Council meetings can offer the chance for the public to see how their Councillor scrutinises the Council and challenges them to ensure policies are fit for purpose. Unfortunately in recent times the Labour-run administration has afforded Councillors much chance to actually question them.
Nevertheless, Councillor Houlbrook submitted written questions, covering numerous topics, last Thursday and is keen to share the responses with residents (even if the Labour cabinet members do shy away from giving full answers!). FYI, a Councillor can ask one supplementary question in response to an answer.
Question 16
From Councillor Jill Houlbrook to the relevant Portfolio Holder
Please will the Armed Forces Champion explain why the members of the community serving as reservists are not entitled to the same benefits with Brio as are full time members of Her Majesty’s Armed Forces?
Answer:
The Council values all of our Armed Forces, including Reservists, and is keen to offer support wherever possible. Currently, the Council and Brio are working closely together to transform Brio services and plans to review Brio’s concessionary scheme as part of this programme. We will ensure that the concessionary offer for all members of our Armed Forces is considered fully, as part of this process and will communicate the outcomes of this work with our Armed Forces colleagues.
Supplementary Question
Will the Cabinet member please explain why reservist are not currently included in the benefits?
Question 17
From Councillor Jill Houlbrook to the relevant Portfolio Holder
Recently residents received separately a letter to tell them the day of the bin collections was changing, and a calendar sent to them by second class post. Will the Cabinet member please tell us why the calendars were not delivered by the collection team and the total cost of communicating with residents and the cost of communicating by post?
Answer:
Decision making sits with Cheshire Waste Recycling (CWR) on communicating changes to collections with residents. CWR both for operational and from an efficiency perspective chose Royal Mail as the best option to ensure maximum penetration of message and avoid errors in mis delivery. The council respects CWR operational independence and the mode of delivery was the best for residents. The council approved the communication prior to commencement, but it is for CWR to determine the most efficient and cost-effective mode of delivery.
Supplementary
Please will the Cabinet member answer this part of my question the total cost of communicating with residents and the cost of communicating by post?
Question 38
From Councillor Jill Houlbrook to the relevant Portfolio Holder
Chester Wombles put so much into our community clearing litter, but they cannot tackle areas on major roads such as the A55. Will the Cabinet member please tell us what plans are in place for regular litter clearing on the A55 and other major roads in our borough?
Answer:
I would like to thank the many womble groups that have come forward and supporting litter picking throughout the borough. Since taking on the contract for grounds maintenance and litter on the highway network, the StreetCare team have worked hard in gaining access to the A55 to address the backlog of litter built up in the roadside.
Due to joint working with Highways England, much of this work can be completed with the minimum of planning and avoids the need for previous permitting which has proved to be problematic.
Supplementary
When will the next clean up on the A55 take place?
Question 39
From Councillor Jill Houlbrook to the relevant Portfolio Holder
Upton Community is still being blighted by ASB at the eyesore which is the disused youth club building. It is now several months since the bidding process for the site was put on hold. Will the Cabinet member please tell my community and me when we will be informed of the progress being made with the application for SEND funding and when I can expect a reply to my emails asking this same question?
Answer:
A feasibility study has been underway over recent months, the findings of which are expected back by 22 October. The feasibility report will enable the Education service to formulate conclusions on the affordably and practicability of utilising the Youth Club building to support SEN need in the area. Upon receipt of the report it is anticipated that a conclusion on the viability of this can be turned around quickly and shared within the next few weeks. Any proposals to expand numbers at a school may be subject to a period of consultation, clarification regarding this will be provided upon conclusion of the options.
Supplementary
At a recent Parish Council meeting the Cabinet Member told us that a bid for SEN funding had been made for £1million to be used for the project. Will the Cabinet member please confirm the bid has been made, when it was made and whether it was successful?