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’s 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 A N Gilbert to the Executive Councillor for Housing and Public Health, Councillor K J Churchill

In response to a question regarding the application of the “scores on the doors” scheme to St Neots Leisure Centre, Councillor Churchill explained that the Leisure Centre had been inspected on 7th July 2008 when it had achieved three stars.  At that time no significant issues had been identified although it was recognised that there were structural and food servery matters to address.  A further inspection had occurred on 7th January 2010 at a time when the kitchen was being refurbished and it was the expectation that a further inspection would take place in April when the kitchen had re-opened.

Question from Councillor R J West to the Executive Councillor for Housing and Public Health, Councillor K J Churchill

In response to a question regarding the potential for review of the Council’s decision to meet in the evening as recommended under the Democratic Structure Review, Councillor Churchill replied that it was the intention to review the outcome of all initiatives recommended by the Working Group after approximately one year’s operation at the Council meeting to be held in September 2010.

Question from Councillor M G Baker to the Leader, Councillor I C Bates

In response to a question regarding the potential for use of the open space to the front of Pathfinder House for additional car parking, the Leader advised that planning permission had been granted for the development of town houses or further office space on the site but that he would ask the Deputy Leader and Vice-Chairman of the Cabinet to respond directly to the questioner with details of the intentions for the site.  Notwithstanding that reply, Councillor Bates also indicated that the area would not be tarmaced and that access and egress from the site could prove to be problematic.

Question from Councillor G S E Thorpe to the Leader of the Council, Councillor I C Bates

In response to a question regarding the Cabinet’s decision to charge for car parking in the Riverside Park, St Neots, Councillor Bates replied that the Members’ Car Parking Working Group would consider all representations received to the Off Street Parking Places Order prior to its implementation and that the questioner should forward his observations to his colleague on that Working Group to raise during its deliberations.

Question from Councillor P D Reeve to the Leader, Councillor I C Bates

In response to a question regarding the closure of public conveniences and the District Council’s support of the market towns, Councillor Bates replied that the Council had and would continue to work hard to promote and support the market towns.

Question from Councillor P J Downes to the Leader, Councillor I C Bates

In response to a question regarding the decision when to undertake the close of poll count, Councillor Bates replied that the decision when to hold the close of poll count was at the personal direction of the Returning Officer.

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 for use of part of the housing and planning delivery grant to fund additional enforcement activity, Councillor Dew replied that the delivery grant already contributed to elements of the planning process.