Agenda item

To answer 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 Council must be received by 5 p.m. two clear working days prior to the day of the meeting – the deadline for this meeting is 5 p.m. on Wednesday 18 November 2020.

 

The Chief Executive reported there were questions from Councillors Stephen Woodliffe, Brian Rush, Peter Bedford, Peter Watson and Anne Dorrian.

 

Question asked by Councillor Stephen Woodliffe pursuant to paragraph 10 of the Rules of Procedure as set out in the Constitution.

 

“What advice and guidance have you given or intend to give the Mayor, Cllr Anton Dani, regarding his revelation in the C&C Overview and Scrutiny Meeting on Thursday 12^th November 2020 that he intends to visit Boston, Massachusetts, in his official capacity with the Chains of Office, but apparently at his own expense?”

 

Response by the Leader

 

“Thank you for your question Councillor Woodliffe. I’m sure Cllr Woodliffe would agree with me the position of Mayor of our town is a special honour received by Members of this Council.  I applaud the enthusiasm of our current Mayor who under these unusual circumstances has served longer than most.

 

If the Mayor is in an official capacity and the rules of this Council are followed, then a Mayor would be permitted to travel with an element of sponsorship.”

 

Supplemental question asked by Councillor Woodliffe pursuant to paragraph 10.6 of the Rules of Procedure as set out in the Constitution:-

 

Thank you for your response.  As you know there have been a number of occasions when the Mayor has been injudicious in his choice of language.  Indeed I had occasion to write to you on 3^rd September to express concern at the comments made by the Mayor at a meeting of the Corporate and Community Committee on 27 August which was an unbridled and unjustified rant against officers.  We are also aware of comments made in public targeting the travelling community.  Illconceived remarks are inappropriate in any context but when they are from the mouth of the Mayor, the first citizen of the Borough, the damage caused to Boston is incalculable. What action plan and training do you have in mind to kerb the Mayor’s indulgences.

 

Response by the Leader

 

I am very keen on training and development of all Councillors and am sure we can put together a way of training all in the future.  It is so easy to get carried away with oneself and I’m sure the Mayor did not do it intentionally, he is a very passionate man.

 

 

Question asked by Councillor Brian Rush pursuant to paragraph 10 of the Rules of Procedure as set out in the Constitution.

 

“I was genuinely shocked when I received an eleventh hour email from you, suggesting that you had been made aware of my efforts to locate, what I have grown to refer too, a consignment of bespoke Market Stall, Frames and Covers, which this Council it seems purchased some time back.  

Would you kindly explain to me, and of course the people we serve whose money it was, that we used to purchase this equipment, and explain to them, how most of it now seems to have vanished, and ultimately whose responsibility it was, to have taken care of it?”

 

Response by Councillor Tracey Abbott

 

“Thank you for your question.

 

The Council purchased ‘pop up’ gazebo type stalls a number of years ago for use on the Bargate Green Market.

 

In 2015/16 the market reverted to the use of standard market stalls as the gazebo style provided not to be fit for purpose. Gazebos are a much lighter construct than the traditional market stalls, and proved to be not as robust in windy conditions and when being put up and down a number of times each week.

 

The gazebos suffered damage, and whilst broken gazebos were initially used as replacement parts, they are no longer able to be used safely as a market stall. There is one gazebo available for use, which is used for events on occasion.”

 

Supplemental question asked by Councillor Rush pursuant to paragraph 10.6 of the Rules of Procedure as set out in the Constitution:-

 

I met with Councillor Abbott and she told me she was investigating this as well. Did you know that £50,000 of rate payers money was squandered on these stalls and transportation element.  There is no sign of where they are or any receipts for metal recycling, which in my opinion for the amount would be quite lucrative.  Are you prepared to seek a scrutiny meeting for this item, Bargate Green Co-operative Group to look at how much money was spent on this project.

 

Response by Councillor Abbott

 

I don’t recall meeting you previously.  If you let me have the information you hold I will look into it for you.

 

(Councillor Rush corrected his supplementary to having written to Councillor Abbott)

 

Question asked by Councillor Brian Rush pursuant to paragraph 10 of the Rules of Procedure as set out in the Constitution.

 

I assume you have acted as an adjudicator on the Senior Officer Employment Panel.  This is an occasion when specific senior posts become vacant and a cross section of elected members are chosen to evaluate the applicant’s credentials.  Do you consider this process that the Council has relied upon for so long, is fit for purpose?

 

The Monitoring Officer informed the meeting that the question asked by Councillor Rush was not the question as submitted, therefore should be disregarded.

 

 

 

Question asked by Councillor Peter Bedford pursuant to paragraph 10 of the Rules of Procedure as set out in the Constitution.

 

“As this will be the last week of the Brown Bin Collections could you please furnish us all with the out turn numbers of householders who did not renew their payments this year and is it the reason for increased fly tips in garden waste.”

 

Response by Councillor Yvonne Stevens

 

“Thank you for your question.

 

In 2019/20 we had 12,453 subscribers to the garden waste collection service, and in 2020/21 we have 11,621. Although fly-tips of garden waste have increased from April to October when compared to the same period compared with last year, it only accounts for 3% of the number of fly-tips collected. The 140% increase in fly-tips seen over this period is primarily due to black-bagged waste, and other household waste (furniture, mattresses, wood, toys etc).”

 

Supplemental question asked by Councillor Bedford pursuant to paragraph 10.6 of the Rules of Procedure as set out in the Constitution:-

 

“When the budget for 2020/21 was voted through, I asked the then Finance Portfolio Holder, Councillor Martin Howard, if there would be a price lock on the brown bins as it was quite a large increase, for the next four years, to which I didn’t get an answer and still haven’t. He informed me that he had been instructed by the Leader not to answer any questions.  Can you please confirm your support for no further increases in the next three years for this excellent, but slightly overpriced service, as 15% in loss of service has proven.”

 

Response by Councillor Stevens

 

“I would like to say I totally support you, but I will need to speak to the officers concerned.  Please bear with me and I will provide a written response.”

 

Question asked by Councillor Peter Watson pursuant to paragraph 10 of the Rules of Procedure as set out in the Constitution.

 

“While Covid 19 has changed the way we all have to operate, there has been a very large increase in fly tipping offences around the Borough that are being reported every day. Is this council currently seeing any reduction of such offences, and if not, why after having 8 months of this, are we not seeing an improvement with this diabolical situation?

What remedial action has been taken to at least reduce this disgusting plague of fly tipping?”

 

Response by Councillor Yvonne Stevens

 

“Thank you for your question.  Although we have seen a small reduction in numbers of fly-tips in October (253, compared to 268 in September) the trend since March is showing fly-tipping numbers increasing across our area, and this is being seen in many areas across the country.

 

To address this increase we have endeavoured to raise awareness of responsible waste disposal, and also of the enforcement powers available to the Council. An environmental crime leaflet aimed at reducing fly-tipping was sent to all households in the Borough at the start of lockdown, and over recent months the Council has installed mobile CCTV in two hot spot locations, taken part in two radio interviews, participated in a feature on Look North, and been featured in the TV programme Rip Off Britain; all with positive coverage.

 

On Facebook alone, 67 posts have been made relating to fly-tipping, with an estimated total reach over 361,000 people. In addition these messages have been pushed out on Twitter, and Instagram. As a result of this awareness raising activity, the local media has published additional messages. And through this period the Council has also continued to issue Fixed Penalty Notices for fly tipping.”

 

Supplemental question asked by Councillor Watson pursuant to paragraph 10.6 of the Rules of Procedure as set out in the Constitution:-

 

Thank you for your reply, I have to say all credit to the officers and employees for all their efforts in dealing with this problem.  However, having recently attended an inquiry evening on the Boston Household Waste facility and listened to, what I believe, was excuse after excuse for not tasking all types of waste for customers this facility is not fit for purpose. Has Councillor Stevens expressed her outrage that this facility is a major indirect contributor to the scourge of fly tipping which costs the Council and tax payers so much.

 

Response by Councillor Stevens

 

“In relation to what I call the ‘tip’ I speak from personal experience.  I tried to book a slot to take my garden waste and made an operator error so telephoned the service who talked me through the process and successfully booked in. 

 

Since then I have booked on line twice, I don’t see your issue, I am a bit of a dinosaur so if I can do it so can anyone.  If not people can telephone the help line. It is possible to book a day to take all items at once.  I understand the facility was closed last Sunday due to a covid issue.”

 

Question asked by Councillor Anne Dorrian pursuant to paragraph 10 of the Rules of Procedure as set out in the Constitution.

 

 “To the Finance Portfolio Holder: Please provide an updated estimate of the savings required for this financial year and next financial year; and specify which areas of growth or cuts have been identified in order to balance the budget.”

 

Response by Councillor Jonathan Noble

 

“In terms of the current year, in order to balance the budget £500k of transformation savings were identified as part of last year’s budget setting process. As a result of Covid, the latest position being reported to Cabinet is that we have pressures that total approximately £1.8m. Having now received 4 tranches of government funding that total around £1.2m, we have a predicted deficit on the budget on £600k. We are though expecting a further grant towards the end of this month for around £425k, so this figure should reduce to around £175k. Whilst this is a very positive outcome in view of the pressures that Covid has caused, it does not take into account the effect of the current lockdown, which cannot be accurately quantified at this stage.

For next year, the identified gap is around £900k. In order to bridge the gap, it is expected that savings from the Strategic Management Alliance will total around £400k, and that the delay in the fair funding review will defer an expected reduction of £500k of government funding until 2022/23. The Council has the option of engaging with PSPS and, if this option is taken up, it has the possibility of leading to significant savings for the Council. This though is reliant on member support from all parties.

 

I would also like to stress that the significant risk to all of this and our finances generally, is the government funding announcements that we are expecting in the next month or so.”

 

Supplemental question asked by Councillor Dorrian pursuant to paragraph 10.6 of the Rules of Procedure as set out in the Constitution:-

 

“Thank you for your answer, I know you are on top of the finances and can add up.  It’s your Government we are talking about, your represent the Conservative party, you are an apologist for the Conservative Party.  When are you going to stop making excuses for ten years of austerity we have had.  I have been doing some research, 2020 local Councils have lost 60p in the pound since 2010.  When are you going to start lobbying Government to give a fair settlement and stop slashing and burning, because if you go down the PSPS route after the strategic alliance it will be a case of the last one out turn out the lights, there will be nothing left.”

 

Response by Councillor Noble

 

“A briefing was held on PSPS which will be a matter for all Councillors to consider the evidence and whether or not to engage, it would be premature for me to comment.  This is a separate system of payment not as at present, the Council currently spends 80 to 90 percent of its budget on staff pay, if savings were to be made Councillors may wish to consider this.

 

You say I am a representative of the Conservative party which is true, you said I am an apologist for the Conservative party, which is not true. The Conservative party is a broad church of opinion, and people may consider me to be on the right of the party.

 

The 10 years of austerity is a misnomer, spending has increased year on year.  You under estimate the amount of help received from Government.  The economic damage caused by the two lockdowns has been amply compensated by Government. We have received £5,311,000 Section 31 monies; MHCLG covid-19 receipts of £1,185K in four tranches; grant support for local businesses totalling £14,430K, which rightfully compensate for the financial difficulties encountered.

 

I sent you an e-mail on 9 November regarding the Council’s reserves which are healthy in £13,349K of earmarked reserves; £16,507K of useable reserves; £22,267K of Council reserves and £5,760K of un-useable reserves. However, we are hoping not to have to use reserve monies.

 

With regard to potential growth, with three vaccines are coming on stream the economic situation will improve and it is anticipated that fees and charges and income will increase across service areas.  It has been difficult times and we look forward to a positive future.  If we all follow Government guidance and aim to get back to normal as soon as possible.”

 

Question asked by Councillor Anne Dorrian pursuant to paragraph 10 of the Rules of Procedure as set out in the Constitution.

 

“A key element of Performance and Improvement is communication, especially with residents of the Borough of Boston. What plans do you have, if any, to develop the current communication strategy?”

 

Response by the Leader

 

“Thank you for your question Councillor Dorrian.

 

The Council places great importance on its communication with residents, stakeholders and its workforce. 

 

Since the alliance was formed we have developed a single communications service for both councils giving more resilience and focus to our communications activity.  This has been particularly helpful given our communications team has been a key part of our response to Covid-19. 

 

Our teams continue to identify and exploit new means to engage our audiences and as a result our strategy is continuing to evolve and develop in a positive way.”

 

Supplemental question asked by Councillor Dorrian pursuant to paragraph 10.6 of the Rules of Procedure as set out in the Constitution:-

 

“Thank you for your response, I m delighted to hear the Council places a great importance on communication with its residents, stakeholders and the workforce.  However, I am sad to say this has not been my experience especially with you Councillor Skinner.

 

The people of Skirbeck elected me to represent them, to look out for them, be cognisant with issues and hold you and the administration to account.  In this regard, in the past three months I have written to you on five separate topics, I received a partial response to only two.  In total I have written to you seventeen times to remind you I am waiting for a response, I have still not received a reply.  Could you please explain why you are ignoring me and all residents of Skirbeck ward.”

 

Response by the Leader

 

“I issue weekly updates with one message to staff, residents and Councillors.  I write back on any issues not included in those updates. Regular briefings are held for staff and Members all information is available there should you want to attend.  The briefings are also recorded for those who are unable to attend.”