Agenda item

a)    Leader and Cabinet Members’ Question Time (45 minutes) 

Any member of the Council may ask the Leader of the Council or any Cabinet Member any question upon: 

·       Any matter relating to the Council’s administration

·       Any matter relating to any report of the Cabinet appearing on the Council’s summons

·       A matter coming within their portfolio of responsibilities

b)    Questions to Chairs of Meetings (15 Minutes) 

Questions and responses will be published at least 24 hours before the meeting. Supplementary questions will be put and answered during the meeting, subject to the relevant time limit.

Leader and Cabinet Members’ Question Time

19.1    In response to a supplementary question from Councillor Hilton regarding whether it would be a good idea to, during the planning process, look at moving the Gloucester murals on the former Sainsbury’s site now. Councillor Cook confirmed that suggestions had been forthcoming and were examining the options. Councillor Cook stated that the art was difficult to move, as it required structural materials but hoped that it would be available on public display.

19.2    Councillor Chambers-Dubus in respect of question 3, sought clarity for the potential for a fine by the Information Commissioners Office for the cyber incident. Councillor Norman explained the scale of sanctions which could be issued, that it was likely the Council would receive a reprimand and not a fine and that a very broad of organisations had received a similar reprimand.

19.3    In respect of question 6, Councillor O’Donnell sought assurances that webcasting of Council meetings would be available by January. Councillor Norman stated that while the Council was bound by procurement rules, it was the intention that meetings would be available online from the Council meeting scheduled for January.

19.4    Councillor Cook responded to a supplementary question from Councillor A. Chambers stating that any Councillor could make suggestions for Member training sessions, and it was available for him to do so in respect of Community Protection Notices.

19.5    With regard to question 8, Councillor Trimnell asked in what instances would the Council use covert monitoring to measure noise levels and under whose authorisation would this be granted. Councillor Cook confirmed that a written answer would be made available.

19.6    Councillor Wilson asked if the administration was comfortable with the fact it took 18 months to inform residents that personal data may have been compromised as a result of the cyber incident. Councillor Norman responded that both senior leadership and political leaders followed prudent advice correctly.

19.7    Councillor Norman provided clarity in respect of question 10 that the estimate of full costs related to the cyber incident was a total figure and not outstanding.

19.8    Councillor Field asked with regard to question 11 if there was any indication as to when Earls Park would be brought up to an adoptable standard. Councillor Cook clarified that this was dependent on Matthew Homes conducting the appropriate work.

19.9    In respect of question 14, Councillor Radley asked the Leader of the Council if he foresaw a time when the garden waste service could be reinstated in the Ebor and Armscroft Road areas. Councillor Cook outlined the reasons why this service was no longer available, in particular, as a result of residents’ parking practices.

19.10  With regard to question 15, Councillor Hilton asked when might reassurance be made that City Protection Officers’ patrols would continue. Councillor Padilla confirmed that the Council was in discussions with the BID and OPPC and that the OPPC was waiting for the ASB Hotspot Fund to be operative.

19.11  Councillor Trimnell in respect of question 19 asked if the refurbishment of the Scrumpty Statue would be for the benefit of the owner and public at large. Councillor Cook confirmed that the owner of the statue would be conducting the work, and therefore it would presumably be for their benefit.

19.12  Councillor Wilson asked if there was confidence that the relationship between Gloucestershire Airport and the Council could be restored. Councillor Cook responded that the Airport was in the process of hiring a new Managing Director as well as a specialist in their Property Portfolio. The Chair believes that the relationship with tenants has been restored.

19.13  In respect of question 22, Councillor Hilton noted that just 10 parking spaces were proposed for the development at the soon to be Clapham Court site. He asked why Officers had been consulting with GCH and not involving Members. Councillor S. Chambers advised that Members would be part of any statutory consultation.

19.14  Councillor O’Donnell asked whether CCTV to detect fly tipping in Matson could be requested. Councillor Cook responded that Councillor O’Donnell could ask Officers when such equipment may be available.

19.15  Councillor Cook confirmed to Councillor A. Chambers in respect of question 24 that a schedule of weed clearing had been provided to Members and could be requested again.

19.16  Councillor Field asked with regard to travelling communities occupying land, whether the administration was aware of a County Council group considering these matters. Councillor S. Chambers advised that the Council was looking at sites and was working with other councils to consider possible alternative options.

19.17  Councillor Cook responded to Councillor Hilton that he was confident that the Gloucester Window would be installed in Gloucester Bus Station by the end of 2023.

19.18  Councillor O’Donnell asked what the Council was going to do to reassure the public that the police would respond to an anti-social behaviour complaint. Councillor Cook responded that dealing with crime was the police’s responsibility and that he would encourage any Member to inform residents to report incidents to the police.

19.19  In respect of question 29, Councillor Cook advised that Permali’s Licensing Application and could offer no further comment.

19.20  In respect of question 31, Councillor Cook confirmed that details of City Council hedge cutting would be provided.

Questions to Chairs to Committee

19.21  In response to a question from Councillor Wilson, the Chair of Overview and Scrutiny Committee Councillor Field reiterated that all Councillor were welcome to attend the Special Meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on 25^th September and could also ask questions at this meeting if they so wished.