Agenda item

In accordance with the Council Procedure Rules, all questions –

1.  Must be relevant to an item which the Council has powers or duties;

2.  Must not relate to an item which is include elsewhere on the Agenda.

3.  Should be limited to obtaining information or pressing for action; and

4.  Should not exceed two minutes in duration.

Questions should not divulge or require to be divulged, confidential or exempt information.

With reference to a recent unsuccessful grant application by Sawtry Swimming Pool to the second phase of a government scheme, Councillor S Bywater sought further information from the Executive Councillor for Leisure, Waste and Street Scene as to the measures the District Council intended to take to support residents in Sawtry and surrounding villages to access swimming facilities. He also enquired how the District Council planned to enhance swimming opportunities for children these areas. Councillor S L Taylor undertook to respond further outside of the meeting once she had discussed the matter with the Head of Leisure.

In response to a question from Councillor C A Lowe regarding conservation areas within the District, the Executive Councillor for Planning was asked whether there was a need to recruit additional staff given that the current Conservation Officer was only a part-time position. Councillor T D Sanderson undertook to respond in writing outside of the meeting.

In response to a request from Councillor J Kerr for an update on the Development Management Committee’s statistics and figures, the Executive Councillor for Planning was pleased to report on an improved performance within the January 2024 figures.

With reference to the 2024/25 Budget which had just been approved, Councillor T D Alban requested further information from the Executive Councillor for Leisure, Waste and Street Scene on the measures which were being proposed to increase actual and budgeted income in One Leisure. In response to which, Councillor S L Taylor reported that a report on options would be forthcoming to the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Environment, Communities and Partnerships) on 7th March 2024 and Councillor Alban indicated that he was content to discuss this matter further at this meeting.

In response to a question from Councillor C H Tevlin regarding the reasons for the delay of the Hinchingbrooke Park Project and the expected timeline for completion, the Executive Councillor for Leisure, Waste and Street Scene explained that the main reason for the delay was the need to be biodiversity net gain compliant. It was now anticipated that the planning application would be presented to the Development Control Committee in Autumn 2024, with final completion in Autumn 2026.  The Executive Councillor emphasised the need for the District Councill to lead by example with regards to biodiversity net gain and suggested that further discussions should be held at the Hinchingbrooke Country Park Joint Group.

In response to a request for an update on the renegotiation of the 3C contract, the Executive Councillor for Finance and Resources, Councillor B Mickelburgh reported that preliminary discussions had started but it was not possible to give a detailed update at this stage. He would be attending a meeting the following week to progress this further. Councillor R Martin also suggested that the matter should be brought to the Overview and Scrutiny Panel for discussion in confidential session at the earliest opportunity.

With reference to previous comments regarding the installation of solar PV Panels at Ramsey, Councillor C A Lowe enquired whether it would it be possible to consider solar PV and thermal panels, as well as new EV charging stations for all new buildings. In response to which, the Executive Councillor for Planning reported that the Local Plan process had now begun and he would liaise with Conservative representatives on the Local Plan Advisory Group and other colleagues before responding.

In response to a question from Councillor J A Gray, the Executive Councillor for Finance and Resources agreed that improving and scheduling information to the Overview and Scrutiny Panels could bring better clarity and collaboration across the Chamber and within the Panels themselves.