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.

49.1    With regard to question 1, Councillor Hilton asked the Cabinet Member whether she agreed that the Council should stand in solidarity with the Ukraine and condemn those who removed the flag without permission. Councillor Norman agreed and asked that anyone with information on it to come forward.

49.2    With regard to question 2, Councillor Hilton asked when all schools would recommence swimming lessons at GL1. Councillor Lewis confirmed that some schools were already back, but that others had temporary alternative arrangements in place and would return later. He agreed to provide more detail in writing.

49.3    With regard to question 7, Councillor Field asked what the difference was between weeds being sprayed and being ‘knocked out.’ Councillor Cook responded that at some points in the year, some weeds were too wet for spraying to be effective and that ‘knocking out’ (i.e. removal) was the preferred method of maintenance.

49.4    In respect of question 10, Councillor Hilton asked what was being done to claw back the remainder of overspend. Councillor Norman responded that one measure was the previously discussed acquisition of temporary accommodation. Service Managers had been asked to conduct reviews of all spending from a ‘value for money’ perspective.

49.5    With regard to question 12, Councillor A. Chambers asked if there had been any overspend on projects related to the Forum. Councillor Cook responded that there had been no overspend.

49.6    In respect of question 15, Councillor Hilton asked Councillor S. Chambers was pleased that the previous Home Secretary was no longer in post. Councillor S. Chambers stated that she disagreed with the previous Home Secretary’s comments regarding rough sleepers.

49.7    In respect of question 16, Councillor O’Donnell asked how many non-UK nationals were single men being temporarily accommodated in hotels. Councillor S. Chambers advised that there were mixed demographics in temporary accommodation and that she would write with an answer in due course.

49.8    With regard to question 18, Councillor Hilton asked the Cabinet Members if she would apologise to those seeking an article 4 order to prevent further HMOs. Councillor S. Chambers answered that it was regrettable that the results had not yet been published and that there were multiple pressures on housing.

49.9    In respect of question 20, Councillor A. Chambers asked what the council would do to resolve structural issues at Kingswalk. Councillor Norman advised that a full review of all assets was currently underway.