Issue - items at meetings - 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.

The Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Phil Bibby CC, asked the following question:

“In relation to the Towns Fund monies, could the Leader advise on the progress of the Heritage Trail which is to be funded through this budget?”

The Leader of the Council advised that some of the rules had been relaxed for the use of the Towns Fund monies. In terms of the Heritage Trail, there was an ongoing project timeline and the Leader advised he would get the details to Councillor Bibby following the meeting.

The Council then received updates from the relevant Executive Portfolio Holders on the following matters:

· Sustainable X;

· Stevenage Cycle Hire – Business Engagement Event;

· Solar Panels on Refuse Lorries;

· Arts and Culture for Social Cohesion: CCIN Policy Lab;

· Pioneering Young STEM Futures Programme;

· Helston House, Scarborough Avenue;

· Chilham House, Kenilworth Close;

· Customer Services Relocation;

· Leisure Contract: Capital Investment Update;

· Information Technology;

· Safer Streets Fund;

· Award Winning Station Multi-Storey Car Park;

· Growing the Global Life Sciences Cluster in Stevenage.

Councillor Phil Bibby asked if Everyone Active would be bringing anything in to encourage the public to support the Gordon Craig Theatre.

The Portfolio Holder for Culture, leisure and IT advised that she would take this up as a good idea with the Team at Everyone Active.