Meeting Details

Apologies were received from Councillors Arnold, Barber, Harris, McCarthy, Naylor, Osborne, Rippingale, Rowe, Smalls, Smith, Tate and J. Young.

 

Nick Chilvers addressed Council pursuant to the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 6(1) to support the motion on Community Governance Reviews tabled by Councillor Goss.  Residents would be concerned that local government reorganisation would leave Colchester with only half the number of councillors. They would lose touch with local communities. The suggestion that community governance be created and/or expanded was welcomed, as community council arrangements across the city were uneven. This would allow more local issues to be addressed whilst councillors on the unitary authority dealt with wide ranging and important issues.  Certain areas of the city were neglected, such as the areas behind North Station Road and in New Town.  These communities were diverse with many residents new to Colchester.  They were characterised by narrow roads, small houses with small gardens and no off-road parking.  They would increasingly look for a voice to express their dissatisfaction, when they saw the conditions and facilities elsewhere  There was a strong case for community councils dealing with bread-and-butter issues and able to lobby for funding.  It was hoped that councillors on the new unitary authority would be local and independent of party politics. 

Councillor King, Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Strategy responded.  It was accepted that following local government reorganisation there would be fewer councillors with more wide-ranging responsibilities.  There was widespread support across the Council for community councils or other forms of community governance  to ensure democratic representation at every level of local government. It was important to raise public awareness and there ws a role for like-minded citizens to promote this, so the speaker’s comments were welcomed.

Sir Bob Russell addressed Council pursuant to the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 6(1).  He welcomed the arrangements for prayers at the start of this meeting. He asked whether the Portfolio Holder for Waste, Neighbourhoods and Leisure was aware that the boating lake and bowling green in Lower Castle Park were Grade 2 listed structures on the National Heritage List for England in the parks and gardens category.  Clarification was sought was to what was meant by the Council ‘s statement that it was looking at alternative options for public amenity space in this area. Given that the boating lake had been empty for several months, were there plans to fill it in? This would be in breach of the heritage listing. Had the Portfolio Holder authorised officers to look at alternative options and had ward councillors and the Friends of Castle Park been involved.  Would the Portfolio Holder arrange for a survey to be made of the pavilion to ensure it was kept in a good condition. Preparations should be put in hand to mark the centenary of the bowling green and pavilion.  In addition, what action was being taken to prevent Lower Castle Park being closed so long for events.  It should be possible to minimise areas of closure during erection and dismantling to maintain public access to a public park. 

Councillor Goss, Portfolio Holder for Waste, Neighbourhoods and Leisure explained that options for the boating lake were being looked at including full repair, although the cost of this would be significant. No decision had been taken yet.  Stakeholders would be consulted in due course. He had held discussions with officers on the bowling green and pavilion and it was the intention to maintain the pavilion.  It had been rethatched relatively recently. Work had already been conducted to repair any issues arising from recent events at Castle Park.  The Leader of the Council was due to meet with stakeholders and the local community following recent events to review issues such as parking and access. However, the Summer Series of concerts brought in significant income to the local economy  and helped raise Colchester’s profile.  It was not feasible to move the concerts to the Community Stadium, as had been suggested. 


Jessica Girlng addressed Council pursuant to the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 6(1) about the Dora Love prize. This had had a profound impact on students at St Helena School, where she taught, and on the wider community. Support was sought to promote it across other schools across the city.  It promoted learning about the Holocaust, but also encouraged students to take that learning and apply real life skills  such as research, team work and project management, which students did not get the chance to practice regularly due to curriculum constraints.,  This year students had developed a documentary highlighting the need to stand up against hate and promote inclusion.  The film had been premiered at Colchester Arts Centre.  The Leader of the Council was invited to officially endorse the Dora Love prize.  This would help the charity when applying for the necessary funding and would send a powerful message of support.  Councillors were encouraged to talk to schools in their wards about the prize. 

Councillor King, Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Strategy responded to thank the speaker for her engagement with the prize. Councillors were well aware of the prize, which had been promoted by the previous Mayor. This was an opportune moment to reinforce the Council’s commitment to community cohesion, and he expressed his full support for the prize both in a personal capacity and on behalf of Council.  He would look to see what could be done to promote it further. 

Angus Allan addressed Council pursuant to the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 6(1). Over the past few weeks he had used the Council’s online form to raise a number of issues about street cleaning issues in the New Town and Christ Church ward, as standards seem to have deteriorated recently. On at least one occasion he had been informed that the works had been completed when that was not the case. What supervisory checks were in place to ensure that actions requested by residents were completed promptly and to an acceptable standard?

Councillor Goss, Portfolio Holder for Waste, Neighbourhoods and Leisure explained that he was concerned by the amount of litter in certain areas of the city. This was not just an issue for the Council. Communities also had to take pride in their appearance.  In terms of the issues highlighted, a task had been closed when it should not have been, and an apology had been provided. There had also been some issues of staff sickness and holidays on that route but generally the team worked to a high standard. The introduction of wheeled bins would also help address the issue. 

 

 

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meetings held on 16 July 2025 and 17 September 2025 be confirmed as a correct record. 

 

The Mayor reminded members of the Oyster Feast due to be held on 24 October 2025 and thanked those members who had bought tickets.  He also announced the following events:-

• Band Showcase, Colchester Arts Centre, 8 November 2025
• Mayoral Carol Concert, St Lawrence’s Church, Rowhedge, 14 December 2025

 

RESOLVED (UNANIMOUS) that the recommended decision in the report by the Head of Governance and Monitoring Officer be approved and adopted.

 

RESOLVED (UNANIMOUS) that the recommendation contained in draft minute 979 of the Cabinet meeting of 3 September 2025 be approved and adopted.

 

RESOLVED (UNANIMOUS) that the recommendations contained in draft minute 513 of the Governance and Audit Committee meeting of 29 July 2025 be approved and adopted.

 

It was proposed by Councillor Sunnucks that:-

This Council notes with deep concern:

1. That last year Colchester City Council summitted a statement of interest in a new town of up to 24,000 people being created at Marks Tey without this being either approved by Cabinet or councillors, with even members of the Local Plan Committee not being made aware of it.
2. This only came to light because a member of the public submitted a freedom of information request.
3. That this represents a very serious failure of governance by the Council which should never have happened.  

The Council therefore resolves to set up a cross-party committee of inquiry of three cross-party Aldermen to produce a report on:-

1. How this was allowed to happen;
2 Lessons learnt – including recommendations on:

(a) the level of council decisions which should require prior approval by:
Full Council
Cabinet
Can be Delegated to officers

(b) the respective roles of councillors and officers.

The Council’s Chief Executive to seek group leaders agreement as to the Aldermen to be approached to serve on the committee. 

A main amendment was proposed by Councillor King as follows:-

That the motion on Governance and the new town proposals for Marks Tey be approved and adopted subject to the following amendments:

In paragraph 1 the deletion of the words “statement of interest”  and replacement with the words “initial expression of interest at the request of Government”, and the deletion of the words “of up to 24,000 people”.

In paragraph 2, after the words “This only came to light” the words “at this early stage”.

The deletion of the paragraph 3 and all subsequent wording.

The insertion of the following words:-

“3. That this fell short of the Council’s usual high standards of governance and transparency and member awareness.

4. That this Council welcomes the Leader of the Council’s assurances to the Scrutiny Panel: that lessons have been learned, and that governance changes will be made. But asks that the Group Leaders are consulted upon these before they are finalised.”

Councillor Sunnucks indicated that the main amendment was not accepted.

On being put to the vote, the main amendment was carried (SIXTEEN voted FOR, FOURTEEN voted AGAINST and SIX  ABSTAINED from voting).  The revised wording of the motion was as follows:

This Council notes with deep concern:

1. That last year Colchester City Council summitted an initial expression of interest  at the request of Government in a new town being created at Marks Tey without this being either approved by Cabinet or councillors, with even members of the Local Plan Committee not being made aware of it.
2. This only came to light at this early stage because a member of the public submitted a freedom of information request.
3. That this fell short of the Council’s usual high standards of governance and transparency and member awareness.
4. That this Council welcomes the Leader of the Council’s assurances to the Scrutiny Panel: that lessons have been learned, and that governance changes will be made. But asks that the Group Leaders are consulted upon these before they are finalised.

Councillor Willetts moved a secondary amendment to replace the words “Group Leaders” in the final sentence with the words “Governance and Audit Committee”.  The Mayor indicated that the wording of the secondary amendment was acceptable. 
Councillor Sunnucks indicated that he accepted the secondary amendment and the motion was deemed amended accordingly. The revised wording of the motion was as follows:

This Council notes with deep concern:

1. That last year Colchester City Council summitted an initial expression of interest  at the request of Government in a new town being created at Marks Tey without this being either approved by Cabinet or councillors, with even members of the Local Plan Committee not being made aware of it.
2. This only came to light at this early stage because a member of the public submitted a freedom of information request.
3. That this fell short of the Council’s usual high standards of governance and transparency and member awareness.
4. That this Council welcomes the Leader of the Council’s assurances to the Scrutiny Panel: that lessons have been learned, and that governance changes will be made. But asks that the Governance and Audit Committee are consulted upon these before they are finalised.

On being put to the vote the amended motion was approved and adopted (UNANIMOUS).

 

Councillor Bentley (as Leader of Essex County Council) and Councillor Lissimore (as Chair of the Local Highway Panel) declared an Other Registerable Interest in this item pursuant to the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 9(5) and left the meeting for the duration of its consideration and determination. 

Councillor Hagon (as a member of the Local Highway Panel) declared a Non-Registerable Interest in this item pursuant to the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 9(5). 


It was proposed by Councillor MacLean that:-

This Council notes:
• Many residents in Colchester’s busy neighbourhoods are worried about speeding vehicles, especially on streets with high levels of on-street parking, where children, older people, and cyclists are most at risk.
• The 20mph speed limit is not being applied consistently or transparently across residential streets, despite its proven benefits for safety.
• Essex County Council is responsible for setting speed limits and implementing road design to improve road safety for all users.

This Council further notes:
• In 2024, over 1,600 people died on UK roads—more than half were pedestrians, cyclists, or motorcyclists.
• Colchester has one of the highest rates of road accidents in Essex, particularly involving people walking or cycling.
• Decisions based solely on speed surveys often overlook lived experience—such as near misses, school zones, and community concerns.
• Essex County Council’s Speed Management Strategy includes wider criteria—such as crash history, school proximity, and resident feedback—but these are not always applied consistently.

This Council believes:
• Everyone in Colchester deserves safe streets—especially in areas where children play, people walk, and those with mobility challenges live.
• The consistent implementation of 20mph limits, where supported by communities, must be matched by smart street design and traffic calming measures.
• Essex County Council must follow its own safety policies and ensure fair treatment across all neighbourhoods.

This Council resolves to:
• Reaffirm its support for the December 2024 motion backing the 20’s Plenty for Colchester campaign and the introduction of 20mph limits where supported by residents.
• Request that Essex County Council deliver a joined-up approach—combining lower speed limits with smart street design—to make roads genuinely safer.
• Call on Essex County Council to use a wider range of evidence when making decisions on road safety features—not just speed data, but also input from residents, schools, and near-miss reports.
• Colchester City Council to work with local communities to gather local evidence for safer streets, including better signage, enforcement, and design.
• Request a clear timeline for consultation from Essex County Council on rolling out consistent speed limits and safety measures across Colchester.

During the debate it was proposed by Councillor Buston, seconded by Councillor Parsons, that the vote be taken. This was accepted by the Mayor and on being put to the vote was carried.

On being put to the vote the motion was approved and adopted.

 

Councillor T. Young (in respect of his employment by Open Road and his spouse’s position as a Trustee of Outhouse) and Councillor Cory (as Chair of North East Essex Health and Wellbeing Alliance) declared a Non-Registerable Interest in this item pursuant to the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 9(5). 

It was proposed by Councillor Çufoglu that:-

Across the UK, there is an undeniable Mental Health crisis, and Colchester is at its epicentre.

• The latest data shows that since 2012, Colchester has kept the top rank in “Mental health: QOF prevalence (all ages).

• Since 2015/2016, Colchester’s rate for admission episodes for mental health and behavioural disorders due to the use of alcohol (male) has been significantly higher than Chelmsford, Essex and East of England, and England average. And since 2018/2019, Colchester’s rate for mental health and behavioural disorders due to the use of alcohol(female) is higher than the Chelmsford, Essex and East England average.

• Since 2012/2013, Colchester has had a higher rate of Emergency Hospital Admissions for Intentional Self-Harm (female) than Chelmsford, Essex, and the East of England, and since 2020/2021, higher than England’s average. Since 2023/2024, Colchester has had a higher rate of Emergency Hospital Admissions for Intentional Self-Harm (male) than Chelmsford, Essex, in the East of England. Overall, since 2020/2021, Colchester has a higher value for emergency hospital admission for intentional self-harm (all persons) than Chelmsford, Essex, East of England and England average.

• Since 2022/2023, hospital admissions as a result of self-harm (10-24 years old) (male) in Colchester have sharply increased. As of 2023/2024, the rate has increased significantly and is higher than in Chelmsford, Essex, the East of England, and England.

• Since 2022/2023, hospital admissions as a result of self-harm (10-24 years old) (female) are on a gradual (479.1 per 100,000 population in 2022/2023 to 414 per 100,000 population in 2023/2024) fall, but continue to have a rate higher than Essex, Chelmsford, and East of England. Colchester rates for female hospital admission as a result of self-harm (828 people per 200,000 population) are almost 3 times higher than male hospital admission (297.8 people per 200,000 population).

• Since 2022/2023, hospital admissions for mental health conditions (male, 0-17 years old) have rocketed and are almost 3 times the Essex average. Colchester’s rate for females (0-17) was significantly higher than Chelmsford, Essex, East of England and England. Colchester’s (all persons) rate is higher than Chelmsford, East of England and England's average and almost double the Essex rate.

• Since 2021, Colchester’s rate for “the estimated dementia diagnosis rate (aged 65 and over)” is higher than the East of England, Essex and England and significantly higher than Chelmsford. Similarly, since 2021, Colchester, “smoking prevalence in adults with a long-term mental health condition (18+)—current smokers” has sharply increased and is now higher than the country and regional average. 

• This Council acknowledges that, according to the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment 2019 – Colchester Local Authority Profile, the rate for emergency hospital admissions due to violence was the second-highest rate compared across the Essex districts and higher than the emergency hospital admission rate for Essex as a whole.

• This Council acknowledges that according to the JSNA 2019—Colchester Profile, the rate of hospital admissions caused by unintentional and deliberate injuries in children aged under 15 was the highest rate compared across the Districts in Essex and higher than the rates across Essex and England. The rate among females was also the highest in the Essex Districts and exceeded the England average.

• This Council recognises that suicide is the biggest killer of young men in the UK. According to the Office for National Statistics’ report on “Leading causes of death, UK: 2001 to 2018”, suicide and injury or poisoning of undetermined intent were the leading causes of death for both males and females aged 20 to 34 years in the UK, for all years observed. We also acknowledge that according to the JSNA 2019 – Colchester Profile, Colchester was ranked as having the 4th highest suicide rate among males compared to that across the other Essex Districts, with a higher rate than England’s and across Essex as a whole. 

• This Council acknowledges that LGBTIQA+ people are more likely to have contact with the mental health system and are at much higher risk of mental health issues, self-harm and suicidal ideation than heterosexual people. They are also more likely to come up against adverse reactions from mental health staff.

• This Council acknowledges that people from the global majority are another identified group that is also more likely to have contact with mental health services. Specific communities are more at risk of developing certain mental health conditions, like psychosis.

• This Council also recognises and cherishes the fact that Colchester is proudly home to refugees, asylum seekers, and vulnerable migrants. We acknowledge that members of these groups can be just as marginalised within mental health services as within other services in the UK. These groups are under-represented in terms of receiving mental health support, and we recognise the rights of all people using mental health services for whom English is not their first language to have access to interpreters where needed.

• This Council recognises that there is much stigma surrounding mental health difficulties, and this adversely affects those experiencing these issues.

• This Council also recognises the high levels of mental health needs within the population that comes into contact with the Criminal Justice System. For example, one in three young offenders has an unmet mental health need at the time of the offence, and only a minute percentage of reported cases of child sexual and domestic violence cases reach a court. 

Council believes that:

·  Access to Mental Health services and support is not an option; it’s a fundamental Human Right.

· Across the UK, there is an undeniable Mental Health crisis, and Colchester is at its epicentre.

·  The global call made by the Human Rights Council of the United Nations and the World Health Organisation Regional Office for Europe that identifies mental health as a basic Human Right will define services and ensure parity with physical health in our care system.

Council resolves to:

1. Call on the Leader of the Council to lobby the Government on behalf of the Council for Mental Health to be recognised as a fundamental Human Right and to call on the Government and the NHS to ensure resources are made available to support Colchester’s mental health, wellbeing and local mental health services, including housing, life quality and employment.

2. Urge relevant bodies to take preventative action and collective responsibility, and promote this approach. This council would support organisations and services aimed at reaching out to vulnerable groups, including young men, women, LGBTIQA+ people and individuals from the Global Majority.

3. Ensure that, as a local council, we work with all the relevant stakeholders to take preventative action in terms of well-known suicide spots and address root causes.

4. Work towards ensuring that guidance for good practice is included in staff training and that LGBTIQA+ community-specific health programs are funded and able to identify and support at-risk individuals.

5. Urge relevant public bodies to fund initiatives to reduce barriers for individuals from the Global Majority in receiving care by instituting community-specific outreach programs focused on raising awareness and reducing the stigma of mental health problems. Equally, urge relevant public bodies to more clearly link the deprivation and exclusion of specific communities to the prevalence of mental health problems, and addressing those issues is key to addressing mental health issues.

6. Work alongside charities and organisations that challenge the stigma around mental health. This council would support several measures, including mental health awareness training within the public sector and workplace mentorship frameworks to support employees experiencing mental health difficulties. This council would also support people with lived experience of mental health difficulties sharing their experiences, encouraging a more open dialogue on the issue in broader society.

7. Work with community groups supporting young people, victims of sexual crime and domestic violence, to make counselling and advice services more accessible and supported by local authorities. This council will encourage specialist sexual violence and abuse training and awareness for frontline staff within local authorities, organisations and institutions with a sphere of influence.

8. Working in partnership with the local NHS, the Council will strive to ensure that Colchester residents have access to and are aware of the existing mental health services and support available.

9. Urge relevant bodies to promote the WAMHS (Wellbeing and Mental Health in Schools programme) service, which is available to every child in a Colchester school and helps meet the mental health needs of all students, staff, and the parent community.

10. Advocate for local businesses and organisations in adopting and implementing mental health-promoting policies and training.

11. Support a Colchester Mental Health Week to coincide with World Mental Health Day each October. Working with partners, the day will aim to identify the impact social inequalities have on communities' mental health, promote support providers, ensure suicide prevention programmes are identified, and work with existing local mental health networks and organisations to improve outreach, accessibility, and the support available.

12. Approve the formation of a cross-party Mental Health Ambassadors -  Advisory and Advocacy Group to advocate for people with mental health conditions concerning housing provision, employment and other local services. Their role will also be to represent the interests of those with mental health conditions whenever decisions are made locally. Appointing Mental Health Ambassadors would encourage other neighbouring councils in Essex. The Terms of Reference of the Group to be agreed with the Group Leaders before it commences work.

A main amendment was moved by Councillor King as follows:

That the motion on Mental Health: A Fundamental Human Right for All be approved and adopted subject to the following amendments:

A. The deletion of the words:-

Across the UK, there is an undeniable Mental Health crisis, and Colchester is at its epicentre.

• The latest data shows that since 2012, Colchester has kept the top rank in “Mental health: QOF prevalence (all ages).

and their replacement with the following words:-

‘Across the UK, there is an undeniable Mental Health crisis, and in many places poor mental health is increasing and having impact on the overall health and wellbeing of people in Colchester and beyond’ .

B. In the bullet points the deletion of the following words:-

• We also acknowledge that according to the JSNA 2019 – Colchester Profile, Colchester was ranked as having the 4th highest suicide rate among males compared to that across the other Essex Districts, with a higher rate than England’s and across Essex as a whole. 

• This Council acknowledges that LGBTIQA+ people are more likely to have contact with the mental health system and are at much higher risk of mental health issues, self-harm and suicidal ideation than heterosexual people. They are also more likely to come up against adverse reactions from mental health staff.

• This Council acknowledges that people from the global majority are another identified group that is also more likely to have contact with mental health services. Specific communities are more at risk of developing certain mental health conditions, like psychosis.

• This Council also recognises and cherishes the fact that Colchester is proudly home to refugees, asylum seekers, and vulnerable migrants. We acknowledge that members of these groups can be just as marginalised within mental health services as within other services in the UK. These groups are under-represented in terms of receiving mental health support, and we recognise the rights of all people using mental health services for whom English is not their first language to have access to interpreters where needed.

And their replacement with the following words:-

• Certain groups are disproportionately affected by mental health issues as these can be made more complex by the interaction of different categories of social identity. For example, people from different genders or ethnic groups, LGBTQ+ people, travellers, young adults, older people, and people living in poverty, may receive inequitable service provision and care. This can be made more difficult by the inaccessibility of services e.g., for people with low levels of literacy or where English is not the first language or for other cultural reasons.
• Between a quarter to a half of adult mental illness may be preventable with appropriate interventions in childhood and adolescence
• Only half of adults in contact with specialist mental health services are in stable and appropriate accommodation. 
• People in contact with specialist mental health services have a 73% lower employment rate than the general population’.

C. After the bullet points the insertion of the following words:

The illustrations are concerning snapshots, but which require qualification.  The causes of mental health are complex.  A high proportion of hospital admissions are likely not Colchester residents.  Chelmsford and Colchester demographics are different. We have acute issues in this part of Essex that are imported, with a significantly higher proportion of care homes and vulnerable residents. And some issues can be read in different ways, as with dementia numbers, that might reflect success in diagnosis and awareness, not just an acute issue.

D. The deletion of the following words:-

Council believes that:

·  Access to Mental Health services and support is not an option; it’s a fundamental Human Right.

· Across the UK, there is an undeniable Mental Health crisis, and Colchester is at its epicentre.

·  The global call made by the Human Rights Council of the United Nations and the World Health Organisation Regional Office for Europe that identifies mental health as a basic Human Right will define services and ensure parity with physical health in our care system.

Council resolves to:

1. Call on the Leader of the Council to lobby the Government on behalf of the Council for Mental Health to be recognised as a fundamental Human Right and to call on the Government and the NHS to ensure resources are made available to support Colchester’s mental health, wellbeing and local mental health services, including housing, life quality and employment.

And the insertion of the following words

Council resolves to:

1. Call on the Leader of the Council to lobby the Government on behalf of the Council for Mental Health to be recognised as a fundamental Human Right and to call on the Government, the NHS to ensure resources are made available to support Colchester residents mental health, wellbeing and local mental health services. 
 
2. Play our full part as a key stakeholder in the delivery of the Essex Mental Health Strategy and Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy for Essex in influencing what can be done to improve mental health, acting on the wider determinants of health. Taking account of the issues and potential actions outlined below, mindful of resources and that some are the lead of partners, not this Council

E. The renumbering of the subsequent paragraphs.

Councillor Çufoglu indicated that the main amendment was accepted and the motion was deemed amended accordingly.

At the conclusion of the debate, following cross party discussion, it was proposed that the wording of the motion be amended to read as follows:-.  

Across the UK, there is an undeniable Mental Health crisis, and in many places poor mental health is increasing and having impact on the overall health and wellbeing of people in Colchester and beyond
 
·        Since 2015/2016, Colchester’s rate for admission episodes for mental health and behavioural disorders due to the use of alcohol (male) has been significantly higher than Chelmsford, Essex and East of England, and England average. And since 2018/2019, Colchester’s rate for mental health and behavioural disorders due to the use of alcohol(female) is higher than the Chelmsford, Essex and East England average.
 
·        Since 2012/2013, Colchester has had a higher rate of Emergency Hospital Admissions for Intentional Self-Harm (female) than Chelmsford, Essex, and the East of England, and since 2020/2021, higher than England’s average. Since 2023/2024, Colchester has had a higher rate of Emergency Hospital Admissions for Intentional Self-Harm (male) than Chelmsford, Essex, in the East of England. Overall, since 2020/2021, Colchester has a higher value for emergency hospital admission for intentional self-harm (all persons) than Chelmsford, Essex, East of England and England average.
 
·        Since 2022/2023, hospital admissions as a result of self-harm (10-24 years old) (male) in Colchester have sharply increased. As of 2023/2024, the rate has increased significantly and is higher than in Chelmsford, Essex, the East of England, and England.
 
·        Since 2022/2023, hospital admissions as a result of self-harm (10-24 years old) (female) are on a gradual (479.1 per 100,000 population in 2022/2023 to 414 per 100,000 population in 2023/2024) fall, but continue to have a rate higher than Essex, Chelmsford, and East of England. Colchester rates for female hospital admission as a result of self-harm (828 people per 200,000 population) are almost 3 times higher than male hospital admission (297.8 people per 200,000 population).
 
·        Since 2022/2023, hospital admissions for mental health conditions (male, 0-17 years old) have rocketed and are almost 3 times the Essex average. Colchester’s rate for females (0-17) was significantly higher than Chelmsford, Essex, East of England and England. Colchester’s (all persons) rate is higher than Chelmsford, East of England and England's average and almost double the Essex rate.
 
·        Since 2021, Colchester’s rate for “the estimated dementia diagnosis rate (aged 65 and over)” is higher than the East of England, Essex and England and significantly higher than Chelmsford. Similarly, since 2021, Colchester, “smoking prevalence in adults with a long-term mental health condition (18+)—current smokers” has sharply increased and is now higher than the country and regional average. 
·        This Council acknowledges that, according to the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment 2019 – Colchester Local Authority Profile, the rate for emergency hospital admissions due to violence was the second-highest rate compared across the Essex districts and higher than the emergency hospital admission rate for Essex as a whole.
 
·        This Council acknowledges that according to the JSNA 2019—Colchester Profile, the rate of hospital admissions caused by unintentional and deliberate injuries in children aged under 15 was the highest rate compared across the Districts in Essex and higher than the rates across Essex and England. The rate among females was also the highest in the Essex Districts and exceeded the England average.
 
·        This Council recognises that suicide is the biggest killer of young men in the UK. According to the Office for National Statistics’ report on “Leading causes of death, UK: 2001 to 2018”, suicide and injury or poisoning of undetermined intent were the leading causes of death for both males and females aged 20 to 34 years in the UK, for all years observed. 
 
·        Certain groups are disproportionately affected by mental health issues as these can be made more complex by the interaction of different categories of social identity. For example, people from different genders or ethnic groups, LGBTQ+ people, travellers, young adults, older people, and people living in poverty, may receive inequitable service provision and care. This can be made more difficult by the inaccessibility of services e.g., for people with low levels of literacy or where English is not the first language or for other cultural reasons.
·        Between a quarter to a half of adult mental illness may be preventable with appropriate interventions in childhood and adolescence
·        Only half of adults in contact with specialist mental health services are in stable and appropriate accommodation. 
·        People in contact with specialist mental health services have a 73% lower employment rate than the general population.
·        This Council recognises that there is much stigma surrounding mental health difficulties, and this adversely affects those experiencing these issues.
 
·        This Council also recognises the high levels of mental health needs within the population that comes into contact with the Criminal Justice System. For example, one in three young offenders has an unmet mental health need at the time of the offence, and only a minute percentage of reported cases of child sexual and domestic violence cases reach a court. 
 
The illustrations are concerning snapshots, but which require qualification.  The causes of mental health are complex.  A high proportion of hospital admissions are likely not Colchester residents.  Chelmsford and Colchester demographics are different. We have acute issues in this part of Essex that are imported, with a significantly higher proportion of care homes and vulnerable residents. And some issues can be read in different ways, as with dementia numbers, that might reflect success in diagnosis and awareness, not just an acute issue.
 
Council resolves to:
 
1.       Call on the Leader of the Council to lobby the Government on behalf of the Council for Mental Health to be recognised as a fundamental Human Right and to call on the Government, the NHS to ensure resources are made available to support Colchester residents mental health, wellbeing and local mental health services.  
 
2.       Play our full part as a key stakeholder in the delivery of the Essex Mental Health Strategy and Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy for Essex in influencing what can be done to improve mental health, acting on the wider determinants of health. Taking account of the issues and potential actions outlined below, mindful of resources and that some are the lead of partners, not this Council
 
3.       Urge relevant bodies to take preventative action and collective responsibility, and promote this approach. This council would support organisations and services aimed at reaching out to vulnerable groups. 
 
4.       Ensure that, as a local council, we work with all the relevant stakeholders to take preventative action in terms of well-known suicide spots and address root causes.
 
5.       Work towards ensuring that guidance for good practice is included in staff training,  identifying support for at risk groups including the LGBTQIA+ community and military personnel and veterans.  
 
6.       Urge relevant public bodies to fund initiatives to reduce barriers for individuals from the Global Majority in receiving care by instituting community-specific outreach programs focused on raising awareness and reducing the stigma of mental health problems. Equally, urge relevant public bodies to more clearly link the deprivation and exclusion of specific communities to the prevalence of mental health problems, and addressing those issues is key to addressing mental health issues.
 
7.       Work alongside charities and organisations that challenge the stigma around mental health. This council would support several measures, including mental health awareness training within the public sector and workplace mentorship frameworks to support employees experiencing mental health difficulties. This council would also support people with lived experience of mental health difficulties sharing their experiences, encouraging a more open dialogue on the issue in broader society.
 
8.       Work with community groups supporting young people, victims of sexual crime and domestic violence, to make counselling and advice services more accessible and supported by local authorities. This council will encourage specialist sexual violence and abuse training and awareness for frontline staff within local authorities, organisations and institutions with a sphere of influence.
 
9.       Working in partnership with the local NHS, the Council will strive to ensure that Colchester residents have access to and are aware of the existing mental health services and support available.
 
10.      Urge relevant bodies to promote the WAMHS (Wellbeing and Mental Health in Schools programme) service, which is available to every child in a Colchester school and helps meet the mental health needs of all students, staff, and the parent community.
 
11.      Advocate for local businesses and organisations in adopting and implementing mental health-promoting policies and training.
 
12.      Support a Colchester Mental Health Week to coincide with World Mental Health Day each October. Working with partners, the day will aim to identify the impact social inequalities have on communities' mental health, promote support providers, ensure suicide prevention programmes are identified, and work with existing local mental health networks and organisations to improve outreach, accessibility, and the support available.
 
13.      Approve the formation of a cross-party Mental Health Ambassadors -  Advisory and Advocacy Group to advocate for people with mental health conditions concerning housing provision, employment and other local services. Their role will also be to represent the interests of those with mental health conditions whenever decisions are made locally. Appointing Mental Health Ambassadors would encourage other neighbouring councils in Essex. The Terms of Reference of the Group to be agreed with the Group Leaders before it commences work.

Councillor Çufoglu indicated he was content with the revised wording of the motion.

On being put to the vote the amended motion was approved and adopted. 

 

As the time spent on motions had exceeded the maximum of 80 minutes set out in Council Procedure Rule 14(5) this motion was not considered by Full Council.

 

 

Pre notified questions
Councillor Dundas	Council took the decision on 9 June this year to approve and adopt the Tendring-Colchester Borders DPD. At the time, the argument put forward by those advocating adoption was that doing so would encourage the Government to quickly provide a funding solution to the A120/A1331 junction. The counter argument put forward was that doing the opposite and refusing to adopt the DPD until a funding solution was provided would put more pressure on the Government than adopting it.   Could we please have an update as to progress since June and what solution the Government has come forward with?   Supplementary question: What tangible help had the Tendring Colchester Borders Garden Community Scheme received from the government’s “stalled schemes” programme?	Councillor King, Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Strategy, explained that the certainty provided by the DPD to the Council and partners was helpful. There had been some progress since June but no solution yet. The revised estimated funding requirement for the works, including contingency, was now £85 million, with a delivery date of 27-28. Officers had been working closely with Homes England and Latimer to identify sources of funding to ensure the full link road was delivered and the Garden Community remained viable. Essex County Council had recently submitted a draft funding bid to the Housing Infrastructure Fund for £65 million, and £21 million was expected from developer contributions. The full delivery of the link road remained a key policy requirement of both the Local Plan and the DPD with a requirement that a funding agreement be agreed before the determination of the planning application. All Council’s involved in the project remained committed to this.   On this basis officers would be entering into negotiations on the planning application, but until a response had been received to the funding bid, the position remained unresolved.   Further information would be provided to all members on the position including what had been received from the accelerator programme.
Oral Questions
Councillor Buston	Could clarification be provided to all members about the status of Cymbeline Meadows following recent discussion at the Scrutiny Panel?	Councillor King, Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Strategy, explained that further information and context would be circulated to all members. There was no intention of developing on the flood plain.
Councillor Buston	Could the Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth and Transformation investigate the position whereby the Council could not communicate effectively with a number of its members, which in turn disadvantaged residents.	Councillor Pearson, Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth and Transformation, stressed that the Council’s IT system had been at serious risk for several months. The recent decision on changes to access had been taken with the best interests of all involved, although it was accepted that the communications on this issue could have been improved. The Council had personal data about staff and significant information about residents and businesses, through its tax collection responsibilities and had a duty to ensure this was kept secure. The best way to resolve issues was for councillors to use a council device. If members continued to experience difficulties, they should contact IT. A member of the team was providing dedicated support to councillors.
Councillor Smithson	A community group in Tiptree had been due to be the beneficiary of a section 106 agreement which was dependent on the number of occupations. This had been static for about a year to market conditions and the developer was unlikely to build to the level at which section106 benefits would be due. The Council was therefore at risk of legal action. Could the Council look at the introduction of a graduated approach to the delivery of section 106 benefits? There could be benefits in a cross-party working group on the approach to section 106.	Councillor Luxford Vaughan, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Sustainable Development, explained that she would encourage all councillors to undertake training in section106 agreements and community gain. There would be benefits in making such training mandatory. She would investigate if anything could be done on this particular case.   Councillor Warnes, Chair of Planning Committee, indicated that he was keen for planning training to move to a thematic e-learning based system, which could potentially include section 106 issues.
Councillor T. Young	The Colchester Fringe Festival was due to commence shortly. This had grown recently to an event of national and international importance with acts from across the world. Would the Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and Environment join him in praising the director of the festival, Dr Cameron Abbott-Betts, and in welcoming the festival. It contributed to the economy and vibrancy of the city and its cultural offer.	Councillor Scordis, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and the Environment, responded to praise all the creative talents in Colchester and the contributions they made. Colchester was the centre of culture for Essex. Thanks were due to Dr Abbott-Betts and everyone involved. The redevelopment of St Nicholas Square provided a space that could be used at such festivals.

 

 

Councillor Pearson proposed that the recommended decisions in the report by the Head of Governance and Monitoring Officer be approved and adopted, subject to:
• The inclusion of issues relating to risk management and mitigation within the training;
• The members of the Local Plan Committee must undertake the training before sitting on the Committee but that substitute members may sit on the Committee on one occasion without having undertaken the training.


RESOLVED that that the recommended decisions in the report by the Head of Governance and Monitoring Officer be approved and adopted, subject to:
• The inclusion of issues relating to risk management and mitigation within the training;
• The members of the Local Plan Committee must undertake the training before sitting on the Committee but that substitute members may sit on the Committee on one occasion without having undertaken the training.

 

RESOLVED that the schedule of Portfolio Holder decisions covering the period 9 July 2025 – 7 October 2025 be noted.