The Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Phil Bibby, asked the following question:
“Could the Leader of the Council give an assurance that she is committed to a transformation policy aimed at delivering efficiencies as part of the Council’s Covid recovery plans?”
The Leader of the Council confirmed that a report on a transformation programme would be considered at the August meeting of the Executive. The Council had already approved emergency budgets in June and September 2020 due to a funding deficit due to a lack of Government funding. She was fully committed to the transformation programme, with the aim of continuing the delivery of Council services in spite of cuts to Local Government funding.
The Leader of the Council advised that GlaxoSmithKline had recently revealed plans for the creation of one of Europe’s largest life sciences parks on the Catalyst/Catapult site adjacent to Junction 7 of the A1(M) in Stevenage. This would be an extraordinary opportunity for Stevenage, and it was hoped that 5,000 new jobs would be created over the next 10 years, together with multi-million pound investment in the science park.
The Council then received updates from relevant Executive Portfolio Holders on the following matters:
· Stevenage Economy Taskforce;
· Life Sciences Vision;
· Rough Sleeping Accommodation;
· Housing Awards;
· Resources & Waste Strategy for England;
· Regeneration progress;
· Queen’s Canopies;
· Health Protection Board Covid Grants;
· Neighbourhood Management Strategic Board;
· A Future Vision for Leisure;
· Creative Recovery; and
· Equalities Commission.
The Leader of the Opposition asked the Portfolio Holder for Environment & Regeneration if he would be agreeable to a Combined Waste Authority for Hertfordshire?
The Portfolio Holder for Environment & Regeneration replied that he would not be supportive of such a proposal, and considered that waste and recycling collection was best provided as a public service at local Borough/District Council level.