Agenda item

In accordance with Standing Orders, written answers to the following questions will be circulated on a supplementary agenda.

(A)Question from Councillor Peter Wilkins

With the introduction of food waste collection and the completion of phase 2 of the flat block recycling scheme in the Borough can the council advise what our current recycling rate is (expressed as a percentage of all waste recycled.)

(B)Question from Councillor Andy McGuinness

To date, what has been the impact of this year’s inclement weather on the Council’s planned schedule of environmental maintenance including weeding, grass cutting and hedge/tree pruning?

(C)Question from Councillor Phil Bibby

Would the Cabinet Member please advise how fuel inflation caused by the Iranian conflict is affecting the Council’s spending against budget

(D)Question from Councillor Robin Parker

There are many publicly accessible automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) at locations in Stevenage. Some are free standing, whilst others are attached to buildings. Many of these were provided by local Borough or County Councillors via SBC Local Community Budgets (LCBs) or HCC Locality Budgets (LBs).

Others are private and did not involve SBC or HCC.

I understand that the Neighbourhood Wardens check them regularly, which is excellent.

In the case of those provided by LCBs or LBs, what are the arrangements for funding:

-       repairs to them;

-       maintenance of them;

-       replacements of them;

…..if such actions become necessary?

(E)Question from Councillor Ashley-Wren

Since March 2023 when the council took over the management of the lakes 

sailing courses have remained inactive. 

Are there plans to reinstate this provision that provided residents, including many young people, with opportunities to experience activities that they may otherwise not be able to access.? 

(F)  Question from Councillor Clark

What actions did the Council take during recent periods of extreme heat to support council tenants, including older people, those with health conditions, and those at increased risk from heat-related illness?

(G)Question from Councillor Jaysica Marvell

Many residents rely on council services or receive financial support at different stages of their lives, whether through social housing, council tax support, or other benefits and assistance. While these services provide an essential safety net, they're not always intended to be a permanent solution. There may also be people who aspire to become more financially independent where circumstances allow.

What is Stevenage Borough Council doing, either directly or in partnership with other organisations, to support residents on that journey by improving access to employment, skills, training, financial advice, business support and opportunities that promote greater independence and social mobility?

(H)Question from Councillor Tom Wren

The recent announcement of £20m of Pride of Place funding is fantastic news for the St Nicholas neighbourhood. What plans does the council have to deliver much needed improvements in the other areas of the town?

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 Peter Wilkins re: Food Waste Collection

Supplementary question – Given that the Council’s recycling rate was currently around 37-38% and remained below many neighbouring authorities, would the Council consider setting a target to increase recycling to at least 42% within the next two years?"

The Portfolio Holder acknowledged that further work was required to improve communications and encourage greater participation in food waste recycling.  He advised that while early indications were encouraging, it was considered too soon to draw firm conclusions regarding longer-term trends but it was anticipated that participation rates would continue to increase gradually over time. Councillor Brown also made reference was also made to discussions held through the Hertfordshire Waste Partnership, where similar challenges were being experienced by other authorities.

(B)      Question from Councillor Andy McGuinness re: the planned schedule of environmental maintenance

Supplementary question – if there was additional capacity arising from reduced grass cutting, could this be used to undertake targeted weed clearance in high-footfall areas, such as neighbourhood centres, particularly where weeds had been sprayed but not subsequently removed?

The Portfolio Holder advised that the Council was continuing to invest in the maintenance of the public realm, including additional work on hedgerow management and environmental upkeep across the town.  He advised of a number of issues were currently affecting green spaces, including the impact of the prolonged dry weather, which had resulted in some trees shedding leaves prematurely and created additional maintenance requirements.  He acknowledged the points raised by Councillor McGuinness and confirmed that they would be taken into consideration as part of the Council’s ongoing management of the town’s green spaces and public realm.

(C)      Question from Councillor Phil Bibby re: fuel inflation

There was no supplementary question

(D)      Question from Councillor Robin Parker re: automatic external defibrillators (AEDs)

Supplementary question – could a small budget be established within the General Revenue Account from next April to fund the replacement of automatic external defibrillators and any necessary replacement parts across the town.

The Portfolio Holder advised that he would be willing to explore the provision of funding and the mechanism and source of funding but gave a commitment to investigate the options available and determine whether support could be provided.

(E)      Question from Councillor Julie Ashley-Wren re: Fairlands Valley Lakes

Supplementary question – Would the Council give consideration to reinstating the climbing wall at the Lakes

The Portfolio Holder explained that the matter had previously been considered and that concerns regarding safety, together with the potential cost of replacement, had prevented further progress at that time.  The issue would be considered as part of the Council’s wider review of facilities and activities within Fairlands Valley. 

(F)      Question from Councillor Peter Clark re: extreme heat

Supplementary question – What measures were put in place to support people sleeping rough during the recent heatwave?

The Portfolio Holder explained that the Council’s Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) was activated during periods of extreme weather, including both severe cold and extreme heat. The Rough Sleeper Team increased its outreach and support activity and adopted a proactive approach to engagement, seeking to support individuals into accommodation where possible while respecting personal choices.

Additional measures included responding promptly to reports of rough sleeping, undertaking extra welfare visits and supporting approximately 8 to 10 people each day through the Homeless Community Hub. The Hub provided access to cold water, meals, ice lollies, sunscreen, hats and other items to help people stay safe during the heatwave.

Members were advised that similar support measures would be implemented during any future periods of extreme heat.

(G)     Question from Councillor Jaysica Marvell re: Financial Support for residents

Supplementary question – is the Council measuring whether the apprenticeship programmes lead to improved outcomes for residents, such as moving into employment, increasing earnings, or, where appropriate, reducing reliance on benefits?

The Portfolio Holder for Resources advised that he did not have the requested information available and was unable to confirm whether the figures currently existed.  He undertook to provide a written response to the Member following the meeting.

(H)      Question from Councillor Tom Wren regarding: Pride in Place Funding

Supplementary question – Could further information be provided on the data behind the Community Needs Index, and how this compared across all Stevenage wards?

The Leader of the Council advised that the criteria used to allocate funding had been based on objective measures and had been assessed independently.  The Council would act as the accountable body during the early stages of the programme, with responsibility for governance, financial oversight and decision-making with both the local MP and Council representatives to be involved in the Board and its decision-making processes.

In addition, the Leader explained that a preferred candidate for the role of Chair had been identified and once appointed, would work with Council representatives to consider applications for the Neighbourhood Board and ensure balanced representation from local organisations and residents, with a significant proportion of members drawn from the St Nicholas community.  The Leader also offered to provide further information regarding the Government’s funding allocation process.