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Agenda item
Councillors under Rule 12
Minutes:
Questioner
Subject
Reply given by
Councillor Lee
Debenhams – Will the Leader of the Council agree to a meeting with opposition leadership to discuss a strategy for supporting the Hastings Debenhams store?
Councillor Forward replied that she would be happy to meet Councillors Lee and Patmore to discuss this matter.
Councillor Forward
Councillor Davies
Broomgrove – Will the council bring together Optivo and other relevant agencies to ensure a transformation of opportunities for young people in Broomgrove?
Councillor Batsford replied that the council should hold partners to account in providing opportunities for young people on local estates. Additionally, there is an opportunity for the council to show how these spaces can be used in a creative way by building homes directly in the future.
Councillor Batsford
Councillor Edwards
Harrow Lane – The Ashdown House site is due to be developed, almost opposite the playing field site which is also under development. This will see a large increase in traffic. Can the council consider if Harrow Lane playing fields development might be withdrawn should the deadline for work to begin lapse?
Councillor Forward replied that the site has been identified for much needed housing. No planning application has been received for the Ashdown House development yet. These are valid concerns and should be raised through the planning process.
Councillor Forward
Councillor Louise
Country Park – Why have concerns over unlawful development in the Country Park not been addressed?
Councillor Forward replied that the concerns will be taken away and a full written response provided.
Councillor Forward
Councillor Roberts
Self-Isolation Grants – Can you provide an update on the take up of Covid-19 isolation grants?
Councillor Chowney replied that the council is administering a statutory and a discretionary isolation grant scheme. There have not been as many applications as expected and there is a need to raise awareness of the schemes.
Councillor Chowney
Councillor Rankin
Hastings Housing Company – The Overview and Scrutiny Committee made a recommendation in the summer that an elected member be put on the board of the Hastings Housing Company. Are you aware of this recommendation and will you action it?
Councillor Batsford replied that there is a Councillor on the board, however it is important that the company is seen as an arm lengths body as it will have to make commercial decisions. Recently the council has been purchasing property directly rather than through the Housing Company. Councillor Forward added that a meeting is being arranged to discuss all of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee’s recommendations.
Councillor Batsford
Councillor Patmore
Planning Enforcement – Will the Leader of the Council assure the public that all enforcement requirements are being fulfilled in relation to Rocklands?
Councillor Forward replied that she has every confidence the council is operating within agreed policies and will provide a written response.
Councillor Forward
Councillor Battley
Homelessness - What support is Hastings Borough Council providing to the homeless this winter?
Councillor Batsford replied that the council has been able to secure accommodation for a record number of homeless people. Winter shelters are currently a Covid risk therefore all individuals already in accommodation have had their accommodation guaranteed for the winter and a further 19 units have been secured.
Councillor Batsford
Councillor Beaver
No Deal Brexit - Does the Leader of the Council support a no deal Brexit which supports sovereignty of our fishing waters or does she support a deal at any cost?
Councillor Forward replied that the she is in favour of anything which supports the local fishing fleet.
Councillor Forward
Councillor K Beaney
Town Deal – Will the Town Deal Board publish all ideas it received for the Town Deal? Additionally, can all conflicts of interest for board members be published?
Councillor Forward replied that any concerns should be addressed to the Co-Chairs of the Town Deal Board. Councillor Fitzgerald added that he while it is a matter for the Board what they make public he will speak to the Assistant Director, Regeneration and Culture about conflicts of interest.
Councillor Forward
Councillor Berelson
Covid-19 Messaging –
There have been lots of complements from staff and patients at the hospital about the clear messaging from the council and Director of Public Health.
Councillor Forward replied that all councillors should be reassured that the relationship with the Director of Public Health is very important for the town and the council will continue to do everything it can to give a clear message to residents.
Councillor Forward
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