Agenda item

11.1    Urgent Questions (Part 4 - Paragraph 9.2.(b) of Constitution – Page 4-9)

 

With the permission of the Mayor, questions on urgent issues may be tabled with the proviso of a subsequent written response if the issue requires research or is considered by the Mayor to be minor.

 

Please note that the Mayor will decide whether a question is urgent or not.

 

The definition of an urgent question is “An issue which could not reasonably have been foreseen or anticipated prior to the deadline for the submission of questions and which needs to be considered before the next meeting of the Council.”

 

Submission of urgent questions to Council requires the Member when submitting the question to specify why the issue could not have been reasonably foreseen prior to the deadline and why it has to be considered before the next meeting.  A supplementary question is not permitted.

 

11.2    Councillors’ Questions (Part 4 – Paragraph 9.2(a) of Constitution – Page 4 - 8)

 

The list of forty three questions received and their written responses are attached to the agenda.

1.1    Urgent Questions

 

None received.

 

1.2    Questions by Councillors

 

NOTED

 

1.      The forty three questions on the Council’s agenda which had received a written reply from the relevant Cabinet Member.

 

2       The following supplementary questions and responses received for the questions indicated below:

 

Question 1 (Protection of Public Health Budgets) from Councillor Ann Marie Pearce to Councillor Hamilton, Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing and Public Health:

 

“Can confirmation be provided as to how funding provided for Public Health purposes has been channelled into new Public Health projects?”

 

As Councillor Hamilton had submitted her apologies for the meeting, members were advised that a written response would be provided.

 

Question 2 (Council Tax Collection and Arrears)from Councillor Savva to Councillor Stafford, Cabinet Member for Finance and Property:

 

“In view of the response provided, does Councillor Stafford feel previous concerns raised by the Opposition Group in relation to the level of Council Tax collection and arrears are not justified or accurate?”

 

Reply from Councillor Stafford:

 

“My response sets out the Council’s performance in relation to its Council Tax collection rate.  The current Administration inherited approx. £3.3m worth of uncollected taxes from the previous Conservative led Administration and this level has reduced overall since we have been in power.  I’m therefore not sure why these concerns have been raised.”

 

Question 3: (Public Health budget) from Councillor Neville to Councillor Stafford, Cabinet Member for Finance and Property:

 

“It would appear that the definition of activities which can be funded through the public health budget is not as wide as Councillor Stafford would like it to be. Can he therefore justify the engagement of a corporate policy research officer (scale PO1) which appears to be funded through the public health budget?”

 

Reply from Councillor Stafford:

 

“Given the budget deficit identified, the Council is looking at a range of alternative options to address the position.  This will include consideration of the legitimate use of public health funding, although the position will be kept under review.”

 

Question 5: (budget consultation process) from Councillor Neville to Councillor Stafford, Cabinet Member for Finance and Property:

 

“Would Councillor Stafford accept that the main focus of the budget consultation process is resident based and, if so, that it is important as part of any meaningful consultation for details to be included on any proposed reduction in services and their likely impact?”

 

Reply from Councillor Stafford:

 

“Unfortunately, given the uncertain financial position faced by local government given the funding reductions imposed by central Government, the proposals and options included within the consultation document have been more limited.  The main focus of the consultation process this year has therefore been on how the limited funding available should be prioritised rather than on where reductions should be made.”

 

Question 7: (Tourism and Town Twinning Working Party) from Councillor Lavender to Councillor Taylor, Leader of the Council:

 

“Can the Leader of the Council confirm when the decision was made to treat the Tourism & Town Twinning Working Party as a private rather than public meeting and on what statutory basis this decision was based?”

 

Reply from Councillor Taylor:

 

“As I am not able to confirm specific details at the meeting and will therefore arrange for a written reply to be provided.”

 

Question 8: (bad weather provision) from Councillor Levy to Councillor Bond, Cabinet Member for Environment:

 

“I would like to commend the work of officers in developing Enfield’s Winter Maintenance Plan in order to ensure that key roads throughout the borough are kept open during bad weather.  Can I ask Councillor Bond whether any contingency is in place, should the need arise due to prolonged bad weather, for the % of roads gritted to be increased?”

 

Reply from Councillor Bond:

 

“Currently 47% of Enfield’s road network is covered under the Plan which comprises of all major routes, bus routes and other hazardous locations (Priority 1 Network).  Given the coverage within the existing Plan, consideration would only be given to extending the initial network if there was a prolonged spell of bad weather with large stocks of salt available to ensure the borough was well covered should the need arise.”

 

Question 10: (climate change): from Councillor Brett to Councillor Bond, Cabinet Member for Environment:

 

“Would Councillor Bond support me, given the recent bad weather, in calling for the Government not to make any further reductions in the flood risk management budget?”

 

Reply from Councillor Bond:

 

“Yes, I would fully support this.”

 

Question 12: (Outcomes from Deaf Area Forum) from Councillor Simon to Councillor Georgiou, Deputy Leader of the Council:

 

“Would Councillor Georgiou welcome the recent initiative to hold this Area Forum and consider extending coverage for other groups with specific needs and disabilities within the local community.  Would he also welcome, as one of the outcomes achieved from the Deaf Area Forum, the initiative with the local Fire & Rescue Service to provide and fit smoke alarms for people with profound deafness?”

 

Reply from Councillor Georgiou:

 

“The recent Deaf Area Forum was very successful and plans are being developed to hold a second meeting in the future.  As an Administration we are keen to extend the initiative, where possible, to engage with different groups across the Borough.  I was very pleased with the outcome of this meeting and hope that as many people as possible come forward to take advantage of the alarm fitting service being offered as a direct result of the Forum.”

 

Question 15: (Free School - Ashmole Academy site): from Councillor Kaye to Councillor Orhan, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People:

 

“Whilst recognising that the Authority does not have any direct role in approving any expansion plans for a Free Primary School on the Academy site, can Councillor Orhan confirm whether she welcomes the proposals given the growing demand for school places in the area?”

 

Reply from Councillor Orhan:

 

“It is difficult for me to respond to this question as the Council does not have any control over applications for Free Schools or the running of the Academy, which is not located within the Borough.  My focus is on how we address the shortfall of school places identified within this borough.”

Question 16: (Mini Holland bid) from Councillor Sitkin to Councillor Bond, Cabinet Member for Environment:

 

“Councillor Laban has, in the past, critised this Administration for being too friendly to cyclists.  Having supported the Mini Holland bid, however, does Councillor Bond know what her views on cycling actually are?”

 

Reply from Councillor Bond:

 

“I am grateful to Councillor Laban for her support on the Mini Holland bid but am not aware and therefore cannot comment about her personal views on cycling.”

 

Question 17: (Care Leavers Pledge) from Councillor Vince to Councillor Orhan, Cabinet Member for Children & Young People

 

“I am pleased that Councillor Orhan has signed the pledge but can the Cabinet member explain why officers were not aware, at the Corporate Parenting Committee, that she had done so?”

 

Reply from Councillor Orhan:

 

“This is a great pledge that I was honoured to sign.  I do not know why officers were not aware of my support at the meeting but will check.”

 

Question 18: (New Year Honours list): from Councillor Constantinides to Councillor Taylor, Lead of the Council:

 

“Would Councillor Taylor confirm if there are any plans to invite those Enfield residents included in the New Year Honours List to a civic reception in recognition of their achievements?”

 

Reply from Councillor Taylor:

 

“I can confirm that two residents have been awarded honours and I am in discussion with the Mayor over plans to invite them to a civic reception.”

 

Question 19: (monitoring of funding to voluntary organisations and community groups): from Councillor Prescott to Councillor Taylor, Leader of the Council

 

“Can the Leader of the Council provide a report outlining the performance, outcomes and value for money achieved as a result of each individual programme for which funding had been provided, prior to the end of this Administration?”

 

Reply from Councillor Taylor:

 

“I feel the written response to the original question on this matter is detailed enough and therefore stands as it is.”

 

Question 21: (Schools Lettings Service): from Councillor Vince to Councillor Orhan, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People:

 

“Whilst thanking Councillor Orhan for her written response, is the Cabinet Member aware that schools are still not getting the service required and can she advise of the reasons for the delay in addressing this issue?”

 

Reply from Councillor Orhan:

 

“As Cabinet Member I also share the concerns being raised about the service and value for money being offered and thank Councillor Vince for her determination in pursing the issue.  The service has been subject to an audit review, considered by the Audit Committee, but is not what I regard as core.  I am therefore keen to review the service in order to consider whether it is viable on an ongoing basis and will be undertaking a consultation with relevant parties, including schools.  I am happy to keep Councillor Vince informed on progress, prior to any final decision being made as a result of the review.”

 

Question 22: (Ordnance Road Joint Service Centre) from Councillor Keazor to Councillor Charalambous, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure, Youth and Localism:

 

“How does the Cabinet Member feel the progress made on delivery of this project compares with the previous Conservative Administration’s plans to relocate Palmers Green Library?”

 

Reply from Councillor Charalambous:

 

“I can remember the previous Conservative Administration seeking to take out a 25 year lease for a property on Palmers Green High in order to relocate the library.  This lead to a public outcry, which resulted in those proposals not being progressed.  Compare that with the current progress made on delivery of the Ordnance Road Joint Service Centre and this demonstrates how we as a Labour Administration can and have delivered major projects and developments.”

 

Question 23: (Internal Audit Plan - Enfield Homes) from Councillor Smith to Councillor Oykener, Cabinet Member for Housing:

 

“Can Councillor Oykener please explain the reasons for the delay in implementation of the 10 outstanding recommendations from the 2012/13 Enfield Homes Internal Audit Plan and provide a deadline for addressing these?”

 

As Councillor Oykener had submitted his apologies for the meeting, members were advised that a written response would be provided.

 

Question 24: (Enforcement of spitting ban in Enfield) from Councillor Taylor to Councillor Bond, Cabinet Member for Environment:

 

“Can Councillor Bond advise if he has been approached by any Conservative led Councils or Opposition Groups for advice on introducing a by-law to ban spitting?”

 

Reply from Councillor Bond:

 

I can confirm that I have been approached by various Opposition Groups and Councils including those with Conservative led Administrations.

 

Question 25: (Enfield Homes tenant satisfaction survey) from Councillor Smith to Councillor Oykener, Cabinet Member for Housing:

 

“Can Councillor Oykener please outline what specific actions are planned to address the disappointing level of customer satisfaction in relation to resident consultation and involvement by Enfield Homes and around the value for money of service charges?”

 

As Councillor Oykener had submitted his apologies for the meeting, members were advised that a written response would be provided.

 

Question 27: (Housing Benefit security checks) from Councillor Hurer to Councillor Stafford, Cabinet Member for Finance and Property:

 

“Whilst I am satisfied with the written response to points 1, 2 and 4 in my question, can I ask Councillor Stafford to confirm (in relation to the 7,300 visits to benefit claimants reported within section 3 of his written response) how many of these actually resulted in face – to – face contact being made and also to any subsequent prosecutions?”

 

Reply from Councillor Stafford:

 

“As I am not able to confirm the specific details at the meeting, I will arrange for a written reply to be provided.”

 

Question 28: (External Auditors Certification) from Councillor Neville to Councillor Stafford, Cabinet Member for Finance and Property:

 

“Although not a member of Audit Committee, I assume that Councillor Stafford has read the Certification Report provided by the External Auditors and can I ask what action he plans to take to address the errors identified?”

 

Reply from Councillor Stafford:

 

“The number of errors, quoted by Councillor Neville in his original question are substantially different to those identified within the report.  Six, as opposed to forty, errors were identified as a result of the initial audit and I do take these seriously with robust checking procedures in place.”

 

Question 33: (Cost of sick pay) from Councillor Neville to Councillor Stafford, Cabinet Member for Finance and Property:

 

“Can I thank Councillor Stafford for this response, which it has taken some time to obtain.  Whilst having every sympathy with staff suffering from long term illness can I ask the Cabinet Member to provide me with details on the number of staff affected?”

 

Reply from Councillor Stafford:

 

“As I am not able to provide the specific numbers at the meeting I will arrange for a written response to be provided.  It is important to note, however, the significant work undertaken on a partnership basis with the Trade Unions to reduce sickness absence and encourage attendance across the Council with current levels reduced from an average of 10.3 to 7.9 days.”

 

Question 34: (Cost of Agency Workers) from Councillor Neville to Councillor Stafford, Cabinet Member for Finance and Property:

 

“In view of the written response provided, can Councillor Stafford please provide details on the number of agency staff and interim management posts engaged under the current contract and the role of the central HR function in managing these staff?”

 

Reply from Councillor Stafford:

 

“As I am not able to provide specific details at the meeting I will arrange for a written response to be provided.  In providing any response it is important to note that the aim of the Administration is, wherever possible, to employ staff on a full time basis but where this is not possible agency staff are used.”

 

Question 35: (Redundancy Savings arising from Learner Programme) from Councillor Neville to Councillor Stafford, Cabinet Member for Finance and Property:

 

“Can Councillor Stafford provide me with details of the savings achieved as a result of the 155 redundancies identified in his written response?”

 

Reply from Councillor Stafford:

 

“As I am not able to provide specific details at the meeting I will arrange for a written response to be provided.”

 

Question 36: (NLWA cinema advertisement) Councillor Laban to Councillor Bond, Cabinet Member for Environment:

 

“Can Councillor Bond advise if he has seen the NLWA advertisement now showing at Cineworld Enfield?”

 

Reply from Councillor Bond:

 

“Yes.”

 

Question 37: (Access to Palace Gardens Car Park for Blue Badge holders) from Councillor Laban to Councillor Bond, Cabinet Member for Environment:

 

“Can I ask Councillor Bond to provide an update on any plans being developed to deal with the problem identified?”

 

Reply from Councillor Bond:

 

“We are still reviewing the options available and I will provide further details once a solution has been identified and agreed.”

 

Question 41: (Damage to New River Loop pump) from Councillor Laban to Councillor Bond, Cabinet Member for Environment:

 

“Will the Cabinet Member confirm that any future reports of vandalism to the pump will be reported to the police?”

 

Reply from Councillor Bond:

 

“Whilst it is not clear what caused the damage to the pump I am happy to look into this.”

 

Question 43: (Carbon emission reductions): from Councillor R. Hayward to Councillor Sitkin, Chairman of Sustainability and the Living Environment Scrutiny Panel:

 

“Can Councillor Sitkin outline what he feels will be the local impact of energy companies considering their funding commitment towards the Energy Companies Obligation as a result of plans recently announced by Ed Milliband in relation to the introduction of levers on them by a future Labour Government?”

 

Reply from Councillor Sitkin:

 

“There is a need to stop joking about irrelevant things and focus on the serious damage that could be done to this borough's economic prospects if all the work we have done building up an energy efficiency supply chain were damaged by this Tory-led government's environmentally short-sighted policy of curtailing ECO funding.  The Prime Minister needs to start standing up to those climate change denying Members dominating his back benches.”