Agenda item
Questions from the Opposition and other Non- Executive Members
Questions will be put to the Executive.
Minutes:
Councillor Shaw asked what representations were made to Transport for London when bus stops and pedestrian crossings were moved. Councillor J Moher replied that when proposals to move bus stops were made, the Council regularly made representations but these were often met with reluctance on the part of bus companies to change their plans. Councillor Shaw responded by referring to meetings of the Transport Liaison Committee and pointed out that the last meeting of this committee was arranged on an important religious date. She referred to a bus stop in Watford Road and a bus stop in Willesden Lane both of which had been moved with no consultation. She felt Transport for London's approach to this was shoddy and hoped the Executive would take the matter up and insist that proper consultation was carried out.
Councillor Long asked when a credit union would be established. Councillor Butt replied that nothing had yet been arranged but that he would look into it and respond to Councillor Long. Councillor Long responded by stating that Brent Housing Partnership would soon be introducing a credit union with the consequence that this would help stop loan sharks from operating in the borough. She felt the Council had been backward on looking at this matter and that it showed the benefit of Brent Housing Partnership being independent of the Council.
Councillor Beck asked for a fairer deal for motorists in the light of the proposed increase in charges for parking permits. Councillor J Moher replied that the proposals represented a fair deal for the borough on the environment. It was proposed to tackle carbon emissions in a serious way. The increase represented income to the Council of £7M over four years. Given the Government was about to cut the transport budget it was right to increase the fees. Councillor Beck responded that he agreed on the point about the environment but he referred to a leaflet handed out before the local elections which alleged that the Liberal Democrats would hike up prices if they were returned to power and that Labour would ensure motorists got a fairer deal. Now after the election the Labour Party had backed out of its promise.
Councillor HB Patel referred to parking charges and asked if an analysis had been carried out on how many cars there were in each zone and what effect increasing cnarges would have on people. Councillor J Moher replied that there had been no increase since 1999 and that if the charge had been linked to an inflation rate the charge should have gone up by £75. Consultation was being carried out and he assured the meeting that the outcome would be heard. However, he expressed surprise that the environmental considerations were not being shared by the other political parties on the Council. Councillor HB Patel responded that it was contradictory to increase the charges and be environmentally friendly. Owners of big cars would be those most likely to be able to afford the charge or would have their own garages. A greater effect would be felt by those less able to afford the charges and would lead to an increase in people paving their front gardens to create parking meaning the policy would turn out to be less environmentally friendly. He submitted it was just a scheme to make money.
Councillor Brown asked that arrangements be made for the planting of a tree to mark Holocaust Day. Councillor Butt replied that he would be open to suggestions on where to plant such a tree and would look into it himself. He asked Councillor Brown if he had approached the Parks Service on this matter. Councillor Brown responded that, whilst welcoming the reply that it would be looked into, he was sorry that agreement could not be given immediately and included as part of the Council's holocaust memorial event. He did not feel it was a matter for referral to the Parks Service.
Councillor Green referred to the increase in controlled parking zones (CPZ) permits and asked if consideration had been given to an opt out for some people given the 300% increase agreed. Councillor J Moher replied that the reference to a 300% increase was only for 'gas guzzlers'. The increases for smaller and medium size cars were relatively small when taken over the year. Councillor Green responded that he found it typical that a scheme should be introduced initially as a way of permitting people to park closer to their home and then get twisted into a scheme to generate more income. He felt it was unreasonable to charge up to £150 per year as this was not made clear before the election. He stated that it would be right to provide an opt out.
Councillor Cheese asked if the decision for the Executive members and chief officers to stay in an out of borough hotel would be reconsidered and the booking for the October away-days cancelled. Councillor John replied that the amount of money it cost the council was not as high as it was being reported. Also it was not a hotel but a training centre. She submitted that the previous administration had hardly made a coherent decision and did not view the away days as being important. She stated that it was cheaper to stay out of borough than in the borough. Also if people stayed in borough there would be more coming and going, less time spent together and a less coherent outcome. Councillor John added that every large business made similar arrangements and whilst causing controversy it was the responsibility of the Executive to look at the best ways for lead members and officers to work together. Councillor Cheese responded that he had heard the argument put that it was less expensive to use a facility outside the borough but comparisons were only made with expensive venues within the borough. He felt it was ridiculous to need to organise team bonding events. He asked for acceptance that it was not necessary to go on an away day event to set a budget and that Bridge Park or the Council's training centre could be used instead. He urged the Executive to reconsider the arrangements and avoid an ongoing scandal.
Councillor Moloney asked when the Council was going to get back the £15M the Liberals gave to the Icelandic banks. Councillor Butt answered that he was working with the authorities to recover the money and that about a third had been recovered. Work was continuing to recover the rest but some may be lost. Councillor Moloney responded that losing the money was a disgraceful waste.