Agenda item

In accordance with the Council Procedure Rules (Section 8.3) of the Council's Constitution, to receive oral questions from Members of the Council

In accordance with the Council Procedure Rules (Paragraph 8.3 of the Rules), the Chairman proceeded to conduct a period of oral questions addressed to Executive Councillors and Panel Chairmen as follows:-

Question from Councillor D P Reeve to the Executive Councillor for Operational and Countryside Services, Councillor C R Hyams

In response to a question regarding the contribution made by the CCTV mobile unit in helping combat anti-social behaviour and the possible threat to the service because of budgetary measures, Councillor Hyams replied that given the economic downturn and the uncertainties that surrounded local government finance, he could not give any undertaking that the mobile unit would be retained but he acknowledged the valuable contribution that it made in helping to ensure public safety.

Question from Councillor W T Clough to the Executive Councillor for Housing and Public Health, Councillor K J Churchill

In response to a question regarding the need to consider ways to attract public interest in Council meetings, Councillor Churchill replied that the Democratic Structure Working Group would be reviewing the outcome of the Council meeting and that of the forthcoming Neighbourhood Forum in St. Neots and that the Working Group would address any issues which had arisen at both meetings.

Question from Councillor R J West to the Executive Councillor for Planning Strategy and Transport, Councillor D B Dew

In response to a question regarding the potential effect of the economic downturn on the workload of the Planning Services Division, Councillor Dew indicated that in contrast to neighbouring authorities, Huntingdonshire was not experiencing any reduction in activity but that he would continue to monitor the situation.

Question from Councillor R W J Eaton to the Leader of the Council, Councillor I C Bates

In response to a question regarding the potential for offering one hour’s free car parking in the market towns to mitigate the economic downturn and maintain the vitality of the town centres, Councillor Bates encouraged the Liberal Democrat’s representative on the Members' Car Parking Working Party to raise the issue for consideration in that forum. 

Question from Councillor Mrs K E Cooper to the Leader of the Council, Councillor I C Bates

In response to a question regarding the transfer of the tourist information centre from St. Neots Museum to the Priory Centre and its effect on the number of visitors and the cost implications, Councillor Bates undertook to reply to the questioner in writing.

Question from Councillor M G Baker to the Executive Councillor for Operational and Countryside Services, Councillor C R Hyams

In response to a question regarding the progress of works to erect a fence between Hinchingbrooke School, and the Country Park, Councillor Hyams replied that following consultation with the school, appropriate work would be undertaken by the end of September. 

Question from Councillor P L E Bucknell to the Executive Councillor for Environment and Information Technology, Councillor J A Gray

In response to a question about the progress of an investigation into the surface water systems following flooding, after heavy rainfall of properties in Fenton Road, Warboys, Councillor Gray undertook to advise the questioner in writing of the current situation.

Question from Councillor D J Priestman to the Executive Councillor for Operational and Countryside Services, Councillor C R Hyams

In response to a question regarding the number of reports of fly tipping received by the Operation Division in the current year, and the level of fines levied and paid, Councillor Hyams replied that whilst it was difficult to be precise as collection figures related to the County as a whole, the number of incidents were decreasing and he would be pleased to discuss the wider issues with the questioner after the meeting.

Question from Councillor P J Downes to the Executive Councillor for Environment and Information Technology, Councillor J A Gray

In response to a question as to whether the Council's Environment Strategy could meet the objectives of the new climate change criteria and whether the District Council would be a signature to the campaign to encourage others to reduce carbon emissions, Councillor Gray replied that the District Council's Carbon Management Plan provided for the authority to reduce carbon emissions by 30% over the next three years which suggested that the Council would fulfil the 10/10 objectives but that he would consider the issues raised after the meeting and respond to the questioner in writing with a view as to the intentions of the Council in this regard.

Question from Councillor P D Reeve to the Executive Councillor for Housing and Public Health, Councillor K J Churchill

In response to a question regarding the advisability of housing young and elderly people in close proximity given the nuisance problems that could occur, Councillor Churchill replied that although he would raise the questioner's concerns with Luminus, the District Council had no influence over the registered social landlord and their decisions in terms of housing allocations.