Issue - meetings
the Executive
Meeting: 08/07/2019 - Council (Item 12)
12 Questions from the Opposition and other Non-Cabinet Members PDF 125 KB
For questions to be put to members of the Cabinet by opposition and 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 (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 Schools, Employment and Skills to a question submitted by Councillor Kennelly regarding the approach being taken to the teaching of relationship education within schools.
2. The written response provided by the Lead Member for Environment to a question submitted by Councillor Hassan regarding the scale of carbon reduction being delivered through the roll-out of borough wide LED street lighting. No supplementary question was asked
3. The written response and supplementary verbal response provided by the Deputy Leader in relation to a question submitted by Councillor Saqib Butt regarding Council Tax and non-recoverable arrears and measures being taken to support residents struggling with payments and charges, including progress with the Anti-Poverty policy and Council Tax Protocol developed in consultation with Citizens Advice.
4. The written and supplementary verbal response provided by the Lead Member for Regeneration, Property and Planning to a question submitted by Councillor Maurice regarding the support available and rates charged for local traders renting space within the Civic Centre.
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 Johnson seeking further details on the criteria and support for the possible extension of the Streets for School initiative across Brent.
· Councillor Kelcher regarding the management and scheduling of the road works at the junction of Furness Road and Harrow Road in Kensal Green and ways in which the process, communication and scheduling of combined works with utilities companies could be improved in future.
· Councillor Nerva regarding what action it would be possible to take in highlighting concerns about performance and in securing improvements to operation of the Euston to Watford Junction train line with TfL and Network Rail. The Lead Member for Environment advised that she would be willing to raise the issue with TfL and Network Rail in order for an update to be provided.
· Councillor Long requesting an update on progress with adoption and implementation of the British Sign Language Charter by the Council.
· Councillor Kennelly seeking an assurance regarding the continued involvement of local ward councillors as part of the formal consultation process now being undertaken regarding the future of Roe Green Strathcona School.
· Councillor S.Choudhary and Thakkar regarding the approach towards the teaching of relationship education within schools.
· Councillor Dar regarding the removal of litter bins across the borough and ways in which the impact could be mitigated around schools.
· Councillor Kennelly seeking further details on the support available for those within the Armed Forces looking to gain access back into employment, with reference to the Armed Forces Covenant.
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 for this item, which would begin with consideration of the written questions submitted in advance of the meeting along with any supplementary questions. Once these had been dealt with, the remaining time available would then be opened up for any other non-Cabinet members to question Lead 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 Lead Member. The written responses supplied had been circulated with the Council agenda. The following supplementary questions were then received:
12.1 Councillor Kennelly thanked Councillor Agha (Lead Member for Schools, Employment and Skills) for his response in relation to the Department for Education (DfE) guidance on the teaching of Relationship Education. Before moving on to his supplementary question he took the opportunity, following on from the Mayor’s Announcements, to also pay tribute to Pride and the LGBTQ+ community and to express his support for the Armed Forces community in recognition of Armed Forces Day. In terms of a supplementary question, whilst recognising that the Lead Member had acknowledged the challenges faced in addressing the myths surrounding the DfE guidance, Councillor Kennelly asked what further assurance could be provided in terms of the support being made available for schools in order to address any concerns or difficulties experienced.
In response, Councillor Agha advised that the Council was using a number of different strategies and methods such as the Brent School Partnership, the Schools Forum and the Annual School Governors Conference to disseminate advice and guidance and provide support to schools and their governors to assist them in complying with the statutory guidance. He felt it was important to remember, however, that the way in which the curriculum was taught would be a matter for individual schools and their Governing Bodies. Whilst expected to consult with parents prior to its introduction, schools and their Governing Bodies would have the ability to amend their final approach, if felt necessary, in order to support pupils and families at the school. He therefore reminded members of the importance of Governing Bodies and encouraged any members not already involved to consider becoming school governors in order to be able to individually offer their help and support.
12.2 Councillor Hassan confirmed that she had no supplementary question for Councillor Krupa Sheth in relation to the response provided on the scale of carbon reductions relating to the roll-out of the borough wide LED street lighting programme.
12.3 Having thanked Councillor McLennan (Deputy Leader) for her response in relation to council tax arrears, Councillor S.Butt asked the Deputy Leader if further details could be provided about the measures being taken to support residents struggling with payments and charges, including progress with the Anti-Poverty policy and Council Tax Protocol developed in consultation with Citizens Advice (which he commended the ... view the full minutes text for item 12