Meeting documents

Questions to the Leader or any Cabinet Members must be submitted by 12 noon Monday 10 July 2017. Questions shall be taken first from the Group Leaders of the political parties who shall be entitled to ask an initial Leader`s question, including the right to adopt another Member`s question from his/her group, of which written notice shall have been given to the Head of Democratic, Legal and Policy Services prior to the meeting.

 

The order of questions shall then permit the first question from each other councillor to be asked before any subsequent questions from the same Councillor. One question will be taken in turn from the same Councillor unless there are no other questions to be asked.

 

Every Member asking an oral question is permitted to ask one supplementary question without notice provided that it is not substantially the same as a question that was put to a Council meeting during the past six months.

 

The appropriate member will respond to any questions remaining unanswered at the expiry of 30 minutes in writing. Any question remaining unanswered after 30 minutes will be answered within 10 working days in writing after the meeting by the appropriate member and appended to the minutes of the meeting.

(a)Question from Councillor R Raja to the Leader of the Council.

 

"In view of the horrific Grenfell fire and the series of catastrophic missteps and a woefully inadequate response from Kensington & Chelsea Council in the first 48 hours of the tragedy, it has put the Kensington & Chelsea Council under a bitter national spotlight.

 

It also shows that whilst you can have all the policies in place but the lack of preparedness to meet such challenges means that policies, which cannot be put in practice, are not worth the paper they are written on.

 

With the hope that we never have to experience anything of the magnitude of Grenfell, can the Leader of the Council reassure us that all necessary fire & safety precautions are in place in all social housing facilities within the authority’s area?"

Response from Councillor Ms K Wood (Leader of the Council)

 

"Obviously my thoughts and prayers go out to those who have suffered and lost their lives in this terrible tragedy. As I am sure you would agree, we should not politicise such events but work together to find solutions.

 

Following the transfer to Red Kite of our housing stock in 2012 we only have one property left. The Council’s remaining social housing stock at Saunderton Lodge has been subject to a fire safety audit prior to the tragic events at Grenfell.  Since then, we have carried out a further risk assessment to ensure that we are doing all we can to manage and minimise the risk to our staff and residents at the lodge, this has been with the involvement of the Fire Service too.

 

The social housing stock in the district is owned and managed by a number of Registered Housing Providers who are subject to their own risk assessments and compliance with fire safety for their stock. Bucks Fire and Rescue are the relevant authority for fire safety in the District. Having checked their websites the major ones certainly all have messages regarding their fire safety procedures.

 

There was no supplementary question.

 

(b)Question from Councillor M Knight to the Cabinet Member for Community.

 

"Along with victims of knife crime in High Wycombe I have previously called for a knife amnesty to be held.

 

Neither the council nor the police have deemed this to be necessary until now.

Could you tell me how serious the problem needs to get before the council joins me in calling on the police to hold an amnesty in order to reduce the number of offensive weapons on our streets?"

Response from Councillor G Peart (Cabinet Member for Community).

 

"I have obtained information from the Police for you, as they deal with knife crime in the District.  I can report that their figures disprove your suggestion that we are experiencing an epidemic as there is no particular increase in knife crime compared to last year.  However, I do share your concern over the recent incidents of youth violence, caused by groups of young people fighting each other.

 

You will be interested to know that Operation Sceptre starts next week which is part of a national Knife Crime Campaign.  There will be bins placed outside the police station where people can surrender knives and the Council is actively participating in the publicity campaign for this.   The Police will also be undertaking other work, such as stop and search, during this operation.

 

Also Wycombe Youth Action continues to deliver the Empower Project locally, working with vulnerable young men to address issues such as knife crime, gang participation and radicalisation and providing 1-2-1 mentoring. Last year they supported 175 young people.

 

We have also been urging the County Council to reinstate the Gangs Multi Agency Partnership (GMAP), which they took on from the Police. GMAP focuses on intervening early with younger gang members to divert them away from criminality.  It was reviewed by the Home Office and I very much hope that it will be reconvened soon as the work is very much needed.

 

TVP used to run GMAP but the member of staff left. It went to BCC and I believe the thinking was that it sat well within the Safer and Stronger Partnership, which has a Community and Domestic Violence Sub Group and a range of multi- agency meetings already established for early intervention work. Bcc is also the agency with responsibility for youth services and youth offending services. There are also gangs in Aylesbury so a Bucks wide approach meshing with the existing multi agency meetings and Bucks wide services is best. We would need funding for an extra post if we wanted to try to do this and the person would spend a lot of time in Bucks wide meetings discussing cases and may not have the leverage with BCC services to get the necessary interventions in place.

 

Supplementary Question

 

Whilst I welcome operation Sceptre, and your comments on gangs and that more should be done, do you agree with me that WDC has a role to play in promoting public safety and needs to be proactive in working with the police to ensure action is taken, particularly now we have seen a rise in acid attacks?

Supplementary Response

 

"Some young men who cannot find a job are frustrated and feel disenfranchised from community. We are considering how best to assist those young people into a productive occupation or assistance with setting up of new micro businesses.

 

This is a national problem rather than a local one so we have no quick remedy but I am hopeful that the initiatives outlined will begin to take effect."

 

©Question from Councillor A Hashmi to the Cabinet Member for Environment

 

"Is the Cabinet Member for the Environment aware that the waste collection service in the town is falling apart. A number of people in my ward have complained that their bins have been emptied days later than scheduled.

 

Even more worryingly, the promises of special services to those with disabilities are not being met. I understand that this is due to the waste collection service suffering from broken down vehicles and a shortage of manpower.

 

This may bedue to incompetence on part of WDC or the company providing waste collection services, whatever how does she plan to rectify this failure so that residents can be sure of a reliable vital service?"

 

Response from Councillor Mrs J Adey (Cabinet Member for Environment)

 

"I am aware that some waste collections have experienced delays over the last few weeks.

Unfortunately Serco have experienced a number of operational difficulties 

A power outage at the recycling depot resulted in delays in the processing of mixed recycling, paper & cardboard, due to the weighbridge and paper sorting facility being temporarily out of action. Whilst this issue was resolved speedily it unfortunately occurred at the same time as Serco were introducing new collection rounds for bulk bins provided to residents of flats and there have been some teething problems as crews became familiar with their new rounds and the location of bin stores.

In addition, there have also been a number of vehicle breakdowns and sickness issues affecting some crews. The special services for those with disability you mention may I believe refer to one particular case which has now been resolved with the property put on the hot list. Assisted collections are always prioritised.

I would like to reassure members that we are working closely with Serco and I have requested an urgent meeting with them to discuss current issues and seek assurances that every effort is being made to return to a normal service."

Supplementary Question

"Should the people of Wycombe be warned that this vital service is not a priority?"

Supplementary Response

"Yes of course it is a priority, and we are working towards resolving the problems as soon as possible. We have a meeting with Serco imminently following which we will have fuller answers."

(d)Question from Councillor K Ahmed to the Leader of the Council

 

"In light of the recent BFP article relating to the loss of revenue through uncollected fines from the defunct ANPR system, can the Leader explain as to why the public is having to find out about the true cost of the failed project via FOI’s and why a full inquiry was not deemed appropriate to dispel any theories of a ‘cover up’ regarding the actual amount lost?"

Response from Councillor Ms K Wood (Leader of the Council).

 

"I am aware that parking was in the local news again last week, following the release of information related to parking tickets and fine income. 

 

 I have been very clear that changing from ANPR to pay and display wasn’t an easy decision. We were all disappointed that we had to make changes to how people pay to park and that as a result, there has been an increase in the number of fines that have been issued, all of which impacts upon our customer`s experience of the district. While pay and display is a perfectly valid system used in car parks across the county, we recognise that it’s a less customer friendly system and the change has caused inconvenience to our customers, which is the last thing we wanted.

 

I strongly refute your suggestion about a cover up. We have been open about the investment we made in the more customer friendly ANPR system and the subsequent costs that we incurred by changing to pay and display. We were also open about the fact that using ANPR as an enforcement method in our car parks meant that we would be issuing fewer parking tickets in comparison to pay and display, which reduced our running costs. These were two of the reasons we opted for the system in the first place together with providing more flexible payment systems for customers who did not have to guess how long they would be parked for. Whilst this information was recently released as a result of a freedom of information request, we would still be reporting these figures, in public, as part of the Council`s budget monitoring process.

 

Supplementary Question

 

"Following your reshuffle of the Cabinet Member for Environment, you too should reconsider your position."

 

Supplementary Response

 

"I have said we have been clear about the reasons and costs for changing from ANPR. We are not in the business to make money from our residents in parking fines. I want our residents to be able to enjoy coming into our town to shop and use the facilities we provide. We have always been clear that ANPR would result in fewer fines and I am disappointed that the Labour party seem to think that we are making money out of our residents.

 

Essentially we implemented ANPR as it was a good system, and still is. The reversion was caused by a change in Government policy at DCLG after we successfully completed the pilot and implemented a complete roll out."

 

e)Question from Councillor M Asif to the Cabinet Member for Community.

 

"Analysing the data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS), it is clear that homicide and knife crime have actually increased. You only have to open the local newspaper and see that knife crime is becoming more and more of a problem. Is the council taking any pro-active measures to tackle this epidemic, within the District?"

Response from Councillor G Peart (Cabinet Member for Community)

 

"It is a similar question on the same subject as raised by Cllr Knight and I refer you to my previous detailed response to that question. You are correct in saying that knife crime has increased nationally and particularly in London. Fortunately the local police have indicated that there has not been a similar rise in knife crime in our District as I alluded to earlier.

 

This does not mean that the Council, BCC and TVP are complacent and we will together continue to do all we can to educate young people that simply carrying a knife is a serious crime and is not acceptable behaviour in any form in any place within our communities.

 

It would be a very positive step to enable as many young people as possible with the tools to either find meaningful employment or to assist them to start their own enterprise if that is their wish."

 

There was no supplementary question.

 

(f)Question from Councillor Ms J Wassell to the Cabinet Member for Planning.

 

"I am interested in the process for selecting locations for tree planting and obtaining funding. How are these saplings monitored and maintained?"

Response from Councillor D Johncock (Cabinet Member for Planning)

 

"The Council sees trees as an important part of the landscape and our towns. Where appropriate we aim to secure new tree planting as part of new development that comes forward through the planning process.

 

As part of managing the Council`s tree stock we also recognise that a continual process of management and renewal requires new tree planting and an allowance is made as part of the Council's revenue budget. 

 

In addition, where members wish to support additional tree planting they may do so either through the annual allocation of CIL and s106 contributions or by allocating their own Ward budgets. Members sometimes nominate their budget to plant trees in specific locations and we always seek to oblige if possible.

 

Tree planting locations are selected for a number of reasons, taking account of public and member comments, opportunity, need (for example where trees have died), and the value that new planting would make to an area. Last autumn ward members were invited to suggest sites for tree planting in the unparished area and comments were taken into account in selecting locations.

 

Trees that are planted on behalf of the Council have aftercare visits for several years to support establishment that involves adding mulch, checking tree ties, stakes, and overall condition. During periods of unusually hot weather there is provision for watering of recently planted trees (unless exceptionally water restrictions apply.) This protects the Councils investment in tree planting until trees have become established with deeper root systems and can fend for themselves! Trees that are planted as part of developments generally have a condition attached that requires these to be maintained for five years.

 

The tree aftercare works are undertaken by an external contractor who has experience and also has the appropriate licences to draw water. Currently this contractor (Civic Trees) is undertaking the second of four programmed watering cycles. See picture taken recently in the morning of 14^th July.

 

Of course, if Members know of any young trees that seem to be in particular need of attention then they simply need to draw these to the attention of our tree officers who can ensure that the appropriate arrangements are put in place."

 

Supplementary Question

 

"It is clear that new trees are suffering following the current spate of hot weather, how does the contractor know that he needs to go out for the tree`s aftercare following these high temperatures. Perhaps they should be doing so a matter of course."

 

Supplementary Response

 

"We take care of approximately 10,000 trees and a further 12,000 on Red Kite`s behalf. As you can imagine it is a considerable task to undertake, and we do our best. Please let us know if you feel we have missed any. "

 

(g)Question from Councillor Ms A Baughan to the Cabinet Member for Housing.

 

"Please could you confirm the latest figures for street homeless people in the District, and the method used for counting?"

Response from Councillor Mrs J Langley (Cabinet Member for Housing)

 

"The estimated number of rough sleepers in the District is approximately 8 (as at 5^th July).

 

This number is calculated by local agencies actively working together in partnership through a local Rough Sleepers Core Group that meets every 2 weeks. This Group discusses persons that are alleged/believed to be rough sleeping within the District and looks to try to identify suitable available options for each individual.

 

Supplementary Question

 

"I appreciate that officers charities and the Cabinet are working hard to help vulnerable people with housing.

 

I would like to send you information if I may about other organisations I have been researching recently, example `Housing First` and `Habitat for Humanity`, which may be of interest and may be of some practical use."

 

Supplementary Response

 

"It is refreshing that someone is keeping an interest in these matters. I would like to draw your attention to an article published in the Wycombe Times regarding homelessness, which you may also find useful."

 

(h)Question from Councillor K Ahmed to the Leader of the Council.

 

"Two years ago, upon election as Leader, she announced that she was keen to engage more closely with younger people across the district. A new cabinet post for Youth was created, it is now noted that the terms of reference for the post have been changed a little and the member responsible for the portfolio also has been changed.

 

Can the Leader highlight the achievements of the outgoing member and enlighten us as to what the incoming Cabinet Member is intending to do things differently for this important portfolio?"

Response from Councillor Ms K Wood (Leader of the Council)

 

"Maybe you failed to notice that the original portfolio holder stepped down nearly a year ago and that Cllr Carroll very ably stepped into his shoes and is progressing a number of projects.

 

When I became Leader I recognised the significant contribution our young people can and do make to the District by creating a new Cabinet portfolio to increase the engagement and collaboration between the Council and young people. I wish to thank Councillor Newman for his drive and enthusiasm in establishing the new portfolio within the Council and getting out and about to meet so many partners and young people and bringing their views back. Cllr Newman focused his work on building relationships and partnerships with the district youth organisations. Specific examples include closer working with BNU and his work with Toolshed and Wycombe Youth Action and the Youth Forum in general.

 

 Since I appointed Councillor Carroll last year we have re launched WYSP, the networking forum for youth service providers, and awarded a contract for a new District Youth Council – elections to this will take place in the autumn. I now that some of my colleagues are already planning to meet with the Youth Council because we see them as a valuable source of stakeholder engagement.

 

We are reaching out to various youth organisations to make sure that they know we are here to help if at all possible. There will be more exciting news announced soon of other projects that are being launched."

 

Councillor Carroll briefly addressed the meeting on some of the recent initiatives that were underway or being re launched. He highlighted the re launch of the Youth Forum which included representatives of Thames Valley Police, which ensured an effective dialogue with young people. 

 

(i)Question from Councillor R Raja to the Leader of the Council.

 

"A joint investigation by the Guardian newspaper and Greenpeace (in April) has reported that "hundreds of thousands of children are exposed to illegal levels of air pollution from diesel vehicles at schools and nurseries across England". Furthermore, analysis of the most recent government data exposes how dangerous levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution from diesel traffic is not limited to large metropolitan centres, but threaten the health of children and young people in towns and cities throughout the country.

 

As we are clearly not immune from these illegal levels of pollution, which is toxic for large sections of young and old. Will the leader tell us if she plans to earmark some modest resources to understanding the conclusions of these studies and for WDC to draw up measures to minimise the harmful effects of this pollution?"

 

Response from Councillor Ms K Wood (Leader of the Council)

 

"The Council has commissioned an air quality report to highlight any areas where national air quality limits are exceeded. The results show that Nitrogen Dioxide levels are exceeded in areas along the main arterial roads of High Wycombe, in Marlow Town centre and along the M40 corridor. In response to this report proposed Air Quality Management Areas have already been mapped and these will shortly be the subject of discussion.

 

Following consultation with our statutory partners, it is intended that a report will be presented to the September Cabinet recommending the declaration of these Air Quality Management Areas.

 

If the Air Quality Management Areas are declared, a steering group consisting of various stakeholders will be created with the main purpose of delivering an Air Quality Action Plan. The aim of the plan will be for the various stakeholders to commit to proposals that are designed to reduce the level of Nitrogen Dioxide emissions to below the national limits.

 

If any members are interested I would suggest that they provide Environmental Services with their views."

 

There was no supplementary question.

 

Questions 10 - 12 were not put as the 30 Minutes time period had expired. In accordance with Standing Orders, a written reply would be sent to the questioner by the appropriate Member within 10 working days, and would also be appended to the Minutes of the meeting.