Minutes:
Question to: Councillor E Sneath
Question from: Councillor Gibson
Subject: Memorial for Pilot Officer George Furness
Councillor Gibson asked what had happened to the memorial for Pilot Officer George Furness, and when would it be reinstated? Councillor E Sneath responded that it was currently in storage to prevent damage during ongoing works. She was discussing the way forward with officers at the County Council and it was likely that it would be replaced, and possibly rebuilt in a stronger form.
Question to: Councillor Casson
Question from: Councillor Barnes
Subject: Progress on reported fly tipping incident
Councillor Barnes commented that he had reported an incidence of fly- tipping in August and had requested that the officer keep him advised on progress. It had taken until 25 September to receive a final response, following a number of further requests. He asked that progress updates be provided more promptly. Councillor Casson apologised for the delay and agreed that responses should be dealt with more quickly in the future. He would liaise with the section concerned.
Question to: Councillor Casson
Question from: Councillor Sheard
Subject: Incorrect fly-tipping notice issued
Councillor Sheard commented that The Wombles had reported an incidence of fly tipping in May, and that that the details had been passed to Kingdom. A Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) had been issued and the matter resolved however it had then transpired that it had been issued to the wrong person. Could reassurance be provided from the Portfolio Holder and from Kingdom that the processes that Kingdom had in place for the issue of FPNs was robust and efficient. Councillor Casson responded that he could not comment on individual cases and that the issue of FPNs fell under Kingdom’s responsibility. He would make inquiries with Kingdom regarding the situation.
Question to: Councillor Casson
Question from: Councillor Eldridge
Subject: Dog control measures
Councillor Eldridge commented that a consultation exercise was being undertaken regarding new dog control measures across the district. Could feedback on progress be provided and if the measures were ultimately approved and Kingdom were advised of dog fouling hot spots, that they would be attended to. Councillor Casson did not have up to date figures however, as at 20 September, 332 responses had been received and many appeared in favour of the proposals. A report would be considered by the Cabinet in November and if approved, signs would need to be erected and enforcement would commence in February 2025.
Question to: Councillor Taylor
Question from: Councillor J Le Sage
Subject: Seating areas in Spalding
Councillor J Le Sage commented that work on four seating areas in Spalding had been due to start in August and asked for an update on progress. Councillor Taylor advised that the work was due to start in mid-October, after the Pumpkin Festival had been held, and before Christmas activities.
Question to: Councillor Worth
Question from: Councillor Wilkinson
Subject: Affect of road closures on school transport
Councillor Wilkinson commented that due to road closures, there had been transport delays affecting Grammar School and High School students using buses – could this issue be taken up with Lincolnshire County Council? There had been a suggestion that buses leave earlier however, this would extend the students’ day considerably. Councillor Worth responded that there were a number of District Councillors who were also County Councillors, and that Councillor Gibson sat on the Transport and Highways Committee and was thus in a good position to raise the problem. The Leader was happy to take the issue up but also suggested lobbying County Councillors on the issue.
Question to: Councillor Carter
Question from: Councillor Beal
Subject: Energy efficiency requirements for Council housing
Councillor Beal referred to the stringent new energy efficiency requirements for council housing and asked how the Council’s housing stock performed against them. Councillor Carter advised that there were currently no minimum standards for EPC ratings for social housing (private rentals did have a minimum standard of E). It was expected that the government would consult over winter on bringing the standard up to C across the board by 2030. The Council was striving to bring the EPC rating for its properties up to C or above - work had been undertaken using two rounds of the Green Homes Grants and had been completed on those properties rated at E, F and G. There was currently no funding available for homes rated at D or above. A new round of funding would soon become available under the Warm Homes Social Housing Fund (Round 3) and the authority would be pursuing this further funding.
Question to: Councillor Carter
Question from: Councillor Sheard
Subject: Emergency protocol
Councillor Sheard asked whether the Council had organised this year’s Severe Weather Emergency Protocol, and had a place been secured for people to go to, should it have to be initiated. Councillor Carter responded that as part of the SWEP Protocol, the Council currently worked with The Lighthouse. She could not confirm definitively that this was the currently arrangement however, officers always worked closely on this issue around this time. In the past, it had worked well with The Lighthouse however, if not with them, arrangements would be put in place for an alternative venue. It was not a statutory requirement for SHDC however, the authority had always supported this and would continue to do so.
Question to: Councillor Redgate
Question from: Councillor Alcock
Subject: Flood Resilience Partnership
Councillor Alcock stated that a Flood Resilience Partnership (comprising of six agencies including Drainage Boards and the Environment Agency) had been launched last week – was Councillor Redgate aware of this, and would its creation have an adverse effect on the work of the IDB SIG? Councillor Redgate responded that he was aware of the Partnership’s launch and hoped that it would not have an impact on the work of the SIG. There was a climate element to the situation, and from a flooding aspect, the Environment Agency played a part in this. Consideration had been given to any potential impact, should funding not come forward, regarding ongoing works needed, from a capital point of view. He had some concerns but hoped that all could work together to help each other. Councillor Alcock responded that he was worried that a new group had been created and it was likely that there would only be one pot of money. It was known that the Environment Agency did not have a surplus, and he worried that this new organisation may be drawing money from the good work being undertaken by the SIG. Councillor Redgate replied that the IDB issue had been ongoing over many years. It was important to ensure that there was dialogue with new groups to ensure that neither was tripping the other up in its aims.
Question to: Councillor Tyrrell
Question from: Councillor Hutchinson
Subject: Garden waste scheme
Councillor Hutchinson stated that she had asked for an update three months ago regarding questions she was receiving from the public as to why they had not yet received their garden waste bins. She asked for an update on progress, and also asked why the public were not being kept informed. Councillor Tyrrell advised that the current list would be cancelled out by Christmas and that going forward, those enquiring would be added straight to the system, and payment for the service made at that point, rather than just adding individuals to a list and having to wait. New staff were coming on board to move things forward. Councillor Hutchinson responded to ask if a date for receipt of bins could be given to those asking for them. Councillor Tyrrell advised that once staff were in place, this would be moved forward.
Question to: Councillor Worth
Question from: Councillor Sheard
Subject: Advice around loss of Winter Fuel Allowance
Councillor Sheard commented that in light of the Government’s decision to withdraw payment of the Winter Fuel Allowance to all pensioners, what assistance could the Council provide to those impacted, and how would any assistance be communicated. Councillor Worth advised that Universal Credit was one form of assistance and there were various other reliefs available through the Council such as Council Tax relief. He confirmed that a definitive list of support would be drawn together and published shortly. He also commented that as well as the Council, the Citizens Advice Bureau was a good source of help and advice. It was important that individuals discuss any issues at the earliest opportunity.
Question to: Councillor Tyrrell
Question from: Councillor Barnes
Subject: Training for operatives checking fly-tips
Councillor Barnes commented that operatives could sift through fly tipping when collected, in order to obtain evidence in identifying the perpetrator – what training did they receive? Councillor Tyrrell advised that training was provided but the main focus was around safety as often the fly tip could have harmful content. The main purpose was to find any paper evidence which included a name/address to help identify the individual. He advised that he would obtain further information regarding training provided.
Question to: Councillor Tyrrell
Question from: Councillor Sheard
Subject: Loss of uniforms
Councillor Sheard referred to a question she had asked at the last meeting of Council around the loss of uniforms during the transition from West Marsh Road depot to Wardentree Lane. An officer had contacted her with some questions around it but she had received no further information on the situation. Could an update be provided? Councillor Tyrrell advised that he had received the same information from the officer and commented that he would ask again if there was a further update.
Question to: Councillor Tyrrell
Question from: Councillor Barnes
Subject: Removal of incidents on Fix My Street
Councillor Barnes commented that he and many of his residents reported incidents of fly tipping on Fix My Street. However, even though the fly tip was usually cleared, the report was not removed from the site after it had been dealt with, giving the impression that it was outstanding. What was the process for removing reports once they had been cleared? Councillor Tyrrell was unable to provide a response at the meeting but would circulate an answer in due course.
Question to: Councillor Tyrrell
Question from: Councillor Alcock
Subject: Bus Station toilets
Councillor Alcock commented that the taps in the public toilets at Spalding Bus Station were inefficient and that their replacement would save the Authority a lot of money. Councillor Tyrrell advised that he would investigate the situation.