Agenda item

To answer any questions (if any) from elected members pursuant to Rule 11 of the Council’s Rules of Procedure (as amended by the Protocol and Procedure Rules for Remote Meetings).

Questions from members of the public must be received by 5pm two clear working days prior to the day of the meeting – the deadline for this meeting is 5pm Friday 5^th June 2020.

 

The Chief Executive reported there were questions from Councillors Tom Ashton, George Cornah, Jonathan Noble, Tracey Abbott and Judith Skinner.

 

Question asked by Councillor Tom Ashton pursuant to paragraph 11 of the Rules of Procedure as set out in the Constitution.

 

“Taking note of the County Council’s bid for a ‘devolution deal’ which envisages reorganizing the structures of local government in this County, would Councillor Welton update the Council on whether he would support the creation of a Boston Town Council in the event of such reorganization extinguishing this esteemed Borough Council?”

Response by Councillor Nigel Welton

“I thank Councillor Ashton for his question 

 

I wholeheartedly support the creation of a town council for Boston.

 

Protection of Boston as a town is of great importance to me and I will do whatever is in my power to protect the future status of our town.

 

Following the recent manoeuvres to reopen the debate on devolution in Lincolnshire our priority must be to protect Boston’s unique identity, history and heritage. 

 

We must all stand together to ensure Boston doesn’t become a forgotten corner of Lincolnshire in any future carve up of the county.”

 

Supplemental question asked by Councillor Ashton pursuant to paragraph 11.6 of the Rules of Procedure as set out in the Constitution:-

 

“Would you agree to work with me to bring forward a motion to this Council, which would secure a Town Council and safeguard the civic privileges and property, which rightfully belong to the people of Boston in the event of the Council’s demise?”

Response by Councillor Welton

“I will work you and any other person on this planet if it means we can protect the unique status of our town.”

Question asked by Councillor George Cornah pursuant to paragraph 11 of the Rules of Procedure as set out in the Constitution.

“At Cabinet on 20^th May it was agreed that the Council would purchase or lease a temporary replacement cremator while seeking a long-term solution.  Could the Portfolio Holder reassure this Council and our residents that Boston Crematorium remains fit for purpose, and the measures agreed at Cabinet are sufficient to prevent a major or prolonged failure of this vital local service?”

Response by Councillor Yvonne Stevens

“May I thank Councillor Cornah for his question concerning the crematorium.

Cabinet agreed to the purchase of a temporary cremator and I can confirm that the order has been placed with the supplier with delivery anticipated on 1^st August. The new cremator is a robust, efficient and modern design and will be supplied with a manufacturer’s warranty. The cremator will be installed immediately adjacent to the crematorium building, inside a weather-proof enclosure and the cremator will benefit from an all-inclusive maintenance contract.  

 

“Whilst we await delivery, our two existing cremators will continue to be managed as serviceable by the excellent team at the crematorium, as has indeed been the case since the previous maintenance company entered administration, albeit with necessary limitations being applied to capacity and concurrent use, so as to preserve our current operations.

 

“Long term, Members will be aware of my ambitions to investigate a new build Crematorium for Boston due to the limitations of the existing site”

 

Supplemental question asked by Councillor Cornahpursuant to paragraph 11.6 of the Rules of Procedure as set out in the Constitution:-

 

“I have no further question – it is reassuring to hear the crematorium is in good working order and servicing the needs of the people of Boston.”

 

Question asked by Councillor Jonathan Noble pursuant to paragraph 11 of the Rules of Procedure as set out in the Constitution.

 

“How much Central Government money has Boston Borough Council received to date to provide financial support for itself and local businesses adversely affected by the economic effects of the Government’s ‘lockdown’?”

 

Response by Councillor Martin Howard

“The Council has received £16.768m under the Small Business Grant, and Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grants, and the more recently announced Discretionary Business Grant, schemes.

 

“In addition, £9.3m has been received as a consequence of the Expanded Retail and other business rate reliefs that apply in 2020/21.

 

“With regard to Government money to help with the day-to-day finances, the Council has received £0.7m (i.e. £750,000) from the Government in recognition of the impacts of Covid-19 on its finances.  This was distributed as part of two £1.6bn nationwide tranches announced in April and May.  Lobbying for further funding is continuing, led by the Local Government Association.  Cash flow monies have also been approved to support the Council as a consequence of other decisions and the sum of £62,811 has also been distributed to the Council to support the reopening of the high streets.” 

 

Supplemental question asked by Councillor Noble pursuant to paragraph 11.6 of the Rules of Procedure as set out in the Constitution:-

 

“Is it not seemly, fitting and appropriate that Central Government should provide financial support to the Council and Boston borough businesses for the economic damage inflicted on them as a result of the Government’s ‘lockdown’?”

 

Response by Councillor Howard

“Yes, I totally agree with you and, as I said earlier, lobbying is going on and we need as much support as we can possibly get from the Government to keep local businesses going, to keep the finances going and it is certainly something that I am in regular contact with Mr Paul Julian regarding this and, obviously, as new information comes through, and details, I will be the first to update you.”

Question asked by Councillor Tracey Abbott pursuant to paragraph 11 of the Rules of Procedure as set out in the Constitution.

 

“Taking into account of the impact of Covid-19 on the Council’s finances, could Councilor Howard give an update on the position of the Revenue and Reserves against budget, and the current projections over the next three months?”

Response by Councillor Martin Howard

 

“As reported to Cabinet on 20 May, the Council is projecting the net revenue impact of Covid-19 for the current year, and it is a fluid situation, to be in the region of £1.75m.

“The Government has provided £750,000 grant already to help support this reduction, but obviously this is not enough and lobbying continues for further monies to close the remaining projected gap.

“To date, the complete closure of the Geoff Moulder Leisure Centre, the cessation of charging for car parks and reduced volumes elsewhere has reduced expected income significantly, by approximately £500,000.

“Assuming that there is no return to full lockdown, and that social distancing measures mean that capacities are revised downwards, a further reduction against budget of £500,000 is estimated over the next three months.

“Regular reports will be presented to members through the year to update the position both in respect of projected losses and further Government responses.

“Regarding Revenue and Reserves against budget for the next three months, the situation is very fluid, and until we come out of Covid-19 with all the facts and figures it is impossible really to give an accurate forecast of this. 

“I would just like to add that it is going to be extremely difficult to balance our budget and provide existing services to our public over the coming months and years due to the current situation.  It would be remiss of me to try and guess and estimate Revenue and Reserves against budget in the current situation and give figures because it is so fluid at the moment.  All I can really do is state that as soon as I get the information and any more details I will report back to all members.”

Supplemental question asked by Councillor Abbott pursuant to paragraph 11.6 of the Rules of Procedure as set out in the Constitution:-

 

“On these figures, in your assessment, how many years has this Council got before it cannot balance the budget without running down reserves or cutting frontline services?”

 

Response by Councillor Howard

 

“My answer is similar to my answer about Revenue and Reserves.  It is difficult to predict anything going forward at the moment. The only thing I do have confidence in is our S151 Officer, Mr Paul Julian, and his team; they have a proven track-record in balancing budgets, particularly in austerity.  My own belief is that we are in for a very severe recession, but, again, I can’t give you an exact answer as to how many years we can carry on balancing the budget, it is such a fluid situation, but I will take your question further and forward to Mr Julian and attempt to get some sort of indication.  None have us has ever experienced this before, we are not the only council in this situation, it is every council across the country.  Again, when we get some figures that we can confidently predict, I will come back to all members.”

 

Question asked by Councillor Judith Skinner pursuant to paragraph 11 of the Rules of Procedure as set out in the Constitution.

 

“Would the Leader agree with me that our staff have been brilliant at swopping roles to help as we face the trials of Covid-19.  Will he join me in thanking them all for maintaining our essential services at this time.”

 

Response by the Leader

 

“Recent times have tested all of us. I am proud of Boston Borough Council staff, they have risen to the challenge, worked from home to continue our services, trained on other jobs to fill those essential roles left vacant by those that are shielding or live with those shielding. Our leisure services have gone beyond developing on-line classes to help the health and wellbeing of all.  A big thank you to all.”

 

Supplemental question asked by Councillor Skinner pursuant to paragraph 11.6 of the Rules of Procedure as set out in the Constitution:-

 

“Would the Leader also agree that this shows how versatile our staff are and that they will be able to step up to face any proposed changes in the future?”

 

Response by the Leader

 

“Yes, I am sure they will. They have done very well in response to the recent test.  In fact, I am sure they have the skills and enthusiasm to take us on in any challenge we present.”