Agenda item

In accordance with the Council Procedure Rules, all questions –

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

v  Must not relate to an item which is included elsewhere on the Agenda

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

v  Should not exceed two minutes in duration.

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

In response to a question from the Executive for Parks and Countryside, Waste and Street Scene Councillor J E Kerr, the Executive Councillor for Resident Services and Corporate Performance, Councillor S W Ferguson gave his assurance, alongside the assurance of Councillor N Wells in his capacity as Chair of the Licensing and Protection Committee that a report would be brought to the next meeting of that committee addressing concerns of the taxi trade in relation to vehicle compliance certificates in particular the awarding of the contract to an operator who carries out the checks on behalf of the Council.

Following a question by councillor S Bywater, the Executive Councillor for Communities, Health and Leisure, Councillor S A Howell advised that the reopening of the leisure facilities at Sawtry was on track for Spring 2026 and that the team would ensure that ward members were looped in to communications on the project.

In response to a question from Councillor D Keane, Councillor J Kerr advised the Council’s position was that any legitimate claim for damage allegedly arising from Council assets, including trees, should be managed through the Council’s established insurance arrangements which would ensure full investigation of complex issues by qualified experts using recognised industry protocols to ensure evidence based decisions which were consistent and legally robust. She also acknowledged that the tree strategy could be strengthened to state that in cases involving vulnerable residents, the Council would provide addition support to them in making a claim either via their own insurance or the Council’s insurance as appropriate to the case. She further noted that the definition of vulnerability would need to be carefully defined in line with the Council’s approach to vulnerable residents, however this was something which would be developed in line with Officer guidance.

Following a question from Councillor S Cawley in relation to the East Park Energy Development project consultation, and how Huntingdonshire District Council, as a statutory consultee intended to respond to this, Councillor T Sanderson advised that whilst he did not have the information to hand, he would work with Officers to get this information to Councillor Cawley and to ensure that a response be submitted in line with the deadlines of the consultation.

Following a question from Councillor N J Hunt, Councillor Howell advised that in relation to the proposed development at One Leisure Huntingdon, the current timescales should see work commence in Autumn 2026 with completion due in Spring 2028.

In response to a question from Councillor M Kadewere, the Executive Councillor for Economy, Regeneration and Housing, Councillor S Wakeford reflected on the Universal Studios development bordering the district not only for the major transformation and international investment that it would bring but also for the associated benefits for Huntingdonshire in particular tourism and employment.  The Chamber were assured that collaborative conversations were ongoing with neighbouring Councils to maximise opportunities for the district, its residents and visitors.

Further to a question from Councillor Wells, Councillor Sanderson advised that a range of evidence based had been prepared including a strategic transport assessment and that the Council were working collaboratively with the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) who were sponsors of the A141 and St Ives improvement project.

Councillor Chapman reflected on the recent Citizen Hub meeting in St Neots which the Executive Leader and Council’s Chief Executive attended, in response, Councillor Conboy advised that collaborative conversations with communities and also bigger opportunities such as the Universal Studios development were ongoing in order to maximise opportunities for Huntingdonshire and its residents.

In response to a question from Councillor R Martin regarding timescales for the review of the Council’s Constitution, the Executive Leader advised that the Changes to the Constitution – Council Procedure Rules and Substitutes Policy would be considered later in the meeting and she would confirm the full timescales with Councillor Martin following the meeting. Both Councillors were in agreement that the review was needed and overdue and Councillor Conboy further clarified that all decisions being made in regard to the Constitution were fully transparent.

Following a question from Councillor D Mickelburgh, Councillor Kerr advised that the Council’s Operations Team had recently won the Most Improved and Best Performer for Refuge Collection at the Association for Public Service Excellence Awards. She praised the fantastic work undertaken by the Officers and thanked them for their dedication and hard work.