To receive questions submitted to the Leader under Standing Order No.14
Minutes:
Under Standing Order No.14 Members asked the following questions:
Councillor Kellman, as a CBC board member of Chesterfield’s Citizens Advice Bureau, asked the Leader if it was appropriate for CBC to consider withdrawing its financial support for the advice agencies in Chesterfield, with the Council potentially losing out on housing and council tax revenues due to the support system not being in place to help households in need?
The Leader reminded Cllr Kellman of the Council’s Budget Strategy and Budget Strategy Implementation Plan. Five thematic interventions had been agreed to direct the work of officers and portfolio holders. No decision had been taken to date on this matter, however the Council had conducted a thorough consultation exercise with the organisations involved, and a full and comprehensive report would be prepared for consideration by the Council’s Cabinet in due course.
Councillor Snowdon asked if all Councillors would be handing back their free car parking passes?
The Leader replied that as councillors could legitimately claim expenses when carrying out their duties, it would in all likelihood cost the Council more to reimburse councillors for the cost of parking their cars rather than meeting the cost of providing free car parking passes, as she had stated at the last Council meeting.
Councillor Yates asked the Leader for an update on the DRIIVe project, which the Council was taking forward in partnership with the Barrow Hill Engine Shed Society?
The Leader was pleased to update Council on this exciting project. The planning application had been approved and the Council was now finalising the tender documents with a view to appointing an appropriate construction partner. The Leader referenced the broad range of jobs that were available within the rail industry, many boasting good salaries. DRIIVe would seek to provide a range of training opportunities, from entry level courses to PhDs. There would also be a large number of apprenticeships available for school leavers.
Councillor Twigg announced that 8 March was International Women’s Day and wanted to know if the Leader could tell members how the Council would celebrate this?
The Leader was pleased to inform Council that Derbyshire’s High Sheriff would be sharing her experiences of championing diversity, equality, and social justice at an event here in Chesterfield, on International Women’s Day. Organised by the Council and the Chesterfield Equality and Diversity Forum, Theresa Peltier, would also be reflecting on her 27-year career in policing.
Theresa Peltier had received the Police Staff of the Year Award from the British Association of Women in Policing in 2009 and also two Chief Constable Commendations for her work in Equality and Inclusion. She had also fulfilled the role of Vice-President of the National Black Police Association and received Lifetime Achievement Awards from the National and Derbyshire Black Police Associations.
Councillor Miles asked the Leader if she could tell members what the Council were doing to support people in the borough’s communities who were finding it difficult to make ends meet, with inflation still 2% higher than the Bank of England’s target?
The Leader replied that over £114,000 worth of funding had been awarded to community groups and local voluntary organisations in Chesterfield as part of a scheme designed to help deliver grassroot projects that would improve life for local residents.
A further £54,272 of grant funding had been awarded to 18 local groups, including Treasures Nursery, Edge Ministries, Global Adventure, Standing Tall Support and Pleasley Canoe and Outdoor Activity Club. The funding would help support these local groups to deliver their projects and build resilient, healthy, and safe neighbourhoods, which in turn would help tackle food poverty and social isolation.
Councillor McLaren asked the Leader if she was looking forward to any upcoming events in her busy diary?
The Leader replied that she was particularly looking forward to the Celebrate Chesterfield event being held at The Winding Wheel Theatre on 20 March. The event, organised by Destination Chesterfield, would comprise an expo showcasing the very best of Chesterfield’s businesses and a conference promoting Chesterfield as a ‘modern’ destination. The event was also a great networking opportunity and was again sold out.
Councillor Bagley asked the Leader if she could highlight initiatives the Council had introduced to help individuals and local businesses contribute towards Chesterfield reaching its goal of net zero by 2050.
The Leader updated the Council on the ECO Hub, which had recently opened up in the town centre. The pilot project was designed to work with residents to improve their awareness of climate change and widen their understanding of net zero and the benefits of a more sustainable Chesterfield. Transition Chesterfield had received £2,500 to open up the Eco Hub, with opening hours of 10am to 12:30pm every Friday.
Councillor Ogle asked the Leader for an update on the ‘Letters to Heaven’ post boxes that had been installed at three sites in Chesterfield?
The Leader was pleased to reply that the boxes had been positively received and the initiative a great success. Residents were able to post letters, cards and messages to loved one in the post boxes, which would remain confidential and be handled respectfully when the post boxes were emptied. The three sites where the boxes were installed were Boythorpe Cemetery, Staveley Cemetery and Chesterfield and District Crematorium.