Agenda item

To receive a statement by the Leader of the Council on the activities and decisions of Cabinet and items included on the Forward Plan.

The Leader submitted a report which provided an update to Members on the activities and decisions of the Cabinet together with the Forward Plan.

Councillor Robinson enquired about the start time of 2pm for future Cabinet meetings as some people may have difficulty attending if they were at work.

The Leader confirmed that the change had been made to reduce costs but if any big issues were to be discussed the meeting would be moved to the evening to accommodate people.

The Leader was asked for an update on the elections and stated that meetings were taking place with other Authorities to ensure full support for the May elections.  It was hoped that Newcastle would have its own elections staff in place by May who would then take full control following the elections. 

Members were informed that out of date software was being used so the Council would move towards new software and gain the relevant training.  This matter would be a regular item at informal Cabinet meetings.

Councillor Paul Waring asked the Leader about the timescales for the Joint Local Plan Preferred Options.   

The consultation had ended on 22 August, 2017  and results would be known later in the year.

Councillor Fear asked the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Resources for an update on the overspend of £102,000 at 30 November, 2017.

Councillor Sweeney stated that factors such as people parking on supermarket car parks and walking into town had had an impact and that the waste saving would also have an impact.

Certain posts which had not been filled and had now been taken out of the establishment would also go towards the overspend.

Councillor Hambleton asked about the position of Castle House and the Ryecroft development.

The Leader advised Members that, following the email sent in January to staff and Members regarding the rear fascia, the sub-contractor would have to source new panelling.

With regard to the Ryecroft development, HDD want possession of the Civic Offices by the end of May.  If Castle House was not ready by then, staff may need to work from the other locations which have been outlined for agile working.

Councillor Beech enquired about the problems encountered with bin collections over the Christmas period and whether a plan had been put in place.

The Leader stated that the inclement weather over the Christmas period had impacted upon collections.  However, regarding collections in general these would be reviewed and improved upon.

Members were advised that a Cabinet Panel had been set up to look at waste and recycling.  Councillor Naylon stated that some work on this before Christmas and was assured that the information gained from that piece of work would be taken into account by the Cabinet Panel.

Councillor Olszewski asked a question regarding the travellers on Wolstanton Marsh and how many residents around the Marsh had been consulted.

The Leader stated that hundreds of letters had been sent out and that a public meeting had been held.

With regard to the cost of the project to put bollards around the Marsh, there was funding in place and residents had also pledged money towards it.

Councillor Dymond asked about the current position regarding Kidsgrove Sports Centre.

The Leader confirmed that a  business case had been received and was currently with officers. The Council would work with the resident group and the County Council was also heavily involved.

Members were advised that there was a meeting being held on 30 January, 2018.