To consider any questions which may have been received from Elected Members and which are asked pursuant to Standing Order No. 11.
Minutes:
The Executive Director Core Services reported that he had received a number of questions from Councillors in accordance with Standing Order No 11.
Questions from Councillor Kitching
1 ‘Does the Council believe there is sufficient supply in the private rental sector within the Authority?’
Councillor Lamb (Cabinet Spokesperson for Place (Environment and Transport)) commented that 13.2% of stock within the borough believed to be in the Private Rental Sector. He also stated that there was an over-supply of certain types of properties particularly flats within the Town Centre, HMO’s and pre 1919 terraced houses together with a mismatch of supply and demand both by type and geographically. In addition, there was a lack of quality Private Rented Stock as well as larger accommodation for families and officers were working with developers and agents to deliver a wider range of quality, private rented accommodation for those who needed it.
The Council’s Strategic Market Housing Assessment was being updated during 2019/20 which would provide updated evidence base on housing. This would include need and demand for a Private Rented Sector offer.
Councillor Lamb then commented that if a partner of a Councillor owned a Property Lettings Company he would expect this matter to be declared at a meeting prior to a question on such issues being asked and for this to be declared on the Members Register of Interest Form.
Councillor Kitching thanked Councillor Lamb for his response. She felt that his final comments related to her and she gave an assurance that neither she nor her husband owned a private lettings company.
Councillor Kitching then asked as a supplementary question:
‘Given that the Cabinet Member has acknowledged that there is a lack of supply particularly in the rental market for families, speaking to a number of landlords (not my husband) I have been advised that the protections that have rightly been put in place for tenants have discouraged some private landlords so what is the Council doing to also support and protect private landlords? If the Cabinet Member is interested I can give him the name of the resident who raised this question and for whom I am asking the question’.
Councillor Lamb responded by stating that in terms of the private rented sector an particularly in relation to landlords much had been done in order to protect landlords. There was regular advice available an in a number of areas there were private rented sector members of staff who worked with landlords and with tenants so that where there were disputes, these could be resolved. In addition, volunteer schemes were available that landlords could join in order to ensure that their properties were as good as they could be and that they were protected by the local authority. The Council was, of course, doing all it could to protect landlords but would always strive to do more in the future.
2 In view of the recent national publicity highlighting the harmful effects of Nitrogen Dioxide, can the Council assure that no development or highway alteration will be permitted that would cause an increase in the levels of those pollutants in the vicinity of school?’
Councillor Lamb (Cabinet Spokesperson for Place (Environment and Transport)) stated that the recently adopted Local Plan included policy AQ1 which set out the Council’s approach to dealing with proposals that could impact on areas sensitive to air pollution and this was consistent with national planning policy. Each planning application was treated on its own merits but policy AQ1 represented the starting point of r assessing air pollution impacts on sensitive areas.
Councillor Kitching asked as a supplementary question: ‘given that the air pollution report submitted in relation to Penny Pie Park gyratory clearly stated in tables 12 and 13 of Appendix B that levels of Nitrogen Dioxide and particulates would rise outside Horizon College if the scheme goes ahead is the new Cabinet Member brave enough and prepared to scrap this scheme and go back to the drawing board?’
Councillor Lamb stated that he, as the new Cabinet Member, was brave enough to accept the professional advice of officers employed by the Council that were trusted to deliver on many schemes within the Borough. He would, of course, always be prepared to look at all issues raised and should Councillor Kitching or her colleagues have any issues they wished to raise he would be happy to look at them.
3 In the light of the recently delacred Climate Change Emergency, and the 38 references to Climate Change in Barnsley’s Local Plan, what is the Council’s strategy to reduce the carbon footprint of the school run?’
Councillor Lamb (Cabinet Spokesperson for Place (Environment and Transport)) felt that this question was rather timely in that event was to be held tomorrow involving pupils from Oakwell Academy who were going to be walking to school.
The Council had adopted its Active Travel Strategy in February 2019 with the ambition to make improvements in the cycling/walking infrastructure and to enable residents to travel more actively to work and to school A number of projects were being implemented over the coming months including ‘Beat the Streets’ an interactive schools game aimed at increasing active travel to school. The Council would also be working with the hospital and surrounding schools to support Clean Air Day on the 20th June, 2019 which had the theme of ‘anti-idling’. The Council’s Sustainable Travel Plan would encourage the uptake of low carbon vehicles and alternative modes of travel which would reduce the carbon footprint of the school run and improve local air quality. He also commented that in order to demonstrate his own personal commitment to this, in January 2019 he had disposed of his personal car (though his wife did which he could use should he need to). His own travel was, however, all active. He walked to Elsecar railway station every morning in order to take the train into Barnsley and he hoped that other members would follow his example.
Councillor Kitching asked as a supplementary question: ‘Given that the air pollution report submitted in relation to the Penny Pie Park gyratory clearly stated that the levels of Nitrogen Dioxide and particulates would rise outside Horizon College if the scheme was to go ahead, how will future development be designed to reduce the carbon footprint of the school run as it seemed that the answer given to question 2 was in direct opposition to the answer given to question 3?’
Councillor Lamb responded by stating that this was not the case.
4 ‘How and when do the Council intend to consult with residents and the wider community on the Masterplan Framework for the site MU1?’
Councillor Lamb (Cabinet Spokesperson for Place (Environment and Transport)) stated that it was anticipated that public consultation on the draft masterplan would take place this summer. The Council was currently in the process of establishing what methods to employ but this would include a range of measures to ensure that the public consultation could influence the delivery of a high quality and sustainable place for those living and working on the site.
Councillor Kitching accepted that the Cabinet Spokesperson might not have this information to hand but asked as a supplementary question: ‘how many meetings have been held this year with representatives of developers, the West Barnsley Consortium and the officers of Barnsley Council in relation to site MU1?’
Councillor Lamb stated that a written response would be provided for Councillor Kitching.
5 ‘How many objections have been received to the appropriation of land at Penny Pie Park for Highways purposes?’
Councillor Lamb (Cabinet Spokesperson for Place (Environment and Transport)) stated that approximately 100 responses to the appropriation consultation had been received. These were currently being collated and considered and the information would be presented as part of a future report to Cabinet.
Councillor Kitching asked as a supplementary question: ‘in considering those objections, what criteria will the Cabinet be applying in order to determine the outcome of that consultation process?’
Councillor Lamb in responding stated that he was not able to comment on this at the moment as the consultation process was still in development. The Cabinet would, of course, be guided by the professional officers of the Council.
Questions from Councillor Hunt
1 According to reports, the Council is having to spend £100,000 on essential electrical work at the Town Hall. This comes just six years after a multi-million refurbishment. Could these works not have been foreseen back in 2013 and incorporated in the refurbishment?’
Councillor Lamb (Cabinet Spokesperson for Place (Environment and Transport)) stated that due to budget constraints at the time of the refurbishment it had been agreed that the electrics within the property, having been appropriately investigated and surveyed, were of a safe and compliant nature and it was agreed that any upgrade work to the systems would be addressed at a later stage in line with any new regulations and building requirements under the lifecycle.
Councillor Hunt asked as a supplementary question: ‘if these works had been undertaken back in 2013 would that have resulted in a significant saving of the £100,000 now being spent?’
Councillor Lamb stated that had the works been undertaken in 2013 this could have resulted in the electrical systems currently being non-compliant.
2 Does the Council have any current plans to resurface Bentham Way, Ravens Close of Longlands Drive in Mapplewell?’
Councillor Lamb (Cabinet Spokesperson for Place (Environment and Transport)) responded by stating that in order to assist newly elected Members he would outline the process by which assessments of roads and their need for resurfacing was undertaken. Each year an independent consultant carried out mechanical surveys of all the Highway Network from which the Local Roads Programme was formulated. This year that Programme would invest £2.7m in repairing the highway infrastructure across the borough. Unfortunately Bentham Way, Ravens Close and Longlands Drive had not been identified as requiring surfacing works this financial year.
The footways on Longlands Drive had, however been identified as requiring works and these were included in the 2019/20 Local Roads Programme.
As a result of the question from Councillor Hunt, an Engineer would now visit Bentham Way, Ravens Close and Longlands Drive in order to carry out an assessment.
Councillor Hunt did not ask a supplementary question
3 ‘I would like to congratulate Barnsley FC on their recent and well-deserved promotion to the Championship. The Council should also be congratulated for the Civic Reception laid on for the Club on the 8th May, 2019. How is the Council supporting the Football Club to help then have another successful season in 2019/20?’
Councillor Frost (Cabinet Support Member for Place (Regeneration and Culture)) responded by adding his own personal congratulations to Barnsley Football Club at their success and he looked forward to another Civic Reception this time next year. The Council remained supportive of Barnsley Football Club and would continue to work in partnership with the Club to help it remain successful and bring good fortune to the Town.
There were no specific requests from the Club at present; however the Council noted the excellent work of the Club’s Community Programme ‘Reds in the Community’ alongside other key partners such as Barnsley College. He went on to outline the aims and objectives of this Programme which, amongst other things, mirrored the aims and objectives of the Council in promoting active and health lifestyles. The Programme also aimed at improving participation by women and girls in football.
Councillor Hunt expressed his congratulations to the Football Club in for the Reds in the Community Programme in promoting healthy lifestyles then asked as a supplementary question: ‘is there any update on the reported potential sale of 50% of Oakwell that the Council owned to the owners of the Football Club?’
Councillor Frost was not able to comment on this at present but would provide a written response for Councillor Hunt.
4 ‘does the Council employ director or indirectly any staff o zero-hours contracts?’
Councillor Platts (Cabinet Spokesperson for Adults and Communities) responded by stating that the Council did not directly employ people on zero hours contracts and all employees were paid at least the living wage. With regard to commissioned services the Council did not specify within contract terms and conditions any specifics regarding the contractors employment terms and conditions.
Councillor Hunt asked as a supplementary question: ‘does that mean that some of the contracts that are let and to those contractors who do employ staff on zero hours contracts and if so, how many?’
Councillor Platts commented that the Council did not include such matters within recruitment policies with external providers. If an issue of concern was identified then this would be examined further.
5 ‘Following the recent local election results the Leader was quoted as saying ‘We are listening, and we will look at the reasons for that knock and learn from it’. Could the Leader please give an update on what steps he has taken to demonstrate that commitment to listening to residents?’
Councillor Sir Steve Houghton CBE (Leader of the Council) responded by stating that the question was exactly right and there had been a ‘knock’ and the reasons for that were going to be examined not just for now but into the future. He had, however, taken immediate action following those local elections. The biggest issue on the doorstep by far was Brexit and he had written to the Leader of the Labour Party as well as the two local MP’s to demand that Brexit be delivered as soon as possible in accordance with the wishes of the public of Barnsley to whom he had listened. He questioned, therefore, whether the party that wished to stop Brexit would do the same.
Councillor Hunt asked as a supplementary question: ‘during the local election campaign in Darton East I spoke to many residents who felt that the Council had stopped listening and was taking them for granted. Did the Leader of the Council feel the same when campaigning in Darton East in the run up to Election Day?’
Councillor Sir Steve Houghton CBE stated that the biggest message he got in Darton East, and he was campaigning frequently in that Ward, was the Brexit issue and he had just answered that particular question.
Questions from Councillor Greenhough
1 How much has the Council spent in each of the last 5 years on catering and hospitality? Please list by year and also break down internal catering and hospitality and external hospitality?’
Councillor Gardiner (Cabinet Spokesperson for Core Services) stated that all catering/hospitality was sourced through the Council’s partnering arrangement with Barnsley Norse, therefore, half of the profit from Norse came back to the Council.
These costs were broken down as follows:
|
2014/15 |
£267,190 |
|
2015/16 |
£241,365 |
|
2016/17 |
£250,727 |
|
2017/18 |
£26,251 |
|
2018/19 |
£216,210 |
Councillor Greenhough asked as a supplementary question: ‘does the Cabinet Spokesperson think that these amounts are reasonable?’
Councillor Gardiner responded by stating that these costs were more than reasonable and most of the hospitality was provided for people and members of the Borough including the Football Club (as previously mentioned). The biggest event for which hospitality was provided was the welcoming back of the troops following deployment abroad. The value that the town received and the pride with which this was viewed was immeasurable. A price could not be put on this and it was worth every penny.
2 How much has the Council spent in the last five years on travel by flights for staff and Councillors. Please list by year and also the amount for any business class fares and their destinations?
Councillor Gardiner (Cabinet Spokesperson for Core Services) stated that the costs were as follows:
|
2014/15 |
£3,478 |
|
2015/16 |
£11,540 |
|
2016/17 |
£2,534 |
|
2017/18 |
£2,428 |
|
2018/19 |
£2,840 |
No flights were undertaken using business class as this was not permitted for either Councillors or Officers. The higher figure for 2015/16 was because Barnsley had been the accountable body for the European Technological Grants Fund and several trips had had to be made to and from Europe to distribute funds on behalf of that organisation.
Councillor Greenhough did not ask a supplementary question.
3 How much has the Council spent in the last 5 years on hotel stays by Council officers and Councillors broken down by year and the amount spent?
Councillor Gardiner (Cabinet Spokesperson for Core Services) stated that the costs were as follows:
|
2014/15 |
£19,825 |
|
2015/16 |
£13,955 |
|
2016/17 |
£36,820 |
|
2017/18 |
£13,794 |
|
2018/19 |
£44,925 |
Councillor Greenhough asked as a supplementary question: ‘does the Cabinet Spokesperson think that these amounts are reasonable?’
Councillor Gardiner responded by stating that he felt that these costs were reasonable as most of the hotel accommodation was in London where the room rates were generally high with costs of up to £200 per night. The Authority did, however, always search for the cheapest accommodation available.
4 ‘How much over the last 5 years broken down by year has the Council spent on external consultants?
Councillor Gardiner (Cabinet Spokesperson for Core Services) stated that the costs were as follows:
|
2014/15 |
£1.582m |
|
2015/16 |
£0.998m |
|
2016/17 |
£0.649M |
|
2017/18 |
£0.846M |
|
2018/19 |
£1.085M |
Councillor Greenhough asked as a supplementary question: ‘does the Cabinet Spokesperson think that these amounts are reasonable?’
Councillor Gardiner stated that he felt that these costs were reasonable. The Council did try to avoid the use of external consultants wherever possible but this was sometimes unavoidable where specialist advice and professionals was required such as with the Glassworks. In addition, the Council should not just judge these matters solely on the cost involved but also take account of the value they provided as well as the savings made by their use. It should also be noted that no authority could operate without the use, from time to time, of external consultants.
5 Is the Council still using Roundup (glyphosate) weed killer?
Councillor Lamb (Cabinet Spokesperson for Place (Environment and Transportation)) stated that the Council used glyphosate based weed killing products as part of the grounds maintenance function delivered by Neighbourhood Services.
Following the recent Future Council Improvement Review, Neighbourhood Services had adopted a targeted approach to week killing across the borough which now covered primary highway routes and high footfall economic areas including Barnsley Town Centre and the Principal Towns. In addition to this, the Service also continued to undertake week killing activities in an attempt to control Japanese Knotweed.
Glyphosate was the active ingredient in Roundup Amenity which was manufactured by Monsanto and was used by the Council to control, as previously stated, Japanese Knotweed and other general weeds where a residual action was not required.
Nomix Dual, another product used by the Council, was a mixture of Glyphosate and other active ingredients and was now used as part of a targeted approach as this product claimed a five month kill, therefore, reducing the need for re-application. It was estimated that through the adoption of target-based approaches, that Neighbourhood Services would reduce the use of glyphosate weed killing products by 70% when compared to previous years.
Glyphosate-based products were assessed in line with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Legislation and could only be used by trained and certified staff in accordance with Health and Safety Executive approved control measures which were rigorously adopted by the Council.
The Service would continue to monitor the impact of the revised service offer and would continue efforts to further reduce the use of glyphosate-based products wherever possible.
Councillor Greenhough asked as a supplementary question: ‘Bayer the parent company of Monsanto which makes Roundup is facing billions of dollars in legal costs due to the alleged carcinogenic properties of this herbicide. Would the Council consider ceasing its use particularly on public roads and footpaths for the potential safety of both its employees and the public.
Councillor Lamb stated that the Council would always put the safety of the public first and wherever there were alternatives they would be looked at. The Council would continue to review the use of such products but the safety of the public was always paramount.
Questions from Councillor Hand-Davis
‘Residents in my Ward who live adjacent to or close to the A629 at Hoylandswaine formed a Neighbourhood Watch Group to lobby for speed reductions and road safety measures on that part of the read close to the roundabout coming down the road towards Huddersfield. The leader met with the Head of Highways last month to discuss and agree upon mitigation measures which I understand are to be implemented immediately. Could he tell me what is proposed please?’
Councillor Sir Steve Houghton CBE (Leader of the Council) stated that Councillor Hand-Davis was quite right. Following representation from the public, local Members from the area and from the Mayor he met with the Head of Highways to examine the issues identified within the area.
There were a number of issues around driver behaviour; however, having looked at the scheme, improvements were to be made to the advanced signing of Halifax Road and Renald Lane (in both directions) as this appeared to be the location where most problems occurred. This should improve driver awareness with regard to the potential for vehicles joining and leaving Halifax Road.
A review of the existing road lining would be carried out with a view to changing the lane markings where appropriate. This would reduce the feeling of space motorists had which could help to reduce speeds.
The Neighbourhood Teams had been looking at the vegetation in the area and the impact this had and were ensuring that this was cut back in order to ensure that sight lines were as good as possible and a continued programme of Safe and Active Travel training would continue with local schools in the area.
Councillor Hand-Davis thanked the Leader for his response and as a supplementary question asked if the Leader would arrange for the Head of Highways to meet him and his two Ward colleagues within the next seven days to agree the mitigations proposed as the local ward members may wish to submit their own suggestions in order to reduce speeds within the area.
Councillor Sir Steve Houghton CBE stated that he was more than happy to arrange such a meeting.