Agenda item

Questions from Members

Up to 60 minutes is allowed for this part of the meeting unless extended by the Chairman of Council on a motion moved, duly seconded and approved by the Council.  Members may ask one supplementary question in addition to their original question.

 

Members may ask one supplementary question in addition to their original question.

 

The questions received are set out in the agenda papers.

 

Minutes:

In accordance with Rule 12(1) of the Council Procedure Rules, Members of the Cabinet responded to the following questions:

 

In the absence of Councillor L A Keen, questions (1) to (4) as per the agenda papers were not asked.

 

(5)         Councillor M R Eddy asked the Leader of the Council, Councillor K E Morris:

 

         “Can the Leader of the Council describe what representations this Council has made to Government to defend the hard-won rights of the many writers and artists living within this district in the event of a no-deal Brexit?”

 

         In response Councillor K E Morris answered that the District had a wonderful cultural heritage of artists and writers and the Council was supportive of all professions within its communities.  Any lobbying and influencing it was doing with Government concerning the UK leaving the EU in the event of a no deal was with a view to supporting tourism, local businesses, professions and communities to mitigate any potential negative impacts.

 

         Culture was part of the Council’s developing Tourism Strategy and as such further investment was being made as detailed in the budget.

 

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 12.5, Councillor M R Eddy exercised his right to ask one supplementary question.

 

 

(6)         Councillor M R Eddy askws the Portfolio Holder for Access and Licensing, Councillor N J Collor:

 

         “Can the Portfolio Holder for Access and Licensing outline what steps he might consider in order to alleviate the problems caused to residents of Sydney Road by cars parked by users of Walmer Station?”

 

In response, Councillor N J Collor stated that a Residents Parking Scheme was looked at for this area in 2010 shortly after charges were introduced at Walmer Station Car Park. Following consultation the majority vote was against the scheme so things were left as they were. Since then the Council could not trace any further requests from residents to reconsider the position.

Naturally, if approached by a number of residents from Sydney Road and the adjacent roads the Council would willingly look at the situation again.   

 

(7)         Councillor M R Eddy asked the Portfolio Holder for Access and Licensing, Councillor N J Collor:

 

“At the previous full council the Portfolio Holder for Access and Licensing, in response to a question from Cllr Keen, welcomed the inclusion of both Aylesham and Deal in the list of 22 stations which might benefit from a programme of step-free access. The Portfolio Holder then stated that he was making representations to Railtrack along with the Council's Development Partner for Aylesham. What representations is the Council making on behalf of Deal which is part of the Hi-Speed rail network, serves the expanding settlements of Deal, Walmer and Sholden, and which has a high proportion of residents with mobility difficulties?”

 

In response Councillor N J Collor stated that he was endeavouring to meet with South Eastern Railways in the near future, as the current Train Operating Committee, to discuss a range of issues associated with rail services across the district going forward including accessibility at Deal Station. He confirmed that he had a date in his diary for this meeting.

 

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 12.5, Councillor M R Eddy exercised his right to ask one supplementary question.

 

(8)         Councillor S J Jones asked the Leader of the Council, Councillor K E Morris:

 

“Can the Leader explain to this Council why contracts of larger value, with set dates of determination or long lead times, (the most recent example being the William Muge / Snelgrove regeneration project) are still being extended or decided by urgent decisions, thus removing the opportunity for full and transparent debate in public?”

 

In response Councillor K E Morris stated that the construction contract for the redevelopment of the William Muge and Snelgrove sites was not let under an urgency decision. Rather the decision to award the contract was taken by the Strategic Director (Operations and Commercial) on 28 January 2019 under authority expressly delegated to him by Cabinet on 1 October 2018 [CAB48]. It should be noted that even had Cabinet made the decision to award the contract that item of business would not have been debated in public owing to the need to consider exempt information.

 

He had asked officers to review the number of decisions made to award or extend contracts under urgency procedures during the life of this Council (from May 2015). There had been five.

The Chairman rejected Councillor S J Jones’ supplementary question on the grounds that it was not in accordance with the rules for supplementary questions.

 

(9)         Councillor M J Ovenden asked the Portfolio Holder for Community Services, Councillor M J Holloway:

 

“Can the Portfolio Holder for Community Services update the Council on the number of players and good causes that have signed up to the new lottery scheme and at the same time can the Portfolio Holder update us on the amount of projected funds this is likely to create for the good causes and the Council’s Community Grant Schemes?”

 

In response Councillor M J Holloway stated that since its formal launch on 21st January 2019, the District Lotto had had a fantastic start. As of Thursday 28th February, there were 79 good causes signed up, over 1,000 tickets sold and over 500 players participating with an annual projected income of £24,336 for good causes and £8,481 for DDC Community Grants. The first weekly draw was held on 2 March 2019. This was also in addition to the Council’s own grant funding and it was hoped would raise the profile of community groups.

 

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 12.5, Councillor M J Ovenden exercised her right to ask one supplementary question.

 

(10)     Councillor M R Eddy asked the Portfolio Holder for Community Services, Councillor M J Holloway:

 

“Since the inception of the innovative Inspire Programme in 2016, which I believe is the only programme of its type run by a local authority in Kent, if not nationally, can the Portfolio Holder for Community Services please update Members on the number of young people in our District who have benefitted from the Programme and can he also review the impact on and benefit to the wider voluntary and community sector in the District that the Inspire Programme has helped deliver?”

 

In response Councillor M J Holloway stated that this was a unique and inspirational piece of joint working and thanked Councillors M R Eddy, K E Morris, P Walker and former district councillor P A Watkins for their roles in developing the programme, which was a model of best practice.

 

Since February 2016, 1025 young people from across the district had been referred to the Inspire programme. The programme referred young people to existing voluntary and community groups in the district as well as looking at gaps in local provision. The programme had set up boxing and art sessions and it was hoped that sustainable photography sessions would be delivered in the future.  

 

(11)     Councillor M Rose asked the Portfolio Holder for Property Management and Environmental Health, Councillor T J Bartlett:

 

“Can the Portfolio Holder for Property Management and Environmental Health update the Council on the Co-Innovation Hub in Dover, including the number and types of businesses that have taken up space and opportunities. Can he also tell us the number of community activities they have been delivered and is he aware of any plans for future events. Can the Portfolio Holder also update us on the length of the current lease.

 

In response Councillor T J Bartlett stated that the Co-Innovation hub in Dover was proving a great success with a number of new innovative businesses and start-ups now locating their services within the Hub. As of the week commencing 25 February 2019, 21 new businesses had commenced preparations for operating from the building. Everything from furniture recycling to Garden tools, event hampers to bespoke artists and photography, café to aquatics, legal advice and training providers to escape rooms. In relation to community activities various activities have been delivered already including a Christmas activity week, health and wellbeing days, bespoke markets and training events. The formal opening was planned for Thursday 14 March 2019. Future events would include community business schools, start-up advice and training and family activities amongst others. It has been agreed that the current lease would be extended to the end of August 2021.

 

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 12.5, Councillor M Rose exercised his right to ask one supplementary question.

 

(12)     Councillor P M Brivio asked the Portfolio Holder for Community Services, Councillor M J Holloway:

 

“Can the portfolio Holder for Community Services please advise what procedure was undertaken in the granting of the additional funding by DDC for the Astor Theatre cinema project.

 

In response, the Portfolio Holder for Property Management and Environmental Health, Councillor T J Bartlett, stated that the constitution gave all Members of the Executive the authority “to determine applications to the Council for revenue or capital grants.” In this case he had been in discussions with the manager of the Astor Theatre concerning the requirement to provide seating and equipment to enable the theatre to operate as a cinema as part of its programme. The grant sought was £7,000 and the Council was in discussion with Deal Town Council with a view to each providing 50% of the requested grant.

 

However, Deal Town Council declined to provide their share of the grant and so the portfolio holder approved a grant of £7,000 from Dover District Council and a decision notice was published.

 

(13)     Councillor A S Pollitt asked the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Resources, Councillor M D Conolly:

 

“Does the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Resources and Performance agree with the Chair of the LGA, Conservative Lord Porter when he commented that Councils could do with some budget certainty with no firm plans yet in place for what happens to council funding and finances after 2020?”

 

In response Councillor M D Conolly stated that he did agree.

 

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 12.5, Councillor A S Pollitt exercised his right to ask one supplementary question.

 

(14)     Councillor B Gardner asked the Leader of the Council, Councillor K E Morris:

 

“In your Leader’s Time speech at the last council meeting you promised to keep the council informed and updated on the discussions you have been having with Marks and Spencer’s about their plans for Deal following the closure of their store in Deal High St at the end of April. Will you take this opportunity to update the council on the discussions you have been having with the owners of the building as to what uses they intend to go forward with to protect Deal High St.”

 

Councillor B Gardner accepted that the Leader had covered this in his Leader’s Time statements and asked for assurances that the Leader would keep the Council updated on future developments.

 

(15)     Councillor P M Brivio asked the Portfolio Holder for Community Services, Councillor M J Holloway:

 

“Can the portfolio Holder for Community Services advise the council if businesses who have received grants of £10,000 to improve/facilitate their businesses, receive any additional business support to ensure that their businesses remain viable.”

 

In response the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Resources, Councillor M D Conolly, stated that the scheme established by the Council provided for up to £10,000 in support. It also provided up to £500 for additional business advice.

 

The process to make the awards included a review and challenge of business plans to assist businesses to be as resilient as they can be. In addition businesses were entitled to business rates relief starting at 100% for businesses with a rateable value of less than £12,000 and reducing on a sliding scale to £18,000.

 

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 12.5, Councillor P M Brivio exercised her right to ask one supplementary question.

 

(16)     Councillor A S Pollitt asked the Leader of the Council, Councillor K E Morris:

 

“Does the leader of the council agree that the Government's handling of Brexit planning and particularly the awarding of a contract to a ferry company with no ferries has been incompetent and bungled?”

 

In response Councillor K E Morris stated that with regards any potential for business to be diverted or relocated out of the District he had already made it clear that he would not support this. The Council continued to influence and lobby for investment in the district so that its businesses could continue to grow and flourish whatever the outcome of the EU Exit negotiations. The Council were not sufficiently close enough to the details of the ferry company contract to be able to comment and to do so would be to comment on press speculation.  It was a matter for the Government and in due course the National Audit Office.

 

(17)     Councillor B Gardner asked the Portfolio Holder for Built Environment, Councillor J S Back:

 

“Would the Portfolio Holder for Built Environment please inform the council as to what the aims and objectives are for the Local Plan Advisory group.

 

In response Councillor J S Back stated that the terms of reference for the Local Plan Project Advisory Group were agreed at the first meeting of this group on the 25 July 2017 and were available to view on the Council’s website.

 

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 12.5, Councillor B Gardner exercised his right to ask one supplementary question.

 

 

(18)     Councillor P M Brivio asked the Portfolio Holder for Community Services, Councillor M J Holloway:

 

“Can the Portfolio Holder for Community Services confirm that community groups who do not sign up for the Lottery, will still be eligible to apply for DDC Community Grants.”

 

In response Councillor M J Holloway stated that he could confirm that Community Groups that choose not to sign up for the District Lotto would still be eligible to apply for DDC Community Grants.

 

(19)     Councillor K Mills asked the Portfolio Holder for Property Management and Environmental Health, Councillor T J Bartlett:

 

“Could the Portfolio Holder for Property Management and Environmental Health inform this council of the levels of discount pupils attending secondary school receive at the new Dover Sports centre.

 

In response Councillor T J Bartlett stated that he was pleased to confirm there was a varied and special offer for pupils attending secondary school that saw a reduced rate from headline prices. All details could be found on the Places Leisure website and examples included

 

(a)         Junior membership (11-15 years) by direct debit was £14.99 per month (swim and gym).

(b)         Junior swim (8-15 years) by pay as you go was £4.25

(c)         Junior gym (11-15 years) by pay as you go was £3.80

(d)         Junior badminton, squash, football, gymnastics was £24 per month and provided for a one hour coaching session across four sessions per month.

 

Students (aged 16 and over) qwre included in the concession scheme which offered a concession card costing £5 per year and entitled them to a 30% discount on swimming, gym and racket sports (Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm).

 

These were extremely good offers with a range of choice for young people at secondary school, given the new investment and greatly enhanced leisure centre facilities and experience.

 

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 12.5, Councillor K Mills exercised his right to ask one supplementary question.

 

(20)     Councillor P M Brivio asked the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Homelessness, Councillor P M Beresford:

 

“Can the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Homelessness, comment on the legislation (Homes – fit for Human Habitation) that comes into force 20 March whereby tenants can take direct action about disrepair on all rented properties through the courts.”

 

In response Councillor P M Beresford stated that the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 amended the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 (sections 8 to 10) and inserted a new  section 9A, 9B and 9C. It would apply to all new and renewed tenancies of a term of less than 7 years granted on or after the 20 March 2019.

 

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 12.5, Councillor P M Brivio exercised her right to ask one supplementary question.

 

(21)     Councillor K Mills asked the Portfolio Holder for Environment, Waste and Health, Councillor N S Kenton:

 

“Can the Portfolio Holder for Environment, Waste and Health identify the causes of the unprecedented level of repairs required at hospitals serving residents of the district.

 

In response Councillor N S Kenton stated that he was not an NHS manager.

 

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 12.5, Councillor K Mills exercised his right to ask one supplementary question.

 

(22)     Councillor G Rapley asked the Portfolio Holder for Environment, Waste and Health, Councillor N S Kenton:

 

“Would the Portfolio Holder for Environment, Waste and Health please explain why Deal was chosen to have the six new high-tech, solar powered bins designed to crush rubbish, at a cost of £37,440.00? You made a comment that we have some fantastic beaches in the district and that it's important to keep them clean; well Dover too has a large, wonderful beach that would benefit from at least three of these bins and you of course would be able to work with Dover Harbour Board and Southern Water to achieve this for Dover. Let's not forget, Dover is the gateway to England so a good clean up would be a good start.”

 

In response Councillor N S Kenton stated that the Council valued its beaches across the district. The bins in Deal were part funded by Southern Water in response to concerns over water pollution. Further bins would be rolled out in Sandwich Quay and the effectiveness of them would be assessed. If the trial was successful and affordable the Council would look to roll it out further in the district.

 

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 12.5, Councillor G Rapley exercised her right to ask one supplementary question.

 

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