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Agenda item
Questions (if any) from:
a) Members of the public under Rule 11
b) Councillors under Rule 12
Minutes:
130.1 Members of the Public under Rule 11
Questions were received from the public and written answers published on the council website alongside the meeting agenda.
Due to the technical challenges of live streaming members of the public into the meeting, supplementary questions were submitted in writing and received a written answer.
All public questions and answers are available as an appendix to the minutes.
130.2 Councillors under Rule 12Questions to the Deputy Leader and portfolio holders were asked and answered in accordance with Rule 12.1 as follows:
Questioner
Subject
Reply given by
Councillor Lee
Democratic Scrutiny – Following recent criticism about a perceived lack of scrutiny, what will the council be doing to make up for this?
Councillor Fitzgerald replied that it is not unusual to have no opposition members as part of the cabinet. Scrutiny will continue through the usual means such as the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Audit Committee and Full Council. In addition, opposition councillors have continued to be consulted on decisions made under emergency powers.
Councillor Fitzgerald
Councillor Davies
Street Cleaning – Can an update be provided on how the in-house street cleaning operation is performing?
Councillor Barnett replied that independent inspections show a very clear improvement in the cleanliness of Hastings over recent months.
Councillor Barnett
Councillor Rankin
Financial Risk - Aside from central government funding, what are the biggest risks are to the council’s finances?
Councillor Chowney replied that it is difficult to tell at this stage but there is likely to be a long-term impact to local government finances. The council has lost a lot of income during the lockdown period. Further lockdowns may have a negative impact on council finances through loss of income and increased claims for the council tax support scheme.
Councillor Chowney
Councillor Sabetian
Town Centre Benches - Can you tell us the reason for the removal of the benches in the town centre in the summer?
Councillor Barnett replied that the area had been adopted by a group with alcohol and drug issues. Their behaviour was rude, lewd and intimidating. The benches were removed to reclaim the area for the public and local businesses. This will be followed by enforcement action and further support for addicts.
Councillor Barnett
Councillor K Beaney
Bulverhythe - The council has spent over £930,000 on consultants to build homes on the Bulverhythe recreation ground. Will you promise residents you won’t spend a penny more on this project?
Councillor Fitzgerald replied that the council is committed to due diligence and the scheme will deliver much needed housing.
Councillor Fitzgerald
Councillor Patmore
West Marina - In October we were informed that a lease was about to be signed. Can we have an update on this development?
Councillor Chowney apologised for the delay which has been perpetuated due to the lockdown and Covid-19. However, it is understood the lease is now close to being signed.
Councillor Chowney
Councillor Battley
Green Flag Award - Can you update us on the recent Green Flag and Active Hastings awards?
Councillor Evans replied that Active Hastings were finalists at the national community fitness awards. The whole team were nominated for the community team award and one member of the team won the inclusion award. The parks and green spaces department won the Green Flag Award with Alexandra Park, St Leonards Gardens and Hastings Country Park retaining Green Flag status.
Councillor Evans
Councillor Levane
Selective Licensing – What is the latest position on renewal of the Selective Licensing scheme?
Councillor Batsford replied that the scheme protects a large number of residents in Hastings and has resulted in improvements to the quality of homes rented in the borough.
Councillor Batsford
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