Agenda item

STATEMENT OF THE LEADER OF THE COUNCIL

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

Minutes:

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

 

Members asked the following questions on the Leader’s Statement:

 

Cabinet 6 June, 2018

 

Councillor Shenton asked why an increase in sickness figures had not been reported to the Employment Committee.  Also the question was asked why this committee had not, as yet, met and what meetings had taken place with the Trade Unions?

 

The Leader stated that the Employment Committee had met on a number of occasions to discuss disciplinary issues.  A meeting had also taken place with the Trade Unions.  Members were also advised that officers were currently working on the Sickness Policy.

 

Councillor Kearon welcomed the constant revisiting of the Anti-Social Behaviour Policy and asked the Leader or Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Wellbeing if they were convinced that resources were available to carry out this Policy.  The Portfolio Holder, Councillor Jill Waring stated that she would respond, in writing to Councillor Kearon.     

 

 

Castle House

 

Councillor Sweeney thanked officers for the manner in which the move to the new premises had been carried out.  He also thanked Geoff Durham and David Elkington for their work in preparing for this evening’s meeting whilst in the process of moving across from the Civic Offices.

 

Councillor Kearon said that he would welcome the opportunity for Members to feed back on any issues encountered in the near future and suggested that a few feedback sessions be arranged to discuss any that arose.

 

The Leader thanked all officers for their assistance during the move across, in particular Neale Clifton, Kelvin Turner and Geoff Durham.

 

The Leader stated that accommodation needed to be found for a Member’s room.  Councillor Tagg welcomed feedback to himself or to officers.  

 

Guildhall

 

Councillor Panter enquired whether there were any short term plans for the Guildhall?  

 

Councillor Kearon stated that the ‘Friends of the Guildhall’ welcomed the Council’s engagement and asked whether the wider community would be consulted on its future use?  Councillor Kearon further stated that the Mayoralty could play a larger role in the future of the Guildhall.

 

The Leader stated that he did not want to see the building boarded up nor for it to fall into disrepair and pledged to continue working with the ‘Friends of the Guildhall’.

 

A meeting was being held next week to discuss the building’s future use.  Any proposals would be taken to Cabinet and the relevant Scrutiny Committee and the public would also be asked their views.

 

The future of the Guildhall would be reported back to future meetings.

 

Traveller Incursions   

 

Councillor Fear welcomed this report and thanked the Police for their work in this matter.  Councillor Fear asked the Leader if  the Local MP had been approached.  The Leader stated that he had had a response and that legislation was coming forward.

 

Councillor Kearon and other Members thanked officers for their professionalism in dealing with this and congratulated Dave Adams’ team for their work. 

 

Cabinet 18 July, 2018

 

Councillor Burnett was pleased to see the progress in respect of Kidsgrove Leisure Centre.  The Leader stated that it was now reaching the stage  where a Business Case could be agreed with the County Council.  The leader thanked Rob Foster, John Tradewell and officers from Staffordshire County Council for their work.

 

Councillor Maxfield asked The Portfolio Holder for Planning and Growth how  he felt that the changes to the Mandatory Houses in Multiple Occupation Licensing commencing from 1 October would benefit residents of the Borough?  Councillor Northcott stated that the charging for licenses had been successful.  The changes would free up staff to investigate matters and would bring in revenue to the Council.

 

 

Resolved:     That the Leader’s Statement be received and noted.    

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