Agenda item

To receive questions from members for the Executive and committee chairmen.

Councillor Khan asked, in reference to Question One, if the Leader of the Council still had confidence in Councillor Evans leading the Planning Portfolio, and whether it was appropriate for him to continue to draw the special allowance for that role, given his failure to oversee the work.

Councillor Lees responded that the Cabinet worked incredibly hard and diligently, and that she stood behind her Portfolio Holder.

In reference to Question Two, Councillor Barker noted that there was more work to be done in regards to improving the Energy Performance Certificate ratings of the Council’s housing. She looked forward to seeing the plans on how Uttlesford Norse intended to do this.

In reference to Question Three, Councillor Sell agreed that marking the 50^th anniversary of the first elections to Uttlesford District Council was a matter for the new Administration. He suggested that officers noted the date, and if deemed appropriate, looked to mark the occasion in 2024.

Councillor Caton asked, in reference to Question Four, what was the interest rate chargeable on the recent loan from the Public Works Loan Board and what would the resulting reduction in income to the Council be because of the increase in interest rates, if all £170million was borrowed at that rate.

Councillor Hargreaves responded that the interest rate from the Public Works Loan Board was about 4% and the Director of Finance and Corporate Services would confirm the precise figure.

He explained that it was difficult to predict where interest rates would go in the current political climate, but it would be considered as part of the budget planning as payments on some of the existing loans were scheduled to go into the next financial year. He offered no further predictions.

Councillor Smith asked, in reference to Question Five, for a breakdown of the figure provided of £5.9million which covered the last three withdrawn Local Plans. He asked how much of this was for the most recent withdrawn Local Plan in 2020.

Councillor Hargreaves responded that he would forward this information to Councillor Smith. He noted that the information is organised as year-by-year spending so the member would have to look at which years the plans were withdrawn to work out the costings. 

Councillor Light asked, in reference to Question Seven, for the reopening date of the Garden Room Community Centre.

Councillor Lees said that they expected the centre to reopen around November, however the Council were still negotiating to 10-year lease with Saffron Walden Town Council. She suggested that Councillor Light contact Councillor Gadd on the Town Council and the Town Clerk for more information on their timeframes. 

Councillor Light also asked, in reference to Question Eight, if Councillor Sutton could provide a progress update on the Youth Council and if re-establishing a working group would be of value.

Councillor Sutton said that schools had previously found it very difficult to involve their students in anything but their education due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, they were now in a position where they wanted to become involved again. She also confirmed that efforts would be made to re-establish the Youth Council membership.

Councillor Fairhurst asked, in reference to Question Nine, if anybody was responsible and accountable for any of the issues raised in his initial question. He said he had asked simple questions and expected answers. 

Councillor Lees said that the Administration was responsible but all Councillors had to work towards what was best for their residents. She said the Administration was responsible for implementing the manifesto it was elected on.

In response to further comments from Councillor Fairhurst regarding the absence of member responsibility, Councillor Lees said that she took responsibility as Leader of the Council.