Agenda item

Please note that Councillors are required to give notice of any such questions in writing to the officer named on the first page of this agenda (acting on behalf of the Director of Resources) not later than 5pm Tuesday 5 July 2011. Questions may be asked without notice if the Chairman decides that the matter is urgent.

Details of any questions received will be circulated to Councillors prior to the meeting and made available at the meeting and on the Council’s website.

The Chairman reported receipt of questions from Councillors Jeff Osborn, John Knight, Helen Osborn, Ricky Rogers, Jon Hubbard, Chris Caswill, and Brian Dalton, details of which were circulated and attached as an appendix to these minutes together with the responses given.

Questioners agreed to take their questions as read and were given an opportunity to ask a relevant supplementary question to which the relevant Cabinet member responded. Supplementary questions are summarised as follows and should be read in conjunction with the questions and responses:

Cllr Jeff Osborn - Revenue received from Trowbridge car parking charges – Cllr Tonge explained that a report would be prepared for the next Council meeting which would illustrate any impact on the retail trade. He gave examples of various contributory factors to any reduction in usage of car parks as a result of people having less disposable income due to the current economic climate.

Cllr Jeff Osborn -  New procedure for disposal of medical ‘sharps’ – suggested that greater thought be given to publicity to raise awareness of the change to procedure. It was agreed to canvass GP’s for information on their arrangements to try and achieve consistency across the County and publicise arrangements using the Wiltshire Magazine to ensure those affected know how they should be disposing of their sharps.

Cllr John Knight – figures in respect of Church Street Car Park, Trowbridge – Written response be provided.

Cllr Helen Osborn - Council responsibilities to schools becoming academies – Asked whether or not academies would be responsible for their own insurance scheme and whether or not it would be to the Council’s advantage to run the insurance scheme. It was agreed to provide a written response.

Cllr Ricky Rogers - Cost and rationale for re-design works adjacent to A36 Salisbury – considered that the costs were unacceptable.

Cllr Jon Hubbard – reiterated his questions over the three core concerns raised in the NHS motion ‘fragmentation of service, priority for private sector bidders and local governance’. Suggested that the Council in its role of representing residents of the County, should have responded to the three core concerns.

Cllr Jon Hubbard – cost of additional work undertaken by KPMG – asked whether the costs quoted was the total amount for 2010/11 or would there be any additional costs for this period. The Leader explained that she would be able to confirm details at year end upon the closure of accounts.

Cllr Jon Hubbard – sought information on reasons for additional work undertaken by KPMG. The Leader explained that this was mainly due to the consolidation of accounts from the former district councils into one account for the unitary authority and all the complex work which arose from this.

Cllr Jon Hubbard – sought an assurance that the Council would not be incurring any further costs for additional work undertaken by KPMG.  The Leader explained that she could not provide such an assurance at this stage until such time as the accounts were closed at year end but that she would keep him informed of the position at that time.

Cllr Jon Hubbard – CRB checks in Wiltshire schools – reiterated his question of asking Cllr Grundy, Cabinet member for Children’s Services of when he became aware there was an issue. Cllr Grundy gave such an assurance.

Cllr Hubbard sought an assurance that CRB checks in respect of schools and children’s centres were fit for purpose. Cllr Grundy replied that they were as good as can be expected.

Cllr Jon Hubbard – shuttle bus for Asda, Melksham – considered that the outcome on this was not as originally proposed. Cllr Toby Sturgis, Cabinet member for Waste, Property and Development Control Services confirmed that the S.106 Agreement reflected what had been agreed.

Cllr Chris Caswill – Winterbourne View – sought an assurance that satisfactory alternative arrangements had been made for the patients and commented on the consideration of costs element when it came to the provision of care.  Cllr John Thomson, Cabinet member for Adult Care, Communities and Housing updated Council on the alternative arrangements made. He explained that consideration would always be given to the care provided, quality of care and training provided as opposed to just looking at costs.

Cllr Brian Dalton – car parking income – in referring to a meeting held between business leaders and members of Cabinet, asked whether business leaders would be listened to. He added that he was disappointed at the apparent promotion of private and multi-storey car parks. Cllr John Brady confirmed that he did have a meeting with various people including representatives of Salisbury City Council and Salisbury City Centre Management when various proposal had been put forward. He was awaiting confirmation that the City Council was supportive of such proposals.