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.

By way of an update, Councillor Beales informed Council that he would be working closely with councillors at Norfolk County Council to strengthen relationships ahead of Local Government Reorganisation. He emphasised the importance of maintaining positive working relationships and advised that he had already held discussions with some Norfolk County Council Cabinet Members, with further meetings due to be arranged. Councillor Beales also reported that he had met earlier that day with the Portfolio Holder for Transport to discuss the ferry service and considered the meeting to have been productive.

Councillor Long asked whether consideration would be given to leasing vehicles rather than purchasing them, given the lifespan of the Council in light of Local Government Reorganisation. Councillor Beales explained that decisions regarding vehicle acquisitions were assessed on their operational merits. He referred to the recommendation made by the Corporate Performance Panel to Cabinet on this matter and agreed that leasing arrangements could be considered where appropriate.

In response to a question from Councillor Heneghan, Councillor Squire agreed to investigate measures that could be taken to improve waste and recycling rates within flats, including any additional support that could be provided.

Councillor Kemp raised concerns regarding ongoing issues experienced by residents in her ward as a result of dust emissions associated with activity at the port. She advised that the issue had persisted for a number of years and that she had recently written to both the Port and the Health and Safety Executive. Councillor Squire confirmed that officers were investigating the matter.

Councillor Ryves requested that Members be provided with an update on progress towards the new hospital. Councillor Beales advised that he had recently attended the groundbreaking event for the new multi-storey car park and was encouraged to see progress being made. In relation to the wider new hospital programme, he explained that he had recently met with the new Managing Director and agreed to seek an update for circulation to Members.

In response to a question from Councillor Sayers, Councillor Squire confirmed that one new Enforcement Officer was now in post and that a second officer would be commencing employment shortly.

In response to a question from Councillor Kunes, Councillor Ring agreed to investigate the use of solar panels at the Active Travel Hub.

Councillor Heneghan referred to the underutilisation of the pop-up shops at the Purfleet. Councillor Ring agreed to provide Members with an update on planned activity for the site.

Councillor Kemp asked whether Norfolk County Council's funding contribution towards the ferry service was at risk under the new administration at County Hall. Councillor Beales advised that he had discussed the matter with the relevant Portfolio Holder and had highlighted the ferry's social, tourism and heritage value.

In response to a question from Councillor Ryves, Councillor Ring agreed to investigate the potential installation of solar panels at the King's Lynn Innovation Centre (KLIC), Council car parks and the Active Travel Hub.

Councillor Ratcliffe referred to comments contained within Councillor Beales' Cabinet Member Report regarding the usefulness of Cabinet Member Reports to Council. While she considered the reports to be valuable, she expressed disappointment that none had included reference to Downham Market. Councillor Beales acknowledged the point and explained that the preparation of the reports was a time-consuming process and that he was uncertain how widely they were read by Members. He also noted that many councils did not present Cabinet Member Reports to Council. He advised that the matter would be explored further and could be referred to the Constitution Informal Working Group for consideration.

Councillor Spikings advised that the Endoscopy Ward at Wisbech had recently closed. Although the facility was located outside the Borough, she noted that it served a significant number of Borough residents who would now be required to travel elsewhere for treatment. Councillor Spikings confirmed that she had been in contact with the local Member of Parliament regarding the matter. Councillor Rust requested that the correspondence be forwarded to her so that she could investigate further.

In response to a question from Councillor Collop, Councillor Ring advised that one Football Foundation pitch project was currently progressing through the planning stage and that a planning application would be submitted in due course.

Councillor Kemp referred to the King's Lynn Masterplan and proposals to relocate car parking provision from Boal Quay to South Lynn. She expressed concern that this could reduce convenient parking for shoppers and workers and have an adverse impact on the biodiversity of Harding's Way. Councillor Ring explained that the proposals envisaged parking provision for visitors approaching from that side of the town, which could help reduce congestion within the town centre. He assured Members that any proposals taken forward would be subject to the appropriate planning processes and approvals.

In response to a question from Councillor Ryves, Councillor Morley referred to the positive outcome of the recent audit review of Contract Management. He advised that officers would address the areas identified for improvement and confirmed that social value considerations would continue to be embedded within contract management processes.

Councillor Moore advised that a number of his residents were interested in taking on allotments but faced lengthy waiting lists. He expressed concern that some existing allotments appeared underused or overgrown and asked whether provision could be considered for residents wishing to grow their own fruit and vegetables. Councillor Beales requested that Councillor Moore provide the specific details so that the matter could be investigated.

In response to a request from Councillor Ware, Councillor Ring agreed to circulate the Ground Conditions Survey for Gayton Road Cemetery to the Cemeteries Informal Working Group once it had been received.

Councillor Long supported the suggestion that the Constitution Informal Working Group should review the arrangements for Cabinet Member Reports and suggested that a maximum word count be considered.

In response to a question from Councillor Collop, Councillor Squire explained that invoices relating to brown bin subscriptions had inadvertently been issued incorrectly to a small number of properties. She confirmed that the matter had now been rectified.

Councillor Kemp raised concerns regarding response times to Member Enquiries. Councillor Morley advised that this was an operational matter.

In response to a question from Councillor Sayers, Councillor Rust confirmed that the Council had procedures in place for dealing with unauthorised encampments, including the undertaking of welfare checks. She advised that a more robust approach was being implemented and noted that there were also authorised locations for encampments within the Borough.

Councillor Crofts requested an update on the flats at Southend Road, Hunstanton, following the removal of the local connection restriction. Councillor Ring advised that sales had unfortunately remained slow and that some units were being transferred to the West Norfolk Housing Company for private rental.

In response to a question from Councillor Ware, Councillor Morley welcomed the launch of the Community Fund and advised that applications could now be submitted. He noted that eligibility criteria and application forms were available and encouraged organisations and groups to take advantage of the funding opportunity.

By way of an update from the previous meeting, Councillor Ring advised that the contractor for the Customs House project would be announced shortly and that it was anticipated works would commence at the end of August.