Decisions

This is where you can find the reports for decisions made by the Council. To view the minutes of meetings please go to the relevant meeting page by navigating from the Meeting Calendar tab or the Committees tab.

This includes decisions taken at Committee meetings as well as decisions taken by individual Portfolio Holders from May 2014 onwards.

For individual Portfolio Holder decisions before 2014, please use the connected sub tab labelled Portfolio Holder Decisions before 2014

Structure of the Council

 

Following the introduction of the Local Government Act 2000 a new political structure was adopted in Colchester. The old Committee system was replaced by a new system . Under this system, a Council leader is appointed who is responsible for forming a Cabinet. The Cabinet is responsible for most decision making on day to day matters, although it must operate within the policy framework set by the full Council.

 

A number of Panels are in place to scrutinise decisions and review and develop policy. The Planning and Licensing Committees and the Governance and Audit Committee are responsible for the regulatory functions of the Council.

 

The Leader of the Council and the Cabinet

 

The Leader of the Council is elected at the Council’s Annual meeting. The Council is currently run by a Liberal Democrat administration. The Council Leader is Councillor David King.

The Cabinet is made up of eight Councillors, each of whom is responsible for a specific area, known as a Portfolio. Further information about the membership of the Cabinet is available from the Committees tab in the list on the right of the screen.

 

Decisions

TitleDetailsDecision TypeDecision MakerImplementation DateStatus
 Page 1 of 21, items 1 to 10 of 210.
Gambling Policy // Results of Consultation

The Committee will consider a report which details the outcome of the consultation exercise undertaken in relation to the review of the Gambling Policy and recommends that the Policy be referred to Council for adoption.

CommitteeLicensing Committee2 Oct 2024Decision Proposed
Work Programme 2024-2025The Committee will consider a report setting out its work programme for the current municipal year. CommitteeLicensing Committee2 Oct 2024Decision Proposed
Portfolio Holder Briefing [Housing]The Portfolio Holder will brief the Panel on work within his Portfolio.CommitteeScrutiny Panel8 Oct 2024Decision Proposed
Scrutiny Panel Briefing HRA ReviewThis report updates Scrutiny Panel on the progress to date and next steps of the Housing Revenue Account Review.CommitteeScrutiny Panel8 Oct 2024Decision Proposed
Recycling & Waste Strategy - October 2024Scrutiny Panel is provided with the full Cabinet report and appendices proposed for the meeting of Cabinet in October 2024 (See Appendix A – Cabinet Report and associated appendices). The appended report sets out proposals to adopt a new Recycling and Waste Strategy for Colchester (2025 to 2040), to adopt the Service Delivery Plan for implementation of the strategy and adopt a new Domestic Recycling and Waste Collection policy to support the delivery of the new Strategy and Service Plan.CommitteeScrutiny Panel8 Oct 2024Decision Proposed
Work Programme 2024-25This report invites the panel to consider both the current Work Programme for 2024-2025 for the Scrutiny Panel and any changes or additions to that programme.  CommitteeScrutiny Panel8 Oct 2024Decision Proposed
Schedule of Portfolio Holder Decisions

Full Council is invited to note the Schedule of Portfolio Holder Decisions covering the period 9 July 2024 - 8 October 2024.

 

CommitteeFull Council16 Oct 2024Decision Proposed
Bus Services

Motion J

 

Proposer: Councillor J. Young, Seconder: Councillor Lilley

 

We believe that bus transport should be at the heart of a thriving city centre 

To that end this council is committed to making bus transport as appealing and reliable as possible. 

We welcome the opportunity that bus franchising brings and believe that this will improve our bus services. 

However we recognise that the current bus stand provision in Osborne Street is inadequate and presents safety concerns. 

Therefore this Council is committed to the development of modern bus station facilities where travellers’ safety and comfort are prioritised through the provision of adequate seating, lighting, toilet and access to refreshments. The nature and locations of such facilities should be subject to public consultation.  

As the motion relates to a non-executive function, it will be debated and determined at the meeting.

 
CommitteeFull Council16 Oct 2024Decision Proposed
Changes to the Winter Fuel Allowance and Protecting Pensioners from Fuel Poverty

Motion I

 

Proposer: Councillor Dundas

 

Council notes:

• The Labour Government’s recent decision to restrict the Winter Fuel Payment to only pensioners in receipt of means-tested benefits like Pension Credit, as announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
• The estimated impact of this decision, which Age UK says will mean 2 million pensioners who badly need the money to stay warm this winter will not receive it.
• The significant role that Winter Fuel Payments play in helping older residents of Colchester City Council and across the UK afford heating during the coldest months, thereby preventing 'heat or eat' dilemmas and safeguarding health.
• The criticism from Age UK, the Countryside Alliance and other charities, highlighting the social injustice and potential health risks posed by this sudden policy change.
• The additional strain this decision will place on vulnerable pensioners, many of whom do not claim Pension Credit despite being eligible, further exacerbating their financial hardship.

Council believes:

• That the Winter Fuel Payment has been a lifeline for many older people across the UK and that restricting its availability solely to those on Pension Credit risks leaving many pensioners in financial hardship.
• While some pensioners currently in receipt of the Winter Fuel Payment may not require it, many thousands across the Colchester City area sit just above the cut-off for Pension Credit and will now lose their allowance.
• The decision to means-test Winter Fuel Payments, especially with such short notice and without adequate compensatory measures, is deeply unfair and will disproportionately affect the health and well-being of our poorest older residents.
• The government’s approach fails to consider the administrative barriers and stigma that prevent eligible pensioners from claiming Pension Credit, leaving many without the support they desperately need.

Council resolves to:

• Request that Cabinet bring forward a Council-led local awareness campaign to alert those eligible of Pension Credit which in some respects will help access to the Winter Fuel Payment for those most in need.
• Request that the Council Leader write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, urging a review of the decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment and asking the government to ensure that vulnerable pensioners, particularly those who do not claim Pension Credit, are protected from fuel poverty.
• Commit the Council to signing the ‘Save the Winter Fuel Payment for Struggling Pensioners’ petition being run by Age UK and write to all members offering them the opportunity to sign the petition themselves. 

 

As the motion relates to a non-executive function, it will be debated and determined at the meeting.

 

CommitteeFull Council16 Oct 2024Decision Proposed
Outsourcing Support Services at Colchester Hospital

Motion H

Proposer: Councillor C. Spindler, seconder Cllr Goss

This Council calls on the East Suffolk and North Essex Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to reconsider its proposals to outsource support services at Colchester Hospital. Given experience elsewhere raises serious concerns about the potential impact on patient care, staff job security, and the quality of public healthcare. The Council urges the Trust to explore alternative solutions that retain these vital services within the NHS, ensuring they remain publicly accountable. Failing which, that they publicly guarantee the jobs and conditions of employment of their staff, and the quality of service and care to their patients.


As the motion relates to a non-executive function, it will be debated and determined at the meeting.

 

 

CommitteeFull Council16 Oct 2024Decision Proposed