Minutes:
Arising from a question from Councillor J M Palmer on the changes to the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) that had not been reflected fairly across the District, with particular reference to East Cambridgeshire District Council that operated a differential zoning charge across their District, Councillor G J Bull explained that the concept of zonal charging for CIL had been investigated at its inception but had been found to be problematic in its implementation. It was noted that the Council would await the outcome of the report on CIL that had been presented to Government that may be reported in the Autumn statement and undertook to look at this issue further on receipt of further information.
In response to a question from Councillor T Hayward on public rights of way, Councillor J White explained that it was a County Council function to maintain the public rights of way but the Council had continued to strive to achieve the highest standards in areas of its responsibility. He further reported that the County Council had recently appointed a Rights of Way Officer for Huntingdonshire and would be working within the Council area to maintain public rights of way in the District.
Councillor M F Shellens raised a question in relation to the availability of electronic car charging points across the District in comparison to other local authority areas, whereby Councillor White indicated that it had been a very relevant issue that had been incorporated into the draft Local Plan to 2026 and would be included in the strategic review of car parking in the District. The Council had been in the process of finalising a new contract for a new supplier and the overall strategic review would be addressing the availability of charging points.
In light of the recent Grenfell Tower tragedy, Councillor Mrs S J Conboy questioned whether the District Council had any buildings deemed to be at risk or others in the Council’s investment portfolio. Whereby, the Managing Director, Mrs J Lancaster, reported that there was one building identified over the prescribed height but had not been a clad building. As the Fire Authority was the enforcing agency they had been actively engaged in a review process with a focus on residential properties and then move towards commercial buildings. At this point it may be necessary to review the Council’s commercial stock. Mrs Lancaster also reported that the County Council had already undertaken some local research into the make-up and construction of schools and buildings and private sector accommodation for vulnerable adults.
With reference to a question raised at Council previously (Minute No.66 of the meeting of the Council held 22nd February 2017 refers), Councillor Mrs S L Taylor reported upon the continuous problems with street signs that had not been repaired, whereby Councillor Brown undertook to get exact details following the meeting to proceed with this issue.
In relation to Councillor D Brown’s presentation (Minute No. 17a ante refers), Councillor T D Sanderson questioned whether Town and Parish Councils had been made aware of the proposals of the commercialisation of CCTV, whereby Councillor Brown reported that initial discussions had taken place with Huntingdon and St Neots Town Councils and a presentation would be made to St Ives Town Council shortly. It was also noted that such proposals would not affect the Service Level Agreement.
In response to a question from Councillor J P Morris on the increase in the level of homelessness and expenditure on homing homeless families and plans for future years, Councillor R Fuller explained that the Council’s new Housing Strategy set out the vision for planned affordable housing builds and the recent awareness raising through the local media has also meant that that Council had been prepared to spend money to house homeless residents. It was recognised that B and B accommodation was not a long term viable solution but plans were being assessed as to the provision of new temporary accommodation to eradicate the requirement to use B and B accommodation. It was further noted that a report would be presented to the Cabinet in October 2017 on a Homelessness Strategy.
In light of a question raised by Councillor B S Chapman on the inability of parishes to plan for the spending of Community Infrastructure Levy money, Councillor Bull undertook to investigate this matter further and reported that there were plans to improve communications with Town and Parish Councils.
Councillor P D Reeve requested that his thanks be passed to the Street Naming and Numbering Team for their recent work in avoiding confusion over road naming in Ramey. Furthermore arising from Councillor Brown’s presentation earlier (Minute No. 17a ante refers), Councillor Reeve questioned the investigation of the use of Wi-Fi CCTV cameras, whereby Councillor Brown explained that provision of Wi-Fi CCTV cameras did not currently form part of the Service Level Agreement and any further investment in such was on hold pending the development of the commercialisation project.