Agenda item
Questions from the Opposition and other Non- Executive Members
Questions will be put to the Executive
Minutes:
Councillor Kabir asked how many families were on the waiting list for social housing. Councillor Long (Lead Member for Housing) replied that there were 17289 now on the waiting list. This had recently risen from 15500 so it could be assumed there were already more than this. Councillor Kabir responded by saying that the report to the Executive in July on South Kilburn regeneration showed the impact the new 'affordable rent' model had on rents in South Kilburn. A current rent of around £88 for a 2 bedroom property increased to between £250 and £260 per week and an even greater difference for a 4 bedroom property rising from £106 to £450 per week.
Councillor Cummins suggested that a degree of localism should be applied to the allocation of section 106 planning gain monies. He felt many of the areas in which these funds were generated did not benefit from them. He asked if a review would be carried out. Councillor Powney (Lead Member for Environment and Neighbourhoods) replied that a report to be submitted to the Executive in a few months' time would cover this point. In the meantime he pointed out that the use of section 106 monies was not restricted to environment and transport schemes but could also be used on sports and arts projects. However its use was subject to legal constraints. Councillor Cummins added that he hoped to have the opportunity to have an input into the report to the Executive.
Councillor Colwill asked for an explanation on what was happening at the John Billam centre. Councillor R Moher (Lead Member for Adults and Health) explained that the intentions for the John Billam centre had not changed but fewer past residents of the Albert Road day centre would now be going to go to John Billam. This was as a result of the personalisation budget which had resulted in more people purchasing services outside the centre. A similar thing was happening at Strathcona. This therefore presented an opportunity to look at more creative ways of using the remaining space, with one idea being the creation of a meeting hub for older people. Councillor Colwill noted the answer given.
Councillor Hunter referred to the ambition for the new Civic Centre to be the greenest building in the UK and asked what scope existed to improve the green credentials of the remaining Council stock. Councillor Powney (Lead Member for Environment and Neighbourhoods) replied that the Civic Centre was a very important component towards the Council achieving its carbon emissions target. Schools were another important element but this depended on getting the co-operation of the head teachers. The climate change steering group had already begun looking at this. Councillor Hunter felt there were other things that could be done and expressed the hope that the pressure on head teachers to improve schools would be maintained. She referred to the Council's Green Charter and felt there needed to be a clearer indication of who was responsible for the various actions and when these would be implemented. She challenged colleagues in the chamber to sign up to the green climate change pledge.
Councillor Gladbaum asked how much budget had been lost to assist with Free Schools opening. Councillor Arnold (Lead Member for Children and Families) replied that the general fund had been top sliced by £1m which had drained funding for Brent schools. The Council had challenged this action and the Minister was having to reconsider the matter. Councillor Gladbaum noted the answer she had received.
Councillor Brown asked if, under the Council's new waste collection arrangements, fallen leaves would continue to be collected for composting. Councillor Powney (Lead Member for Environment and Neighbourhoods) replied that they would not and that this matter had been discussed at a recent meeting of the Call-in Overview and Scrutiny Committee. Fallen leaves amounted to only a small percentage of the total tonnage collected and would be covered by the general waste collection arrangements. Councillor Brown felt the Council was missing out on utilising leaves for composting and if they remained on the streets they would constitute a health and safety hazard as well as look unsightly. He felt the decision not to collect them was a disproportionate action and a false economy.
Councillor Denselow asked for assurance that residents' concerns were being addressed with regard to the High Speed 2 plans. Councillor Crane (Lead Member for Regeneration and Major Projects) replied that the Executive was soon to receive a report seeking endorsement of the response to the consultation submitted to the Secretary of State. It expressed broad support for the project but with caveats. A number of concerns expressed by residents and amenity groups including concerns regarding the proposed vent shaft in Queens Park had not so far been addressed and the Council was also asking for that to happen. In addition Members had received a briefing on the project in June. Councillor Denselow noted the reply he had received.
Councillor Beck referred to the planning applications submitted for the Crest Academies and the meeting the Leader had had with those residents who had expressed concerns about the development. He asked for feedback from that meeting. Councillor John (Leader) replied that residents had attended the meeting with a long list of concerns. It was a difficult site to develop and she felt it was a shame that an adjacent site had not been purchased which would have made the development easier. A lot of information had been given to residents and there was still time for a further meeting if necessary. The application was due to be submitted to the Planning Committee at the end of September. It was obviously not possible to pre-empt the committee's decision but Councillor John stated that she had some sympathy with some of the concerns raised. Councillor Beck noted the answer he had received.
Councillor McLennan raised concerns she had on the Taxicard scheme and asked for an update. Councillor R Moher (Lead Member for Adults and Health) replied by reminding members that there had been a moratorium placed on new Taxicard applications because London Councils had been over budget on the scheme. A review of the scheme had recommended lifting the moratorium but with those users not automatically qualifying having to undergo a mobility test and restoration of the double swipe provision. Efforts were also being made to reduce demand on the scheme. For instance, it had been found that people used it to get to hospital rather than use the hospital transport available so it was necessary to discuss with hospitals how they could improve their service. A report on the scheme would be submitted to the next meeting of the Executive. Councillor McLennan noted the reply she had received.