Agenda item

In accordance with Council procedure rule 8, to receive reports from Cabinet Members to be moved en bloc.  Members of the Council may ask up to four questions of Cabinet Members on their reports and portfolio areas.

The order of putting questions shall commence with a Member from the largest opposition group, proceeding in descending order to the smallest opposition group, then non aligned members, followed by a Member from the ruling group. This order shall repeat until the time for questions has elapsed or there are no more questions to be put. 

The period of time for putting questions and receiving responses shall not exceed 60 minutes for all Cabinet Members and the Leader

Climate Change and Biodiversity – Councillor M de Whalley

Culture and Events – Councillor S Lintern

Planning and Licensing – Councillor J Moriarty

Environment and Coastal - Councillor S Squire

Finance – Councillor C Morley

People and Communities – Councillor J Rust

Deputy Leader and Business – Cllr S Ring

Leader - Councillor A Beales

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Councillor Beales moved the Cabinet Members Reports.

Councillor Blunt congratulated the Leader on his appointment as Chair of the Norfolk Leaders Group. He also referred to the recent Voluntary Joint Committee meeting and expressed concern that no representatives from Norfolk County Council had been in attendance. Councillor Blunt asked how Members would be kept informed of progress on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and the work of the Joint Committee.

In response, Councillor Beales explained that, following the Norfolk County Council elections, he had invited the newly elected County Division Members for King’s Lynn and West Norfolk to a meeting at the Town Hall, which he considered to have been constructive and worthwhile. He also referred to County and Borough representation at the Royal Norfolk Show.

Councillor Beales expressed disappointment that the new administration at Norfolk County Council was not actively engaging with the LGR process, emphasising that the matter was not political in nature but concerned effective risk management. He also provided an update on Norfolk County Council’s judicial review challenge relating to the LGR proposals.

Councillor Long raised a point of order, stating that the discussion was moving away from a question and answer format. The Mayor ruled that it was important for Members to be kept informed on matters relating to LGR.

Councillor Beales provided further information on the judicial review and related legal proceedings. He noted that Norfolk County Council officers continued to provide support to the LGR process but reiterated his disappointment at the lack of engagement from the administration. He added that he hoped to arrange further engagement sessions involving Members from King’s Lynn and West Norfolk and Breckland in order to keep councillors informed of progress.

Councillor Everett asked Councillor Rust about the delay in the installation of accessible play equipment in The Walks. Councillor Rust shared Councillor Everett’s disappointment but explained that there was currently a lack of resources available to progress the project and that this position was unlikely to change in the short term. She also provided information on the Youth Advisory Board’s ‘Right to Play’ campaign.

Councillor Kemp referred to proposals for single member wards within the West Norfolk area under the new unitary authority arrangements and expressed concern that this would reduce representation in the Borough’s most deprived communities. Councillor Beales reminded Members that the proposals formed part of the business case previously approved by the Council and advised that Councillor Kemp could make representations to the relevant Minister if she wished.

Councillor Nash referred to the ReFit programme and its reported underperformance. Councillor de Whalley explained that the underperformance related to the scheme not achieving the specifications and outcomes originally promised by the contractor and advised that options for resolution were being explored. He also explained that reliability issues associated with the heat pumps at King’s Court had resulted in system overloads. Whilst acknowledging that the project remained a work in progress, he advised that improvements had been made.

Councillor Bubb referred to wheelchair access to the Ferry and asked whether consideration had been given to relocating the landing stages to facilitate improved accessibility. Councillor de Whalley explained that decisions regarding the location of infrastructure would need to be made by the Conservancy Board and Harbour Master. However, he confirmed that work was ongoing to improve the ferry service and make it as accessible as possible.

In response to a question from Councillor Collop, Councillor Squire agreed to investigate reports that some households had not received their annual brown bin invoice but had subsequently received correspondence regarding non-payment.

Councillor Moore referred to the Refit project and underperformance and asked if costs could be recouped. Councillor de Whalley agreed to provide an update on contractor costs.

In response to a question from Councillor Kemp regarding the Ferry, Councillor de Whalley confirmed that an application for Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding had been submitted and that discussions were ongoing with Norfolk County Council regarding potential financial contributions. He also advised that he intended to invite the relevant Norfolk County Council Portfolio Holder to visit the Ferry.

Councillor Sandell asked Councillor Rust whether an update on the hospital could be provided to Members. Councillor Rust advised that she had recently met with the new Managing Director and would discuss the possibility of arranging a Member briefing session.

Councillor Kemp referred to the recently published Masterplan and its implications for Hardings Way, noting that local residents were planning a protest over the weekend. She invited the relevant Portfolio Holder to attend. Councillor de Whalley advised that the Masterplan did not fall within his portfolio responsibilities but reminded Members of the work undertaken in relation to Hardings Way, including the creation of a community orchard, support provided to the Harding’s Pits Association, the installation of a public art project and an application for village green status.

Councillor Long referred to Centre Point in Fairstead and, whilst acknowledging that the site was owned by Freebridge Community Housing, asked whether action could be taken to address overflowing bins. He also requested that post event clean-up operations be extended to include West Lynn. Councillor Squire agreed to raise both matters with the relevant teams.

Councillor Kunes referred to the proposed improvements to the Ferry and asked whether alternative options, including enhanced bus services, had been considered. He expressed concern about the potential costs associated with improving access to the Ferry. Councillor de Whalley explained that the anticipated costs reflected the long-term lifespan of the infrastructure, estimated at between 60 and 120 years.

Councillor Sayers requested that his thanks be conveyed to the Council’s Clean-Up Team for its prompt response to recent incidents. He also asked for an update on enforcement and prosecutions. Councillor Squire advised that recruitment of additional enforcement officers was underway and that penalty levels would be increasing. She added that the Council was promoting a zero-tolerance approach.

Councillor Crofts referred to the refurbishment of the Custom House and advised that he had been informed that the Council did not own the building. He sought assurance that the lease arrangements were secure and suitable for the long term. The Leader assured Councillor Crofts that extensive discussions had taken place with the freehold owner. He added that Councillor Ring would provide updates to Members on progress as required.

Councillor Nash asked Councillor de Whalley whether information could be provided comparing the environmental and financial impacts of the Ferry service with those of introducing additional bus services. Councillor de Whalley commented that the Ferry offered a quicker and cleaner transport option and agreed to provide a response to Councillor Nash.