Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Terry.

The following declaration of interest was made:

(a) Cllr Sadza – Agenda Item 5 (Council Tax Base and Non Domestic Rating Base 2025/26) – Volunteer at Kings Money Advice Centre.

Resolved:

That the Minutes of the Meeting held on Monday, 18 November 2024 be confirmed as a correct record and signed.

Report of Executive Director (Finance and Resources) to follow

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Finance & Resources) providing an update of the Council’s current financial position and highlighted the corrective action where necessary and reasonable mitigation required to try to deliver a balanced financial position by the end of the year.

Resolved:

1. That, in respect of the 2024/25 Revenue Budget Performance as set out in appendix 1 to the submitted report:

(i) That the forecast outturn for 2024/25 for the General Fund and the Housing Revenue Account as at 30 November 2024, as set out in the submitted report, be noted.

(ii) That the plans and intentions to try to reduce the forecast overspend of the Council’s revenue budget for 2024/25 be noted and the Chief Executive and Executive Director (Finance & Resources) continue to explore all opportunities within their delegated powers and authority to improve the financial position by the year-end.

2. That, in respect of the 2024/25 Capital Budget Performance as set out in appendix 2 to the submitted report:

(i) That the expenditure to date and the forecast outturn as at 30 November 2024 and how it will be financed, be noted.

Recommended:

3. That the requested changes to the capital investment programme for 2024/25 and future years, as set out appendix 2 to the report, be approved.

Reasons for decisions:

To provide detailed financial information on the financial performance of the Council. The report sets out the key variances by budget holders and associated management action being implemented to address the identified issues.

Other options:

The Council could choose to monitor its budgetary performance against an alternative timeframe, but it is considered that the current reporting schedule provides the appropriate balance to allow strategic oversight of the budget by Councillors and to also formally manage the Council’s exposure to financial risk.

Note: The decisions in resolutions 1 and 2 above constitute an Executive function. The recommendation in 3 above constitutes a Council Function.

Referred direct to Policy & Resources Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Members: Cllr Cowan and Cllr Collins

Report of Executive Director (Finance and Resources) to follow

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Finance and Resources) concerning the calculation of the Council Tax Base for 2025/26.

Resolved:

1. That the amount calculated by Southend-on-Sea City Council as its Council Tax Base for the financial year 2025/26 shall be set at 60,860.63, as set out in Appendix A to the submitted report.

2. That the amount calculated by Southend-on-Sea City Council as the Council Tax Base in respect of Leigh-on-Sea Town Council for the financial year 2025/26 shall be set at 9,104.04, as set out in Appendix B to the submitted report.

3. That the continuation of the locally defined discounts for the 2025/26 financial year commencing 1 April 2025, as set out in the report, be approved.

4. That, following the guidance issued by the secretary of state, the implementation of a 100% premium charge, payable from 1 April 2025 for properties that are classified as second homes (furnished but not the main residence of any individual), be approved.

5. That the National Non-Domestic Rates Base for 2025/26, as set out at Appendix C to the report, be submitted to the Department of Levelling Up, Housing & Communities (DLUHC),

6. That the updated Non-Domestic Rates Discretionary Rate Relief Policy set out at Appendix D to the report, be approved.

7. That the updated Council Tax Young Care Leavers Policy, set out at Appendix E to the report, be approved.

Reasons for decision:

The setting of the Council Tax Base and National Domestic Rating Base enables the calculation of the core funding derived through local taxation that is used to finance the Council’s proposed budget for 2025/26.

Other Options:

None

Note: This is an Executive Function

Not eligible for call-in

Cabinet Member: Cllr Collins

Report of Executive Director (Finance and Resources) to follow

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Finance and Resources) presenting the draft General Fund Revenue Budget and capital investment priorities for 2025/26 to 2029/30.

Resolved:

1. That it be noted that a detailed Medium Term Financial Strategy for 2025/26 – 2029/30 will be available for consideration in February 2025 and the draft Medium Term Financial Forecast and estimated Earmarked Reserves Balances up to 2029/30 (Annexes 1 and 2 to Appendix 1 to the submitted report), be endorsed. 

2. That the draft Section 151 Officer’s statement on the robustness of the proposed budget, the adequacy of the Council’s reserves and the Council’s Reserves Strategy (Appendix 2 to the report), be noted.

3. That the appropriation of the sums to Earmarked Reserves totalling £3.619M (Appendix 3 to the report), be endorsed.

4. That the appropriation of the sums from Earmarked Reserves totalling £1.695M (Appendix 3 to the report), be endorsed.

5. That a General Fund Budget Requirement for 2025/26 of £165.059M and Council Tax Requirement of £109.472M (Appendix 4 to the report) and any required commencement of consultation, statutory or otherwise, be endorsed. 

6. That it be noted that the 2025/26 revenue budget has been prepared based on using £1.400M from accumulated Collection Fund surpluses to support the core budget and to allow for a smoothing of the budget gap.

7. That a Council Tax increase of 4.99% for the Southend-on-Sea element of the Council Tax for 2025/26, being 2.99% for general use and 2.00% for Adult Social Care, be endorsed.

8. That it be noted that the position of the Council’s preceptors is to be determined:

• Essex Police – no indication of Council Tax position 
• Essex Fire & Rescue Services – no indication of Council Tax position
• Leigh-on-Sea Town Council – proposed Band D precept increase of 2.90%.

9. That no Special Expenses be charged other than Leigh-on-Sea Town Council precept for 2025/26, be endorsed.

10. That the proposed General Fund revenue budget investment and unavoidable cost pressures of £25.050M (Appendix 5 to the report), be endorsed.

11. That the proposed General Fund revenue budget savings and income generation initiatives for 2025/26 of £3.590M (Appendix 6 to the report), be endorsed.

12. That the Dedicated Schools Grant budget and its relevant distribution as recommended by the School Forum (Appendix 7 to the report), be endorsed.

13. That the Capital Investment Strategy for 2025/26 to 2029/30 (Appendix 8 to the report) and the Capital Investment Policy (Annex 1 to Appendix 8 to the report), be endorsed.

14. That the following be endorsed:

(i) New schemes and additions to the Capital Investment Programme for the period 2025/26 to 2029/30 totalling £28.3M for the General Fund and £11.9M for the Housing Revenue Account (Appendix 9 to the report).

(ii) Schemes subject to viable business cases that have been identified as a priority, totalling £9.7M for the General Fund and £8.1M for the Housing Revenue Account (Appendix 9 to the report).

15. That the proposed changes to the current Capital Investment  ...  view the full minutes text for item 71.

Report of Executive Director (Finance and Resources) to follow

The Cabinet considered a joint report of the Executive Director (Finance and Resources) and Executive Director (Environment and Place) setting out the Housing Revenue (HRA) budget and rent setting for 2025/26.

Resolved:

1. That an average rent increase of 2.7% on all tenancies, be endorsed. 

2. That an average rent increase of 2.7% on shared ownership properties, be endorsed.

3. That an increase of 2.75% on garage rents for tenants and leaseholders to £15.80 per week, a rise consistent with the standard approach taken across the range of City Council’s fees and charges 2025/26 and an increase of 20% on private garage rents to £22.15 (inclusive of VAT), be endorsed. All variants on a standard garage will receive a proportionate increase. 

4. That the South Essex Homes core management fee be endorsed at £8,275,000 for 2025/26. 

5. That the South Essex Homes proposals for an average decrease of 6.1% in service charges to reflect the estimated costs incurred, be endorsed for 2025/26. 

6. That the South Essex Homes proposals for an average 22.3% decrease in heating charges for sheltered housing tenants and for hostel tenants to reflect the estimated costs incurred, be endorsed for 2025/26. 

7. That the following appropriations be endorsed: 

•         £60,000 to the Repairs Contract Pensions Reserve. 

•         £4,720,000 to the Capital Investment Reserve. 

•         £7,237,000 from the Capital Investment Reserve. 

8. That, subject to the approval of resolutions 1 to 7 above, the HRA budget for 2025/26 as set out in Appendix 1 to the submitted report, be endorsed.

9. That the value of the Council’s capital allowance from 2025/26 be declared as £70,937,000 as determined in accordance with regulation 16 of the Local Authorities (Capital Finance and Accounting) (England) Regulations. 

10. That authority be delegated to the Executive Director (Environment and Place) to submit the final bid for the Warm Homes Wave 3 bid once completed.

Reasons for Recommendations:

Part of the process of maintaining a balanced budget for the HRA is to undertake an annual rent review and assessment of other service and facilities charges.  Full Council will need to approve the HRA budget and any changes to rent and other services prior to the start of the financial year.

Other options:

There are other options available to Councillors in relation to the proposed rent and other services and facilities increases.

Note: This is an Executive Function save that approval of the final budget following Cabinet on 11 February 2025 is a Council Function

Referred direct to Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Cowan

Report of Executive Director (Environment and Place)

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Environment and Place) presenting the civic pride action plan containing a series of objectives and actions to be delivered in the current financial year and the 2025/26 financial year and longer term.

Resolved:

That the civic pride action plan, and where additional ongoing revenue and capital resources have been identified these be considered and/or included as part of the budget setting process for 2025/26 and that the one-off revenue requirement from the Council's reserves, be approved.

Reasons for decision:

The Council plays a key role within the city when it comes to boosting civic pride and we are ideally positioned to understand what policy mix is most likely to enhance feelings of civic pride in Southend-on-Sea. The focus of this first phase of the civic pride action plan is on short-term activity, building a sense of shared purpose with our communities and partners and developing a compelling civic pride narrative.

Other options:

None

Note: This is an Executive Function

Not eligible for call-in

Cabinet Member: Cllr Cowan

Report of Executive Director (Strategy and Change)

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Strategy and Change) presenting the Councillor IT Policy.

Resolved:

That the Councillor IT Policy, as set out in Appendix 1 to the submitted report, be approved.

Reasons for decision:

To ensure that Council and resident data are kept safe and secure.

Other options:

Not to approve the policy. However, it is best practice to provide clear guidance around the secure and safe use of technology and data. 

Note: This is an Executive Function

Not eligible for call-in

Cabinet Member: Cllr Cowan

Report of Executive Director (Adults and Communities)

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Adults and Communities) recommending an extension to the current contract for Healthwatch Southend, which was due to expire on 31^st March 2025.

Resolved:

That the current Healthwatch Southend contract be extended for up to 24 months (or any part therein) until 31st March 2027 at a price of £125,050 per annum, subject to all necessary steps being undertaken to negotiate and finalise the extension of this contract.

Reasons for decision:

To extend the current contract for Healthwatch Southend. Following review of service activity and performance and feedback, the commissioning team are satisfied that delivery against the service objectives and broader service performance is positive and the provider has demonstrated the ability to adapt delivery to meet service needs and respond proactively to areas requiring improvement.

Other options:

1. Decommission the service. This is not recommended as this is a statutory service which will need to be replaced with some level of provision to meet minimum requirements.

2. Go out to tender for a new/ revised service specification. This is not recommended as the current provider is performing well and going out to tender risks destabilising service delivery and using staff resource with no evidence of any benefits while there is option to extend within the existing contract.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Not eligible for call-in

Cabinet Member: Cllr Sadza

Report of Executive Director (Adults and Communities)

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Adults and Communities) recommending the extension to the Care and Support at Home care contract for up to 24 months to allow further time to conduct a comprehensive procurement process with an improved service specification

Resolved:

1. That the extension of the Care and Support at Home contract for up to 24 months (or any part thereof) until 31st March 2027 as needed, to allow timescales for a robust procurement exercise for a future contract framework, be approved.

2. That authority be delegated to the Executive Director (Adults and Communities), in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Social Care and Healthier Communities, to decide on the exact length and terms for which the extension is granted.

Reasons for decision:

1. Learning from recent tenders for Social Care services the Council has recognised that Southend-on-Sea is a desirable addition to the provider market, with a recent tender having just short of 100 applicants. The ability to utilise the extension period as needed, ensures the Council has the time and ability to conduct a thorough tender exercise prior to contract expiry and consider all providers responses as per procurement best practice.

2. Extending the homecare contract ensures the current service continues while any future procurement takes place.

3. The extension of the existing contract is necessary to ensure that there is seamless continuity of care services to those people who are reliant on them.

Other options:

Do nothing / do not extend the contract. It would be possible to spot-purchase any number of providers to deliver Homecare in the city as an alternative to the existing framework contract, yet this approach would present an increased risk to the effective oversight of the quality and safety of Homecare provision to people in need of care and support living in Southend-on-Sea.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Not eligible for call-in

Cabinet Member: Cllr Sadza

Report of Executive Director (Adults and Communities)

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Adults and Communities) recommending an extension to the current contract for the Severe and Multiple Disadvantage Service (SMDS) and Intensive Housing Support (IHS) Service, which was due to expire on 31^st March 2025.

Resolved:

That the contract for the provision of the SMDS and IHS service be extended for a period of 6 months until 30^th September 2025, to allow time for a procurement exercise to take place during that period.

Reasons for decision:

Extending the contract for the SMDS and HIS services allows the Council time to conduct a robust procurement exercise and offers opportunity to revise and develop the current model to more effectively embed or join up this provision in the development of a new contract.

Other options:

1. Continue delivering the SMDS service as is and cease the IHS service. This is not recommended as the IHS has a larger cohort of service users and feedback from the service provider has indicated that the individuals on this caseload have a higher complexity of need. Loss of this support could have significant implications for the outcomes for individuals.

2, Extend the SMDS service for 6 months with the intention of going out to tender for this service only and cease the IHS service. This option is not recommended as this holds less risk than decommissioning both services and provides scope for some mitigation of the loss of the IHS in the redesign of the SMDS contract. However there would still be a cohort of individuals with complex needs who would find it difficult to sustain tenancy and achieve positive outcomes without the intensive support service. Alternative mitigation through wider existing services would need to be explored, and capacity implications considered.

3. Do Nothing/Decommission both services. This option is not recommended as decommissioning both services poses a great risk to service users, commissioned service and the wider system. Particular impact would be experienced by housing who are already facing significant housing challenges and loss of support and potential eviction would further compound these challenges. The mitigation for this option would likely hold significant long-term cost implications.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Not eligible for call-in

Cabinet Member: Cllr Sadza

Report of Executive Director (Adults and Communities)

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Adults and Communities) setting out the current advocacy contracts for South Essex Advocacy Services (SEAS) and the National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS), due to expire on 31^st March 2025 and outlined the tender process to award a contract for a new all age advocacy service in January 2025.

Resolved:

1. That the procurement of a contract for the provision of a Children’s Advocacy service at a maximum budget of £71,000 per annum starting from 1^st April 2025, for 3 years with option to extend for a further 2 years, be approved.

2. That the All-Age Advocacy services contract be awarded to the successful tenderer/s of Lot 1 and Lot 2 at a maximum total value of £293,948 per annum from the 1st April 2025 for an initial period of three years with an option to extend for a further period of two years.

3. That authority be delegated to the Executive Director (Adults and Communities) and Executive Director (Children and Public Health), in consultation with the respective Cabinet Members, to issue extensions to this contract following its award. Such authority includes finalising any negotiations and entering into legal agreement for service provision from 1 April 2028 to 31^st March 2030 (if necessary) until a subsequent contract is procured/awarded. 

Reasons for decision:

As the current contracts are expiring, there is a need to ensure continuity of statutory provision. This will be fulfilled by a standard competitive tender exercise.

Other options:

1. Do nothing. This is not recommended as these statutory services will need to be replaced with some level of provision to meet minimum requirements.

2. Do not award. If we do not put in place this service, the Council will not meet its statutory duties.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Not eligible for call-in

Cabinet Member: Cllr Sadza and Cllr Burton

Report of Executive Director (Children and Public Health)

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Children and Public Health) concerning the procurement and award of a contract to deliver residential children’s services from the property at Caulfield Road and presented the Children’s Residential and Accommodation Framework for future commissioning of residential and accommodation provision for children and young people.

Resolved:

1. That officers proceed to procure a contract for a provider to run Caulfield Road as a children’s residential home. The procurement will commence in the 2024-25 fiscal year via competitive exercise. The Contract would be for an initial period of 3 years with the option of extending for 2 years in 1 year increments.

2. That authority  be delegated to the Executive Director (Children and Public Health), in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and SEND to award the contract to the successful bidder.

3. That officers proceed to procure a framework of providers for the provision of Children’s residential and accommodation services during the 2024-25 fiscal year, using an appropriate procurement process exercise.

4. That authority be delegated to the Executive Director (Children and Public Health), in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and SEND to award inclusion in the framework to those providers who have been successful.

Reasons for decision:

1. Caulfield Road is currently not operating as a children's home and is empty which means we are having to source alternative placements for Southend children outside of the city, who could have been placed in Caulfield Road. When placed outside of the city it is harder for children to maintain links with their friends and family and stay at the same school which can impact on their outcomes and placing them outside of the city tends to be at a higher cost.

2. If the contract is not awarded, Caulfield Road will remain empty, and the Council will have to separately spot purchase children’s placements at a higher rate.

3. The Children’s Residential and Accommodation Framework would help the Council to improve on its sufficiency duty and support the children and young people of Southend within their care.

4. This model will allow the Council to go out to the market and award experienced providers to deliver care and support to children as efficiently as possible and avoid some costs currently incurred through the existing spot purchase placements for less complex children

Other options:

1. If the Council does not procure and award a contract to a provider to operate a children’s home from Caulfield Road, the property will remain empty, and the service will have to continue to spot purchase services for Children at higher rates and possibly place these children outside of the City. This option is not recommended.

2. If the Council does not procure future residential placements from a  framework the Council will have to continue to spot purchase services with minimal quality, financial and contract management. This presents several risks including minimal financial control over placements and no scope for adapting  ...  view the full minutes text for item 79.

Report of Executive Director (Children and Public Health)

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Children and Public Health) recommending an extension to the current contracts for Transitional Supported Housing for Young People in Southend due to expire on 30^th June 2025.

Resolved:

That the current contract for Transitional Supported Housing be extended for 7 months until 31^st January 2026, subject to all necessary steps being undertaken to negotiate and finalise the extension of these contracts.

Reasons for decision:

1. To extend the current contract for Transitional Supported Housing. Following review of service performance and feedback, the commissioning team are satisfied with delivery against the service objectives. The providers have also suitably engaged with the Council with contract meetings and reviews throughout the entirety of the contract to date. There have been no concerns raised regarding the provision they are offering.

2. The extension will align the expiration date of the contract with future commissioning ambitions for improving children’s placements, which could then award any following contract via a suitably coproduced competitive procurement exercise.

Other options:

1. Decommission or do not extend the current contract.This is not recommended. Southend City Council has a statutory duty to support all children currently residing in the current commissioned service. The absence of service will affect the outcomes of young people currently supported significantly.

2. Go out to tender for a new service specification by 30^th June 2025. This is not recommended as the current provider is performing well and going out to tender at this time risks destabilising service delivery. This would not allow time to fully co-produce and plan future service specification and contracts.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Not eligible for call-in

Cabinet Member: Cllr Burton

Report of Executive Director (Children and Public Health)

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Children and Public Health) presenting the School Admissions Arrangements for Community Schools 2026/27 and the Coordinated Admission Scheme for Academic year 2026/27.

Resolved:

1. That the Admissions Arrangements for Community Schools for the academic year 2026/27, as set out in Appendix 1 to the submitted report, be approved.

2. That the Coordinated Admissions Scheme for 2026/27, as set out in Appendix 2 to the submitted report, be approved.

Reasons for decision:

The admission arrangements for (LA maintained) community schools must be agreed and determined annually, including the published admission number (PAN) for each of the schools and the catchment areas.

Other options:

None. This is a statutory duty.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Not eligible for call-in

Cabinet Member: Cllr Burton

Report of Executive Director (Finance and Resources)

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Finance and Resources) setting out the position of outstanding debt owed to the Council as of 30 November 2024.

Resolved:

1. That the finalised outstanding debt position as of 30 November 2024 and the position of debts written off to 30 November 2024, as set out in Appendices A & B to the submitted report, be noted.

2. That the three proposed write offs exceeding £25,000, as set out in Appendix B to the submitted report, be approved.

Reasons for decision:

1. Debt collection forms an important consideration for most service areas but predominantly collection is secured by services now reporting into the Director of Financial Services. All action instigated remains in accordance with the Council’s Corporate Debt Management Policy to ensure a fair and consistent approach is applied to each case, and to maximise income collection for the Council.

2. Each write off is considered on an individual basis to assess the viability of collection and via compliance with the Council’s Corporate Debt Management Policy to ensure a standard consistent approach is applied.

Other options:

None.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Not eligible for call-in

Cabinet Member: Cllr Collins

Report of Executive Director (Children and Public Health)

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Children and Public Health) presenting the school term and holiday dates for the academic year 2026/27. 

Resolved:

That the school term and holiday dates for 2026/27, as set out in Appendix 1 to the submitted report, for LA maintained community schools and as a guide to all schools in the city, be approved.

Reasons for decision:

To approve the school term and holiday dates for 2026/27 which are consistent with neighbouring authorities, whilst remaining compliant with legislation. 

Other options:

None.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Not eligible for call-in

Cabinet Member: Cllr Burton

Report of Executive Director (Environment and Place) to follow

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Finance and Resources) responding to the Notice of Motion (Council Tax Scheme for Southend’s Special Constables) referred by the Council held on 17th October 2024.

Resolved:

1. That the letter from Essex Police and Fire Crime Commissioner (PFCC), set out at Appendix 2 to the submitted report, with particular attention to paragraphs 1 to 6 of the letter, be noted.

2. That the PFCC be thanked for his considered response and that it be noted that the Notice of Motion is not supported by the PFCC.

3. That the alternative suggestions proposed by the PFCC Office and the initial consideration of these as set out in the submitted report, be noted.

Reasons for decision:

To respond to the Notice of Motion.

Other options:

None.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Not eligible for call-in

Cabinet Member: Cllr Terry

Report of Executive Director (Finance and Resources)

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Finance and Reosurces) responding to the Notice of Motion (Pensioner Winter Fuel Payment) referred by the Council held on 17th October 2024.

Resolved:

That the actions set out in the submitted report in response to the Notice of Motion (Pensioner Winter Fuel Payment), be approved.

Reasons for decision:

To respond to the Notice of Motion.

Other options:

None.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Not eligible for call-in

Cabinet Member: Cllr Collins

Report of Executive Director (Environment and Place)

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Environment and Place) responding to the amended Notice of Motion (Urgent action to support seafront businesses (removal of 18:00 to 21:00 Parking Charges in Zone 1A during the low season) referred by the Council held on 17^th October 2024.

Resolved:

1. That the Notice of Motion, be noted.

2. That the ongoing work to review parking charges and zones, as part of the setting of fees and charges, be noted.

3. That the ongoing work in preparation for budget setting for the 2025/26 fiscal year, which is part of the Council’s annual budgeting process, be noted. This review provides an opportunity to analyse several key factors, including an option for low-season parking charges.

Reasons for decision:

To respond to the Notice of Motion.

Other options:

None.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Not eligible for call-in

Cabinet Member: Cllr Cowan

The Cabinet considered the recommendations of the Climate, Environment and Waste Working Party held on 25^th November 2025 concerning the Notices of Motion relating to Animal Welfare and a Tree for Every Child.

Resolved:

(a) Notice of Motion – Animal Welfare

That the following recommendations, be approved:

·       An annual report to (and directed by) The Portfolio Holder is prepared in January, summarising actions of the previous calendar year.

·       The Webmaster to add licence expiry dates to the website to facilitate better checks by website owners and purchasers.

·       The MySouthend Team to create a form to report suspicious activity in licensed premises.

·       The Media team to liaise with Police media team to consider a joint campaign highlighting reporting methods.

·       The Council bans the giving of live animals as prizes, in any form, on Southend City Authority land.

Note: This is an Executive Function.

Not eligible for call-in

Cabinet Member: Cllr Hyde

(b) Notice of Motion – A Tree for Every Child

Resolved:

1. That the Notice of Motion ‘A Tree for Every Child’ as amended at Council on 18^th July 2024, be noted.

2. That the proposals in the Notice of Motion not be taken forward in full due to the prohibitive and unsustainable cost, challenges of locations and land availability.

3. That officers develop, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Climate, Environment and Waste, an alternative proposal for tree planting which can be integrated into the City Day 2025 programme of activities.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Not eligible for call-in

Cabinet Member: Cllr Hyde