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 amendments made to the portfolio areas of Councillor T J Pendleton and Councillor A V Smith as outlined in the additional papers.  He advised that Councillor T J Pendleton would continue to lead on community safety, including CCTV, and Councillor A V Smith would lead on community engagement.

Councillor R Blunt gave an update on the Coalville project which was being led by the Chief Executive.  He advised that work was underway on building confidence and meetings with key partners and members would be taking place next month.  He hoped that members would continue to support the Coalville project.

Councillor R Blunt referred to the continuing investment from the local growth fund, which had recently provided a new tree top course at Conkers.

Councillor R Blunt referred to the event last Wednesday which saw the raising of the union flag on Stenson Square for the first time.   He thanked Councillor M B Wyatt and the members of the Coalville Special Expenses Working Party for supporting the idea of installing a new flagpole, and the Head of Community Services for completing the project quickly.

Councillor A V Smith made reference to the free tree scheme, which had exceeded expectations this year with 18,000 trees having been ordered by residents and community groups.  She advised that the scheme would see the planting of native trees and hedgerows, and was funded by the National Forest company and the District Council.  She reported that this year was the most successful to date, which was testimony to the work undertaken.  She advised that trees would be available this Sunday and she looked forward to the district becoming greener.

Councillor R D Bayliss gave an update on the position in respect of building new council houses.  He reminded members that 9 years ago, the District Council had a poor, no star housing service with uncertain prospects.  He added that we had now achieved 100% decency in homes  with a 30 year plan to ensure they remained decent.  He thanked the Head of Housing and the officers who had made that possible.  He advised that the service was now in a position to embark upon a modest programme of building new housing.  He outlined the three sites which had been identified and selected to reflect current demand from home seekers.  He commented that this project would not only provide rented houses, of the type for which there  was demand from tenants, but it would also regenerate run down sties, demonstrating the Council’s confidence in the future,  and showing the commitment to the Coalville project.  He added that this would be something that had not been undertaken for a generation and he was very proud to be in a position to announce the new plans.  He advised that the new builds would be financed from the Council’s own resources and would incur no new borrowing.

Councillor R Adams welcomed the news in respect of new build homes.  He asked Councillor R D Bayliss if he could confirm whether it would be legitimate to impose an age restriction on the prospective tenants of these new properties.

Councillor R D Bayliss advised that at present there was no intention to place an age restriction on prospective tenants of  the new properties.

Councillor S McKendrick welcomed the new build homes and expressed full support for additional housing across the district.