Decision - QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS TO COMMITTEE CHAIRS / PORTFOLIO HOLDERS

Decision details

QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS TO COMMITTEE CHAIRS / PORTFOLIO HOLDERS

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: No

Decision:

The Council received eight questions from Members to Committee Chairs/Portfolio Holders.  The responses to the eight questions had been published in the supplementary agenda for the meeting.

                                                                               

(A)       Question from Councillor Margaret Notley re: Leisure Management Contract

 

No supplementary question was asked.

 

(B)       Question from Councillor Adam Mitchell re: paperless working

 

Supplementary question – “In view of the fact that the cost of printing committee agenda in 2020/21 was £39,000, and in the light of the Council having declared a Climate Change Emergency in 2019, does the Portfolio Holder find this excessive cost embarrassing and an inefficient use of tax payers money?”

 

The Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhoods & Co-operative Council replied that progress was being made to move towards a paperless way of working, with Members being encouraged to use the ModernGov app for accessing committee papers.  This was part of the wider transformation exercise regarding improved digital access to meet Climate Change ambitions.

 

(C)      Question from Councillor Nicholas Leech re: Electric Vehicle Charging Points

 

Supplementary question – “What is SBC doing to substantially increase the number of Electric Vehicle Charging (EVC) points in the town to increase Stevenage’s position in the County “League table” of numbers of EVCs?”

 

The Portfolio Holder for Economy, Enterprise & Transport replied that a recently held Local Government Association webinar on EVCs had identified a number of areas that needed to be addressed with the Government, including a requirement for the Government to clearly indicate the national rollout capacity; to provide national leadership on a preferred technical solution; and to provide sufficient capital and revenue resources.  In the meantime, SBC would be working with Hertfordshire County Council to support the principles contained in their EVC Action Plan.

 

(D)      Question from Councillor Wendy Kerby re: safety issues in relation to the major refurbishment of the Council’s flat blocks

 

No supplementary question was asked.

 

(E)       Question from Councillor Graham Lawrence re: the building of new flats in the town

 

Supplementary question – “Will you reconsider the plans for flats, and build proper houses with gardens that people need and want to live in?

 

The Portfolio Holder for Environment & Regeneration replied that it would be difficult to double-guess the look of the post-Covid world.  When the Stevenage Local Plan was produced, the Planning Inspector had considered the numbers, type and mix of residential units proposed to be acceptable.  He stated that GlaxoSmithKline had just announced expansion plans for the Catalyst/Catapult life sciences park, which it was estimated would create 5,000 new jobs, and he felt that the type and quality of accommodation to be provided by the SG1 development would be suitable and ideally located for those individuals who would be looking to start or continue a career in the life sciences sector.

 

(F)       Question from Councillor Alex Farquharson re: the relationship between the Council and staff trade unions

 

Supplementary question – “Why is SBC content to not charge Trade Unions a fee for allowing trade union subscriptions to be deducted from employees’ salaries, when other Councils charge Trade Unions for this service?”

 

The Portfolio Holder for Resources replied that she would provide a written answer to the questioner regarding this matter.

 

(G)      Question from Councillor Andy McGuinness re: maintenance of the town’s woodlands

 

Supplementary question – “Will be Tree and Woodland Strategy be backed up by appropriate funding?”

 

The Portfolio Holder for Environment & Regeneration replied that the condition of the Borough’s woodlands had improved over recent years, assisted the work of the Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust.  He undertook to keep Members informed of the further improvements being made, but it should be borne in mind that there were budget limitations.  However, he undertook to keep trees and woodlands high on his agenda for his portfolio.

 

(H)      Question from Councillor Graham Snell re: mobility travel between the new Bus Station and Train Station

 

Supplementary question – “What specific help would disabled people be given to access the Train Station from the new Bus Station?”

 

The Portfolio Holder for Economy, Enterprise & Transport replied that he would provide the questioner with a written answer to the supplementary question.

Publication date: 28/07/2021

Date of decision: 21/07/2021

Decided at meeting: 21/07/2021 - Council

Accompanying Documents: