LEADER OF THE COUNCIL'S UPDATE
In accordance with the Council’s Standing Orders, the Leader of the Opposition shall be given the opportunity to raise one matter relevant to the Borough that has arisen since the last meeting of the Council. The Leader of the Council shall then have the opportunity to advise the Council of matters relevant to the Borough that have arisen since the last meeting.
Decision:
The Leader of the Opposition asked whether the Council wanted to continue seeking to develop an association with Lewis Hamilton in view of the racing driver’s unfortunate remark about Stevenage at the 2018 BBC Sports Personality of the Year event.
In response, the Leader of the Council stated that it was disappointing that Lewis Hamilton had referred to Stevenage as 'the slums' at such a high-profile event. People from the Stevenage had been left "very offended" by the five-time Formula 1 champion's remark. The Leader of the Council praised England para-badminton player Gobi Ranganathan for publicly stating that he was "proud to fly the flag for Stevenage”. Cllr Taylor also highlighted the positive social media responses of Stevenage residents following the racing driver’s remark. The Leader of the Council further commented that Lewis Hamilton should continue to use his status to inspire young people and that he should strive to be an ambassador for the town.
The Leader of the Council congratulated Councillor Adam Mitchell CC on his recent promotion to Deputy Executive Member for Education, Libraries and Localism at Hertfordshire County Council.
The Council then received updates from Executive Members on the following:
· Major Refurbishment Contract (MRC)
· Severe Weather Plan for Independent Living Services
· Recycling Sack Pilot
· Volunteers
· Regeneration
· Stevenage Local Plan
· Stevenage Against Domestic Abuse Secures Future Funding
· Co-operative working in Local Neighbourhoods
· Stevenage Business Grant
Members were informed that the Leader of the Council and the Chief Executive were due to meet government officials concerning the continued delay regarding adoption of the emerging Stevenage Local Plan. The Leader also informed Council that Hertfordshire had been included in the Business Rates Pilot under the Local Government Finance Settlement for 2019/2020.