-
Agenda item
Questions (if any) from:
a) Members of the public under Rule 11
b) Councillors under Rule 12
Minutes:
281a) Members of the public under Rule 11
Written questions were received from the public and written responses sent to the questioners and published on the Council’s website.
Mr McDonnell was present as a representative of Clean Water Action and asked when the working group setup by the Council to hold Southern Water to account will meet, and will Clean Water Action be invited to take part?
Councillor Hilton said that officers have been asked to organise a high-level meeting with Southern Water. There hasn’t been a response yet but it will be followed up after the meeting.
Ms Phillips was present and asked a supplementary question. Ms Phillips asked who will be writing the report to Full Council on the proposed cycle path through Alexandra Park and will there be further consultation?
Councillor Hilton said the report will be written by Council officers and will pull together the multiple reports that have been written during the many iterations of the proposals going back to 2016. The report will go to Cabinet and then to Full Council for a final decision.
281b) Councillors under Rule 12
Councillor Edwards submitted a written question to Councillor Barnett, a written response was received and published on the Council’s website.
In a supplementary question Councillor Edwards asked the Leader of the Council to consider placing a memorial to Queen Elizabeth II in Harold Place. Councillor Barnett said he would look into the proposal.
Councillor Patmore submitted a written question to Councillor Willis, a written response was received and published on the Council’s website.
In a supplementary question Councillor Patmore asked if the Council is considering lowering its General Reserve target. Councillor Willis said the current minimum is set at a prudential level and the Council is taking a number of measures to make sure it doesn’t go below the agreed minimum.
Councillor Foster submitted a written question to Councillor Haffenden, a written response was received and published on the Council’s website.
In a supplementary question Councillor Foster asked what the costs were to the Council in providing free electricity via electric vehicle charging points this year. Councillor Haffenden replied that he would ask officers to look into this and respond in writing.
Councillor Cooke submitted a written question to Councillor Hilton, a written response was received and published on the Council’s website.
In a supplementary question Councillor Cooke asked Councillor Hilton if she was aware of the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund and whether the Council has made a bid for funding. Councillor Hilton replied that the Council doesn’t currently have any social housing and it would be for local housing associations to make use of the fund.
Councillor Hay submitted a written question to Councillor Haffenden, a written response was received and published on the Council’s website.
In a supplementary question Councillor Hay asked if the in-house cleaners were being paid the National Living Wage as a minimum. Councillor Haffenden replied that he would ask officers to look into this and respond in writing.
Questioner
Subject
Reply given by
Councillor Patmore
Investment Zone Status – Will you back the joint application from Rother District Council and East Sussex County Council for Investment Zone status?
Councillor Barnett replied that the Council wouldn’t be backing the application. The Council were approached by officers from Rother to consider a joint bid but there has been no contact from East Sussex County Council. There is a lack of detail around Investment Zones and it seems to be part of a bonfire of regulations, in particular environmental protections.
Councillor Barnett
Councillor Turner
Cardiology Services – Do you agree that we must demand that the decision to relocate cardiology services be reversed and there must be a serious look at the local NHS board?
Councillor Barnett replied that he and Councillor Batsford had recently met with senior representatives of East Sussex NHS Trust to discuss health provision in Hastings.
Councillor Barnett
Councillor Carr
Councillor Training – Can you tell me if all Councillors will receive training on the Council’s budget and if the new Portfolio Holder for finance has had any external finance training to support him in his role?
Councillor Rogers replied that Treasury Management training will take place in January. Councillor Rogers said she would ask the Chief Finance Officer to include additional support to help Councillors understand the budget papers. Councillor Willis is having training on local authority finance.
Councillor Rogers
Councillor Cooke
Hastings Housing Company – Does a Councillor sit on the Hastings Housing Company board?
Councillor Evans replied that there isn’t currently a Councillor on the board. The Hastings Housing Company is going through an extensive review at the moment. A report will be coming to the Audit Committee and new appointments will be made in due course.
Councillor Evans
Councillor Cannan
Homelessness – How will the Council deal with the costs of temporary accommodation?
Councillor Willis replied that the Council is facing a large and rising cost to provide temporary accommodation. Recent Government policies will likely make this situation worse. The Council has looked at a range of ways to make savings in this area, including purchasing accommodation directly.
Councillor Willis
Councillor Sinden
Bexhill Road Housing Development – Can you provide an update on how this development is progressing?
Councillor Evans replied that these will be the first new council houses built by Hastings Borough Council for many years. The homes will be of the highest quality and capped at Local Housing Allowance rent. The homes will be future proofed against possible flooding.
Councillor Evans
Councillor Jobson
Carbon Literacy Training – Can you provide an update on the progress of Carbon Literacy Training?
Councillor Rogers replied that this is being progressed.
Councillor Rogers
Councillor Beaney
West Marina Bathing Pool Site – Can you update us on what progress is being made towards the development of the site and when can we expect a full public consultation?
Councillor Barnett replied that he had recently met with the developers and they have not yet completed their investigations of the site. They are waiting to complete work on flood risks with the Environment Agency. Additionally, they require further information from Southern Water regarding the site. Once the investigations are complete, they will begin to consider design concepts.
Councillor Barnett
Councillor Roberts
St Mary in the Castle – Can you update us on what is happening with this important asset?
Councillor Batsford replied that he has been having conversations with the creative sector in the town to hear their views. Anyone who is interested in taking on the building should contact the Council’s agent Dyer and Hobbis. The Council wants the building to continue as an entertainment and cultural venue.
Councillor Batsford
Councillor Webb
Community Safety – Can you give us an update on community safety developments in the town centre?
Councillor Rogers replied that there is a problem with street drinking in the town centre. Project Adder is now setup in the town centre providing a space for street drinkers to access services and support. Councillor Rogers said she intends to invite the management team of Project Adder to come and talk to Councillors.
Councillor Rogers
Supporting documents:
- Public Questions to Full Council 12.10.22, item 281. PDF 57 KB
- Councillor Questions to Full Council 12.10.22, item 281. PDF 92 KB
-
My council
Contact
Contact us if you have a question about democratic services.
Content
The content on this page is the responsibility of our Democratic Services team.