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.

The Leader made reference to the Syrian refugee resettlement programme and informed the Council that in November 2016, 2 families had been welcomed to Castle Donington.  He praised the local community who had given the families a warm welcome.  He felt that this said a great deal about the fairness and kindness of this country.  He added that he had met the families personally and they had explained how grateful they were to the people of North West Leicestershire for making them so welcome.   He reported that the Council had agreed to receive a further two families a year as part of the wider scheme.  He wished the two families all the best for the future. 

The Leader provided an update on the progress of the appointment of the Chief Executive.  He reported that following the closing date a total of 31 applications had been received from a very strong field of candidates from a wide range of organisations.  He explained that 10 candidates would now progress to the next stage and following this a shortlist of candidates would be produced, all of whom would be appointable.  He advised that the Appointments Committee would interview the candidates and would make a recommendation to Council on 21 March.  He emphasised that the final decision on the appointment would be made by all members.

The Leader informed members of a recent incident which demonstrated the dedication and care of the housing management and central control teams.  A concerned neighbour had contacted central control about a tenant who had not been seen that day.  As the tenant had no next of kin, the central control operative contacted the housing officer who immediately visited the property.  After no one answered the door, the officers entered using the key safe to find the tenant collapsed on the floor in a distressed state.  The officers immediately contacted the emergency services and checked and cleared the tenant’s airways.  Without their selfless actions the tenant would not have made it to hospital.  The Leader stated that he would be formally writing to the central control operative to thank her for her contribution and he commended the housing officers for their actions.  He presented the housing officers with a staff award.

Councillor N Smith welcomed the announcement in respect of the Syrian refugees and felt that the programme was a real attribute for the Council.  He commented that it would be tremendously difficult to replace the Chief Executive.

Councillor T Gillard extended his congratulations and those of his Whitwick colleagues to the housing officers.  He commented that they cared passionately about their work and their actions did not surprise him.  He wished the 10 candidates in the recruitment campaign good look as they had a hard act to follow.

Councillor D Harrison expressed his pride for the people of Castle Donington who had opened their arms and hearts to people in need of help and support.

Councillor R Canny commented on the positive progress of the Syrian refugee children in the local school. 

Councillor J Legrys shared his pride in having refugee families in the district.  He expressed thanks on behalf of the Labour Group to the housing officers.  He commented that people who worked in public service always went beyond what they were expected to do and he felt it was important to praise people for that.  He stated that the Chief Executive would be a hard act to follow.

Councillor M Specht commented that a hard headed person would be needed to replace the Chief Executive.  He congratulated her and wished her all the best for the future. 

Councillor V Richichi commented on his own experiences coming to this country and his pride at being a citizen of the United Kingdom.  He felt that even more could be done to help refugees. 

Councillor R D Bayliss commended the housing officers for their actions.  He stated that they had truly lived up to his expectations and the award was truly deserved.  He made reference to the Syrian refugee resettlement programme and stated that the Council could be proud of joining the programme which was entirely voluntary. 

Councillor J G Coxon thanked the Chief Executive for the work she had undertaken to build a good working relationship with Ashby Town Council.  He added that the Town Council had prospered with her help and would be sorry to see her leave.

The Housing Portfolio Holder announced that on 10 March construction would commence on 17 new council homes at Linford and Verdon Crescent, Coalville and 7 on the Willesley estate, Ashby.  He commented that this had been an ambition and aspiration for a long time.  He also highlighted  a recent acquisition of a right to buy property in Castle Donington which had served a number of purposes including adding to the Council’s housing stock.  He expressed full commitment to developing the housing service and continuing to build new homes in the best interests of home seekers on the waiting list.

Councillor M Specht welcomed the house building programme and commented that it had been a long time coming.  He commended the Director of Housing for his work.