To receive any questions by Members to Cabinet Members submitted in accordance with the Procedure Note.
Minutes:
(1) Cllr Rhian Jones had submitted a question for response by the Policy, Performance and Sustainability Portfolio Holder (Cllr Jules Crossley) about the funding secured from the environment Agency for Cove Brook.
In response, Cllr Crossley advised that a statutory inspection, of the site at Cove Brook, had identified a need for structural works to ensure safe and continued operation. The Cove Reservoir, was an impounding reservoir and was only full during times of flooding. It was noted that 300 properties were at risk of flooding in the area and the works would reduce this risk. It was advised that the Environment Agency would be working with the Council to improve the natural habitats following the works and that the closed paths were a temporary measure and accessibility to the area would be improved as a result.
(2) Cllr Lisa Greenway had submitted a question for response from the Leader of the Council (Cllr Gareth Williams) regarding the recent success of Aldershot Town Football Club and any planned celebrations for their FA Trophy visit to Wembley.
In response, Cllr Williams advised that the town would be decked out in red and blue in honour of the Football Club and Officers had already started to engage with the Club and shop owners.
(3) Cllr Abe Allen had submitted a question for response from the Pride in Place and Neighbourhood Services Portfolio Holder on how the Council had supported the Great British Spring Clean.
In response, Cllr Guinness advised that since November 2024, 578 bags of litter had been removed from the Borough. Cllr Greenway and the Binfluencers had organised fourteen events during the Great British Spring Clean, attended by local schools and community organisations. They had removed 248 bags of litter, which had been collected and disposed of by SERCO. The Mayor had supported the event attending litter picks and the “thank you” event held at North Camp Methodist Church. Cllr Guinness thanked all those who had got involved, on behalf of Cllr Greenway, and emphasised how the campaign had shown the power of the community to transform public spaces.
(4) Cllr Nadia Martin had submitted a question for response from the Housing and Planning Portfolio Holder on the status of the review into the provision of temporary housing.
In response, Cllr Dibble advised that the report would be considered by the Cabinet at its meeting on 22nd April, 2025.
(5) Cllr G.B. Lyon had submitted a question for response from the Finance and Resources Portfolio Holder on any assessment made of the increase in Employer National Insurance contributions on the likely costs of the new environmental contract.
In response, Cllr Crawford advised that he had been made aware that there would likely be an additional cost of £80,000 per year for National Insurance, this equated to 1.5% of the value of the contract.
(6) Cllr P.J. Cullum had submitted a question for response from the Housing and Planning Portfolio Holder on whether the Cabinet were content that all residents were treated fairly in relation to housing allocation.
In response, Cllr Dibble advised that the allocation scheme had been designed to provide fairness and transparency and took account of local connection, needs based priorities and ensured non-discrimination. The provision of choice-based lettings, which allowed residents to bid on properties, empowered residents to make informed decisions. It was also noted that residents had the right to appeal any decisions on the allocation of housing.
(7) Cllr G.B. Lyon had submitted a question for response from the Pride in Place and Neighbourhood Services Portfolio Holder on the protection of bin collection levels in the new environmental contract.
In response, Cllr Guinness advised that the current bin collection levels would be protected.
Cllr Lyon asked a supplementary question regarding “red lines” within the contract that wouldn’t be crossed, especially taking account of the additional costs for National Insurance.
In response Cllr Guinness advised that the Working Group would be tasked with deciding what was best for residents.