Agenda item
Member Questions
The following questions have been submitted:
Question from Councillor Nick Maunder to Councillor Mike Evemy, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance:
Twelve months ago, the Council started levying an additional 50p on parking stays at the Rissington Road car park in Bourton-on-the-Water to generate revenue to spend in the village on managing the impacts of tourism.
Could the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance please advise the Council:
(i) the revenue generated so far by the charge;
(ii) what this revenue has been spent on in 2021/22; and
(iii) the budget and plans for spending the revenue from the charge in 2022/23.
Question from Councillor Claire Bloomer to Councillor Joe Harris, Leader of the Council:
Cirencester Town Council has recently taken steps to implement a menopause policy for the Council staff. What plans does Cotswold District Council have to do the same?
Question from Councillor Stephen Andrews to Councillor Joe Harris, Leader of the Council:
Over the past two years I have asked a number of questions relating to the response of this Council to Consultations that the Government or other bodies have conducted. Given his responsibility for Democratic Renewal and Consultation, will he endorse the suggestion that I have made to Officers that all such responses are made available to the Public on the website of this Council as soon as they have been completed?
Question from Councillor Stephen Andrews to Councillor Lisa Spivey, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness:
In late 2017 the idea of a scheme for the regeneration of poor standard Social Rent housing in Kempsford was first conceived. Following consultation, including with the residents of that housing, this scheme was agreed and planning permission sought in 2019. At the same time, residents were encouraged by the Housing Association to move out and into other properties in nearby settlements such as Fairford. Since then, the Oakley flats have been demolished and most of the houses boarded up. Despite requests from the Parish Council and myself the Housing Association have failed to indicate when this regeneration programme will be completed.
The result, is a net loss to this Council of in excess of 20 social rent houses; the disruption of the lives of its occupants; and, a complete change to the fabric of the village of Kempsford and its vibrancy.
Will she agree that this is wholly unacceptable given the priority she has claimed this administration affords to increasing social rented housing in particular?
Question from Councillor Julia Judd to Councillor Joe Harris, Leader of the Council:
In July last year the Government launched the £4.8 billion Levelling Up Fund aimed at investment in infrastructure across the UK that improves everyday life, including the regeneration of town centres and high streets, upgrading local transport and investing in cultural, heritage, leisure and business assets. The LGA welcomed the announcement and applauded the fact that councils were placed at the heart of the delivery of the Fund.
Did CDC jump at this opportunity and make a bid for the first issue of the Levelling Up Fund. If so, what was it for?
Question from Councillor Tony Berry Question to Councillor Joe Harris, Leader of the Council:
The 25 February Council press release indicated that you had agreed to pay £30,000 to repair the mosaic in Brewery Court, together with other repairs and improvements. Could you please advise me why this was not processed through the Crowdfunding process that was introduced by your administration to ensure that there was local support for such projects, and therefore reducing the overall cost to CDC.
Question from Councillor Stephen Hirst to Councillor Joe Harris, Leader of the Council:
The Government is being urged to welcome thousands of refugees from Ukraine. The UK should play a leading role in providing sanctuary, Save the Children and Amnesty International amongst others said. The Refugee Council has also called for an urgent plan of action from ministers. LGA chair James said that councils are “deeply saddened by the tragic events unfolding day by day in Ukraine” and are following the situation closely.
Councils have a proud history of welcoming refugees, stepping forward voluntary to offer homes and support to new arrivals and helping resettle them in local communities.
Can the Leader confirm that Cotswold District Council has prepared plans to receive numbers of Ukrainian refugees, stepping forward to offer homes and support to new arrivals and helping resettle them in Cotswold communities.
Question from Councillor Stephen Hirst to Councillor Joe Harris, Leader of the Council:
I understand that Cotswold District Council has been allocated over £130,500 for the Household Support Fund to help families who may be struggling this winter and spring. The Household Support Fund has been provided by the Government to local authorities with funding to be allocated in two phases. The first phase is available for families with
children who are struggling and need immediate financial support with food, energy and water bills.
The second phase of the scheme will assist individuals or families moving out of homelessness into permanent tenancy as well as those in receipt of Pension Credits (Savings or Guaranteed).
How does CDC plan to distribute these funding strands both the initial 50% of the funding and the remaining balance for households identified to be in need.
Minutes:
The following questions, and subsequent responses had been received by Members in line with the Council Procedure Rules:
Question from Councillor Nick Maunder to Councillor Mike Evemy, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance:
Twelve months ago, the Council started levying an additional 50p on parking stays at the Rissington Road car park in Bourton-on-the-Water to generate revenue to spend in the village on managing the impacts of tourism. Could the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance please advise the Council of the revenue generated so far by the charge, what this revenue has been spent on in 2021/22; and the budget and plans for spending the revenue from the charge in 2022/23.”
Response from Councillor Mike Evemy, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance:
The Bourton car park levy has generated £54,710 to spend in the village up to 28 February 2022. The Council has used these funds to employ a village warden for Bourton-on-the-Water at a cost of £23,000 per annum. It has also been spent on additional waste bins in the village (£3,000) and used to support the cost of installing bollards on Rissington Road opposite the car park (£7,500). We’ve also used £1,200 from the fund to pay for an accessibility audit for the village. The village warden position is being retained in 2022/23 together with collections from the additional waste bins. A full review will be carried out following the end of the financial year that will include consulting on new plans with the Parish Council, businesses and residents. The surplus from 2021/22 will be rolled forward into 2022/23 and included as part of the review and consultation.
Supplementary Question from Councillor Nick Maunder to Councillor Mike Evemy, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance:
Will follow up consultation include direct community engagement?
Response from Councillor Mike Evemy, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance:
Yes the follow up consultation will include community engagement and this will take place in the next 4-6 weeks.
Question from Councillor Claire Bloomer to Councillor Joe Harris, Leader of the Council:
Cirencester Town Council has recently taken steps to implement a menopause policy for the Council staff. What plans does Cotswold District Council have to do the same?
Response from Councillor Joe Harris, Leader of the Council:
The Council is committed to providing an inclusive and supportive working environment for everyone who works here and has recently drafted a ‘Menopause and the workplace’ policy, which will be formally adopted shortly. To support the new policy online training and information has already been provided to all staff / Managers and an awareness raising article was published on our internal portal.
Question from Councillor Stephen Andrews to Councillor Joe Harris, Leader of the Council:
Over the past two years I have asked a number of questions relating to the response of this Council to Consultations that the Government or other bodies have conducted. Given his responsibility for Democratic Renewal and Consultation, will he endorse the suggestion that I have made to Officers that all such responses are made available to the Public on the website of this Council as soon as they have been completed?
Response from Councillor Joe Harris, Leader of the Council:
Yes, I think that’s an excellent suggestion and will look at how we can make it happen ASAP.
Question from Councillor Stephen Andrews to Councillor Lisa Spivey, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness:
In late 2017 the idea of a scheme for the regeneration of poor standard Social Rent housing in Kempsford was first conceived. Following consultation, including with the residents of that housing, this scheme was agreed and planning permission sought in 2019. At the same time, residents were encouraged by the Housing Association to move out and into other properties in nearby settlements such as Fairford. Since then, the Oakley flats have been demolished and most of the houses boarded up. Despite requests from the Parish Council and myself the Housing Association have failed to indicate when this regeneration programme will be completed. The result, is a net loss to this Council of in excess of 20 social rent houses; the disruption of the lives of its occupants; and, a complete change to the fabric of the village of Kempsford and its vibrancy. Will she agree that this is wholly unacceptable given the priority she has claimed this administration affords to increasing social rented housing in particular?
Response from Councillor Lisa Spivey, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness:
Planning permission has been granted and the Housing Association have recently tabled an application with us to seek to discharge the relevant planning conditions to enable them to make a start on works on site. Once determined it is understood that the applicant will be starting on site, commencing with the southern half where the Oakley Flats were located prior to demolition, before moving on to the Cross Tree Crescent part of the site. The time taken to bring this site to build stage is not within the control of the Council, but we do all we can to support Housing Associations to deliver regeneration sites as quickly as possible. No doubt the pandemic has played its part in delaying this regen project which is also not in the interest of the Housing Association. This administration is wholly committed to the delivery of affordable housing and welcomes this investment in provision of much needed and updated housing to help meet the housing needs of the District.
Supplementary Question from Councillor Stephen Andrews to Councillor Lisa Spivey, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness:
Can you update to clients of the housing association on current timetable and when they can expect to move into their new homes?
Can you ensure that when the number of new homes is reported, it is a net figure taking into account the homes that have been lost/demolished?
Response from Councillor Lisa Spivey, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness:
Although the Council has a good relationship with the housing association, it is not their taskmasters and does not therefore have the responsibility to deliver the housing. The Council can however request the housing association to proactively engage with the community and provide an update on the development work.
The reported figures show the number of new properties available for occupation.
Question from Councillor Julia Judd to Councillor Joe Harris, Leader of the Council:
In July last year the Government launched the £4.8 billion Levelling Up Fund aimed atinvestment in infrastructure across the UK that improves everyday life, including the regeneration of town centres and high streets, upgrading local transport and investing in cultural, heritage, leisure and business assets. The LGA welcomed the announcement and applauded the fact that councils were placed at the heart of the delivery of the Fund. Did CDC jump at this opportunity and make a bid for the first issue of the Levelling Up Fund. If so, what was it for?
Response from Councillor Joe Harris, Leader of the Council:
The Levelling Up Fund requires that bids are made against set criteria, with a strong evidence base in terms of need and outcomes. It is designed to tackle gaps in provision which are unlikely to be delivered by the market. Within the competition, funding is targeted towards places with the most significant need for economic recovery and growth; improved transport connectivity; and regeneration. Councils were identified as Priority one (highest priority), two or three. Cotswold District Council was identified as priority three for funding. Bids are assessed on four main criteria: Strategic fit, Value for Money, deliverability and place characteristics. In terms of deliverability initiatives have to be ‘shovel ready’ with funding that was announced in the Autumn 2021, work has to have commenced by the end of March 2022. At the time that the scheme was announced the Council did not have any suitable schemes that met the criteria and were shovel ready and could therefore have complied with grant conditions. The Council continues to review opportunities for future funding rounds.
Supplementary Question from Councillor Julia Judd to Councillor Joe Harris, Leader of the Council:
Can the Council liaise with authorities across the County that have successfully bid for Levelling Up funding, to ensure future bids are successful?
Response from Councillor Joe Harris, Leader of the Council:
Yes, the Council will continue to work with partners across the County to ensure Officers are able to put together high quality comprehensive bids that are more likely to be successful.
Question from Councillor Tony Berry Question to Councillor Joe Harris, Leader of the Council:
The 25 February Council press release indicated that you had agreed to pay £30,000 to repair the mosaic in Brewery Court, together with other repairs and improvements. Could you please advise me why this was not processed through the Crowdfunding process that was introduced by your administration to ensure that there was local support for such projects, and therefore reducing the overall cost to CDC.
Response from Councillor Joe Harris, Leader of the Council:
Crowdfunding for this work has not been ruled out and will be discussed as detailed costs are considered for the project particularly pertaining to the mosaic. Cotswold District Council owns this part of Brewery Court, which is why it is right that we pay for its upkeep. Brewery Court and its mosaic was allowed to fall apart for16 years under the previous Conservative administration. My Liberal Democrat administration is committed to reinvigorating the site and that is what we are doing.
Supplementary Question from Councillor Tony Berry Question to Councillor Joe Harris, Leader of the Council:
Will Crowdfunding be used to cover the cost of the work at Brewery Court.
Response from Councillor Joe Harris, Leader of the Council:
Brewery Court has been allowed to deteriorate and now needs investment to revitalise and improve it for residents and visitors. Crowdfunding will be considered for the work on the mosaic, but there are other options including the possibility that local residents will complete the work themselves.
Question from Councillor Stephen Hirst to Councillor Joe Harris, Leader of the Council:
The Government is being urged to welcome thousands of refugees from Ukraine. The UK should play a leading role in providing sanctuary, Save the Children and Amnesty International amongst others said. The Refugee Council has also called for an urgent plan of action from ministers. LGA chair James said that councils are “deeply saddened by the tragic events unfolding day by day in Ukraine” and are following the situation closely. Councils have a proud history of welcoming refugees, stepping forward voluntary to offer homes and support to new arrivals and helping resettle them in local communities. Can the Leader confirm that Cotswold District Council has prepared plans to receive numbers of Ukrainian refugees, stepping forward to offer homes and support to new arrivals and helping resettle them in Cotswold communities.
Response from Councillor Joe Harris, Leader of the Council:
Yes, I can confirm that. I will be making a statement on the Ukraine crisis to full council at the council meeting.
Supplementary Question from Councillor Stephen Hirst to Councillor Joe Harris, Leader of the Council:
Can the Council encourage all landlords with empty properties to take part in the Homes For The Ukraine Programme?
Response from Councillor Joe Harris, Leader of the Council:
Yes, Councillor Spivey will be requesting officers start that from today (160322)
Question from Councillor Stephen Hirst to Councillor Joe Harris, Leader of the Council:
I understand that Cotswold District Council has been allocated over £130,500 for the Household Support Fund to help families who may be struggling this winter and spring. The Household Support Fund has been provided by the Government to local authorities with funding to be allocated in two phases. The first phase is available for families with children who are struggling and need immediate financial support with food, energy and water bills. The second phase of the scheme will assist individuals or families moving out of homelessness into permanent tenancy as well as those in receipt of Pension Credits (Savings or Guaranteed). How does CDC plan to distribute these funding strands both the initial 50% of the funding and the remaining balance for households identified to be in need.
The Leader provided a response to the question.
Response from Councillor Joe Harris, Leader of the Council:
For the support to families with children we have engaged Citizens Advice, due to their expertise and existing relationships with those most in need, along with their network of other support organisations. We have purchased £18,750 of supermarket vouchers which will help around 500 families to buy healthy food (these vouchers restrict the purchase of alcohol, tobacco and lottery). A total of £36,868 has been made available to Citizens Advice to provide support to families with children for other essentials, such as energy or water bills, sanitary products, warm clothing and bedding, or purchasing white goods. The housing team has £5,100 to help families moving from temporary accommodation to permanent tenancy, by providing a starter pack consisting of items such as a microwave, fridge, crockery, cutlery, bedding and towels. A sum of £4,800 will allow households without children to receive the same support. £58,500 has been distributed to our residents in receipt of pension credit and this will see approximately 1,300 eligible people receiving supermarket vouchers. The balance will cover the reasonable scheme administration and postage costs of Citizens Advice and this Council.
Supplementary Question from Councillor Stephen Hirst to Councillor Joe Harris, Leader of the Council:
Does the Council have positive plans to include Ukrainian families in the Family Support Fund so that they can gain a positive foothold in our community?
Response from Councillor Joe Harris, Leader of the Council:
The Deputy Leader is reviewing everything that Ukrainian families can benefit from as valued members of our community and a motion is about to be proposed to ask the Chief Executive to develop a package of measures on how Cotswold District Council can help.
Question from Councillor Dilys Neill to Councillor Juliet Layton, Cabinet Member for Development Management and Licensing
The Task & Finish Group which met last year to look at issues around holiday lets in the Cotswolds made several suggestions on completion of its work. These included contacting our MP for his understanding of national policy, looking at producing guidelines for landlords & possibly awarding a charter mark from the council for those properties where such guidance was followed & checking that properties which had been registered as holiday lets & where no council tax was being paid were not using the council's waste collection service. Has any progress been made on these suggestions? Also, in January the government produced a debate pack "Second homes & holiday lets in rural communities" Has this council made any response to this debate pack?
Response From Councillor Juliet Layton, Cabinet Member for Development Management and Licensing
At the July 2021 Council meeting (agenda item 11) the following was agreed.
· That Council authorises Cllr Berry to send a letter to the local MP seeking his support regarding the changes to the legal position as outlined in this report
· That the Council consider the issues summarised at Annex B to agree whether further action should be taken
· Taking account of any further actions required as a result of this recommendation, that the Chief Executive be asked to oversee the preparation of a report back to Council with an Action Plan detailing how and when such actions will be progressed
An update is provided below in the order listed above.
· A letter was sent by Cllr Tony Berry to the MP
· Several considerations are outlined Annex B of the July Council report and the following offers an update:
o Bullet point (a) recommends that the Local Plan Programme Board review opportunities to update the local plan to address STL issues. Cabinet approved the regulation 18 Cotswold District Issues and Options for public consultation in December 2021, which went live in early February 2022. The consultation contains a series of questions on second homes ownership which will be reviewed by the Local Plan Programme Board. Another recommendation relating to the Local Plan was to create a database of STLs. During early 2022 Gloucestershire County Council (GCC), on the request of CDC, has enhanced Gloucestershire District, Borough and City Councils’ ability to monitor second homes, holiday lets, etc. This was achieved by making improvements to the Gloucestershire Land Use Monitoring database. This database is also used to prepare the Council’s five year housing land supply
o An improved database will help to answer these questions over time.
The working group was supported at an Officer level by Phil Shaw, Business Manager for Development Services and Phil Measures, Environmental Health Service Manager. The Chief Executive has liaised with these Officers, advising that the working group will need to reconvene following some of the advancements in discussions around the subject, of which the local MP has been heavily engaged at a national level, with a view to bringing a report back to Council in the summer.