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 Apel asked about the impact of the WSCC cuts to social services. Mrs Shepherd referred Mrs Apel to WSCC.
Miss Lishman asked whether there were plans to mitigate the shortfall of taxis following the removal of the taxi rank from the train station. Mr Bell confirmed that on street parking policy is set by WSCC. Mrs Shepherd added that an updated could be provided outside of the meeting.
Mrs Bangert requested information on what could be done to address the charges faced by residents accessing recycling centres with particular reference to Southbourne residents who are located between recycling centres. Mrs Lintill agreed to discuss the matter further with Mrs Plant but explained that the matter lies within WSCC’s remit.
Rev Bowden requested the percentage of the council’s recycled plastic waste that is recycled. Mrs Purnell (as a WSCC member) explained that the issue had been raised at WSCC where it had been stated that none of the districts waste is exported to China. Recycled waste is either turned into biofuel or recycled to companies who create products from the material. Mrs Shepherd stated that the WSCC website had detail on where recycling material ends up.
Mr Oakley with reference to fly tipping asked whether Chichester Contract Services (CCS) had seen an increase in demand for its bulky waste collection service. Mr Briscoe outlined the approximate cost of collecting fly tipping. Mr Ward agreed to share the figures with members outside of the meeting.
Mr Sutton asked whether the council had prepared an emergency protocol for infections given the national news story on the Coronvirus. Mrs Lintill explained that any procedure would be led by Public Health England but it is likely that the council would use a similar procedure to the plan in place for pandemic flu. She also confirmed that the Sussex Resilience Forum would be meeting shortly.
Mr Sutton then asked about the progress of the new homelessness fund. Mrs Lintill announced that the council had received a grant for £230,000 to assist with activities to support the homeless.
Mr Brown requested an update on the Peter Brett study into a footbridge for Southbourne. Mr Frost confirmed that there was no update at present.
Mr Oakley requested information on the plans in place if the Peter Brett Transport Study cannot devise a suitable scheme for the A27 bypass. Mr Frost confirmed that if there were no suitable scheme then alternatives would be explored. The alternatives are likely to include phasing of the development, considering other areas with less A27 impact and the overall level of housing that can be delivered in the Chichester Local Plan area. Mrs Lintill added that she had recently met MP Mrs Keegan with the Chief Executive to discuss the A27 funding gap.
Mr Moss explained that he had sent a question to Mrs Plant regarding litter picking. He then asked whether the council has a policy on whether it supports the Gatwick expansion plans. Mrs Lintill confirmed that the council had responded to the consultation as a consultee via the Development Plan and Infrastructure Panel (DPIP).
Mr Plowman requested information on how the perception of the rapid decline of the high street is being managed. Mr Bell explained that regular meetings take place with key stakeholders including the BID. He welcomed any suggestions from Mr Plowman.
Mrs Sharp requested plans for improvements to cycle infrastructure, public transports and walking routes.
Mr Johnson requested an update on the timescale of the review of committee meeting times. Mrs Lintill confirmed that she would be instructing a review prior to the next district election. Mr Johnson, Mr Evans and Mr Brown all commented on the need for flexibility for working members.