To receive any questions by Members to Cabinet Members submitted in accordance with the Procedure Note.
Minutes:
(1) Cllr Lisa Greenway had submitted a question for response by the Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Property (Cllr Christine Guinness) on the status of the internet supply for the student accommodation in Union Yard.
In response, Cllr Guinness advised that the internet had been up and running for the past two weeks and expressed her thanks to officers who had liaised with the service provider and the University of the Creative Arts whilst the issues were remedied.
(2) Cllr Sarah Spall had submitted a question for response by the Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood Services (Cllr Becky Williams) on the expiration of the current SERCO contract and measures being implemented to ensure value for money on contracted-out services.
In response, Cllr Becky Williams advised that the current SERCO contract allowed for a ten-year extension and had been considered a viable option. However, it was important to ensure that the agreement remained in the best interest of the Borough and provided value for money for residents. Conversations were currently ongoing with SERCO to explore this, and monitoring of contracted services were being monitored as part of the process. Updates would be provided as appropriate.
(3) Cllr Gaynor Austin had submitted a question for response by the Leader of the Council (Cllr Gareth Williams) on the key priorities and their benefit to residents.
In response, Cllr Gareth Williams advised that the Cabinet had approved the key priorities at its meeting on 26th November, 2024. The Priorities took account of the current financial position of the Council and were in line with the Prime Minister’s priorities announced earlier the same day.
The Priorities included:
· Skills, Economy and Business
· Homes for All: Quality Living, Affordable Housing
· Community and Wellbeing: Active Lives, Healthier Stronger Communities
· Pride in Place: Clean, Safe and Vibrant Neighbourhoods
· Vision for the Future, Financial Sustainability
Questions 4 and 5 were taken together and responded to collectively.
(4) Cllr Thomas Day had submitted a question for response by the Portfolio Holder for Development and Economic Growth (Cllr Keith Dibble) on the Government’s housing target of 606 new homes and how the number would be achieved.
(5) Cllr G.B. Lyon had submitted a question for response by the Portfolio Holder for Development and Economic Growth (Cllr Keith Dibble) on the Government’s proposed housing target for Rushmoor.
In response, Cllr Dibble advised that he welcomed the Government’s decision to provide more homes. It helped the Council deliver its priorities and take an evidence-based approach to delivering the right scale and mix of homes. The challenge should not be underestimated, and the development of the new Local Plan would help to maximise delivery going forward.
Cllr Lyon asked a supplementary question on the potential of building an area the size of North Camp every five years, and how this could be achieved within the Borough. In response, Cllr Dibble advised that mixed Member representation on the Local Plan Group would provide valuable commentary during the development stages of the Plan.
(6) Cllr M.J. Tennant had submitted a question for response by the Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Property (Cllr Christine Guinness) on the prioritisation of placemaking as the guiding principle on decisions made relating to Union Yard.
In response, Cllr Guinness confirmed that placemaking would continue to be prioritised as a guiding principle on any decisions made on Union Yard, and committed to ensuring the right retail mix was provided within the development. It was important to continue to work together to provide an appealing place for residents, that offered a high quality, attractive living space, the right levels of social interaction and a relevant retail offer.
(7) Cllr P.J. Cullum had submitted a question for response by the Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood Services (Cllr Becky Williams) on the state of cleanliness in public areas in the Borough.
In response, Cllr Becky Williams advised that she was broadly satisfied with the performance but there was always room for improvement. It was reported that the “walk your waste” trial would take place over the next two days and the outcomes would be reported to all Members. An aim of the Pride of Place Champion had been to empower residents and communities to take pride in their area and play an active role in its upkeep.
Further questions for the Cabinet had been submitted prior to the meeting. However, as the 15-minute threshold for questions had been reached, these would be answered outside the meeting and responses shared with Members.