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 D O Bown, S J Burwood, K Jennings, M G Neall, S White and L L Wiffen.

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

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 11 December 2025 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

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 J R Burrell-Cook declared a pecuniary interest in Agenda Item 7a – Minute Book: Strategy and Resources Committee - 29 January 2026 as he operated a public house. He noted that in respect of this item the implementation date shown on page 32 of the report pack was incorrect. In respect of Agenda Item 11 - North Essex Local Growth Priorities Councillor Burrell-Cook advised that he had been working with Gwyn Own on the growth priorities. This was noted.

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.

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In accordance with Part 4 Rule 8(3) of the Constitution, the Chairperson advised that he would be suspending the need to stand.

The Chairperson advised that he would be changing the order of business and moving Agenda Item 11 - North Essex Local Growth Priorities up the agenda.

Members were asked to refrain from using keyboards and electronic devices during the meeting unless necessary as they were distracting.

The Chairperson advised that on behalf of the Council he had recently attending the national Holocaust memorial day at Rochford District Council. He advised this was a humbling and moving day and the importance of not forgetting the atrocities of the past.

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.

At this point in the meeting and following his earlier declaration, Councillor J R Burrell-Cook left the meeting.

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.

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, Chairperson of the Strategy and Resources Committee.

Council Tax Support Scheme 2026 / 27

Councillor Driver advised that the Council agenda incorrectly referred to 2025 / 26. He then put the recommendations which were duly seconded and agreed.

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 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 to the Council agenda;

(iii)       that Members note the largely unchanged framework for the Hardship Provision at Appendix 2 to the Council agenda;

(iv)       that the Policy document at Appendix 3 to the Council agenda be approved.

Business Rate and Council Tax Discretionary Policies

RESOLVED

(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 to the Council Agenda), the amended Policy for the granting of Discretionary Non-Domestic Rate Relief at Appendix 1 to the Council Agenda, 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 to the Council Agenda be noted;

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

Councillor Driver reminded Members that the following recommendations coming forward from this Committee were not for consideration at this point as they formed part of the following Agenda Items:

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

·                Medium-Term Financial Strategy;

·                Proposed Budget 2026 / 27;

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

Councillor J R Burrell-Cook returned to the chamber at this point.

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).

The Council noted the list of Committees that had met before and since the last meeting of the Council, up until Wednesday 4 February 2026 for which Minutes had been published.

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

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

Members were reminded that the Council had considered the document at its meeting on 11 December 2025, where it had been recommended that the document be deferred and sent back to the NEC to consider inclusion of the items raised, including St. Peter’s hospital, tourism, specific transport and skills & training. Following this the Director of the NEC (Mr Gwyn Owen) had attended a Group Leaders meeting where clarity on some of the content of the proposed plan was sought. The Director of the NEC agreed to incorporate this feedback and the revised document was now presented to the Council (Appendix 1) for consideration.

The Leader of the Council introduced the report and moved the recommendations set out in the report. These were duly seconded. The Head of Economic Development then provided further detail before introducing the Director of the NEC who gave a short presentation outlining the importance of having a unified North Essex position and how this would strengthen the strategic case for projects and increase the likelihood of securing transformative investment in the North of the county. He took Members through how their feedback had been taken on board and incorporated into the document and outlined the next steps.

Thanks were given to the NEC Director for the work he had undertaken to meet with Members and incorporate their feedback. The Council also gave its thanks to the Head of Economic Development for her work on this project.

The Chairperson then put the recommendations which were duly agreed by assent.

RESOLVED

(i)             That Members acknowledged the amendments made to the document further to feedback;

(ii)            That the North Essex Local Growth Priorities (Appendix 1 to the report) be approved for the socio-economic benefit of the region and District.

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 Director of Finance, on the recommendations of the Strategy and Resources Committee at its meeting on 29 January 2026 relating to the revenue budget and the proposed level of Council for 2026 / 27.

The Leader of the Council made a budget speech (attached at APPENDIX 1 to these Minutes), during which he thanked the Chief Finance Officer and his team for their hard work alongside the Finance Working Group. He advised Members that the proposed budget and Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) provided a financial framework and strategic plan for the Council, supporting its priorities and ensuring a long-term legacy was provided for the District. The Leader confirmed that the Council had the financial resources and dedicated workforce to meet the challenges ahead. He urged Members to endorse the proposed budget and MTFS to continue the vital work of serving the community and together, continue to deliver excellence for the Maldon District now and into the future.

The Leader of the Council then proposed that the recommendations set out in the reports at Agenda Items 9a – 9d be agreed. This proposal was duly seconded.

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

Councillor J Driver, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, thanked the Leader of the Council for sharing his budget speech in advance and acknowledged the collaborative and constructive culture that had developed within Maldon District Council. He noted the thorough work of the Finance Member Working Group and officers in producing a robust and transparent budget. It was highlighted that the budget was not only technically balanced but was also considered responsible, protecting essential services, ensuring value for money, and enabling targeted investment through prudent borrowing to support projects across the district. Councillor Driver emphasised the importance of local councils in strengthening communities and called for fairer long-term funding settlements, as well as a strong Maldon voice in the transition to a unitary authority, particularly regarding key infrastructure such as health, education and medical services. He concluded by stating that the budget reflected the Liberal Democrats’ commitment to constructive, positive change and encouraged the Council to carry forward the best of Maldon into the future.

Councillor S J Morgan, Leader of the Conservative Group, thanked the Leader of the Council for presenting the budget and acknowledged the collaborative work undertaken through the Finance Member Working Group. He noted that officers had provided clear guidance throughout the process and commented that this was the third budget he had experienced, each demonstrating continued improvement. Councillor Morgan highlighted the strengths of the district, including its valued services and strong waste contract, while recognising the challenges ahead as the move toward unitary authorities approached. He stressed the importance of leaving Maldon in a strong position and maintaining its unique character and confirmed that the Conservative Group would be supporting the budget.

Councillor W Stamp, Deputy Leader of the District Support Group (DSG) spoke on behalf of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

RESOLVED

(i)             That the Council considered the principles of the MTFS set out in the report and as recommended by the Strategy and Resources Committee, agreed any changes, and makes recommendations as appropriate to the Council;

(ii)            That the Council recognises that the MTFS has been developed through ongoing consultation with the Finance Member Working Group in its meetings from June 2025.

RESOLVEDthat the following be approved:

(i)             the Capital and Investment Strategy 2026/27 (Appendix 1 to the report), which includes the Capital Programme for 2026/27 – 2029/30 and new Capital Projects Bids (Appendix 2 to the report);

(ii)            the Minimum Revenue Provision Statement 2026/27 (Appendix 3 to the report);

(iii)       the Treasury Management Strategy 2026/27 (Appendix 4 to the report, with the Treasury Management Practices).

In accordance with Procedure Rule 13(5) the Chairperson requested a recorded vote and this was duly seconded.

The Chairperson then read out the recommendations and put them to the Council. This was duly seconded.

In response to a query, the Monitoring Officer clarified that the recommendations in this report were assuming that this was the Council Tax band D level. If a Council Tax increase of 2.99% was not agreed this amount would be replaced with the amount agreed as part of the recommendations contained within the report at agenda item 9d. Therefore, Members could agree recommendations (i) to (viii) on block.

The Chairperson then moved the recommendations, and the voting was as follows:

For the recommendations:

Councillors M G Bassenger, V J Bell, J R Burrell-Cook, S Dodsley, J Driver, M F L Durham, A Fittock, L J Haywood, J C Hughes, K M H Lagan, A M Lay, W J Laybourn, S J N Morgan, C P Morley, R Pratt, R H Siddall, N D Spenceley, P L Spenceley, E L Stephens, J C Stilts, N Swindle and M E Thompson.

Against the recommendations:

Councillors A S Fluker, U G C Siddall-Norman and W Stamp.

Abstentions:None.

RESOLVED that the following be approved:

(i)         The reduction in core spending power allocation as set out in the provisional financial settlement for local government (see section 4.2 of the report). The final settlement is expected in the week of 9 February, and any changes will be reported to the meeting.

(ii)        The base budget changes from 2025/26 to 2026/27 (section 4.4 and Appendix 1 to the report).

(iii)       The revenue budget growth bids received and recommended growth and savings as discussed by the Finance Member Working Group (section 4.7 and Appendix 2);

(iv)       The repairs and renewals schemes proposed for 2026/27 (section 4.8 and Appendix 3 to the report);

(v)        The budget assumes the average Band D Council Tax of £238.95 (excluding parish precepts), which is a £6.94 or 2.99% increase for 2026/27 (section 4.9 of the report). The formal council tax resolution to be approved by council is set out elsewhere on this agenda. The basis for calculating the charge is set out in Appendix 4 to the report;

(vi)       The impact on reserves and the current policy for reserves, including of a minimum general fund balance of £2.6m as discussed by the Finance Member Working Group (section 4.10 and Appendix 5 to the report);

(vii)      the proposed policy on ‘excess’ reserves (paragraph 4.11.3 of the report);

(viii)     the advice of the Chief Finance Officer (S151 Officer) regarding the robustness of budgets and adequacy of reserves (section 5.6 and Appendix 6 to the report).

Councillor A S Fluker raised concerns regarding the budget before Members and the proposal to make investment in capital repairs and renewals, suggesting that in his view investment across the district appeared to be uneven. He further suggested that freezing Council Tax could mean that by the end of the Council’s life a total of £600,000 would have been returned indirectly to local tax payers. Councillor Fluker proposed, contrary to the proposals put forward, that the Council Tax for Maldon District Council be held at the same level as in 2025 / 26 and that to cover the shortfall in the proposed budget £189,000 be taken from the Council’s reserves. This proposal was duly seconded.

The Chairperson advised that this proposal would need to be taken as an amendment to the budget proposal.

In accordance with Procedure Rule No. 13 (3) Councillor A S Fluker requested a recorded vote. This was duly seconded.

The Chairperson then put the proposed amendment in the name of Councillor Fluker and the voting was as follows:

For the recommendation:

Councillors M F L Durham, A S Fluker, L J Haywood, U G C Siddall-Norman, W Stamp and J C Stilts,

Against the recommendation:

Councillors M G Bassenger, V J Bell, J R Burrell-Cook, S Dodsley, J Driver, A Fittock, J C Hughes, K M H Lagan, A M Lay, W J Laybourn, S J N Morgan, C P Morley, R Pratt, R H Siddall, N D Spenceley, P L Spenceley, E L Stephens, N Swindle and M E Thompson.

Abstention: None.

The Chairperson declared that the proposed amendment was therefore not agreed. He then put the recommendations as set out report and the voting was as follows:

For the recommendation:

Councillors M G Bassenger, V J Bell, J R Burrell-Cook, S Dodsley, J Driver, M F L Durham, A Fittock, J C Hughes, K M H Lagan, A M Lay, W J Laybourn, S J N Morgan, C P Morley, R Pratt, R H Siddall, N D Spenceley, P L Spenceley, E L Stephens, N Swindle and M E Thompson.

Against the recommendation:

Councillors A S Fluker, L J Haywood, U G C Siddall-Norman, W Stamp and J C Stilts,

Abstention: None.

The Chairperson advised that this was duly agreed.

RESOLVED

(i)             that Maldon District Council’s Council Tax Requirement for 2026 / 27 is set at £6,521,662;

(ii)        that the Maldon District Council’s Band D Council Tax (excluding Parish precepts) is set at £238.95, reflecting an increase of £6.94 (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  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11d

There were none.

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

The Council considered the report of the Director of Place, Planning and Growth seeking Members’ approval of the Five-Year Housing Land Supply (5YHLS) calculation for the Maldon District as at 1 April 2025 and attached as Appendix 1 to the report.

The report provided some background information regarding the 5YHLS and the calculation methodology. It was noted that the next calculation of the 5YHLS for the Maldon District was due in the summer of 2026 and would be undertaken in light of the revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) currently being consulted on, plus any updated guidance. Members’ attention was drawn to Appendix 1 and the current 5YHLS calculation of 4.1 years, noting that until the Council could demonstrate five years’ worth of housing land supply relevant policies within the Maldon Local Development Plan were considered out-of-date.

An update on the Local Plan review was set out in the report and implications of Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation. Members were informed that a new Project & Resourcing Plan and Project Initiation Document for a Local Plan under the new system was being prepared and would be reported to the Council in Spring 2026, following consideration by the Planning Policy Working Group (PPWG).

Councillor A Fittock, Chairperson of the PPWG, presented the report and then proposed that the recommendations set out in the report be agreed. This proposal was duly seconded.

The Director of Place, Planning and Growth referred to the collaborative working with Members, particularly the PPWG. He highlighted how the report set out the calculation of 4.1 years and the implications of the Council having a 5YHLS of less than five years. Other matters such as Local Government Reorganisation and the Government’s proposed initiatives to get the development industry built quicker were being considered and he outlined how further update to the 5YHLS would take place in due course considering any case law update and guidance. In response to a question regarding the testing of the 5YHLS by planning appeals, the Director explained how the Council had been open and transparent regarding the sites that made up the 5YHLS and he hoped that any statement of common ground would confirm 4.1years in line with what the Council had published.

The Chairperson moved the recommendations set out in the report and these were duly agreed. Thanks were given to Councillor Fittock for the work he done on the 5YHLS including assisting Members’ understanding of the importance of looking at the data and getting the analysis correct.

RESOLVED

(i)             That the Maldon Five-Year Housing Land Supply 2025 calculation position at 1 April 2025 (Appendix A to the report) is approved and published on the Council’s website;

(ii)        That authority is delegated to the Director of Place, Planning and Growth to make minor amendments and corrections, if required, to the Maldon Five-Year Housing Land Supply 2025 document (Appendix A to the report) prior to publication; and

(iii)       That authority is delegated to the Director of Place, Planning and Growth in consultation with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.

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

The Council considered the report of the Director of Neighbourhood Services and Communities seeking Members’ approval to extend the current operational period of the South Essex Parking Partnership (SEPP) Joint Committee agreement by a further year to 31 March 2028 to align with the current Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) timetable. It was noted that since 2011 the SEPP had delivered on-street parking enforcement across the District on behalf of Essex County Council (ECC) and there was no financial implication for Maldon District Council.

The Director of Neighbourhood Services and Communities presented the report and highlighted how an extension to the current SEPP agreement would ensure service continuity and legal enforcement of the parking restrictions throughout the Partnership areas for the financial year 2027 / 28. Thereafter the function would transfer and operation from 1 April 2028 under the new unitary authorities due to LGR in Essex.

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

RESOLVED that the extension until 31 March 2028 to the existing South Essex Parking Partnership Joint Committee agreement be agreed.

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

The Council received the report of the Chief Executive providing an update on Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Greater Essex.

The report provided background information regarding Devolution, how Terms of Reference had been drafted and a nominating body was being set up to agree which representation for District Authorities on the Greater Essex Combined County Authority (GECCA), or any other Committee, sub-working group or scrutiny committee established by the GECCA. All Leaders would be members of the nominating body and each devolution priority programme area would be provided with investment funds from the Government to ensure they can start delivering on key local priorities and benefits ahead of the mayors taking office in 2028.

In respect of LGR, Officers continued to work with colleagues across Essex on programme structures for its delivery, focusing on gathering information as set out by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). Essex-wide workstream activity input had been established, progress and updates from all workstreams would continue to be shared with the Devolution and LGR Working Group (the Working Group).

Councillor W Stamp, Chairperson of the Devolution and LGR Working Group, referred to the Director of Strategy and Improvement who was shortly leaving the Council and thanked her for her work on this project. These thanks were reiterated by other Members of the Council. Councillor Stamp then introduced the report highlighting the work of the Working Group and asked Members to receive the update and acknowledge progress and the work that had been undertaken. Since production of the report, she advised that the Council had responded to a request from the MHCLG seeking information that would help to progress the work of the structural change order.

The Director of Legal and Governance provided the Council with further details regarding the information requested from the MHCLG, including a view in relation to the formation of the joint committees and other information which would be used to draft the structural changes order once the government had announced its minded to decision. The Council’s response had been drafted in consultation with the Leader of the Council and Chairperson of the Working Group. She reassured Members that Officers were continuing to work with colleagues across Essex gathering information.

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

In response to questions, the Chief Executive advised that there was no indication from the Government that Devolution and LGR would not happen, nor would there be a change to their direction of travel and at this time the Council had not been advised which Authorities it might join up with. The Council’s Director of Finance and Director of Legal and Governance were working on the case for the five unitary authority model supported by this Council. The Leader of the Council advised that he had recently attended an MHCLG webinar where it has been reiterated that the timetable remained unchanged.

The Chairperson put the recommendation, and this was duly agreed.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.