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Agenda item

Member Questions

The following questions have been submitted:

 

Question from Councillor Nikki Ind to Councillor Rachel Coxcoon, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Forward Planning

 

‘In addressing the Climate Emergency, Health & Wellbeing of residents and Economic Development in our District and following the pandemic, where it has become clear that the people best placed to make decisions regarding their Town/Parish are those living there, could I please ask the following:

 

When infrastructure is being planned for installation throughout the District, will there be a formal system to engage with the Town/Parish, to allow a structured approach, addressing any local issues – initially I am thinking of Electric Charging Points.

 

Whilst I appreciate that there is a procurement system with approved providers, is there a system to allow for local companies, currently not on the approved list of providers, to be considered for such tenders. If not, would the Administration consider supporting local businesses in the supply of services to the District Council.’

 

 

Question from Councillor Nikki Ind to Councillor Lisa Spivey, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness

 

‘When working in partnership with Bromford Housing and other Housing Association providers in the District, regarding the advancement in technology now available to the Social Housing sector, would the Administration consider making an allocation of grant funding for such schemes? I am thinking specifically of remote tools, which I understand are currently being used by some in the Social Housing sector, these allow the efficient checking of a property’s condition and performance, combating mould and disrepair and therefore improving housing conditions. I have recently been looking into one such product, where the results reported include - more effective engagement with residents using digital tools, empowering them to reduce their energy consumption and ensuring that homes are compliant.  Such technology could have an impact on not only the Health & Wellbeing of residents but could also play a part in the Climate Strategy work being undertaken by the Council.’

 

Question from Councillor Tony Berry to Councillor Joe Harris, Leader of the Council

 

‘At our meeting in July 2020 , I was informed that solar panels were not being considered for our Trinity Road premises because the overall use of this site was being reviewed.

 

Please could you tell me :

 

1.If this review has been completed ?

2. If not, when is it's future likely to be decided?

3. How much money has been spent on the Reception Area and any other parts of the property since July 2020?’

 

Question from Councillor Julian Beale to Councillor Tony Dale, Cabinet Member for the Economy and Skills

 

‘In correspondence on February 3rd relating to the payment of the Additional Restrictions Grant, you advised a constituent in my Ward that "some (Councils) have had the resources to make payments faster , but the previous administration at CDC significantly cut our resources."

 

Would you please amplify your comment to substantiate this claim?’

 

Question from Councillor Steve Trotter to Councillor Juliet Layton, Chair of Planning and Licensing Committee

 

‘Can the Chair of the Planning Committee please advise how many and what percentage of applications referred by Ward Councillors were rejected for consideration by the Planning Committee:

 

1) In the year 2020 up to November?

2 From November 2020 to date , up to and including March 2021?

3. What percentage of Officers recommendations were overturned by the Planning Committee from November 2020 to date, up to and including March 2021?

4. What percentage of Officer's recommendations were overturned by the Planning Committee from November 2020 to date, up to and including March 2021?

 

Finally how does this process and percentage of rejected Ward Councillors referrals compare with the Forest of Dean and West Oxfordshire District Councils?’

 

Question from Councillor Claire Bloomer to Councillor Joe Harris, Leader of the Council

 

‘A number of residents in my ward have written to me about a lack of waste bins on the estate. Please could the Leader look at installing some to help reduce litter and dog fouling as part of the civic pride agenda?’

 

Question from Councillor Roly Hughes to Councillor Joe Harris, Leader of the Council

 

‘Many of the street signs on the Chesterton estate are looking tired and in some cases are completely missing. Will the Leader commit to replacing street signs on the Chesterton estate by the end of the year?’

 

Question from Councillor Roly Hughes to Councillor Joe Harris, Leader of the Council

 

‘Many hedges from properties in Chesterton are overgrown and obstruct the pavement making it difficult for people to pass. What can CDC do to tackle this issue?’

 

Question from Councillor Juliet Layton to Councillor Mike Evemy, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance

 

‘During and following the debate on the Council's budget on 24 February much has been said and written about the Council's overall financial position and the decisions taken by the current Administration.  In particular, comments have been made about the funds available for the Council's capital programme and its use of revenue reserves.

 

Can the Deputy Leader please explain the Council's capital position in high level terms and how the Administration is using capital investments and revenue reserves to deliver on its Corporate Plan priorities?’

 

Question from Councillor Mark Harris to Councillor Andrew Doherty, Cabinet Member for the Environment, Waste and Recycling

 

‘My ward was particularly badly hit over the Christmas period by flooding. Please can the cabinet member give feedback on the recent residents flood forum meeting that the Council held and also the MP's flood meeting. Please can he also outline what he sees Cotswold District Council's role is with respect to flooding moving forward.’

Minutes:

A record of Member questions and answers are available in the schedule attached to these minutes.   Questions were asked by:

 

·           Councillor Nikki Ind to Councillor Rachel Coxcoon, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Forward Planning and Councillor Lisa Spivey, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness.

·           Councillor Julian Beale to Councillor Tony Dale, Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills

·           Councillor Steve Trotter to Councillor Juliet Layton, Chair of Planning and Licensing Committee.

·           Councillors Tony Berry, Claire Bloomer and Roly Hughes to Councillor Joe Harris, Leader of the Council.

·           Councillor Juliet Layton to Councillor Mike Evemy, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance.

·           Councillor Mark Harris to Councillor Andrew Doherty, Cabinet Member for the Environment, Waste and Recycling.


 

Supporting documents: