Members are invited to ask a question of a member of the Executive (maximum of 40 minutes duration).
Minutes:
The following Questions to the Executive were received:
Cllr Purnell asked Cllr Plant why most of Selsey had not received textile bags for the Electrical/Textile recycling trial and whether it could be considered that when the bags are collected another bag is provided. Alternatively could the libraries or Parish Council’s hold the bags. Cllr Plant explained that this was under investigation as the council had used a third party to distribute the bags. She added that the Depot had been affected by the HGV Driver shortage with some rounds being missed.
Cllr Apel asked Cllr Lintill for an update on the help provided to Refugees and Asylum Seekers from Afghanistan. Cllr Lintill explained that CDC had offered accommodation to West Sussex County Council, who were leading the programme. Mrs Shepherd added that if any member knows of anyone who is able to offer a house to put them in touch with the council.
Cllr Bangert asked Cllr Dignum whether following the announcement of the move of the Covid-19 Vaccination Site from Westgate to Northgate Car Park whether the volunteers could be offered free parking. Cllr Dignum explained that parking for volunteers is a matter for the NHS as that is who the volunteers provide a service for.
Cllr O’Kelly asked Cllr Plant about Electrical Vehicle Charging Points and whether there is a district wide plan for public charging points and whether the viability of those charging points in rural areas had been considered. She also asked whether there are figures for the number of Points currently in the district and where they are located. Cllr Plant explained that the Points that had been installed in the council’s car parks had seen less than 10% usage. Currently CDC is waiting on the further information from West Sussex County Council (WSCC) before deciding whether to join their contract.
Cllr Oakley asked for clarification of whether Parish Council’s should refer to CDC or WSCC regarding Electric Vehicle Charging Points. Cllr Plant confirmed it should be WSCC. Mr Frost added that Mr Ballard at CDC could also be contacted.
Cllr Plowman asked Cllr Lintill whether she could include an article about the Southern Gateway in her Chichester Observer column. Cllr Lintill agreed to take on board the suggestion and invited members to contact her with any other suggestions too.
Cllr Duncton asked Cllr Taylor whether there was an update regarding the water extraction issue which could be fed back to the Parish Council’s north of the downs. Cllr Taylor deferred to Mr Frost who explained that officers were working with Horsham and Crawley Councils on possible mitigation options. A report would be taken to DPIP in due course and then subsequently information could be placed on the council’s website to update the Parish Council’s.
Cllr Brisbane asked Cllr Plant whether local residents would receive finalised proposals following the public consultation meeting regarding unauthorised encampments. Cllr Briscoe explained that item 13 on the September 2021 Cabinet agenda outlined the approach of the project. Mrs Shepherd clarified that residents would be able to read the update report online which would be going to the October 2021 Cabinet meeting and would also be informed when the planning application is submitted.
Cllr Sharp asked Cllr Taylor whether the council could write a response to the Gatwick Runway Consultation. Cllr Taylor confirmed that the council would engage in a response. Mr Frost added that it is likely a proposed response would be reported to Cabinet.
Cllr Barrett asked Cllr Taylor who is responsible for the maintenance of the water course on an unadopted site. Cllr Taylor explained that if there are specific requirements made as planning permission conditions then failure to comply would result in planning enforcement measures.
Cllr Moss on behalf of Cllr Brown asked what the impact on the budget would be from the government’s hike to Employers’ National Insurance. Following on from that, when would the impact be felt. Cllr Wilding explained that there would be no impact on the current year’s budget followed by a £160,000 increase anticipated thereafter.
Cllr Oakley asked Cllr Taylor whether the Planning Committee would be provided with advice on determining applications south of the bypass. Cllr Taylor explained that the council was engaging in specialist planning legal advice from a planning QC and the council’s Planning Lawyer would be present at the next DPIP meeting. Mrs Shepherd added that the council awaited a confirmed timeline from the external lawyers but hoped to provide members with an update in the next week.
Cllr Moss asked if all members could be sent the DPIP invitation for the September 2021 DPIP meeting.
(Post meeting note: this was sent as the meeting finished.)
Cllr Moss asked Cllr Dignum when he had last engaged with Henry Boot regarding Southern Gateway. Cllr Dignum could not provide a date.