Issue - meetings
the Executive
Meeting: 26/11/2018 - Council (Item 12)
12 Questions from the Opposition and other Non-Cabinet Members PDF 89 KB
For questions to be put to members of the Cabinet by non-Cabinet Members in accordance with Standing Order 35.
Details of the four questions submitted in advance have been attached along with the written responses provided.
Members are asked to note that this session will also include an opportunity at the meeting (within the time available) for other non-Cabinet members to ask questions of Cabinet.
Additional documents:
Decision:
NOTED
1. The written and supplementary verbal response provided by the Lead Member for Regeneration, Highways and Planning to a question submitted by Councillor Stephens regarding lobbying action to secure a more regular rail service from Sudbury & Harrow Road Station.
2. The written and supplementary verbal response provided by the Lead Member for Regeneration, Highways and Planning to a question submitted by Councillor Hector regarding the information available and way in which local residents are able to submit requests or influence decisions regarding the installation or removal of street furniture.
3. The written response provided by the Lead Member for Regeneration, Highways and Planning in relation to a question submitted by Councillor Colacicco on the promotion of sustainable construction methods ang green technology in new homes. No supplementary question was asked.
4. The written and supplementary verbal response provided by the Lead Member for Regeneration, Highways and Planning to a question submitted by Councillor Colwill on the timetable for works being undertaken to repair damaged pavements and potholes across the borough.
Responses were also provided by the relevant Lead Members on the following additional questions raised during the open session of this part of the meeting:
· Councillor Chan seeking confirmation of the Cabinet’s position in relation to the policy on Academisation and support for teachers in opposing the process at Village School.
· Councillor Kabir requesting an update on the contingency measures in place to ensure the continuation of social care for those adults whose packages are currently being delivered by Allied Healthcare, given the ongoing concerns regarding their financial position.
· Councillor Nerva on the potential to introduce a community toilet facility scheme and free access to water fountains as part of plans to promote and support local high streets and businesses.
· Councillor Kelcher on whether it would be possible to apply an amnesty in relation to penalty charge notices issued for vehicles making a right turn from Harvest Road into Chamberlain Road in Kensal Green, given problems experienced with illumination of the “No Right Turn” warning sign. Whilst not able to provide any commitment in terms of an amnesty the Lead Member for Environment advised she would look at the issue in order to come back with a response.
· Councillor Hassan seeking support for the Council’s participation in the “It’s our Turn” campaign being run by Safe Passage.
· Councillor Ethapemi highlighting concerns regarding the potential closure of GP practices within the borough.
· Councillor Kennelly raising concerns regarding the limited publicity and consultation undertaken by TfL on planned alterations to the 223 bus service given the impact on residents within his ward who relied on the service.
· Councillor Ketan Sheth regarding the potential financial impact on Brent arising from the recent Court of Appeal decision in relation to the location of ATMs given its relevance to business rates. The Deputy Leader advised she would need to come back with further details on the response currently being developed.
· Councillor Long on the need to update the Brent Connect webpage to ensure access ... view the full decision text for item 12
Minutes:
Before moving on to consider the questions submitted by non-Cabinet members, the Mayor reminded Members that a total of 30 minutes had been set aside to deal with this item which would begin with consideration of the written questions submitted in advance of the meeting along with any supplementary question. Once these had been dealt with, the remaining time available would then be opened up for any other non-Cabinet members to question Cabinet Members (without the need for advance notice) on matters relating to their portfolio.
The Mayor advised that four written questions had been submitted in advance for response by the relevant Cabinet Member. The written responses supplied had been circulated with the Council agenda. The following supplementary questions were then received:
12.1 Cllr Stephens thanked Councillor Tatler (Lead Member for Regeneration, Highways & Planning) for the response which he had been encouraged to note included a commitment to the issue being raised as part of the consultation response on the Local Implementation Plan (LIP3). Given the concerns raised regarding the frequency of rail services being provided by the current transport provider from Sudbury and Harrow Road Station he asked the Lead Member if she would be willing to support continued lobbying (working with ward councillors and the Sudbury Town Residents Association), as part of the upcoming franchise renewal, in order to secure a more regular service from the station.
In response, Councillor Tatler advised that she fully supported the concerns raised regarding the current level of service available, given the attempts being made to encourage greater use of public transport and less reliance on cars and confirmed she would be willing to support ward councillors and the local Residents Association in raising this issue as part of the consultation process on the franchise review. In addition, Councillor Tatler advised that the matter had been raised at the Public Transport Forum held earlier in the day who also shared the concerns raised and would be seeking to take these forward.
12.2 Having thanked Councillor Tatler for her response, Councillor Hector asked the Lead Member if it would be possible for the Council to provide clearer information and guidance for local residents about how they could request or seek to influence/support decisions regarding the installation or removal of street furniture. As background in support of the question she highlighted the experience of local residents in her ward who were seeking the installation of bike hangers at various locations and also those who were seeking the removal of benches in the Hazel Road area due to associated problems of anti-social behaviour.
In response Councillor Tatler (Lead Member for Regeneration, Highways & Planning) advised that the Highways Team when considering the redesign of any street scene provision would include considerations around decluttering. Recent examples of improvements made following consultation with local residents and businesses, included changes made to the street scene on the High Street in Kingsbury. In terms of the supplementary question, Councillor Tatler advised she would be willing to undertake further discussions ... view the full minutes text for item 12