Meeting documents

Questions to the Leader or any Cabinet Member must be submitted by 12 noon on Monday 25 March 2019.

 

A questioner will have a maximum of 1 minute to ask a question and the answer shall not exceed 3 minutes. Any questioner may put one supplementary question without notice within a maximum time of 1 minute and the answer may not exceed 2 minutes.

 

Questions shall be taken first from the Group Leaders of the political parties who shall be entitled to ask an initial Leader`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.

 

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

 

Now that the bid to challenge the imposition of Cllr Tett Leader of Bucks County Council, as the leader of shadow unitary authority has been rejected, I assume that the Leader of the Council will say what the costs were of this futile exercise and that she would allow members at least the sight of the judgement.

 

Is she still minded to waste more of the public money on another irrelevant legal challenge whilst taking her place on the shadow executive under Cllr Tett? 

 

Verbal reply given by Councillor Ms K Wood (Leader of the Council).

 

Thank you for your question Cllr Raja. The total cost of preparing the JR is around £15,000 and that is to be shared by 3 councils so the cost to this council of the preparation is likely to be around £5,000.   The amount of officer time is fairly small as a junior barrister was used to prepare the pleadings.  The judgement is a matter of public record. In Wycombe our Cabinet meeting debated the issue and there was support for taking legal action so our officers were asked to obtain legal advice.  After we received advice, I consulted my colleagues before reaching a decision. 

 

We felt very strongly that the proposed Order would not allow the District Councils to have very much say in how the new council was configured and although we have always supported a move to unitary we felt it was important that those providing local services in places like Wycombe District should have a say in the new Council.  This was why we challenged the detail of the Order.  Whilst the Judicial Review case was running, the Order was not laid and as a result some suggestions have been made which will ensure that the process is more democratic.  We are very pleased with the way that MHCLG have responded to the concerns that we raised as part of the JR and although there is still no Order we are working with our County colleagues collaboratively to get on with the job of delivering the new council by working together as much as we can before the law is in place.  I'm sorry that you do not feel that this was a worthwhile exercise.  I don't share your view.    

 

Supplementary Question.

 

Talking of democracy it is strange how the Town Committee Chairman is appointed by the Majority Group, Local Area Forum’s are similar. £5K has been wasted. Does the Leader agree that any other Tory Leader of the Shadow Cabinet would be just as bad as Councillor Tett?

 

Supplementary Response.

 

I have made my position clear that I am content that the challenge we bought has served its purpose and that we are now working collaboratively with the County and government to deliver this new council.

 

 

b)     Question from Councillor M Knight to the Cabinet Member for Environment

 

Household waste collections are one of the most prominent services this council provides for residents, and one which impacts every resident in terms of the quality and convenience of the service offered.

 

As we look towards developing a new waste contract could you outline what opportunities you see to improve this service for the tax paying residents of the district? 

 

Verbal reply given by Councillor Mrs J Adey (Cabinet Member for Environment).

 

The proposed new joint contract offers an opportunity to invest in technology and provide new refuse collection vehicles for the service, which will be state of the art, fuel efficient, quieter and more reliable.  They will carry in-cab technology, including 360 degree cameras providing greater safety to all; that will allow then to receive communications regarding missed containers and also to capture information about conditions on the street and progress with work. This type of communication and recording technology will provide quicker rectification of any mistakes and also provide the customer service teams with up to date information on progress with collections.  This can be particularly important when snow and ice, or traffic conditions disrupt our collection rounds.

 

Other proposals for street cleaning involve the option of combining weed spraying equipment with large sweeping machines to allow two jobs to be done at the same time, so improving efficiency and making weed control simpler.

 

Other improvements should arise from the proposed new contract and the procurement negotiations currently underway will hopefully drive out service efficiencies, economies of scale and service improvements for our residents.

 

Supplementary Question.

 

Thank you that is impressive about the technical improvements. But some residents are no longer having ‘edge of property’ collections. Health and Safety is cited. Refuse collectors are having to perform more work for less. Do you not agree that there is a deterioration of services as a result of savings?

 

Supplementary Response.

 

No that is not the case, there is no service deterioration. It is not a case of more work for less for operatives. If you have any particular issues or problems in your wards, please contact me with specific details so I can sort them.

 

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

 

In regards to the recent petition that was handed in at the last Full Council Meeting by Councillor Khalil Ahmed and member of the public, Trevor Snaith, requesting a Government review to look into a Town Council for High Wycombe (a petition which contained over 4,500 verified signatures) I am confident that you would agree with me that this is was a monumental task and a fantastic achievement.

 

However do you agree with me that a Town Council would be much more advantageous than to have individual Parishes around the town as has sometimes been referred to as, 'The Doughnut Ring'? 

 

Verbal reply given by Councillor Ms K Wood (Leader of the Council).

 

Thank you for your question Cllr Pearce

 

Whilst I accept that the petition had a good number of signatures, it only represents a very small proportion of the number of residents in Wycombe, less than 10% so whether it is representative of all views we have yet to find out.

 

Personally, I don’t have a set view on what governance arrangements are best for the unparished area of High Wycombe.  That is why we have instigated a review and is what it will be looking at.

 

The review will, I know consider all options and recommendations and proposals drawn up and will be subject to public consultation before it is completed.   I believe we should wait for the outcome of that and that it would be premature to express an opinion before that work has been done, even if I had one. 

 

Supplementary Question.

 

If the Town Council was to go ahead, would it have a Shadow Board similar to that operating for the new Unitary Authority ahead of May 2020?

 

Supplementary Response.

 

I don’t think so. But I will check that out and come back to you.

 

d)     Question from Councillor M Clarke to the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources

 

Since the Lib Lab pact and more particularly since 2001 Wycombe District Council has had is finances prudently managed. This has led to substantial cash reserves. Some of these reserves are earmarked for projects starting in this financial year, however there will be some not insignificant unallocated cash reserves.

 

Will the Cabinet member please make clear the size of these free cash reserves both now and projected for the end of FY 19/20? 

 

Verbal reply given by Councillor D Watson (Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources).

 

Thank you Cllr Clarke for your question.

 

The council is planning to invest in the District for the benefit of local residents and will be applying its reserves in investing in the schemes to support the economic development, regeneration and place shaping aspirations of this Council.

 

As you say WDC has benefitted from a decade or more of sound financial management and is thus in a good position when we consider the total reserves as it gives the council a number of options:-

 

·         Major projects 19-20 is £61M funded by Capital grants, earmarked reserves, capital receipts and general reserves.

 

·         17-18 we had £74m reserves, 18-19 expected to be £63m, 19-20 expected at £30m.

 

·         As to general reserves kept for ‘unknown unknowns’ CIPFA recommend 15% of net revenue budget which equals the £3.1m we have assigned.

 

·         There are a number of economic risks that could lead to the earmarking of additional funds and their removal from the general fund whilst still leaving a prudent minimum balance. Looking at volatility in the property investment market could lead to moving 5% of annual investment property income into an earmarked reserve.

 

Supplementary Question.

 

There is to be £25m left, what steps are being taken to ensure that these uncommitted funds are used to the benefit of Wycombe District residents and not just handed over to the new authority with no guarantee of their expenditure in Wycombe District?

 

Supplementary Response.

 

There will be a large contingent of Wycombe District Council members elected onto the new authority, it will no doubt be their responsibility to influence to ensure these funds are spent so.

 

 

e)     Question from Councillor Mrs L Clarke OBE  to the Cabinet Member for Environment

 

What valid reason, or indeed justification, does the Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services have for the gross imbalance of parking charge increases across Wycombe District?

 

With some car parks in High Wycombe Town facing increases from 13% to a whopping 62.5%, Bourne End seeing an increase on their one car park of 59.8%, Princes Risborough on their two car parks alone of 39.8% and 44.2% respectively, yet the good people of Marlow’s who have the lowest increase from 15.5% to a mere 30.1%. This appears to be both, not only, disproportionate but grossly unfair.

 

Verbal reply given by Councillor Mrs J Adey (Cabinet Member for Environment).

 

Parking charges have not increased in Wycombe District for more than a decade. The tariffs increases aim to harmonise charges across the district; some areas started from a very low level so in percentage terms their increases are higher. A more meaningful way to consider the new tariffs is in terms of cash prices where it is clear that these are highest in High Wycombe, lower in Marlow and lower still in Princes Risborough and Bourne End. The higher percentage change in High Wycombe relates to Easton Street where the Council was providing a much cheaper alternative to Chiltern Rail’s car park, in a building which requires substantial investment or replacement in the medium term.  Price increases will ensure that we can continue to invest in our car parks, and make the provision of new spaces viable in areas where this is found to be necessary.

 

Supplementary Question.

 

Would it not be more sensible to leave any increase until next year, the first year of the new authority?

 

The Town Centre ward I represent has many of these car parks where considerable increases are being imposed. Park and Ride is not an alternative to commuters north of the town. Whilst these commuters will be parking in residential areas as a result of these charge increases.

 

Supplementary Response.

 

No I do not feel it best to postpone these increases. We have to carry on with them this year.

 

f)      Question from Councillor S Graham to the Leader of the Council

 

Would the Leader of the council like to give us a progress report on the works being carried out to improve the Wycombe High Street and the market, and when can residents of the Town expect to see the end result? 

 

Verbal reply given by Councillor Ms K Wood (Leader of the Council).

 

Thank you for your question Cllr Graham. I’m not sure exactly what you are referring to, but I can tell you that the Council has recently completed resurfacing works to the paving under the Guildhall which has greatly improved this key asset to the town.

 

In partnership with Bucks County Council, the High Wycombe Masterplan Phase 5 works are due to finish at the end of April. Also underway are works to the rising bollards on the High St, again due to finish at the end of April. A bid is being made to central government for Future High Streets funding and it is hoped that this will enable further initiatives to be undertaken to benefit the town centre.

 

Supplementary Question.

 

Have any of the Members inspected the recent work carried out on the Guildhall it is rough and shabby.

 

Do you not agree that the High Street is in a shabby state?

 

Supplementary Response.

 

No I do not agree, there is lots of work going on, lots of work has been completed as I mentioned in my statement.

 

g)     Question from Councillor Ms A Baughan to the Cabinet Member for Youth & External Partnerships

 

At a recent presentation to councillors from Wycombe Youth Action we heard about how there are many young people in our District who are experiencing difficulties with their mental health, poor body image and low confidence. This is resulting in an increase in issues such as self-harm, eating disorders and can also be linked into some young people choosing to associate with gangs or become involved in criminal activity.  As a councillor and a parent this causes me a great deal of concern which I think we all share.

 

There have been cuts to children's and youth services in the past decade and these cuts are continuing to happen. As a local authority we will end up picking up the bill for many of the long term social and other issues caused by the problems which affect our young people. Do you agree with me that, regardless of the statutory duties we may have, we need to be responding by investing more resources in providing increased support for our young people now, to prevent a greater issue in the future?

 

Verbal reply given by Councillor D Carroll (Cabinet Member for Youth & External Partnerships).

 

Thank you for your question and for your interest in the services we provide for young people within the District.  Youth services are actually part of the County Council’s remit but this Council has been keen to ensure that we engage effectively with local young people and work with them to address their needs. I will pass this issue onto my Cabinet colleague Councillor Peart (Cabinet Member for Community) to bring up at the County Health & Wellbeing board on which he sits and represents Wycombe District.

 

I additionally make mention of our new Youth Council, and the councillors, who represent schools from across the District, in respect of Young People’s services.

Supplementary Question.

 

Could you confirm that in respect of the long summer holidays you have numerous activities planned for young people and particularly in my Micklefield ward?

 

Supplementary Response.

 

Yes where such activities are planned and financed I will keep you updated.

 

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

 

On 26^th Sep 2018, there was a BFP article that read ‘Shabby’ planter that was damaged in crash could finally be repaired.

 

Your own cabinet member criticised the lack of action, the planter still remains in a state of disrepair well over a year later since it was originally damaged.

 

With all the other mess in and around area that you have caused since the town centre master plan was started. Can the residents of this town trust you and your cabinet to deliver what we need to make our great town something to be proud of?  

 

Verbal reply given by Councillor Ms K Wood (Leader of the Council).

 

Thank you for your question Cllr Ahmed.

 

The Councils have been exploring the options for repairs to the planter. Whilst a repair would achieve a short term fix, works to repair or replace the planters require an overnight road closure and diversions whilst experience suggests that the planters would remain open to further damage. Hence we are considering options that would achieve a more enduring solution. My Cabinet Member for Planning & Sustainability is meeting with the Cabinet Member and officers from Buckinghamshire County Council before the end of April to consider those options and I anticipate a decision will be made, for implementation after that.

 

Whilst I agree that this issue requires a solution I think that it is easy to forget the wider picture, that is the transformation that has taken place along the alternative route and on this approach into the town centre

 

It is already clear from the development taking place along the alternative route, that this project has been a catalyst for regeneration, with the Aldi and Centre Square developments being just two examples of projects that are bringing life to this area that has needed investment for some time.

 

The Gas works link will be complete by September whilst works at Queen Victoria Road and Easton Street will be completed by the end of May. I think that once these works are complete the benefits to the town will become increasingly clear.

 

Supplementary Question.

 

I’ve left photographs of the issues in Oxford Road on Members desks this evening. They show the problem with shared space areas, I have heard nothing but negative remarks from the public regards these areas. Do you not think the current Masterplan has all the makings of a ‘disaster plan’?

 

Supplementary Response.

I can only think the Councillor has once again opened the wrong filing drawer labelled May 2020, as this question should be addressed to Buckinghamshire County Council.

 

Note question i) from Councillor M Asif to the Leader of the Council as featured below was withdrawn prior to the meeting.

 

Can the leader please tell us how much of taxpayers money in terms of officer time, resources and financial contribution was incurred trying to prepare for a judicial review against the government over the setup of the unitary authority which we now all know has been declined? 

 

 

Questions 10 to 17 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.