Agenda item

Report to follow.

 

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 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 Meetings.

 

Cabinet had not met since the previous Full Council meeting in July.

 

Councillor Kearon asked the Leader what ‘actions’ had taken place in respect of the Ryecroft and whether the town ward Councillors’ had been consulted?

 

The Leader, Councillor Simon Tagg stated that discussions had taken place and a full report would be given later in the meeting.

 

Grot Spot – Fly Tipping Removal. 

 

Councillor John Cooper stated that this was an excellent idea which had his full support.

 

Councillor Julie Cooper welcomed the roll out of this and stated that the number of complaints that she had been receiving in respect of fly tipping had reduced.

 

Councillor Robinson asked the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Recycling, Councillor Trevor Johnson if the ‘clean- up activities’ would work alongside Communities to clean up?

 

Councillor Johnson stated that there were no plans at present to involve the community but that the scheme had been trialled in May Bank, Newcastle and Wolstanton and had had no recurrence of fly tipping in the areas that had been cleared.  Sites that had been cleared had a sign put up stating that any evidence found on such sites would be pursued and the offender would be prosecuted.

 

Councillor Simon Tagg said that this was a good move forward and that it complimented other activities that were going on.  Councillor Tagg noted and welcomed that Parish Council’s and community Groups would like to get involved and would develop the scheme in the future.

 

In Bloom and Champion of Champion’s Finals.

 

Members congratulated staff on the work that had been done – especially through the very hot and dry summer.

 

Councillor Robinson asked the Leader who would be attending the ceremony which would be held in Belfast later in the year.

 

Councillor Simon Tagg Thanked officers and communities around the Borough for their hard work and stated that this was good for the Borough.  In respect of the visit to Belfast, the Leader and Mayor would be attending this year, accompanied by a couple of staff members.  The Leader informed Members that he was paying for his own flight to Belfast and stated that he hoped that the Borough did well at the awards.

 

Modern Slavery Charter.

 

Councillor Kearon reminded the Leader that there was an ‘appetite’ from the Labour Group to take an active part in this.

 

The Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Councillor Holland stated that, as per the Motion,  a report would be taken to the appropriate Scrutiny Committee and that the process would get underway as soon as possible.

 

Heatwave.

 

Members expressed their thanks to staff who had had to work outside, in very hard working conditions.

 

The Leader echoed Members’ comments, stating that he had sympathy for all who had to wear protective clothing as a requirement of their job.  Councillor Tagg asked all Executive Directors to pass on thanks to all staff in this respect.

 

A new deal between Newcastle Borough Council and Staffordshire County Council.

 

Councillor Maxfield said that it was good to see the two Authorities working together and requested more details.

 

Councillor Shenton asked what was happening in respect of the Ryecroft and hoped that the site would be a priority for the new deal.   Councillor Robinson asked for assurance in respect of discussion with the County Council.

 

Councillor Simon Tagg confirmed that meetings had been taking place and that the Borough had a good relationship with the County Council.  In addition, Kidsgrove was at the centre of the strategic alliance.

 

Councillor Kearon stated that he was pleased to hear about collaboration where I was in the best interest of the residents.  Councillor Kearon asked if there had been any discussions about Newcastle merging with other Councils?

 

Councillor Simon Tagg stated that he had spoken with Philip Atkins and there was no interest in any merging of Authorities as this would result in a ‘North Staffordshire Authority’.  Mr Atkins wanted districts and the county to work better and would bring proposals forward on where savings could be made.

 

Councillor Horsfall asked if the impact of domestic violence had been discussed?

 

The Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing, Mrs Jill Waring was involved with this, along with the Police and Crime Commissioner.

 

Councillor Brian Johnson referred to ‘potential investment in Knutton’ and asked for assurance that any new deal would be fully consulted.  Councillor Johnson was advised to speak with the Executive Director for Regeneration and Development, Mr Neale Clifton to get a fuller picture.

 

Councillor Moffatt asked if any discussions had taken place with the County council in respect of Universal Credit.  The Leader stated that the Portfolio Holder for finance and Efficiency would speak on this later in the meeting.  Members were advised that Council staff would receive training for this.

 

Constitution and Member Support Working Group

 

Councillor Shenton welcomed that the Group had now met and that the meeting had been very productive. Councillor Shenton asked if a date could be given when a draft constitution would be completed.

 

Councillor Holland, the Chair of the Working Group, assured members that work would take place over the next few months to assess how the ‘new’ (fewer Councillors) Council was functioning and that all Members would be asked to complete a questionnaire.

 

Guildhall

 

Councillor Gary White commented on the maintenance of this important building, stating that there was graffiti and a window boarded up plus weeds growing and pigeon droppings.  He asked if a regular inspection could be made to ensure that the building did not fall into disrepair.

 

Councillor Kearon echoed Councillor White’s comments stating that it was a symbol of Newcastle – used in many badges and logos.  Councillor Kearon said that it was really important that it was not abandoned and that it not be empty for long.  He suggested that a cross party group be formed and to work with the Friends of the Guildhall to ensure that it was back in use quickly.

 

The Leader stated that the graffiti had now been dealt with but that the boarded window could not simply be replaced as the Guildhall is a Listed Building and would.  It would be dealt with in due course.   Work would soon begin to remove the weeds and the mess left by pigeons.  Work was also required by the County Council on the trees next to the building which were causing ‘greening’ of the masonry.

 

Meetings on its future use were still being held and this would be dealt with by the Cabinet and referring to the relevant Scrutiny Committee.

 

Forward Plan

 

There were no questions from Members.