Members are invited to ask a question of a member of the Executive (maximum of 40 minutes duration).
Minutes:
The Chairman invited Questions to the Executive.
Mrs Bangert asked with regard to cuts to housing support services what the council is doing in relation to the Local Plan to address the shortfall of housing for vulnerable young people within the district who at present are being housed as far away as Crawley. Mrs Graves confirmed that the responsibility lies with WSCC. Mrs Rudziak then explained that the WSCC is the responsible authority and recent cuts to their budgets have impacted on young people’s services including the foyer which was run from within East Pallant House. Mrs Rudziak added that she is a member of a Task and Finish Group established to consider ways to best mitigate against the cuts. She acknowledged that there is no one easy solution. She added that going forwards the delivery of accommodation for vulnerable young people in the district will need to be identified and considered through the Housing and Economic Development Needs Assessment.
Mr Brown explained that last year the Environment Planning and Engagement at the Environment Agency had advised a local resident that there is a partnership of key organisations called the Chichester Water Quality Group which provides a level of scrutiny and oversight on more strategic matters and consider whether any intervention may be necessary to facilitate development whilst ensuring the protection of the environment. As CDC does not have the expertise to understand and scrutinise the problems. Is it possible to ask OSC to set up a task and finish group to review this area. Mrs Shepherd explained that all groups established have to be set up and resourced by officers and have councillors to attend also. She emphasised the importance of prioritising new projects. Mr Brown agreed that the work could be deferred whilst priority is given to the Local Plan. Mr Frost explained that the Chichester Water Quality Group has been established as a multi organisation officer working group and members should be reassured that it is working well.
Mrs Hume in relation to the Government’s 0% greenhouse emissions commitment asked whether the council needs to introduce cycle networks throughout the district where residents are forced to travel to access vital services. If not, what will be done to mitigate against it. She confirmed that she did not expect an answer but requested that officers consider the comments made.
Mrs Sharp in relation to Rumboldswhyke School possible school closure asked whether the Leader could write a letter to WSCC outlining the transport impacts of their school closure decisions and commit CDC officers to work with WSCC officers to build up connections with local communities and local schools in order to reduce carbon emissions. Mrs Lintill advised Mrs Sharp to discuss the matter further with her local WSCC county councillor. Mrs Sharp emphasised the need to consider the wider picture of environmental issue not just the school numbers.
Mr Oakley asked in relation to the Tangmere Strategic Development Location whether there are appropriate resources for the Compulsory Purchase Order work to take place in order for a report to be brought before Full Council in November 2019. Mrs Taylor confirmed there is enough resource and the report is expected at the end of November 2019.