Members are invited to ask a question of a member of the Executive (maximum of 30 minutes duration).
Minutes:
The Chair announced that the meeting had returned to public session.
Questions to the Executive were as follows:
Cllr Gareth Evans asked for assurance that following the case of Awaab Ishak that the council is seeking assurances from Hyde and other social housing providers to ensure that never happens in Chichester. He requested information on what steps would be taken to resolve the very serious issues with their housing stock. Cllr Sutton thanked Cllr Evans for sight of the question in advance. He expressed sadness at the case of Awaab Ishak. He highlighted the responsibility of the district council which has a duty to keep housing conditions under review which is carried out through a housing conditions survey. As Cabinet Portfolio Holder Cllr Sutton explained he meets with officers regularly to discuss complaints brought forward by residents. Officers have approached Hyde for comment and will update all members in due course. Cllr Sutton confirmed that he would also be writing to all housing providers operating within the district to ask them about the assessment of their stock, the processes they have in place for dealing with poor housing conditions and their plan for action as required.
Cllr Apel requested an update on the response rate of Hyde following Cllr Sutton discussing the matter at a recent Overview and Scrutiny Committee. Cllr Sutton confirmed there had been improvement with quarterly meetings providing a greater focus on resolutions.
Cllr O’Kelly requested some communications for residents. Cllr Sutton confirmed he would bring forward some communications and asked Cllr Evans and Cllr O’Kelly for their input.
Cllr Sharp asked for details of the measures being taken to prepare voters for the new Voter ID system being introduced for next May’s elections. Mrs Shepherd as Electoral Registration Officer and Returning Officer was asked to provide a response. She explained that Voter ID would take effect for the May elections. For those that do not have ID they will be able to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate from Gov.uk. Staff in polling stations will not be able to issue ballot papers unless they see a form of identification or a Voter Authority Certificate. There will be a large scale PR campaign from the council’s PR and the Electoral Commission in the new year. A targeted awareness campaign will also be undertaking to communicate directly to groups where there may be high levels of the electorate who do not hold a valid ID such as students and care homes residents. Full guidance should be available in the new year but Legislation has been made so it would be too late to write to the Minister.
Cllr Adrian Moss asked for an update following the resolution made by the Planning Committee on 7 April 2021 that officers make an application to the Secretary of State under Regulation 7 of the Town and County Planning Act Control of Advertising 2007 for a direction that deemed consent should not apply for estate agent advertising in the Chichester Conservation Area for a period of 10 years. Cllr Susan Taylor agreed to provide a written response to all members.
Cllr Simon Oakley requested a meeting with a member of the Cabinet and Tangmere Parish Council relating to Section 106 monies which the Parish are having difficulty progressing projects to spend the funds. Mr Bennett asked that Cllr Oakley discuss operational matters with Mr Frost’s officers directly. Mr Frost confirmed he would be happy to arrange a separate meeting with Cllr Oakley to discuss further.