Purpose

On 12 March 2025, the Government published its
“Plan for Neighbourhoods: Neighbourhood Boards and place
boundaries” guidance. As the title indicates, it provides the
guidance in respect of Neighbourhood Boards (of which Clacton Town
Board is the designated Board). Specifically, and as far as
relevance to this decision, the guidance references the approach to
be taken in relation to the appointment of Board Chairs and Deputy
Chairs. This guidance has been followed. The guidance is available
online at:
Plan for Neighbourhoods: governance and boundary guidance -
GOV.UK
Based on the decision referred to in the “Authority for
Delegated Decision” section above, the initial term of office
for the Chair of the Board came to an end in March 2025. The Local
Authority consulted with the Local MP, Nigel Farage MP, (as
required by the stated guidance) regarding re-appointing George
Kieffer as the Board’s independent Chair for a further
year.
This decision also addresses the expressed wish of the independent
Chair of the Clacton Town Board for a Deputy Chair to be appointed
and for the appointee to be Cllr Mark Stephenson. The stated
guidance sets out that the decision on this matter is for the
Council and the Chair of the Board in partnership.
In respect of the above, Clacton Town Board on 20 March had been
advised of the stated guidance, the intention of the Council to
consult the local MP on the re-appointment of George Kieffer as the
independent Chair of the Board and the Chair’s wish to have a
Deputy Chair in the person of Cllr M Stephenson.
The Board received the stated guidance and expressed its support
for the actions referred to.

Content

In accordance with the Government’s
“Plan for Neighbourhoods: Neighbourhood Boards and place
boundaries” guidance published on 12 March 2025, and
following consideration of these matters by the Clacton Town Board
on 20 March 2025:
(a)To re-appoint George Kieffer as Chair of the Clacton Town Board
for a further year (having consulted with, and received the support
of, Nigel Farage MP as the local Member of Parliament); and
(b)To appoint, in partnership with the Chair of the Clacton Town
Board, Cllr. M Stephenson as Deputy Chair of the Board.