Agenda

To confirm the Minutes of the Council meeting held on 11 December 2025 (copy enclosed).

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

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).

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.

To consider the recommendations coming forward from the Committees detailed below.  Please note that the Minutes of these meetings are not enclosed as they have not been approved at Committee level.

Link to Committee report pack

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 for 2026 / 27 for Pensioners only;

b.         that any legislative changes being introduced to the Housing Benefit Scheme, for 2026 / 27 are mirrored in the Council’s LCTS to ensure consistency;

(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 largely unchanged framework for the Hardship Provision at APPENDIX 2;

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

Business Rates and Council Tax Discretionary Reductions

RECOMMENDED

(i)             That subject to incorporation of the provisional amendments (set out in the Addendum report to the Strategy and Resources Committee on 29 January 2026 (APPENDIX 4), the amended Policy for the granting of Discretionary Non-Domestic Rate Relief at APPENDIX 1, to reflect updated Government guidance and legislation be approved;

(ii)            that the Director of Finance (S151 officer), in consultation with the Chairperson of the Strategy and Resources Committee, is granted delegated powers to consider and make minor technical amendments to the Policy for the granting of Discretionary Non-Domestic Rate Relief, in line with final Government guidance, as soon as reasonably practicable, to enable the award of this relief to eligible businesses;

(iii)           that minor amendments to the Empty Homes and Second Homes Premium Policy 2025 / 26 document at APPENDIX 2 be noted;

(i)             that minor amendments to the Council Tax S13A (1) (C) Local Government Act 1992 Policy document at APPENDIX 3 be noted.

Please note that the following recommendations coming forward from the Strategy and Resources Committee are not for consideration at this point as they form part of other agenda items (see below) due to be considered at this meeting:

Agenda Item 9 – 2026 / 27 Budget and Medium-Term Financial Strategy

·                Medium-Term Financial Strategy 2026 / 27 – 2028 / 29;

·                Proposed Budget 2026 / 27;

·                Capital and Investment Strategy for 2026 / 27, Minimum Revenue Provision Statement 2026 / 27 and Treasury Management Strategy 2026 / 27.

To note that since the last Council, up until Wednesday 4 February 2026 (Council agenda dispatch) the following Committees have met, and to receive any questions in accordance with Council and Committee Procedure Rule 6 (2).

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.

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

To consider the report of the Director of Place, Planning and Growth (copy enclosed).

To consider the report of the Director of Neighbourhood Services and Communities, (copy enclosed).

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