Agenda item

To receive any questions by Members to Cabinet Members submitted in accordance with the Procedure Note.

(1)      Cllr Michael Hope had submitted a question for response by the Digital First & Corporate Portfolio Holder (Cllr A. Adeola) about the health and wellbeing of Rushmoor employees and Members.

 

In response, Cllr Adeola stated that the Cabinet, at its most recent meeting, had considered an annual report from the People Team and this had introduced a Health and Wellbeing Statement of Intent and a Health, Wellbeing and Stress Management Code of Practice. It was confirmed there was a range of activities to help both officers and Members and information would be circulated. 

 

(2)      Cllr Jib Belbase had submitted a question for response by the Major Projects and Property Portfolio Holder (Cllr M.J. Tennant) about the Union Yard development in Aldershot.

 

          In response, Cllr Tennant stated that the Council had adopted the Aldershot Town Centre Prospectus in 2016 and that this had, effectively, signalled the commencement of the Union Street regeneration project. Cllr Tennant detailed a number of key milestones in the project to date and it was confirmed that the project was currently on track to achieve practical completion in July, 2024.

 

(3)      Cllr Mrs D.B. Bedford had submitted a question for response by the Environment & Neighbourhood Portfolio Holder (Cllr M.L. Sheehan) about action taken to tackle fly-tipping and litter in the Borough.

 

          In response, Cllr Sheehan confirmed that the Council had recently established a new Place Protection Team that would focus on fly-tipping by taking appropriate enforcement action through the service of fixed penalty notices and prosecution. It was confirmed that the ongoing arrangement with East Hampshire District Council would continue to address littering issues in the Borough, with 281 Fixed Penalty Notices issued in the most recent quarter.

 

(4)      Cllr P.J. Cullum had submitted a question for response by the Finance Portfolio Holder (Cllr P.G. Taylor) regarding the likely savings arising from removing the collection of the Minimum Council Tax Contribution.

 

          In response, Cllr Taylor referred Members to the financial report that had been considered by the Cabinet at its meeting on 6th February, 2024, which set out the full financial implications of removing the minimum contribution. Due to the resulting reduction in the cost of administration and collection, it was considered that this would be cost neutral to the Council.

 

(5)      Cllr M.D. Smith had submitted a question for Environment & Neighbourhood Portfolio Holder (Cllr M.L. Sheehan) about the steps being taken to improve town centre policing and safety in Farnborough.

 

It was agreed that Cllr Sheehan would provide a written answer to Cllr Smith’s question, as follows:

 

Public safety and the prevention of crime remains a key priority for the Cabinet. Some of the measures taken by the Council are:-

 

·                        Providing a 24/7 monitored CCTV service

·                        Upgrading of CCTV cameras

·                        Aldershot Town Centre Public Space Protection Order

·                        Outreach visits to identify and support homeless people

·                        Town centre patrols carried out by our Place Protection Officers

·                        Promotion of Disc software to allow businesses to report crime more easily

·                        Proactive and reactive licensing activity

·                        Partnership working with the local police

·                        Removal of graffiti

·                        Litter enforcement

·                        Promotion of our town centres through events and the activities of the Town Centre Manager

·                        Negotiating the establishment of a ‘Cop Shop’ in Farnborough town centre

 

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary have recently moved over to an area based model of policing, allowing the District Commander to focus on the areas that cause the most problems.

 

(6)      Cllr Peace Essien Igodifo had submitted a question for the Environment & Neighbourhood Portfolio Holder (Cllr M.L. Sheehan) about investments in the playgrounds and sports facilities across the Borough.

 

          In response, Cllr Sheehan stated that over £320,000 had been spent on a range of projects since 2022, with a further £400,000 being spent on playgrounds currently under refurbishment. In addition to this, a total of £224,000 had been committed to refurbishing the Borough’s tennis courts.

 

(7)      Cllr A.H. Gani had submitted a question for the Development & Economic Growth Portfolio Holder (Cllr J.B. Canty) regarding the measures being considered to support businesses affected by parking issues in Chapel Lane, Farnborough.

 

          In response, Cllr Canty acknowledged that this was an important issue for local residents and confirmed that he was working closely with officers to identify measures to further support local businesses.

 

(8)      Cllr Jacqui Vosper had submitted a question for the Development & Economic Growth Portfolio Holder (Cllr J.B. Canty) regarding the work of the Council’s planning, economic development and legal teams to tackle the ongoing issues relating to JK Breakdown Services on Fleet Road.

 

In response, Cllr Canty stated that the Council’s planning department had been actively pursuing planning enforcement measures and that he was consulting with Hampshire County Council in relation to parking issues. It was confirmed that Hampshire County Council were currently monitoring the site.

 

(9)      Cllr Marina Munro had submitted a question for the Community Portfolio Holder (Cllr Sue Carter) regarding the housing situation for the asylum seekers at Hillside Place.

 

          In response, Cllr Carter stated that Home Office officials had confirmed that the previous plans for occupation of Hillside Place by asylum seekers had been paused, in order for the plans to be reviewed. It had been confirmed that there was no intention to reactivate the previous proposals.

 

(10)   Cllr Nem Thapa had submitted a question for the Community Portfolio Holder (Cllr Sue Carter) regarding youth clubs and plans for the future of the club in Cherrywood ward.

 

          In response, Cllr Carter stated that the youth club based at the Prospect Estate had been established for many years now. The current attendance was between twelve and twenty young people and it was confirmed that the Council would continue to support the club and encourage further engagement with it. The Council was actively involved in supporting other youth clubs in the Borough and was, currently, looking for a site for a new youth club in Fernhill Ward.