Meeting documents

Questions to the Leader or any Cabinet Member must be submitted by 12 noon on 14 October 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

 

Would the Leader of the council like to tell us what specific preparations have been undertaken by WDC to deal with the aftermath of Brexit? 

 

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

 

Our Acting Chief Executive has been nominated as the Council’s Brexit lead officer, and the Head of Housing, Environment and Community Services is deputising on day-to-day Brexit matters.

 

In preparation for a possible ‘no deal’ Brexit on October 31^st, Wycombe has been involved as a full participant in local and regional planning processes and exercises. This work has featured internal arrangements at Wycombe and has also involved joint working with partners in the Local Resilience Forum such as the Police, Fire Brigade and Ambulance services, as well as colleagues from the County Council and the other districts.

 

The Council is taking part in a Buckinghamshire wide task and finish group on Brexit where information and plans are shared among the four district councils and the County Council. This group has two weekly telephone conferences, and will continue to meet for as long as is needed. This process supports a coordinated approach across Buckinghamshire.

 

The council is part of the working and reporting arrangements put in place by the government to enable any problems that might that arise to be identified and addressed quickly by the right agencies. Frequent reports are made to central government, as we are effectively their presence on the ground. This situation reporting regime will intensify as 31st October draws nearer and will continue for as long as it is deemed necessary.

 

In the face of an upcoming possible ‘no deal’ Brexit deadline, the Council’s existing business continuity plans are central to its response and preparedness, and these plans have been reviewed recently. The plans have been tried and tested in the past, and already provide a response to the most likely modelled no deal Brexit scenarios. These plans are intended to ensure that the Council can continue to deliver services to residents and so it can also play its role in supporting the community and other agencies.

 

Supplementary Question

 

I am pleased to hear this, but are we actually informing our residents and business leaders of this and making them aware of what we are doing? What if there is a Brexit deal?

 

Supplementary Response

 

As part of the Buckinghamshire wide task and finish group, Wycombe is talking to its third sector partners and is prepared to assist them if need be in the run-up to, and in any aftermath of a ‘no deal’ Brexit, as they provide invaluable support to vulnerable communities. ‘Bucks Business First’ is supporting businesses by offering a voucher scheme to enable them to access funding to pay for professional advice and to implement critical changes to ensure businesses understand the effects of Brexit and to help them prepare.

 

Finally, the Council already operates a ‘Gold’ rota of senior managers and that will obviously continue as 31^st October approaches and passes. Around 31st October and the following weekend, a special rota will be in place and we will have a small team on hand to receive information and coordinate any responses, as a precaution.

 

I do hope that there is a deal, but of course there would then be a transition period thereafter.

 

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

 

Earlier this year Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick asked each local authority to designate a Brexit lead to work with central government and local stakeholders to plan for leaving the EU.

 

Could you summarise the work that Wycombe District Council has done to ensure our council services and business community will be resilient to the upcoming changes, particularly given the possibility that we may leave the EU without a deal? 

 

Councillor Knight indicated that his question had been adequately answered by the response to the previous question, however he did wish to submit a supplementary question:

 

I would like to know what specific steps had been taken by the Council to reassure residents originating from the EU states, that Council services would still be available to them post Brexit, particularly in respect of housing and benefits.

 

Supplementary Response

 

Things will not change, I will find out more detail for you and report back. I can reassure you such services will still be available.

 

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

 

You would no doubt agree with me that the Wycombe Rural Forum and the Wycombe Rural Forum Farm Visits are an exceedingly useful tool for local Councillors and the local farming community.

 

Is it possible for this Forum to continue one way or another after the introduction of the Unitary Authority?  

Verbal reply given by Councillor D Johncock (Cabinet Member for Planning).

 

Thank you for your question Cllr Pearce.  The Council has been holding the Rural Forum for over 20 years and is the only Council in Bucks to do so. I am keen that that the forum continues when the new Council is vested and both our officers and I are discussing how it would best continue. This includes consideration of whether there is more than one forum, given the new Council’s geography, the varying nature of rural issues across Buckinghamshire and how it integrates with other community forums. Needless to say we will be emphasising the importance of the forum and the role it plays in providing a way of linking councillor’s, farmers and rural businesses.

 

Moving forward we will be holding the October forum this week and the  March forum and farm tour next year, to which we are inviting the members of the Shadow Exec.

 

Councillor Pearce had no supplementary question but thanked the Cabinet Member for his encouraging response.

 

d) Question from Councillor A Hill to the Cabinet Member for Environment

 

Since the new road layout in Queen Victoria Road, Easton Street, High Street and Crendon Street, what is the increase in pollution in these areas?  

 

Verbal reply given by Councillor G Hall (Deputy Cabinet Member for Environment).

 

Traffic modelling of the proposed new road layout in Queen Victoria Road, Easton Street, High Street and Crendon Street was carried out during the planning phase of this project and this suggested that there would be less congestion and a reduced travel times through the area. These factors generally result in improved air quality.

 

Since completion, it has been subjectively noticed that the predictions appear to be correct, as less traffic appears to be travelling along streets with relevant human exposure (Easton Street being particularly less congested).

 

Air quality monitoring is only carried out on one site actually within the new road layout area. A monitoring tube is located on Easton Street because this is the only street with relevant human exposure to Nitrogen Dioxide. It is currently too early to report any measured air quality effects of the new road layout as we only have two months of as yet unverified results (monitoring tubes are left out for one month before being sent for analysis). The raw data for these results need to be bias adjusted (calibrated) at the end of the year.

 

We also have a continuous monitoring station located quite nearby, but not actually within the area of the new road layout. Again, we do not yet have a long enough period of monitoring with the new road layout in place to enable us to provide useful, verified and audited data.

For a true comparison between the new road layout and the old road layout we need to compare the last full calendar year results for both scenarios. Officers will of course make this comparison when they have the data available.

 

Supplementary Question

 

We are well aware that idling cars produce more fumes, but at 20mph (which cars are travelling through this revised junction) are not even more fumes emitted?

 

Supplementary Response

 

Only standing traffic produces the worse pollution. You may have notice ‘no idling’ signs have been put up around the town, this we hope will encourage drivers to effectively reduce pollution. As said we are monitoring the pollution over the year and will come back with the results thereafter.

 

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

 

The latest statistics show that rates of hospital admissions for alcohol remain high and authorities struggle to manage issues as anti-social behaviour and vulnerability related to licensed premises.

 

The LGA has published a handbook that gives an overview of licensing legislation and examples of best practice. Of course, councils cannot address these complex challenges alone but the handbook explores the tools councils have to manage some of these issues.

What tools are being used at WDC to deal with these challenges? 

 

Verbal reply given by Councillor G Peart BEM (Cabinet Member for Community).

 

Wycombe District Council has employed a team of Street Wardens to patrol the town centre to address issues of Anti-social Behaviour.

 

These Wardens and the Police have delegated authority to issue fixed penalty notices for breaches of the Public Spaces Protection Order. In practice, this means that the Wardens require anyone with an open container of alcohol to surrender that item or they will receive a fixed penalty notice.These orders include supportive conditions such as a requirement to engage with alcohol rehab services.

 

I can confirm that the Public Health Team at BCC is the statutory consultee under Licensing Act 2003, accordingly they are sent application for premises licences in accordance with the legislation.

 

The BCC led Health and Wellbeing Board, on which I sit as the WDC representative, has responsibility for overseeing public health strategy in the county. Excessive alcohol consumption and also smoking have been identified as significant factors leading to poor health in a significant minority of the population.

 

We have worked with County and other local authorities that led to the publication of report entitled Reducing Alcohol Misuse in Buckinghamshire, in April 2013. This report set out the stark statistics for alcohol consumption and made seven recommendations for action to reduce alcohol consumption including using publicity in the workplace, social media etc.

 

Finally, we use our enforcement powers under the Licencing Act 2003to conduct unannounced visits to licensed premises and to respond to complaints from the general public, intelligence from police and other agencies.

 

Supplementary Question

 

The House of Lords Select Committee has identified poor practices by Licensing Committees, and recommends the transfer of licensing to authorities’ Planning Committees. Are there plans to do this at Wycombe District Council?

 

Supplementary Response

 

Licensing comes under the auspices of Councillor Mrs Adey’s Environment Portfolio, I cannot speak for her. I will ask for the information to be given to you.

 

f) Question from Councillor Ms J Wassell to the Leader of the Council

 

During recent heavy rain several of my residents experienced flooding. When I followed the advice for Sandbags on the WDC website, I was given the number for a weather forecast. Would you agree with me that these sandbags need to be delivered promptly to residents if required?  

 

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

 

The Wycombe District Council webpage on sandbags gives comprehensive advice to residents and businesses regarding when and how sandbags will be issued.

 

The page also directs residents to the Environment Agency so that they can see any existing river or groundwater flood warnings, and should local information be available, this will specifically be placed on the Wycombe webpages and also on the Council’s Twitter account.

 

In respect of the provision of sandbags, the webpage advises that the Council will provide sandbags free of charge for householders as a last resort during an emergency - for example, when property flooding is imminent.

 

Under all circumstances, emergency sandbags would be dropped off at specified locations for collection by affected residents, not at individual properties.

In an emergency situation, the webpage advises residents to call 01494 461000.

 

A more detailed sandbag policy is published on the Wycombe.gov website.

 

In light of the above, in a flooding emergency, I am satisfied that suitable arrangements are in place to assist residents.

 

Supplementary Question

 

I’m not satisfied with this in that a resident of my ward, who had water cascading into their kitchen, dialled the number only to get an answerphone message?

 

Supplementary Response

 

I will look into the telephone numbers and check this out and come back to you.

 

g) Question from Councillor S Graham to the Cabinet Member for Environment

 

The media summary of 20 September 2019 reported that a number of Wycombe eateries are failing to meet basic hygiene standards; it appears that almost one in seven Wycombe businesses which handle food are failing the hygiene standards according to the food hygiene standards agencies.

 

Would the Cabinet member for the Environment agree with me that this is unacceptable and bad for business as it damages the public's trust in Wycombe's food outlets and would she please tell me what steps have been taken to ensure that the businesses which have failed to meet the hygiene standards so far are able to comply with the basic hygiene standards, to protect the public? 

 

Verbal reply given by Councillor G Hall (Deputy Cabinet Member for Environment).

 

The press release issued by the Food Standards Agency in September 2019 related to the year 2018-2019 not the present year.

 

We take food hygiene very seriously.  Currently 93% of all rated premises in Wycombe have a rating of 3 or more (i.e. are compliant with food safety requirements), an increase on last year.  The national average is 95%.

 

The food hygiene rating issued by inspectors at the time of inspection reflects the standards of hygiene and management observed at that time.  The responsibility for ensuring food safety at these establishments lies with the Food Business Operator.  Inspectors always work with businesses to improve standards where there are issues and offer low-cost food safety training for food handlers.  Where there is little improvement or an imminent risk to health, inspectors do not hesitate to take the appropriate enforcement action which ranges from issuing written warnings (434 last year) to closure and prosecution so as to secure compliance.  Ensuring food safety remains our priority.

 

Supplementary Question

 

Have you ever visited any of these food establishments and seen food preparation for yourself?

 

Supplementary Response

 

As a Councillor I am not qualified to speak on environmental health matters such as food preparation, we employ expert officers who carry out these roles.

 

h) Question from Councillor Ms A Baughan to the Cabinet Member for Housing

 

Some families in our Ward have recently received letters confirming that their Homechoice Band has changed to a Band B. This has been really welcomed and is a positive situation for many residents.

 

Could you kindly explain how changes will work in practical terms?

 

Verbal reply given by Councillor Mrs J Langley (Cabinet Member for Housing).

The Buckinghamshire wide Bucks Home Choice allocation policy changed recently following full consultation and Member approval in March 2019. This policy has been adopted by Wycombe, Aylesbury Vale, Chiltern and South Bucks Districts. The new policy reflects changes in legislation and case law, including the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, which came into force in April 2018. The main changes are aimed to assist in preventing homelessness and has meant that some households have benefitted from the changes with an increase in band priority.

 

Therefore, in practical terms applicants who are overcrowded are likely to have a higher banding than before, whereas some applicants will either no longer qualify or will receive a lower priority banding, such as people who own their own homes or who have the means to resolve their own housing need, and those that have owned a home but have disposed of it without making reasonable housing arrangements.

 

As in any policy change, there will be perceived winners and losers, however we along with our partners across Bucks have worked hard to ensure that the system is as fair as possible and meets the need of our residents.

 

I might add, should the need occur we can make direct nominations under the policy, for example in cases where we are trying to prevent long term residency in temporary accommodation.

Councillor Ms Baughan had no supplementary question

 

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

 

Our local MP, Steve Baker and our Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, have made it clear that they want to come of the EU at the end of October regardless of a withdrawal agreement being in place.

 

Does the Leader think Wycombe District Council is adequately prepared for a no-deal Brexit?

 

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

 

Yes I do.

 

Supplementary Question

 

The Government’s own report known as Yellow Hammer states ‘a No-Deal Brexit could result in rising food and fuel prices, disruption to medical supplies and public disorder on Britain’s streets’. Can the Leader assure me that WDC has adequate contingency to safeguard the people of Wycombe against these, and if so how?

 

Supplementary Response

 

I believe you are quoting an old version of Yellow Hammer, it has been considerably updated, as we are day to day updating our plans. Officers are working on it as the situation continues to change.

 

 

j) Question from Councillor B Pearce to the Cabinet Member for Planning

 

As I am sure you are aware, many of the very large flower troughs that are situated in the central reservation of Oxford Road and West Wycombe Road are damaged (almost every other one).

 

I'm sure that you will agree with me that this is a great shame as these large wooden cladded containers looked quite attractive and made quite an impressive visual improvement to this area but that with the damage, the area now looks almost run down.

 

Could you please inform us who is actually responsible for maintaining these containers and is there any programme in place, to repair them?  

 

Verbal reply given by Councillor D Johncock (Cabinet Member for Planning).

 

Thank you for your question Cllr Pearce.  You will hopefully recall that a similar question was raised by Cllr Ahmed at the Council meeting that was held on 1^st April 2019 – only just 6 months ago.  At that time, our Leader advised, and I quote that "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."

 

Cllr Miss Wood went on to say that "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."

I am pleased to say that those meetings have taken place and that a solution has now been agreed.  Moreover, action is now in-hand through the County Council to implement it.  However, to manage expectations, this could take up to 6 months as they will need to go out to competitive tendering before letting a contract. 

 

Yes, this has all taken much longer than I personally would have wished but I can assure you that I have raised the topic at every conceivable meeting I have had with Highways officers over the last few years and I am pleased that my continued pressuring has at long last borne fruit.

 

All that said, we do need to keep this in perspective and acknowledge 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 link through the old Gas Works will be complete I hope by the end of October or the beginning of next month, and this will allow traffic to fully use the alternate route for the first time.  What we have recently done to Queen Victoria Road and Easton Street has definitely shown excellent results in improving traffic flows and, with the opening of the alternate route, there will undoubtedly be further benefits to the town – an achievement that we can and should be rightly proud of.

 

Councillor Pearce thanked Councillor Johncock for his comprehensive response, but added that further deterioration of the planters had occurred since April.

 

Questions 11 to 18 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.