S J N Morgan, M G Neall, R G Pratt, R H Siddall, U G C Siddall-Norman, N D Spenceley, P L Spenceley, W Stamp, E L Stephens, J C Stilts, N J Swindle and M E Thompson.

Against the recommendation: None.

Abstain: None.

The Chairperson declared that these recommendations were therefore agreed.

RESOLVED

(i)             that the following be approved:

(a)           the Revised 2024 / 25 and Original 2025 / 26 General Fund Revenue Budget Estimates (Appendices 1, 2 and 3 to the report),

(b)           an average Band D council tax of £232.01 (excluding parish precepts) (£6.74 increase) for 2025 / 26 (Appendix 1 to the report),

(c)           policies on the designated use of financial reserves (Appendix 4 to the report).

(ii)            that the Council maintains the current policy of a minimum general fund balance of £2,600,000.

(iii)           that the Council gives due regard to the Interim Chief Finance Officer (Section 151 Officer) statement on the robustness of budgets and adequacy of reserves in Appendix 5 to the report.

RESOLVEDthat the revised Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2025/26 to 2028/29 (Appendix 1 to the report), as recommended by the Strategy and Resources Committee (and any subsequent necessary adjustments), be approved.

The Chairperson moved the recommendations set out in the report and this was duly seconded. In accordance with earlier notification the voting was as follows:

For the recommendation:

Councillors V J Bell, D O Bown, S J Burwood, J Driver, M F L Durham, A Fittock, A S Fluker, L J Haywood, J C Hughes, K Jennings, W J Laybourn, S J N Morgan, M G Neall, R G Pratt, R H Siddall, U G C Siddall-Norman, N D Spenceley, P L Spenceley, W Stamp, E L Stephens, J C Stilts, N J Swindle and M E Thompson.

Against the recommendation: None.

Abstain: None.

RESOLVED

(i)             that Maldon District Council’s Council Tax Requirement for 2025 / 26 is set at £6,230,489;

(ii)            that the Maldon District Council’s Band D Council Tax (excluding Parish precepts) is set at £232.01, reflecting an increase of £6.74 (2.99%), all other bands being determined in accordance with the relevant Sections of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, as amended;

(iii)           that the precept demands and level of Band D Council Tax of the Essex County Council, the Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Fire and Rescue Authority for both Police and Fire, and the various Parish Councils within the District be determined as set out in the report, all other bands being determined in accordance with the relevant Sections of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, as amended;

(iv)          that the Council agrees the resolution set out at Appendix A to the report.

There were none.

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

The Council considered the report of the Deputy Chief Executive seeking Members’ confirmation of the Council office’s location in the immediate term so that key dependencies could be progressed.

The report provided background information regarding the viability of the Council building at Princes Road, the initial intention of the Council to relocate from Princes Road and the pausing of the project whilst focus was given to establishing the Council’s Asset Management Strategy. Members were advised that since this time a number of other initiatives relating to building maintenance and repair, set out in the report, had reached a stage where critical decisions were needed in order to be able to move forward.

With Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation the future of the building and its role within local authority was unclear. Officers were therefore recommending that the Council confirmed its intention to remain in the Council Office building in the immediate term. This would enable critical operations and strategic decisions to be made regarding the Council’s Net Zero, Repair, Maintenance and Refurbishment ambitions and for them to be delivered whilst wider decisions were made.

The Chairperson moved the recommendations set out in the report and these were duly seconded.

During the debate that ensued and in response to questions, the following information was provided by Officers:

·                All the requests and references within the report were in principle. Confirmation of any spend would come back through the appropriate Committees or the Council for sign off and at that point the detail would be presented. This report was seeking approval to do further work around the work being requested.

·                Three reports had been undertaken with regards to the Council building, one of these related to the efficiency of the building and what could be put in place with regards to Net Zero infrastructure. This was guidance and further work was required to provide more assurance.

·                The monies detailed were an indicative indication of what could be spent. The Leader commented that of these monies it was expected that a large proportion would come from grants and the Net Zero Working Group had been looking at this.

·                It was confirmed that a report on Net Zero, including some health and safety issues which had been considered by the Net Zero Working Group could be shared with Members.

The Chairperson put the recommendations which were duly agreed.

RESOLVED

(i)             That Maldon District Council will continue to operate from the Council Offices at Princes Road;

(ii)            That Maldon District Council will not be seeking to develop another site or relocate the Council to another office building for the immediate term;

(iii)           That the principle of 2025 spend from reserves with the purpose of ensuring urgent maintenance items are progressed is approved and details of any spend will follow normal approval processes as specified;

(iv)           That the principle of progressing with Net Zero feasibility and for officers to secure relevant funding to support this activity is approved;

(v)            That the principle of progressing further work with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 544.

To consider the report of the Monitoring Officer (copy enclosed).

The Council considered the report of the Monitoring Officer seeking Members agreement of a formal response on behalf of the Council to the Government consultation on member standards and conduct. A draft consultation response was attached at Appendix A to the report.

The Monitoring Officer explained that the consultation sought views on the introduction of a mandatory minimum code of conduct for local authorities in England, and measures to strengthen the standards and conduct regime in England to ensure consistency of approach amongst Councils investigating serious breaches of Member codes of conduct, including the introduction of the power of suspension. Following discussions with Group Leaders, a consultation response on behalf of the Council had been drafted. It was noted that any individual could also respond to the consultation using the link provided within the report.

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

In response to questions and queries from Members, the Monitoring Officer provided the following information:

·                In respect of question 12 where a breach was found the investigation results would be published but would remain private if no breach was found. It was agreed that further clarity would be added to the response to question 12.

·                It was not felt that a response was appropriate to questions 14 and 15 as these related more to an individual rather than a group.

·                It was agreed that the response to question 17 would be updated to clarify that the Council did put measures in place to support staff and Members. Members were reminded that the Council’s Employee Assistance Programme was available to Members as well as staff and was available 24/7, 365 days a year.

·                In respect of question 25, Members were advised that there was no clear guidance, but the Officer would add further clarification.

The Chairperson moved the recommendations which were duly agreed. The Monitoring Officer advised that she would add a few points of clarification to the questions raised.

RESOLVED that subject to further clarification by the Monitoring Officer, the Council endorsed the draft consultation response to the Governments’ consultation on member standards and conduct.

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

The Council considered the report of the Deputy Chief Executive seeking Members’ adoption of the reviewed Statement of Licensing Policy 2025 / 2030 (attached as Appendix A to the report), made as required under the Licensing Act 2005 (the Act).

The report set out the requirement on the Council (as a Licensing Authority) under the Act to publish a Statement of Licensing Policy (the Policy). The Policy outlined the Council’s general approach to upholding the licensing objectives when making sections under the Act.

It was noted that the Licensing Committee had considered the revised Policy and since then a public consultation had taken place. Responses were received from three consultees and the details of these were set out in the report.

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

Councillor M F L Durham raised a query relating to Essex Outdoors, based at Bradwell, and licenses for its boats and boat operators. It was confirmed that Officers would pick this up outside of the meeting.

Councillor A S Fluker declared an interest in this item of business as he was a harbour commissioner.

RESOLVED that the Statement of Licensing Policy 2025 – 2030 be adopted.

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

The Council considered the report of the Deputy Chief Executive seeking Members’ approval of the Street Collection Policy 2025 / 2030 (the Policy), attached as Appendix 1 to the report.

Members were advised that the Policy provided guidance relating to charitable street collections on how the Council administered applications for permits, applied the law / regulations and ensured fairness to charities. The existing policy had been updated to take into account current best practice and updated guidance.

The report informed of the Council’s responsibility for issuing permits for charitable street collections within the District as directed by the ‘Police, Factories etc. (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1916 and the requirements under this Act.

Following consideration by the Licensing Committee, the revised Policy had been published for public consultation and it was noted that no responses had been received to the consultation.

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

RESOLVED that the Street Collection Policy 2025 / 2030 be adopted.

There were none.

To resolve that under Section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act, and that this satisfies the public interest test.

RESOLVED that under Section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act, and that this satisfies the public interest test.

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

The Council considered the report of the Deputy Chief Executive seeking Members’ agreement to appoint a contractor to provide cleansing services for Council facilities including public conveniences, promenade depot offices, welfare facilities and cemetery toilets and chapels.

It was noted that the Council’s current Public Convenience Cleaning Contract (the Contract) was due to expire at the end of April 2025. The Strategy and Resources Committee on 13 June 2024 had agreed to re-tender the contract to ensure best value for money, along with allowing the introduction of additional Key Performance indicators and the implementation of enhanced cleaning schedules in order to meet the changing needs of the public. A Working Group had been established to discuss the proposed contract and details of this along with the Tender process and the results of this were set out in the report.

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

During the debate that ensued, Officers provided further clarification and information in response to questions raised.

The Chairperson put the recommendations which were duly agreed.

RESOLVED that the Public Convenience Cleaning Contract be awarded to Bidder A as per the recommendations detailed within Appendix 1 to the report.