Live broadcast to start at 7pm and available for repeat viewing.

Apologies were received from Cllr Laplain, Cllr Tierney, Cllr Poppy, Cllr Heard and Cllr Dr Barrett.

There were no declarations of interest at this stage.

The Mayor informed the Council:-

I wanted to take this opportunity to address the awful event taking place in Ukraine.  I hope that I speak on behalf of Councillors, officers and the residents of the Borough to say that we condemn the illegal invasion of Ukraine by Putin, and as the Mayor, first citizen of the Borough, we endorse this position on behalf of the Council, alongside a minute’s silence for the victims of this invasion.

We, as Brentwood Borough Council, stand together with our residents of Ukrainian heritage and will support them in their hour of need.

We have residents of Ukrainian heritage in our Borough. They are understandably fearing for the lives of their loved ones in Ukraine. The Borough has already demonstrated our solidarity with the Ukrainian community by lighting up the Town Hall in the colours of Ukraine and we are flying the flag of Ukraine.

We welcome the actions of Brentwood Mutual Aid and other groups in bringing the community together to support the people of Ukraine.

We acknowledge this is an act of aggression by Putin, not by residents of Russian heritage living and working in Brentwood.  We must support all of our residents here to live peaceful lives without fear or anxiety.

We pride ourselves in welcoming residents from all over the world. We will warmly welcome Ukrainians to our Borough as part of any national refugee effort.

We urge:

•         Peace

•         Residents to come together in difficult times and support each other when the burden can seem heavy.

•         People to support the Ukrainian communities across Essex who are mobilising in support of Ukraine by donating to funds which they have set up to provide critical support for Ukraine at this time.

•         The Government to do everything possible to support the Ukrainian people who are being displaced from their homeland including welcoming them into this country.

Please can we take this opportunity to take a minute’s silence for the victims of the invasion. 

Since the last Ordinary Council meeting, I was delighted to hold a charity Afternoon Tea and Tour of Ingatestone Hall by Lord Petre and his son Dominic.  This was a lovely afternoon and raised over £500 for my chosen charities. 

Just last week, I took part in a tree planting at King Georges Playing Fields in honour of the Queens Green Canopy – an initiative of tree planting across the Country for the Queens Platinum Jubilee.  I also got the opportunity to open the new soft play and Tag Active at the Pavilion within King Georges which will be a great asset to the Borough – and was lot of fun!

On Monday of this week, I raised the flag to celebrate Commonwealth Day The theme for Commonwealth Day 2022 centres around “Delivering a Common Future” and how the 54 member countries in the Commonwealth family are ‘innovating, connecting and transforming’ to help achieve goals like fighting climate change, promoting good governance and boosting trade.It was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 360.

The Ordinary Council meeting held on 8^th December 2021 were APPROVED as a true record. The minutes contain a summary of the meeting, to view the full meeting, please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXh-oX99lRI

The Extra Ordinary Council meeting held on 23^rd January 2022 were APPROVED as a true record. The minutes contain a summary of the meeting, to view the full meeting, please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxCeNji45k0

The Ordinary Council meeting held on the 23^rd February 2022 were APPROVED as a true record. The minutes contain a summary of the meeting, to view the full meeting please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9cARVt3xio

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, a member of the public resident within the Borough may ask a maximum of two questions relating to the business of the Council providing notice has been received by 10.00am two working days before the relevant meeting.

Four Public Questions had been received and these were put to and responded to by the Leader of the Council, Cllr Hossack, as follows:

Mrs Pat Smith submitted one question as follows:

1.         How does the Council's constitution prevent a slide into political extremism (for     example extreme right or left wing attitudes and behaviour) by the

administration? What are the checks and balances? Are they being applied?

Cllr Hossack responded as follows:

The Constitution in part 5 clearly sets out the Model Code of Conduct including the Nolan Principles that all Councillors must abide by when undertaking official duties for the Council.  The Monitoring Officer on receipt of a complaint, will speak to the Independent Person to make an initial decision if the complaint should be investigated or not.  The checks and balances are in place and are adhered to through the proper processes.

Mrs Susan Kortlardt submitted two questions as follows:

1.         Essex County Council has placed addressing the climate challenge at the heart of its strategic priorities. As there are four Essex County councillors covering Brentwood Borough, presumably they support the key steps published in the Essex Climate Action Commission's report 'Net Zero by 2050', with Step 1 including all new builds to have solar panels from 2021, with 25% of all roofs having solar panels by 2030.

Could Brentwood lead the way by achieving this target sooner by fitting all its estate with solar panels in the next eighteen months?

Cllr Hossack responded as follows:

The Council will endeavour to support Essex County Council in delivering its climate challenge priority.

In turn the Council has recently approved its own Environment Strategy for consultation. The Council seeks to implement a Strategy that confirms the direction of the organisation aligning and affirming with the actions already taken, identifying key targets and objectives to ensure the Council is on track to meet its long-term aspirations of carbon neutrality by 2040. This strategy ensures individual projects that are delivered will result in the overall outcomes and objectives being met.

In addition to the Environmental Strategy, The Council recently adopted the Asset Management Strategy 2022-2025. This strategy has seven key priorities with one being reducing the environmental impact of our estate, regarding the energy it consumes, emissions it generates, and the materials used in construction.

These strategies require action plans to support the delivery of the Council’s commitments. Action plans must align with the financial resources available. Achieving net zero comes at a cost and the delivery of the environmental strategy must balance with the Council’s, resources, finances and budget setting process. The Council will seek all funding possibilities to maximise the ability to deliver as many outcomes as possible as outline within it’s own environmental strategy.

Cllr  ...  view the full minutes text for item 364.

No memorials or petitions were received.

Report to follow.

To seek the approval of Brentwood Borough Council (the Council) to advise the Local

Government Boundary Commission England [LGBCE] that the Council, should in

future be served by 39 Councillors.

Cllr Hossack MOVED and Cllr Parker SECONDED the recommendation within the report.

1.   That, in response to a request by the LGBCE, this Council agrees to inform the LGBCE that it wishes to see 39 Councillors elected to serve the Borough in the future.

2. That the Council Size submission (Appendix A) providing the reasoning be submitted to the LGBCE.

Cllr Barrett MOVED and Cllr Kendall SECONDED additional recommendations as follows:

R3  This council will undertake a consultation on it’s method of elections to commence in 2024 to align with the LGBCE Order implementation.

R4  If R3, is agreed then this Council agrees that the question to be asked in the Consultation be:

      Do you think Brentwood Borough Council should:

·        Elect one third of our Borough Councillors every year (“by thirds”)

·        Elect all of our Borough Councillors every four year (“whole council/all out”)

R5, if R3 and R4 are agreed that this Council in submitting its submission to the LGBCE, will inform the Commission that it is the intention of this Council to consult on it’s form of elections in the new municipal year.  The result of the Consultation be brought to a future meeting of the Ordinary Council.

Cllr Hossack did not accept the amendments.

After a full discussion, as further amendment was proposed under procedure rules 8.1 (l) MOVED by Cllr White and SECONDED by Cllr McLaren to include:

R6.  The form, timing and structure of the Consultation be agreed at the Audit & Scrunty Committee. 

This was agreed by Cllr Barrett.

A vote was taken recommendation R3,R4,R5 and R6.

This was CARRIED and become part of the substantive motions.

A vote was taken by a show of hands on the following recommendations.

1.       That, in response to a request by the LGBCE, this Council agrees to inform the LGBCE that it wishes to see 39 Councillors elected to serve the Borough in the future.

2.       That the Council Size submission (Appendix A) providing the reasoning be submitted to the LGBCE.

3.       This council will undertake a consultation on its method of elections to commence in 2024 to align with the LGBCE Order implementation.

4.       This Council agrees that the question to be asked in the Consultation be:

          Do you think Brentwood Borough Council should:

•         Elect one third of our Borough Councillors every year (“by thirds”)

•         Elect all of our Borough Councillors every four year (“whole council/all out”)

5.       This Council in submitting its submission to the LGBCE, will inform the Commission that it is the intention of this Council to consult on its form of elections in the new municipal year.  The result of the Consultation be brought to a future meeting of the Ordinary Council.

6.       The form, timing and structure of the Consultation be agreed at the Audit & Scrunty Committee. 

Brentwood Borough Council invited the Local Government Association to conduct a Corporate Peer Challenge in November 2021. The Peer Team issued their Feedback Report on the 23rd February 2022 and is attached as Appendix A. In accordance with the LGA Corporate Peer Challenge process the report and draft action plan will be formally published on the Council’s website within 6 weeks of the council receiving the report. The LGA will undertake a follow up visit in late summer and update monitoring reports on the action plan will be made to the Policy, Resources and Economic Development Committee.

Mr Summers and Mrs Mayhew were thanked for their work on the Corporate Peer Challenge.

Cllr Hossack MOVED and Cllr Parker SECONDED that the recommendations within the report.

A vote was taken by a show of hands and was RESOLVED UNAMIOUSLY

1. That Members note the Corporate Peer Challenge Feedback Report attached at Appendix A.

2. Members agree that regular update reports on the action plan are made to the Policy, Resources and Economic Development Committee.

Reasons for Recommendation 

To ensure that the Peer Review recommendations are implemented and regularly reviewed.

The meeting was adjourned at 21.06 for a 5-minute comfort break

Report to follow.

This report updates members on progress of the Corporate Strategy 2020-2025 and presents an annual review document for approval.

Cllr Hossack MOVED and Cllr Parker SECONDED that the recommendation within the report.

Members made reference to the Parking Strategy, Housing, all lane active travel scheme, Sawyers Hall Lane active travel scheme, Town Centre Conferences and energy efficiency

A vote was taken by a show of hands, it was RESOLVED.

1.      To note the Corporate Strategy 2021/2022 Annual Review and approve the draft document as set out in Appendix A.

2.      To provide delegated authority to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Leader and Deputy Leader to make any minor amendments to Appendix A including decisions of other committees during March 2022.

Reason for Recommendation

The Council is required to have and publish a Corporate Strategy.

The Council requires sound strategic direction to deliver its objectives.

(Cllr Russell left the Chamber during this item, therefore was unable to take part in the vote & Cllr Mrs Davies left and didn’t return to the meeting)

12.  Members’ Written Questions – Annual Review

Chair’s questions will be taken under the Annual Review item as per last year.

Members can ask up to two questions to two different Chairs.

Any Member may ask a Chair a written or oral question on

·         any matter included within the Annual Review; or

·         any matter in relation to which the Council has powers or duties or which affects

the Council’s area and which falls within the area of responsibility of the Chair’s

committee.

The period allowed for written and oral questions and answers will not exceed 60

minutes without leave of the Mayor.

Two written questions have been received from Cllr Naylor, as follows:

Question 1

It was good to see the installation of the Electric Vehicle charging point in the Council

carpark, and that it appears to be well used and appreciated. I also understand from a

recent conversation I had with an officer, that the current overflow car park at Kings

George's will soon have installed 5-10 EV charging points.

However, EV charging points at Williams Hunter Way car park have not been installed,

and other potential ideal locations like Shenfield High Street and its Car Park do not

have any charging points.

Can Members and the Public here, be provided with an update on the progress of

installation of charging points around the Borough and the location of these points and

the type/standard of the points, any difficulties the Council is facing installing points,

and whether the Council has taken up any opportunity to access Central or Regional

government schemes/funding, for example, the 'On-Street Residential Chargepoint

Scheme'.

Response:

Thank you, Councillor, the procurement for the provider of the EV Chargers is nearly

complete and confirmation of appointment will happen in the next two weeks. The council will then have a contractor in place who will roll out EV Charging Points in a

number of Council owned Car Parks including King Georges, the Multi Storey Car  ...  view the full minutes text for item 368.

One Notice of Motion had been received, as detailed in the report. 

Motion 1 – Received on 16th November 2021 @ 16.16 was deferred from Ordinary Council on 8^th December 2021.

Mover:  Cllr Lewis                                        Seconder: Cllr Aspinell

This Council resolves to have placed in our Constitution's Planning Chapter that any councillor(s) who individually, or through their party affiliation, have received donations from land owners /agents/developers should be prohibited to sit and vote on a planning committee where that land /planning application is being discussed.

Cllr Hossack MOVED an amendment and Cllr Parker SECONDED the suggested wording to Cllr Lewis motion.

This Council resolves to ask the Constitution Working Group to view any donations have placed in our Constitution's Planning Chapter that any to councillor(s) who individually, or through their party affiliation, have received donations from land owners /agents/developers should be prohibited to sit and vote on a planning committee where that land /planning application is being discussed.

This was not accepted by the Cllr Lewis.  A vote on the amendment was taken by a show of hands and was RESOLVED.

The Mayor informed the Council at 22.26 that the next item, urgent business will go the guillotine and be not be debated and will go straight to the vote.

An item of business may only be considered where the Chair is of the opinion that, by reason of special circumstances, which shall be specified in the Minutes, the item should be considered as a matter of urgency.

Revenue and Benefits Partnership

Members will be aware that the Council entered a partnership arrangement with Basildon Borough Council to deliver both councils’ Revenue and Benefits Services. The Partnership Board consists of officer representatives from both authorities which oversees performance of the current partnership whilst also exploring future sharing opportunities.

Following discussions between the respective local authorities, an opportunity has now arisen to investigate the possibility of expanding the partnership to include the provision of Revenue and Benefits Services to Castle Point Borough Council.

Subsequently a high-level piece of work was undertaken to benchmark Castle Point Borough Council’s Revenues and Benefits Service against the existing Brentwood and Basildon Shared Service. As this piece of work was very high level the data gathered could not be used to establish viability of a shared service without further detailed work being undertaken.

To proceed, an equal level of commitment is required from all interested parties, and this is reflected in the proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Brentwood Borough Council, Basildon Borough Council and Castle Point Borough Council as attached at Appendix A.

Cllr Hossack MOVED and Cllr Parker SECONDED the recommendations within the report.

A vote was taken by a show of hands and it was RESOLVED.

1.                     Approve Brentwood Borough Council enters into a Memorandum of

Understanding (MoU) with Basildon Borough Council and Castle Point

Borough Council to enable the commencement of exploratory work in

relation to a potential joint working opportunity as attached at Appendix

A.

2.                               Approve that a detailed Business Case is reported to a future Policy,

        Resources and Economic Development Committee.

REASON FOR RECOMMENDATION                                                                                                       To enable the council to consider opportunities to meet the Corporate Strategic Plan 2020- 2025 key priority of ‘Delivering an efficient and effective council’.

Cllr Sanders wished all the Members well in the upcoming Borough Elections and thanked the Members that are not re-standing for all the hard work they had undertaken for the Borough during their time in office.

The meeting ended at 22:40hrs