In accordance with the Council Procedure Rules (Section 8.3) of the Council's Constitution, to receive oral questions from Members of the Council.
Minutes:
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 M F Shellens to the Executive Councillor for Healthy and Active Communities, Councillor T D Sanderson
Having asked the Executive Councillor if the increase in attendance figures predicted, following the redevelopment of One Leisure, St. Ives, had been achieved, Councillor Sanderson replied that the forecast had been based on predicted attendances in 2013/2014, that the Centre was not yet fully operational as the improved gym was due to open within the next three weeks but that once all facilities were open to the public he was confident that the Centre would meet the targets originally identified.
Question from Councillor R Carter to the Executive Councillor for Resources, Councillor J A Gray
In response to a question asking why the Council chose to use capital rather than revenue resource to acquire new refuse vehicles, Councillor Gray explained that the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Economic Well-Being) had discussed the issue of borrowing and capital expenditure at length and had concluded that in the current financial climate it was not possible to fund capital items from revenue. However, Councillor Gray reminded the Council that it was the objective to achieve a balanced revenue budget by the financial year 2016/2017 and it may be possible to fund items from revenue, in the future, when this became affordable. Mindful of other factors, however, Councillor Gray suggested that it could prove to be cheaper to lease vehicles rather than purchase. He also was aware that the Executive Councillor for Environment and the Head of Operations currently were looking at the potential of joint procurement of vehicles in the future.
Question from Councillor C R Hyams to the Executive Leader, Councillor J D Ablewhite
In response to a question regarding the value of the appointment of District Council representatives to Luminus Homes when their ability to contribute was tightly controlled by the organisation, Councillor Ablewhite acknowledged that the current situation was unacceptable and that efforts were being made to find a solution which would be agreeable to both parties and make the role of the District Council representative on the Board more meaningful.
Question from Councillor R Harrison to the Executive Councillor for Customer Services, Councillor B S Chapman
In response to a question regarding the nature of the District Council’s preparations to meet a potential increase in demand for housing from eastern european migrants in 2014, Councillor Chapman reported that the Council had no duty to provide housing to individuals without a local connection.
Question from Councillor S M Van De Kerkhove to the Executive Councillor for Strategic Planning and Housing, Councillor N J Guyatt
Regarding the withdrawal of the 38 free parking bays in the Riverside Park, St. Neots and increases in car parking charges generally, Councillor Guyatt undertook to provide the questioner with a written response on whether St. Neots Town Council or individual Councillors raised any objection to the changes/proposed charges and particularly the loss of the free parking bays during the recent public consultation.
Question from Councillor J A Gray to the Executive Leader, Councillor J D Ablewhite
Having regard to the recent Statement from the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Mr E Pickles, that communities should be encouraged to champion local identities, Councillor Ablewhite indicated that he had welcomed the Secretary of State’s announcement and the opportunity to promote the traditions of the old County of Huntingdonshire.
Question from Councillor D A Giles to the Executive Councillor for Customer Services, Councillor B S Chapman
Further to Minute No. 80(b), Item No. 51 and whilst acknowledging that Councillor T V Rogers had requested that a written answer be prepared for the questioner, Councillor Chapman confirmed that the new welfare reforms relating to under-occupancy did not apply to the elderly, that he was aware of the shortage of social housing stock which made it more difficult for individuals to down-size but that the District Council had to find a way, perhaps through the planning process, to reduce the number of families in bed and breakfast accommodation which was moral and equitable. In response to a supplementary question regarding the limited opportunities that existed to down-size, Councillor Chapman suggested that the District Council would offer assistance by looking at various alternatives particularly in the private rented sector.
Question from Councillor P Kadewere to the Executive Leader, Councillor J D Ablewhite
In response to a question which suggested that communication between the three tiers of authority locally required to be improved to overcome various issues in Kings Ripton Park/Sapley Road, Huntingdon and in respect of continuing car parking problems in Essex Road, Huntingdon, Councillor Ablewhite acknowledged that whilst it might be difficult for the public to distinguish which Council was responsible for a particular function, he commended the “Shape Your Place” initiative as a way to point residents in right direction and suggested that the Councillor should encourage his residents to make use of the tool. Regarding parking issues in Essex Road, Huntingdon, Councillor Ablewhite indicated that he was willing to meet the Residents’ Association and he encouraged the questioner to make the necessary arrangements with his office.
Question from Councillor P D Reeve to the Executive Leader, Councillor J D Ablewhite
Having regard to the suggestion that the Police had withdrawn support of the speed watch initiative at a time when the District Council had approved the use of stickers to promote the reduction of speeding in villages, Councillor Ablewhite undertook to take up the issue on the Council’s behalf at the Cambridgeshire Police and Crime Panel.
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