To receive questions submitted to the Leader under Standing Order No.14
Minutes:
Under Standing Order No. 14 Members asked the following questions:
· Councillor Davenport asked whether the income generated from Council housing would enable more new Council homes to be built over the next four years than the 100 already identified.
The Leader provided a verbal response referring to existing and further Council housing developments planned for the current and following year, including sites at Heaton Court and Brockwell Court, and work that the Cabinet Member for Housing and Assistant Director – Housing were progressing to develop capacity for building more new Council homes.
· Councillor K Falconer asked about the number of electric vehicle charging points (EVCP) installed at Council and private homes in 2018 and 2019 and how many were planned for 2020.
The Leader provided a verbal response referring to 10 EVCPs being installed in the new homes at Heaton Court, a further 27 points at the new Council homes to be built in 2020 and the use of planning conditions to require EVCPs at all new private homes where practical.
· Councillor G Falconer asked about the number of residential properties where the Council had assisted in installing solar panels in 2018 and 2019 and how many were planned for 2020.
The Leader provided a verbal response referring to the most recent installation of solar panels at 383 Council homes in 2012 and further multi-million pound annual investments since then in energy saving and thermal efficiency measures in the Council’s housing stock.
· Councillor Bingham asked about the Council’s use of herbicides and pesticides which were harmful to the environment and pollinators.
The Leader provided a verbal response referring to the Council’s introduction of revised grass cutting arrangements to allow wilder areas to grow and to measures being taken to minimize the use of chemicals.
· Councillor Rogers asked about plans to provide a permanent shelter for homeless people.
The Leader provided a verbal response referring to the Council’s commitment to work for a second year with local authority partners, Derby City Mission and local churches to provide a winter night shelter for homeless people from 1 December to 31 March.
· Councillor Fordham asked about plans to deal with the trade waste bins outside the Crooked Spire.
The Leader provided a verbal response confirming that Council officers were actively working with the church and retailers to identify a suitable solution.
· Councillor Borrell asked about plans to phase out gas boilers in Council properties.
The Leader provided a verbal response referring to the multi-million pound annual investments that the Council had already made and would continue to make in improving the thermal efficiency of Council homes.
· Councillor S Niblock asked whether a wildflower garden could be provided outside the town hall.
The Leader provided a verbal response stating that such matters would be for the Climate Emergency Working Group to consider. An important element for inclusion in the climate change action plan would be carbon offsetting measures and Councillor Niblock’s suggestion would be taken into account.
· Councillor Redihough asked when details of the Parks and Open Spaces Strategy review would be available for Members and when it would be implemented.
The Leader provided a verbal response referring to the Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing currently reviewing the work to date on the Strategy, and a revised timetable for handling publication of the Strategy would be shared in due course.
· Councillor Kellman asked whether the Council intended to apply for funding available through a government grants scheme to improve air quality.
The Leader provided a verbal response referring to the Council working with Derbyshire County Council and through the Climate Emergency Working Group to identify how best to address air quality issues locally.
· Councillor Snowdon asked about the Council’s business case for bringing services currently provided by external providers in-house.
The Leader provided a verbal response referring to reports and business cases which had already been prepared evidencing the value for money case for bringing the services in-house and the improved ability that future in-house provision will enable to better tailor services to the needs of customers.