To answer questions received under Council Procedure Rule 6.2.
NB In accordance with the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 6.2.9 there will be a maximum of 30 minutes allowed for questions and answers. Any question not answered within the 30 minute time limit will receive a written reply within 5 working days.
Minutes:
The following questions were asked under Council Procedure Rule 6.2.2:-
a) Councillor P Scott will ask the following question of Councillor David Wright, Cabinet Member for Economy, Housing, Transport & Infrastructure:
There are more and more estates being built in the Telford and Wrekin area and many are waiting and in some cases hoping to be adopted by the council. What future plans are there to adopt any of the unadopted estates? If there are plans, specifically which estates?
Councillor L D Carter Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood, Commercial Services and Regeneration responded on behalf of Councillor D Wright. The Council understood the frustrations of residents, parish and town council and ward members with the lack of communication from developers as to why roads have not been adopted. The Council was bound by the Highways Act and had no statutory or legal powers to enforce the adoption of new roads. Many authorities across the country faced the same challenges. Before being adopted, roads must meet the required standard and design and be technically appraised. The Council continued to do as much as it could, to ensure that adoption agreements were signed in a timely fashion with all ongoing works being technically appraised and inspected throughout the build process. The Council had clear procedures in place to ensure that the roads were constructed to the correct standard before being adopted. The Council had limited control on the rate of progress due to delays outside of its control, for example, the slow adoption of sewers by Severn Trent Water, the road still being used for development or the developer going out of business. Multiple road adoptions had recently taken place with more to be completed imminently.
Councillor P Scott confirmed that, as Councillor D Wright was not available at the meeting, he would write to him with a further question.
b) Councillor P Scott will ask the following question of Councillor David Wright, Cabinet Member for Economy, Housing, Transport & Infrastructure:
The council kindly agreed to survey its car parks with a view to looking at possible improvements. Can the cabinet member for Transport please give us an update?
Cllr L Carter responded on behalf of Cllr D Wright that a meeting took place in September to discuss car parking and the continuation of free parking was an ongoing commitment. The car parks in Newport were surveyed on 22 October 2021 and the team were awaiting receipt of the survey data. Surveys on other car parks across the Borough were also underway. The data would be used as a factual basis to develop ideas for consideration by ward members, partners and parish and town council as soon as possible.
Councillor P Scott noted that discussions had taken place regarding a review of 40 minute spaces on the High Street, Lower Bar and St Marys Street and asked for an indication that this matter could be reviewed due to concerns on the limited time on the parking spaces’
Cllr L Carter responded that the starting point would be the survey so as to have a factual basis upon which to make decisions going forward with that including a review of the parking Cllr Scott alluded to.
c) Councillor G Cook will ask the following question of Councillor David Wright, Cabinet Member for Economy, Housing, Transport & Infrastructure:
Can the Cabinet Member for Economy, Housing Transport & Infrastructure please outline the proposals for the Towns Fund, including information on the allocation for Wellington and Oakengates and the extra financial support that Telford & Wrekin have agreed to commit to in order to bridge the gap in the fund after Government cut the original £25m announced?
Councillor S Davies, Leader, responded on behalf of Councillor D Wright that the Towns Fund was intended to drive economic growth and the administration had demonstrated a decade of achievement with a £50m growth fund, investments into roads and footpaths and business support functions. A bid for the maximum fund of £25m had been submitted and the Council were one of 100 towns to be successful in receiving the funding. The level of funding was cut which led to a shortfall in funds. Telford and Wrekin Council had made a conscious decision to step in and support funding of the Station Quarter with match funding of £100m, together with additional funding for Oakengates and Wellington. The funding would build on what had already gone into the High Streets and upgrade facilities such as the Theatre. Work would continue with the Wellington Market to further develop the fantastic offer and attract business grants in both Oakengates and Wellington and across the Borough as a business winning Council.
d) Councillor K Sahota will ask the following question of Councillor Richard Overton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Enforcement, Community Safety and Customer Services:
I am alarmed to hear that the Police front counter service at Telford Malinsgate Police Station is to have its hours reduced. This has also been raised with me by very concerned residents, some of whom do not have access to internet and when raising a police complaint on the telephone are often frustrated not being able to get through to 101. In view of this, could Cllr Richard Overton Cabinet Member for Enforcement, Community Safety and Customer Services tell me what the Council’s view is on the Police and Crime Commissioner’s proposals relating to this and what the Council is doing to address community safety issues.
Councillor R Overton, Deputy Leader, shared Councillor Sahota’s concerns with regard to the proposed reduction to the opening hours of the front desk at Malinsgate Police Station. West Mercia Police had sought views regarding the opening hours and as a result of initial feedback the survey was amended and extended to seek wider views on non-emergency public contact with the Police. The results of the survey were awaited. The Council strongly opposed a reduction in hours of the front desk as it provided the community with facilities to speak face to face with the Police. The Council had launched a £2.5 million safer and stronger communities fund in order to support community enforcement and were doing what they could along with the Community Action Teams to build community confidence. The Police and Crime Commissioner was introducing a Safer West Mercia Plan and, although there had been an increase in police numbers, there were nowhere near enough. There needed to be more police on the streets to respond to concerns; the reduction in services did little to support those who may need it the most.
e) Councillor J Thompson will ask the following question of Councillor R Evans, Cabinet Member for Council Finance and Governance:
I hope that all members are aware that 25th November is White Ribbon Day. The white ribbon movement is part of a global White Ribbon movement to end male violence against women. Telford and Wrekin Council is part of that movement and we are proud to be accredited as a White Ribbon Town since 2011. In this year, when the murder of Sarah Everard brought women’s experience of men’s violence to the forefront of everyone’s minds, could Cllr Rae Evans, the cabinet champion against domestic abuse, please provide an update on the awareness raising activities that are taking place in the borough over the 16 days leading up to 25th November.
Councillor R Evans responded that Telford and Wrekin Council had been accredited with White Ribbon Status since 2011 demonstrating how serious the Council were about tackling the issue which was fundamental to the commitment to protect and care those living within our Borough. Thursday, 25 November was White Ribbon Day and the Council would be using this and the following 16 days of action, together with partners, to say no to violence against women and girls, The programme would include a social media campaign building on last year’s success, Southwater would be turned white and the white ribbon flag raised on Addenbrooke House. On 1 December a webinar entitled domestic abuse would be delivered to 40 delegates. On the 8 December bystander training would be delivered to 120 delegates. During the 16 days of action the white ribbon logo would be displayed on fleet vehicles, arriva buses, police vehicles and fire appliances and taxis to raise awareness. The message was clear every woman, man and child have the right to live free from violence and abuse. The commitment went beyond the 16 days and beyond politics in order to raise awareness, education and support.
Councillor J Thompson asked where members of the public could obtain badges from and, if they were unable to get badges, could they buy white ribbons from shops.
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Councillor R Evans responded that she would ask officers to put a supply of badges on the front desk of Addenbrooke House or they could be obtained from the website of White Ribbon UK where people and organisations could sign up to the pledge and buy goods and she encouraged people to do that.
f) Councillor C Turley will ask the following question of Councillor A Burford, Cabinet Member for Health & Social Care:
The Cabinet Member for Health will no doubt be aware of the frustrations of our residents who are unable to get a GP appointment. GP numbers are declining year on year and yet they are being asked to take on more and more tasks and clear the backlog. Can the Cabinet member confirm what residents should do if they can’t access a GP appointment and will he write to local MPs and the government to lobby for more much needed resources and investment for our primary health care system.
Councillor A Burford responded that Councillor Turley raised a very important question. He was acutely aware of frustration in getting an appointment or through to the doctors on the phone. The Health and Wellbeing Board (HWB) asked for an update from the CCG in September given the serious concerns raised about poor access. Two things to bear in mind were that some GP practices were managing things better than others and the HWB had been assured by the CCG that a range of actions were underway that would improve the situation and bring more consistency. The HWB, Chaired by Councillor K Middleton had been promised regular progress reports and the CCG and the Patient Liaison Service could assist. The second point was the national staffing crisis which included GP surgeries. The picture nationally was deteriorating and it was not possible to exaggerate the catastrophic failure to invest in services and a letter had been sent to the Secretary of State asking for urgent attention and resources across primary care.
g) Councillor I Fletcher will ask the following question of Councillor D Wright, Cabinet Member for Economy, Housing, Transport & Infrastructure:
Will the Cabinet member please advise members the current position regarding the review of the Telford Local Plan. Is the review still to take place now or in the near distant future?
Councillor R Overton responded on behalf of Councillor D Wright. The Council commenced a review of the Local Plan in 2020 and consulted on issues and options in Autumn 2020 and were ready to consult on the draft plans in the Summer of 2021. In the latter part of 2021 the Government consulted on a white paper - planning for the future. The Government had not yet formally responded to the white paper consultation. The Government set out plans to bring planning legislation this Autumn based on the changes set out in the white paper and, in light of this, the Council took the decision to stall the formal phases of the review process to await further details of the legislative proposals phase. Following the creation of the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, it was understood that the Government was considering a complete rethink of previous proposals. The Council continues to await a response and proposals. The Council has an adopted plan which runs to 2031 and a new timeline will be proposed once the new legislation is in place.
Councillor I Fletcher asked whether the council would consider incorporating climate change measures within the local plan ie electric vehicle charging, solar panels, district heating systems and everything to reduce the climate excess use following the declaration of a climate emergency in 2019. .
Councillor R Overton responded that the Council were committed to dealing with climate change and they would look at every aspect to ensure the Council met its objectives.
h) Councillor I Preece will ask the following question of Councillor E Callear, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Visitor Economy:
I am delighted to see that our Labour administration have announced that a new swimming pool is to be delivered in the Dawley area, which I am sure many residents will be very pleased to hear, especially as it will also celebrate the 150 anniversary year of the achievements of our famous son, Captain Matthew Webb. Can the Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture & Visitor Economy give any further update on this and when it may be completed?
Councillor E Callear responded that it was in its early stages and an initial consultation had taken place with the community. A high number of responses had been received from every ward within the Borough. Some 84% of those that responded strongly agreed that it would benefit the community with 95% saying they would like to swim more often. Some 89% of residents used their car to travel to use swimming pools. Two wards have been identified that would most benefit with some of the highest rate of needs for leisure facilities and it is important to access these facilities locally either on foot or by bicycle. The Council was one of only a few that offered free swimming to under 25s with a TLC card and swimming for £1 for over 50s. It was hoped that as many families in the Borough as possible would have access to leisure offers locally and equal opportunity to lead healthy lifestyles. In readiness for the anniversary of Captain Webb’s crossing of the channel, the Council was working towards delivering the new pool for the Dawley area and the wider community and feasibility work was being undertaken to look at the specification and its location.
i) Councillor G Reynolds will ask the following question of Councillor C Healy, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Green Spaces, Natural and Historic Environment:
In the battle to prevent climate breakdown, it is clear that we need more renewable energy generation, but there are challenges to doing this in the right way and in the right place. The House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee estimates that by 2030 2.2 million homes could be powered by community energy schemes, saving 2.5 million tonnes of CO2 every year. However current rules mean the regulation costs of setting up community energy schemes make such initiatives unviable. The Local Electricity Bill aims to address this by establishing a Right to Local Supply, enabling community-owned renewable energy schemes to sell their power directly to local people. A number of councils have given their support to the bill. Will Telford and Wrekin Council do the same?
Councillor C Healy responded that this was an exciting Bill that was in the early stages of consideration by Parliament. Through its Climate Change Grants, the Council had funded a number of community schemes such as solar panels on community centres and it would be wonderful if these schemes could be grown to generate a surplus that could supply neighbouring houses. At the moment, the current regulations to become an energy supplier was too great for smaller companies and made a renewable revolution difficult. The council would support the Bill but MPs needed to sign up to this and so far 270 MPs had pledged support to the Bill and she would be happy to write to the MPs for Telford and The Wrekin to ask for their support in the battle for climate change.
j) Councillor A Lawrence will ask the following question of Councillor D Wright, Cabinet Member for Economy, Housing, Transport & Infrastructure:
A councillors ability to ask for planning applications to be considered by the planning committee (green carding) is a fundamental part of the democratic process, giving residents confidence in the independence and robustness of the planning process. Will the cabinet member ensure that all such requests are granted?
Councillor R Evans responded on behalf of Councillor D Wright that the Council has an adopted system to call in planning applications which was considered and adopted by the Planning Committee in July 2013. This set out the adopted procedures and criteria and specified that it could only be made by the ward member or town or parish council relevant to the application and requests from neighbouring ward members and parish and town councils could only be allowed at the Chair’s discretion. Requests must be completed in a timely manner within the consultation period and have valid planning reasons. If the request did not meet the criteria the parties would be notified of the reasons why and encouraged to discuss matters with case officers directly. Planning Applications are determined by Planning Committee or by officers and are determined against national and local planning policy which have been through clear democratic processes and she was confident that all decisions made were robust and independent.
Councillor A Lawrence asked if it were possible to have a list of the number of applications that had been rejected because there seemed to be more than in previous times.
Councillor R Evans responded that some of the call in applications by members of the opposition had fallen outside of the policies and procedures. In each case, those people had received a detailed explanation from officers and CEO. The Planning Team were due to provide a serious of planning workshops for parish and town councillors. Anybody who feels they are struggling to understand the process may wish to attend these or raise this with a Democratic Services Support Officer during their discussions about training needs.
k) Councillor N Dugmore will ask the following question of Councillor S Reynolds, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People, Education and Lifelong Learning:
Can the cabinet member explain why after three years the safe route to school along Donnington Wood Way between Muxton and Donnington is still not safe for children to use especially during the winter months being unable to attract attention from passing traffic should a child need assistance or be in danger?
Councillor S Reynolds responded that the Council was committed to providing safe and sustainable routes to school as it was good for the environment and supported young people along with their parents and carers to encourage healthy and active lifestyles. Concerns had been raised regarding sections of the footpath on Donnington Wood Way. The Council has invested over £600k into the safer routes to school programme and complimented the annual investment into the highway safety schemes and sustainable travel projects. There is street lighting along this footpath and each year the grounds and cleansing team undertake extensive hedge trimming works to open up the area and reduce their height. This work had recently been undertaken and, to enhance the safety of all pedestrians, mobile CCTV cameras had been installed at Donnington and specifically at the underpass at Donnington Wood Way and fed into the CCTV control room as part of the investment to protect care and invest across the Borough. In addition, officers were exploring further enhancements to open up sections of the hedgerows and install further street lighting to make a safe walking route for all users.
Councillor N Dugmore asked if all designated safe routes to school would have an annual maintenance inspection to ensure they are fit for purpose as that hadn’t happened in his ward’.
Councillor S Reynolds responded that, in 2019, the investment into safer routes for schools was announced. She considered that this was something that could be looked at during a ward walk for an area and it be reported. The Council did have an annual maintenance programme with all schools being encouraged to have a safe travel plan. Children’s safety should be at the heart of everything the Council did and she asked members to consider funding road safety from their ward fund allocation to support the network management road safety team to educate children, promoting the ‘be bright be seen’ to raise pedestrian road safety and to support the children in their wards.