Agenda item

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 summons

·       A matter coming within their portfolio of responsibilities

Only one supplementary question is allowed per question.

Questions must be submitted to democratic.services@gloucester.gov.uk by 12 noon on Friday 3^rd November 2023. Responses to questions will be published in an addendum to the agenda by 12 noon on the day of the Cabinet Meeting.

In respect of question 1 Councillor Hyman queried whether savings would be made by outsourcing as this had not been the case with Marketing Gloucester Ltd and Aspire Sports and Cultural Trust.  The Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure commented that this had only become apparent in hindsight.  He noted that these were small companies whereas Freedom Leisure, the chosen interim leisure services provider, was considerably larger and operated multiple sites.  He expressed confidence that they would be cheaper for the taxpayer.

In respect of question 4 Councillor Hilton reminded Members that many roads across his ward had had a severe buildup of fallen leaves which needed prompt clearing to prevent problems.  He asked for a clearing schedule relating to the Kingsholm and Wotton ward and specific streets within it.  The Cabinet Member for Environment drew attention to the schedule provided (Questions Report Appendix 1).  He noted that the four-week programme that this document laid out included references to the ward in question and particular streets within it.

In respect of question 5 Councillor Hilton sought clarification concerning how many housing units the 38 families in hotel accommodation referred to in the report (3.13) would require.  The Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing Strategy reiterated the administration’s desire to end the use of hotels and provide accommodation best suited to people’s needs within the financial constraints.  She advised that the situation was too fluid to be sure but that it would become clearer as progress is made.

In respect of question 6 Councillor Hilton informed Members that he believed that the Environment Agency Flood Risk Map had not been revised to account for the flood alleviation major works carried out approximately ten years ago in his and the Westgate wards.  He enquired if this was the case.  The Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing Strategy gave assurance that a written answer would be provided.

In respect of question 7 Councillor Hilton asked if the Transport Hub stained glass windows would be in place for spring 2024.  The Cabinet Member for Environment confirmed that these were in production and anticipated that they would be installed either late this or early next year.  He noted that Councillors had already had the opportunity to inspect one of the windows when displayed in the Eastgate Council offices some weeks ago.

In respect of question 9 Councillor Wilson queried whether the 13.1% in the response should be a ratio rather than a percentage as the former was used by the Moody’s ratings agency in their rankings.  The Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources invited the Head of Finance and Resources to respond.  The Head of Finance and Resources confirmed that it should be a ratio but would double check.  He further advised that the figure included investment returns and that the actual calculations could be made available.

In respect of question 10 Councillor Wilson sought more detail on how far the Council was from issuing a S114 Notice.  The Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources gave assurance that Cabinet Members and officers were doing everything in their power to prevent it and closely monitoring the constantly moving position.  She noted that the Quarter 2 Financial Monitoring report would be published for the December Cabinet meeting enabling people to make their own judgement.