Minutes:
Councillor S J N Morgan referred to the recent change to inheritance tax relief announced in the Autumn 2024 budget and asked the Leader of the Council if he would agree that the Government had let down farmers by breaking its promise not to introduce a family farm tax. He spoke further regarding this matter including the harm it would cause to farms and asked the Leader to investigate what support the Council could give, engage with local farmers and community representatives, create a list of those farmers within the District likely to be affected by this situation and consider making formal representation to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. In response, the Leader advised that if the Council was to engage in this it would result in a pressure on the Economic Team. However, he advised that if the Council, through its Economic Team were approached by a farm in trouble or a difficult situation they would do their utmost to support them.
Councillor W Stamp asked the Leader of the Council for an update from the Maldon Summit that had recently taken place. In response the Leader advised that in addition to the Maldon Summit alongside the Chief Executive he had recently attended the first NHS Working Group and at both meetings had been robust about the use of Council assets without any long-term plan coming forward from the NHS. He provided the Council with further details of the discussions from the meetings which included reviewing a list of sites provided by the NHS, the need for the NHS to also consider the site of St Peters Hospital and how the Council as a Planning Authority would do its utmost to support the NHS in coming up with solutions. There had also been discussion about the Maldon Relief Road and the Leader informed Members that Essex County Council (ECC) had changed the design of the road, making it more of a relief road than previously. The Council would continue working with ECC to provide solutions both in Maldon and connecting outside of the District. Members were advised that there had also been some discussion regarding the lack of bus services, specifically on the Dengie, and long-term solutions and outcomes for this.
Councillor M F L Durham referred to the earlier question from Councillor Morgan and the equally serious issue impacting on businesses in the Maldon District regarding the imposition of VAT on school fees. He provided further detail around this subject and asked the Leader of the Council if he would write to the Government to express concern because it had a direct impact on the businesses in the District. The Leader agreed and commented on the pressure the change put on local schools. He suggested that the Group Leaders discuss and draft a letter which any Member could then put their name to, should they wish.
Councillor A S Fluker asked the Leader of the Council whether the Council was Member of the Association for Public Service Excellence, otherwise known as APSE and if it had any liability regarding the legal action brought against Members of the Association by Thurrock Council? The Leader of the Council advised that he would respond to Councillor Fluker in writing.
Councillor Fluker referred to confirmation by the Leader at the last Council meeting that the Council would be entering into a 20-year Leisure Contract. He asked the Leader if he would agree that prior to the tender process starting the Council should have consulted with residents to ensure that proposals meet their needs? The Leader explained that he had not been involved in the process but would provide a written response to Councillor Fluker.