Members are invited to ask a question of a member of the Executive (maximum of 30 minutes duration).
Minutes:
The following Questions to the Executive were asked with responses that followed:
Cllr Hobbs asked in relation to the lack of affordable housing in the district, whether the leader could provide an outline of how the Cabinet intend to use levers within their control to increase local housing provision. Cllr Moss explained that the current Local Plan requires 30% Affordable Housing in the area. Cllr Moss confirmed that work is ongoing to assist residents to afford to live in privately rented properties in the district.
Cllr Burton stated that she was extremely concerned to see that Hyde were selling social housing in the villages surrounding Midhurst and Petworth. Cllr Burton asked if enough pressure was being applied on Hyde to retain the rural housing wherever possible despite the potential high relet costs. Cllr Betts responded by stating that he had been working with Hyde on a number of issues including this although it should be noted that Hyde is accountable tothe Regulator of Social Housing. Cllr Betts explained that where Hyde can they are investing in bringing properties up to energy efficiency standards.
Cllr Stephen Johnson asked a question on behalf of Cllr Bates. The question related to Southern Water acknowledging that it has statutory obligations to treat the sewage. Cllr Johnson asked how the council could engage with the regulator Ofwat to ensure the utility is fulfilling its statutory obligations. Cllr Brisbane responded by stating that in May last year the water Ombudsman CCW and Ofwat published a short report entitled customer experiences of Sewer flooding. Cllr Brisbane read out the following recommendations:
1. To provide an easy to find single point of contact for reporting incidents or complaints
2. Provide information quickly as to what the company will do in response
3. Establish the cause of flooding incidents as soon as possible and provide clear timescales for the completion of the repair work
4. Provide information on payment of compensation
Cllr Brisbane stated that the council has previously liaised with Sothern Water and individual complaints have been lodged. However, in the short term there is little prospect of a comprehensive solution to the problem of sewer flooding after heavy periods of rain. Cllr Brisbane explained that the council should provide communities with specific contact details of Southern Water and Ofwat and monitor the number of complaints lodged.
With reference to Cllr Hamilton’s question Mr Bennett stated that the matter should be dealt with via the formal code of conduct process outside the meeting.
Cllr Briscoe asked why some Cabinet members were not wearing poppies during the Cabinet meeting that took place on the 7 November 2023 before Remembrance Day. Cllr Briscoe asked the Cabinet to clarify their official stance on wearing poppies and support for military veterans. Cllr Bangert responded first as the council’s spokesperson for the military. Cllr Bangert stated that she had worn a poppy during the Cabinet meeting of the 7 November. Cllr Bangert explained that she was in her fifth year as a military champion for the Chichester District and that she was very proud of her role. Cllr Bangert explained how she had helped initiate the breakfast club and that she had worked with a number of homeless veterans recently. Cllr Brisbane also responded that he wore his poppy on his overcoat and stated that it was a personal decision when and where to wear poppies.
Cllr Quail asked Cllr Betts if he was aware that some asylum seekers in the Chichester area will very soon receive notification that they can stay in the United Kingdom. Cllr Betts responded by stating that once an asylum seeker is given leave to remain; they are given full access to the same benefits as a British citizen. Cllr Betts explained that there has been an increase in homelessness nationally due various factors including landlords leaving the private rented sector.