Meeting documents

Questions to the Leader or any Cabinet Members must be submitted by 12 noon on Thursday 15 February 2018. 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 6 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 Cabinet Member for Planning

 

"It appears to be WDC policy to allow affordable housing targets to be renegotiated downwards after the contracts have been agreed with developers.

If it is the case then is it possible for me to know the circumstances which merit renegotiation and can such practice be justified given that targets of affordable housing have never been met and when the definition of affordability does not make houses affordable by people on modest, low or medium income levels?"

 

Response from Councillor D Johncock (Cabinet Member for Planning)

 

"Thank you for your question Councillor Raja.

 

As we all know, housing delivery is clearly a national priority at the moment.

 

Policy CS13 (Affordable housing and housing mix) of our Core Strategy Development Plan Document sets out this Councils policy with regard to the provision of affordable housing.   With further detail on the operation of the policy set out in the Supplementary Planning Document on Developer Contributions.

 

Affordable Housing is defined in The National Planning Policy Framework and where affordable housing is required this is secured by means of a section 106 legal agreement.

 

The National Planning Policy Framework however makes it clear that such obligations under a S106 legal agreement will not be appropriate if they impact the viability of the development.  The delivery of all forms of open market housing, not just affordable, being as I have said a current priority for the country.

 

As a result during the consideration of a planning application, or even at the point of implementation, the Developer Contributions Supplementary Planning Document provides a process where the viability of the scheme can be independently reviewed.  This can result in a development providing reduced affordable housing where there are particular issues, such as soil contamination as occurred at the Gas Works site, which impacts its viability.

 

However it would be wrong to say that the targets for affordable housing are never met, as many residential schemes do provide such housing (in the form of affordable rent or shared ownership), and indeed some such as the redevelopment at  Olympic Way in High Wycombe have delivered 100% affordable housing.

 

Moving forward we will shortly be submitting our new Wycombe District Local Plan to the Planning Inspectorate and Policy DM24 (Affordable Housing) sets out how we will be seeking appropriate levels of affordable housing to meet the needs of our residents moving forward."

 

Supplementary questionfrom Councillor R Raja to the Cabinet Member for Planning

 

"A small residential development at Terriers does not contain any reference to affordable housing. This apparently is the result of a financial settlement agreed with the developer in lieu of building affordable houses. How can this be in the best interests of the people of Wycombe?"

 

Response from Councillor D Johncock (Cabinet Member for Planning)

 

"Please provide me with the details – I can’t respond now as I have no background details."

 

b)           Question from Councillor M Knight to the Leader of the Council

 

"In the light of the collapse of Carillion could you outline what safeguards are in place to protect the public services which Wycombe District Council has contracted out to private companies?"

 

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

 

"Thank you for the questionCouncillor Knight.

 

The Council as you know has detailed governance arrangements in place to manage risk including the risk of a failure of our suppliers. 

 

In the light of the collapse of Carrillion we are enhancing our current supplier monitoring system.

 

As a first stage of this improvement the finance team will conduct a review of the financial standing of relevant suppliers.  The Council has access to an on-line financial tool which can issue automated notices when an organisation’s financial circumstances change.

 

Within that system the finance team will set a series of criteria for each strategic supplier which if breached would trigger a warning notice.  

 

If either the review of the financial standing or the on line system triggers an alert, the finance team will pass the information to the relevant Head of Service to inform their risk assessments and contingency plans.

 

Additionally, in the coming weeks Heads of Service will be asked to update their business continuity plans to be invoked in the event of failure of one of their strategic suppliers. This is monitored as one of the risks on the strategic risk register."   

 

Supplementary Questionfrom Councillor M Knight to the Leader of the Council

 

"Risks outweigh the benefits of contracting out to private contractors / developers?"

 

Supplementary Responsefrom Councillor Ms K Wood (Leader of the Council)

 

"We are not aware of any issues with suppliers which are likely to impact on service delivery.  We are strengthening the robust system we already have in place"

 

c)        Question from Councillor M Hanif to the Cabinet Member for Housing

 

"What progress is the Council making to reduce the human and economic cost on local residents of rising level of rough sleeping and homelessness?"

 

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

 

"Thank you for your question Councillor Hanif. 

 

The Council has in place a 5 year homelessness strategy (I have a copy for you and can provide to other Members: It is on the website).  It is very clear that the Council aims to assist and prevent and relieve homelessness for as many people as possible. 

 

Not all persons rough sleeping wish to accept offers of assistance.  However, I can assure you the Outreach Service works tirelessly with us and our partners to assist anyone rough sleeping, seeking assistance. 

 

The Council has also annually provided grant funding of over £120,000, to agencies in order to assist homeless persons and households – Wycombe homeless connection, Wycombe Women’s Aid and Wycombe Rent Deposit Guarantee Scheme.

 

In relation to the Modular Build, which is subject to planning permission, as a forward thinking Council and not afraid to take on challenges and more to the point a Council looking for ways to improve (as promised by the Leader) living conditions for those most in need of our help. 

 

We are working on plans to increase our temporary accommodation provision, which is of course subject to planning permission from 34 units to 57 by using modular build in a Town Centre location.  Thus providing better access to amenities / services than currently exists at Saunderton Lodge, also removing the institutional feel of living at the lodge.  We were also constrained as to the number of units at Saunderton Lodge if we had gone for refurbishment." 

 

Supplementary Questionfrom Councillor M Hanif to the Cabinet Member for Housing

 

"Wycombe District Council, on behalf of residents, spent £295k in 2016/17 housing 84 families and £62k in 2015/16 housing 95 families.  How have the costs risen so sharply?  Is it poor decision making by your Cabinet?"

 

Supplementary Responsefrom Councillor Mrs J Langley (Cabinet Member for Housing)

 

"Re: 21.02.2018 - There were 8 households in Bed & Breakfast with 75 households in temporary accommodation.

 

Only Bed & Breakfast invokes a cost: we have 34 units at Saunderton Lodge for which we receive a rental income: with no charge to Wycombe District Council for temporary accommodation provided by our partner Registered Housing Providers. 

 

It is very important to note that this is the lowest number of households in temporary accommodation for over 2 years.

 

I cannot take the credit for that as Cabinet Member for Housing) I am however, extremely fortunate to work with officer’s in the Housing Team, whereby this clearly demonstrates to Members the excellent work carried out by the officers which continues to prevent homelessness wherever possible (just one element of their work.

 

I want to draw your attention to the Member Seminar - 13^th March - on the Homelessness Reduction Act: this will help explain the new duties to prevent and relieve homelessness which will come into effect in April this year.

 

I hope you will be free to attend.  Thank you."

 

d)           Question from Councillor B Pearce to the Leader of the Council

 

"I assume you are aware that there is an action afoot to try to establish parish councils in the un-parished areas of High Wycombe Town. Do you agree with me that this would be disastrous and that a Town Council would be much more advantageous for everyone concerned?

One voice for the town as opposed to many voices with divisions."

 

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

 

"Thank you for the question Councillor Pearce.

 

This council is responsible for decisions on the outcome of Community Governance Reviews which consider matters such as the creation of parishes.  If such a review was to be carried out it would consider a range of options.  One of which may be that the town is well served by the current arrangements."

 

Supplementary Questionfrom Councillor B Pearce to the Leader of the Council

 

"Some time ago West Wycombe was part of the time declared DPI – do you think it would be disastrous if other areas did the same?"

 

Supplementary Responsefrom Councillor Ms K Wood (Leader of the Council)

 

"This would be subject to a full Community Governance Review."

 

e)            Question from Councillor M Asif to the Leader of the Council

 

"Is the council ready to deal with one unitary authority for Bucks if that is the decision of the secretary of state for Communities and Local Government?"

 

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

 

Thank you for your question Councillor Hanif.

 

"We will deal with whatever decision emerges from central government when it emerges.  But as yet, we have had no decision.  The announcement of the minded decision in relation to the Dorset County, Bournemouth and Poole unitary areas was made on 7^th November and just yesterday the first decisions are being taken about the nature and function of the shadow board.  The Structural Change Order for that area has yet to be produced by government.     In the event of an announcement we will take what action is necessary to respond but even where there is broad consensus, as in Dorset, there is a limit to what can be done before a decision is announced."

 

Supplementary Questionfrom Councillor M Asif to the Leader of the Council

 

"Should Wycombe District Council be worried about its reserves being plundered?"

 

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

 

"This would be for any new Council to make decisions on."

 

f)             Question from Councillor K Ahmed to the Cabinet Member for Housing

 

"The Government's own statistics released this year show the number of people in Wycombe accepted as statutorily and unintentionally homeless rose again in 2016-7 to a record 121.

 

These people were supported through temporary accommodation in 2016-17 which costs the local taxpayer both dearly and needlessly.

 

What strategy does the Council have to reduce the number of people being made statutorily homeless?"

 

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

 

"Many of the points I have covered in answering Councillor Hanif’s question are relevant to the question you have raised.  I am happy to repeat them if you so wish." 

 

Supplementary Questionfrom Councillor K Ahmed to the Cabinet Member for Housing

 

"Is the member aware of the fact that Wycombe District Council has only bothered to use 31% of its £362 million allocation from central government for discretionary housing payments to help tenants who are in rental arrears, many of them hit by the Benefits Cap, the Bedroom Tax and the freeze to Local Housing Allowance, pay their rent and avoid a Section 21 eviction notice?

 

Given that discretionary housing payments are there provide urgent financial help to people whose benefits do not cover the rent, wouldn't greater use of the allocation payment help lower the number of people unintentionally becoming homeless and therefore reduce the cost to the local authority on private temporary accommodation, not to mention the suffering of the sadly growing number of local people who are made unintentionally homeless every year (53 percent up since 2010-11)?"

 

Supplementary Responsefrom Councillor Mrs J Langley (Cabinet Member for Housing)

 

"I am very confident we are making good progress and through our Action Plan with the help of valuable partners, we flag up a number of ‘green’ statuses.

 

In terms of continuing to prevent homelessness: myself and my officer’s accept that we have to work to do and I can assure you that hard work will continue in order to assist our residents:

 

With relatively low numbers of households in temporary accommodation when compared to nearby authorities and the national average it is clear the progress that has been made and continues / which demonstrates the excellent work of officer’s. 

 

For information; according to national statistics at the last recorded period in September 2017, the national average of households in temporary accommodation was 3.59 households per 1,000 households with Wycombe recording a figure of 1.61-less than half the national average.  The figures for South Bucks was 2.42, Slough 7.12 and Luton 17.46 by way of comparison.  The figure for London was 16.72.  

 

g)           Question from Councillor Ms A Baughan to the Leader of the Council

 

"As it looks likely that Bucks County Council will withdraw funding and close Children’s Centres across the county - it has been suggested by the BCC Cabinet Member that centres may be devolved to local communities and Parish Councils.

Will Wycombe District Council be offering any support, financial or otherwise, to similar initiatives for example to continue to have Children’s Centres established in the unparished wards of the District?"

 

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

 

Thank you for your question Councillor Baughan.

 

"We understand that the buildings could be reused as valuable community assets in some locations.  However the County will be delivering from community venues the early years services that were previously delivered from the Children’s Centres identified for closure.  It does not seem sensible to suggest we may fund and operate a service from a Children’s Centre when the same service is still being delivered in the area, regardless of the fact that children’s services are not our responsibility but that of our County colleagues.

 

However, fully appreciate your concern regarding Bucks County Council, so many due to the service.  I will ask the Cabinet Member, Councillor Warren Whyte at Bucks County Council for feedback which I will share with you."

 

There was no supplementary question.

 

h)            Question from Councillor Ms J Wassell to the Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources

 

"I am concerned £150,000 is being spent on the Council Chamber at Wycombe District Council. What are the nature of these improvements?"

 

Response from Councillor L Wood (Cabinet Member for Digital Development & Customer Services)

 

"Thank you Councillor Wassell for your question.

 

The £150,000 outlined in the budget has been requested in readiness for a series of essential maintenance and renewal works to sustain the operational capabilities of this chamber.

 

The budget has not yet been allocated to particular tasks, as we need to complete our feasibility and capability assessments to determine what works are most essential, and how they can be completed in the most cost effective and operationally efficient way."

 

Supplementary Questionfrom Councillor Ms J Wassell to the Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources

 

"I expected to hear specific details – what a waste of money!  Please be more specific."

 

Supplementary Response from Councillor L Wood (Cabinet Member for Digital Development & Customer Services)

 

"Money has been allocated. 

 

We haven’t made any works to the Council Chamber for 30 years.

 

We are looking to replace the audio / visual system and also the air handling system which needs to be changed in the next 5 years.  Going forward we’ll put forward a full business case which will go to Full Council." 

 

i)             Question from Councillor B Pearce to the Cabinet Member for Economic Development & Regeneration

 

"Now that Costco have withdrawn from their proposal for their new store on Cressex Island, can you tell me what measures are in place to encourage another establishment/business to develop the site?

Although I with many residents had reservations regarding the infrastructure capability, it is a great disappointment that Costco have withdrawn.

 

I understand that the said site cannot be used for housing due to measured poor air quality."

 

Response from Councillor S Broadbent (Cabinet Member for Economic Development & Regeneration).

 

Thank you for your question Councillor Pearce.

 

"The site is allocated in the Local Plan for business use – one of the few sites left in Council ownership with job creating potential.

 

It’s a prime site and concept plans are already underway for alternative potential commercial uses that would improve the town and district's offer. The proposals have yet to be tested against the planning policy for the site (and highways capacity), and soft market tested, before the Council seeks a development partner, by means of a competitive commercial process. So it would be premature to expand upon proposals at this stage.

 

But given the level of unsolicited interest already received from the development market, I expect attractive and revised options for the site to be secured in a relatively short space of time."

 

There was no supplementary question.

 

j)             Question from Councillor K Ahmed to the Cabinet Member for Planning

 

"The national picture is one of housing availability being in crisis.

 

Wycombe has people living on the streets and families in temporary accommodation.  Looking at the councils own advice note which requires you to build between 30-40% affordable housing.

 

Can you explain why the figure given in the Wycombe local plan works out at a 23.5% affordable housing ratio?"

 

Response from Councillor D Johncock (Cabinet Member for Planning).

 

"Thank you for your question Councillor Ahmed but, in reply, I must start by saying that it doesn’t help to make histrionic comments about the housing situation in Wycombe.  Thanks to the good work undertaken by this council, we don’t have thousands of people in temporary rented accommodation or living on the streets.  However, I must be careful not to stray into my colleagues patch on housing and so I will focus on your specific question concerning the requirement for affordable homes as laid down in the new Local Plan.

 

In that respect, it is frustrating that despite numerous member briefings on the new local plan, you still don’t seem to understand how the numbers are calculated so let me repeat it again.

 

We start the calculations through a process called a housing and economic development needs assessment.  This calculates the housing need for the District and, within that, the number of affordable homes required which, for the new local plan period, amounts to 3,100 homes.  This equates to 23.5% of the objectively assessed need.

 

So, in preparing the local plan, we have to take into account the fact that not all sites will provide affordable housing as they do not meet the size thresholds which would trigger a developer to provide affordable housing.  So in order to achieve the figure of 3,100 affordable homes, we need to set a higher percentage for those developments that will provide affordable homes.

 

With that in mind, the local plan requires the provision of between 30 and 40% (30% previously developed or as we say brownfield land and 40% greenfield). The actual number to be delivered also takes into account a financial viability assessment which factors in all costs that a development is likely to incur including those arising from other policies in the plan. 

 

However, as I have said, not every development will provide affordable homes and so when you average the number out over the whole plan period, it is expected to deliver 3,100 homes or 23.5% of the objectively assessed need figure of 13,200 homes.  

 

As you will also remember, we have an agreement with AVDC to take our unmet need, so that we are building 10,925 homes in WDC. But please note, we are planning to provide the amount of affordable housing required on the full 13,200 figure.

 

Please also note that we currently believe that, overall, we will deliver more than that number as we have calculated that sites that already have planning permission and the sites proposed for allocation in the plan would provide approximately 3000 affordable homes.

 

I hope that clarifies matters for you."

 

Supplementary Question from Councillor K Ahmed to the Cabinet Member for Planning

"You have stated targets in the current Wycombe Housing Strategic Action Plan, that an average of 402.5 new homes a year will be built and that in the 2 years 2015 –17 71 affordable homes will be built. Has even this pitifully low 9% been achieved?"

 

Supplementary Responsefrom Councillor D Johncock (Cabinet Member for Planning)

 

"These are the numbers over the whole period.  Figures for 2 years don’t help.  We will meet the numbers."

 

Questions 11-13 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.