Minutes:
Question from: Question to: Subject:
Councillor Alcock Councillor Worth Emergency Planning
Councillor Alcock referred to recent questions without notice regarding Emergency Planning and asked whether the Portfolio Holder would agree that it would be appropriate for scrutiny to include in its work programme a piece of work looking at the preparedness to cope with a major incident such as a pandemic, extremes of temperature or flooding. Councillor Alcock wished it to be clear that by suggesting this work be undertaken he was not criticisng any particular agency.
Councillor Worth replied that he agreed that it would be appropriate for the Performance Monitoring Panel to carry out scrutiny of the Emergency Plan. The plan had been tested in reality by the flooding prior to Christmas, and was tested regularly by scenarios. Emergency Planning Officers held regular feedback sessions and he was sure that they would co-operate with any scrutiny examination.
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Councillor MD Booth Councillor Gambba-Jones Gas Power Station
Councillor Booth asked whether a second gas power station planning application in Sutton Bridge had been received by the Council.
Councillor Gambba-Jones replied that a weekly list was produced of planning applications received by the Council and that he had not seen an application for a gas power station in Sutton Bridge. Sometimes prospective applicants had discussions with Planning Officers prior to submitting an application and the Planning Officers would be able to advise on this.
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Councillor Biggadike Councillor Worth Press Coverage
Councillor Biggadike referred to a recent press article in the Spalding Guardian that had used an altered image from the Council’s ‘South Holland Now’ magazine and asked whether it had received permission to use the image and whether an apology should be requested.
Councillor Worth replied that sometimes the press supported the Council and other times it did not. He noted the Councillors comments but would not be taking any further action.
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Councillor Brewis Councillor Chandler Taxis
Councillor Brewis asked why South Holland and Breckland had different rules relating to the construction and use of Hackney Carriages and private hire vehicles. Extra costs were needed to be incurred by license applicants. Were applicants informed that they can appeal ?
Councillor Chandler replied that South Holland was fortunate to have a vehicle fleet of Hackney Carriages and Private Hire Vehicles which operated to the highest standards of safety and comfort for fare paying passengers.
The standards were in place from legislation from the EU and UK regulations incorporation legal requirements and best practice considerations. Conditions cover both the licensing of operators/drivers and vehicles used. Covering such aspects as, age of vehicle, road worthiness, condition of exterior and interior the ability of passengers to escape or alight from the vehicle with safety in an emergency situation, The safe accommodation of passenger luggage for the number of passengers carried bringing together the primary objective of community safety and the safety and comfort of passengers and other road users.
There were several classifications of vehicle, mainly Hackney Carriages or taxis, Private Hire Vehicles which must be pre-booked, stretched limousines and executive quality vehicles. All of which are subject to conditions relating to their type. The policy was available on the Council’s website and the licensing team were available to provide help and guidance. All passengers who may wish to make a complaint should contact the licensing team on licensing@sholland.gov.ukThe residents of South Holland may have confidence that SHDC takes seriously it’s responsibility for safety in the community and as far as is practically possible strives to ensure that vehicle operators and vehicles used are of the highest standards which can be expected from the service with the licensed vehicles undergoing an annual inspection from qualified and trained engineers.
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Councillor Seymour Councillor Chandler Scrap Metal Merchants
Councillor Seymour asked how many scrap metal licenses had been issued under the new requirements ?
Councillor Chandler replied that there were two types of license, one for static dealers and a mobile license for dealers that collected vehicles. He would check the exact number and circulate this information to Councillors.
Following the meeting, Members were informed that as of 27 February 2014, 4 dealers licenses, and 9 collectors licenses had been issued.
Question from: Question to: Subject:
Councillor Brewis Councillor Worth Raves
Councillor Brewis reported that illegal raves were a serious problem and asked who Councillors should contact if a rave was planned or taking place.
Councillor Worth replied that the Community Development Team Leader was the officer with responsibility for this issue. Inspector Tyner would be the contact at the Police.