Agenda item

Members are reminded that under paragraph 11.1 of part 4 of the Constitution, questions can be asked of the Leader and Cabinet Members without notice about any matter contained in any address.  Questions shall be limited to five minutes in total for each announcement.

Councillor R Blunt updated members on the rail study that was being jointly commissioned with Leicestershire County Council.  He advised that the study would consider the potential economic and transport benefits of a passenger service linking Burton, Ashby de la Zouch, Coalville and Leicester to London.  He stated that this was a small scale study but would hopefully provide evidence of whether there was a case to lobby for such a rail link.  He advised that the study was expected to be completed by summer 2015.

Councillor S Sheahan commented that reappraisal was interesting.  He referred to the petition in 2007 which had requested a study, which had been undertaken.  He stated that the study previously undertaken had totally ignored the issue of congestion, which would need consideration.  He reminded members that Leicestershire County Council would also need to subsidise the line until it was on its feet.  He commented that unless this was acknowledged, no one would believe the line was viable.  He asked whether Leicestershire County Council would put their hands in their pockets and fund the line properly.

Councillor R Blunt stated that he did not wish to comment on behalf of Leicestershire County Council.

Councillor T J Pendleton referred to the renaming of the A453 to Remembrance Way.  He stated that he was privileged to represent the Council and his ward and assist with the publicity to bring this about. 

Councillor T J Pendleton gave an update on the Community Safety Partnership.  He announced that £2,500 had been donated this year to allow schools to provide free transport to pupils, and to enable pupils to attend Warning Zone safety training.  He commented that he believed in ensuring that pupils were equipped to deal with the issues explored at Warning Zone and every child in Leicestershire had been supported to experience this over the last year.

Councillor J Legrys welcomed the name of Remembrance Way as he felt it was far more appropriate.  He was also aware that people had requested the planting of poppy seeds, and that this was now going ahead.  He hoped that efforts would not be needed to clear litter along the route as had been necessary along the A42. 

Councillor J Legrys welcomed the efforts in respect of safeguarding children, however he felt that £2,500 was not enough and he remained critical of the continuing silo working that was taking place.  He commented that much more effort needed to be put into breaking down silos to ensure that children were treated as children.  He added that this was an issue he felt passionate about.  He commended the work being done on safeguarding, however he felt that more effort was needed to break down barriers.

Councillor R D Bayliss gave an update on the Decent Homes Improvement Programme.  He advised that 97% of respondents to the survey undertaken were satisfied or very satisfied with the outcome of the works.  He felt that the Council could take pride in the outcome, as the Housing Revenue Account and the housing policies had been put in order.  He commended the senior management team and particularly the staff in the Housing team.  He stated that the Decent Homes Improvement Programme would continue and this would involve a £5.3 million investment in the next year from the Council’s own resources in addition to the revenue works undertaken by the Council.  He stated that the Council would be entering the new year and the new Council with decent homes, more affordable homes, and those homes being occupied by families with secure tenancies.  He added that this was something to be proud of and the future could be approached with relish.

Councillor J Ruff welcomed any investment in housing, however she felt assessments needed to improve as repeat visits wasted money.  She added that she had received numerous complaints about the standard of works undertaken by contractors, and this also needed to improve.  She stated that perhaps the works should have commenced sooner as there were tenants who had refused the work which could have been completed under the Decent Homes Improvement Programme.

Councillor R D Bayliss stated that he was fully aware of the number of complaints received.  He added that realistically, the works were going to cause disruption and discomfort for tenants whilst they were ongoing, which would cause complaints.  He added that some homes had had no improvement works undertaken in 40 years.  He acknowledged that there had been failures in the performance of contactors, and they had been taken to task and made to improve.  He advised that the option of moving people out of their homes whilst the works was undertaken had been available from the beginning; however there had been a lack of enthusiasm for this option.  In terms of incentives, he commented that he would have considered a new kitchen and bathroom to be incentive enough.  He stated that he was glad the opposition members welcomed the works and that tenants’ lives were being improved.