From

To

Subject

1

Councillor Bowyer

Councillor Coker

Would he mount a positive campaign to address an increasing problem from inconsiderate parking of parents on school runs? He was concerned that there would be a serious injury.

Councillor Coker responded that the safer journey to schools’ programme was reviewed annually and that there was not a huge budget for it. He would work with the Cabinet Member for Children and Young People to bring forward   and incorporate it in this year’s review.

2

Councillor Sam Leaves

Councillor Coker

What type of risk assessment had been undertaken to minimise injury to runners in the half marathon from potholes in the roads.

Councillor Coker responded that the organisers of the half marathon, in conjunction with the highways department, had a duty to undertake risk assessments.  He had been assured that they had been done and if she emailed him, she would be welcome to see them.

3

Councillor Michael Leaves

Councillor Vincent

Would he reconsider and withdraw his decision following the call in on the revised household waste recycling centre opening hours and waste acceptance criteria?

Councillor Vincent responded that he was reviewing the decision with officers, in the light of the comments made by scrutiny and at present the outcome had not yet been determined.

4

Councillor Tuffin

Councillor Evans

Could he advise council on the good OFSTED report for Pilgrim Primary School in the St Peter and the Waterfront Ward please?

Councillor Evans responded (in the absence of the portfolio holder for children and young people), that the school had 172 pupils and would shortly receive investment of £2.4m. Outstanding grades had been achieved across all areas with the highest marks in all categories.

5

Councillor Foster

Councillor Peter Smith

Why was the council engaging consultants to look at sickness levels?  What was the cost?

Councillor Peter Smith responded that the issues needed to be addressed and that improvements were being seen.  The consultant would undertake a comprehensive review.

A written response would be provided on the cost.

6

Councillor Jordan

Councillor Lowry

What was the total cost for the new signs around the city?

Councillor Lowry responded that his role was not to be responsible for every element of expenditure.

7

Councillor Parker

Councillor Penberthy

What have you done to support the council’s commitment to keep people in their homes? What impact was there on homeless people last year?

Councillor Penberthy responded that 371 disability facilities grants had been completed.  Applications had been dealt with in an average of four months which exceeded the target of nine months and contained within the existing budget which had assumed fewer applications.   

Families had been provided with support to keep them in their own homes who  otherwise would have been homeless.

Bed and breakfast accommodation had been controlled through house let. Everyone who had been through the reception had been helped.  Duties could now be discharged through the private sector although some landlords were reluctant to give one year tenancies and to take on housing benefit claimants.     

8

Councillor Nicholson

Councillor Lowry

Had he consulted upon and approved the billing of charities and voluntary organisations for 100% on non-domestic rates? What was the impact on the poorest and the charities?   Why did he not demonstrate cooperative working?

Councillor Lowry responded that he had not consulted upon or approved the changes to non-domestic rates. 

Every individual had received 10 to 12 months’ written notice in advance of the change requiring payment of non-domestic rates.  The Localism Act required the local authority to reassess everyone’s rates.  If charities had concerns about their ability to pay, the council could offer short term relief pending consideration of an application for discretionary relief.  He apologised for any hardship arising from these actions.

9

Councillor Martin Leaves

Councillor Evans

Which development proposal was he supporting at Higher Home Park?

Councillor Evans responded that he had not seen all the proposals and that the decision would be for the Planning Committee.

He had not been asked to sell Cottage Field nor would he, as it was outside the manifesto pledge to keep Central Park as green land.

10

Councillor Sam Leaves

Councillor Coker

What was the problem causing the delay in issuing bus passes for the elderly?

A written response would be provided.

11

Councillor Martin Leaves 

Councillor Coker 

Would you agree with the residents of Beacon Park that the diversion around Outland Road was a shambles? 

Councillor Coker responded that he would not agree.

12

Councillor Dr Mahony

Councillor Coker 

With regard to road improvements at Ford Park Road, Devonport and Stoke, there were narrowing carriageways, lost parking and generally deteriorating road surfaces, was this the best way to proceed rather than repairing the roads? Could speed humps be removed as they were breaking up and the need was questionable in the light of potholes?

Councillor Coker responded that the Ford Park Scheme came from 2012/13 safer journeys for schools’ programme and residents were notified by letter. The schemes in Devonport were part of regeneration proposals developed over a number of years.  He was aware of concerns at the loss of parking and he was in the process of making mitigation.  Parking in new developments and 20mph zones needed to be incorporated into planning documents.

He had announced the investment in roads and he took all road measures seriously.  Road safety schemes were always put there for a reason.

13

Councillor Jordan 

Councillor Peter Smith

Did he not think that some of the money spent on new signage could have been better spent supporting the Plymouth Summer Festival and the Blues and Jazz Festival which were not happening this year?

Councillor Peter Smith indicated that it was not part of his budget responsibilities.  The Waterfront Partnership provided funding for the Blues and Jazz Festival last year.

14

Cllr Michael Leaves

Cllr Coker

What action was being taken on painting road signs at the junction of Plymstock Road with Radford Park Road? 

Councillor Coker responded that it was part of his budget and that he had been advised that Amey had contacted Councillor Leaves. If Councillor Leaves had contacted him earlier, he would have pursued it.

15

Cllr Wheeler

Cllr Coker

Do you deplore the abolition of school travel plans by the government?

Councillor Coker responded that he did deplore it.  The local authority could still ask schools to provide one but that it would be provided on a voluntary basis.

16

Cllr Jordan

Cllr Peter Smith

Why did the council not follow its own procurement policy for the new signs?

Councillor Peter Smith responded that he was not aware that the policy had not been followed and that a written response would be provided.

17

Cllr Mrs Pengelly

Cllr Lowry

Who purchased the sign, the council or a partnership?

Councillor Lowry responded that the council had purchased them.