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.
Minutes:
The Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Liam Morrell-Phillips began by thanking the residents of Stevenage for the trust they had placed in his Group at the May Elections. He also expressed appreciation to Council officers for the support and induction provided to the newly elected councillors, which had helped them quickly develop an understanding of Council business and their responsibilities. He advised that the group was committed to learning about the issues facing the town and looked forward to working constructively with councillors from all parties to serve the residents of Stevenage.
Councillor Liam Morrell-Phillips then asked the following question:
Would the Leader of the Council commit to ensuring that the Local Government Reorganisation process was subject to full cross-party scrutiny. Councillor Morrell-Phillips stressed the importance of safeguarding Stevenage’s identity, services and interests throughout the transition and ensuring that the needs of Stevenage residents remained a key consideration in any future reorganisation arrangements.
The Leader of the Council responded and agreed that securing the best outcomes for the residents of Stevenage and Hertfordshire was of paramount importance. The Leader advised that he worked closely with the Leaders of all Hertfordshire councils, together with Chief Executives and the Police and Crime Commissioner, through the Hertfordshire Leaders Group, which had reaffirmed its commitment to collaborative working in the interests of residents across the county.
The Leader also highlighted the extensive programme of information, engagement and training provided to Members and staff on Local Government Reorganisation over the preceding 18 months, with opportunities for all Members to contribute. The Leader confirmed that he would continue to engage with all Members on the developing arrangements, including future governance structures and preparations for a shadow authority, and he welcomed input from across the Council as the reorganisation progressed.
The Council then received updates from the relevant Cabinet Portfolio Holders on the following matters:
· New Homes Update
· Youth Team Enjoy VIP STEM Inspiration Day at Silverstone with Mission 44
· Launch of We WILL Build it Better project, as part of the Pioneering Young STEM Futures programme
· Stevenage 80
· Playzone
· Veterans Hub (VALOUR Programme) – Progress Update
· Care experience added as protected characteristic
· Food Waste Collections
· Local Government Reorganisation
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.
Minutes:
The Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Andy McGuinness, asked the following question:
Does the Leader of the Council agree that since the introduction of the new shops at the Roaring Meg (9 Yards) retail park, the parking situation has got progressively worse and although not a Council responsibility could the Council play a facilitation role in trying to improve the situation for residents and shoppers?
The Leader of the Council asked the Portfolio Holder for Economy, Enterprise and Transport to respond. The Portfolio Holder advised that although the parking at the Retail Park was privately owned and the responsibility of the owners of the site to manage, she would be happy to work in partnership with the owners and the County Council as this was primarily a highways issue. She suggested that Councillor McGuinness could contact the Lib Dem Highways Portfolio Holder at the County Council to encourage joint working on this issue.
The Council then received updates from the relevant Cabinet Portfolio Holders on the following matters:
In response to the updates, Councillor Andy McGuinness asked the Portfolio Holder for Environment if he was aware of the issues that had been reported with the mechanisms on the new food waste caddies. The Portfolio Holder advised that there had been some teething problems which were being addressed. He would be speaking to the Team and would report the concerns back to them but gave assurances that the problems would be addressed before the whole town roll out of the scheme.
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.
Minutes:
The Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Stephen Booth, asked the following question:
Does the Leader of the Council think it acceptable to build blocks of flats to house families in order to fulfil the Government’s demand that the country builds 1.5million homes in a town where homes once meant houses with separated bedrooms and gardens for children?
The Leader of the Council referred to the housing crisis in the country and reminded Councillor Booth that the Council was building houses as well as flats across the town.
The Council then received updates from the relevant Cabinet Portfolio Holders on the following matters:
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.
Minutes:
The Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Stephen Booth, asked the following question:
Now that the County Council had started work on the Old Town High Street, businesses and their customers would be experiencing disruption and inconvenience with the loss of free parking well into 2026. Would the Leader of the Council consider offering free parking for the first half an hour in both the Primett Road and Church Lane car parks whilst the road works continued?
The Leader of the Council asked the Portfolio Holder for Economy, Skills and Transport to respond to Councillor Booth’s question.
The Portfolio Holder advised that there were ongoing discussions with Herts County Council regarding possible contributions from them for the loss of income to ensure local taxpayers were not disadvantaged. The suggestion of thirty minutes free parking would impact the Council’s income and impact other spend priorities across the town such as leisure. The Portfolio Holder suggested that the Leader of the Opposition speak to his Liberal Democrat County Council colleagues to request support on the issue.
The Council then received updates from the relevant Cabinet Portfolio Holders on the following matters: