Agenda item

Question 1:

 

Councillor Olszewski asked the Leader, in his opinion,  what adverse impact a no-deal Brexit would have on the citizens of Newcastle-under-Lyme.

 

The Leader stated that his opinion was nor relevant.  However, it is the opinion of experts such as the operators of Calais and Dover ports and the Euro Tunnel that there will be no problem with keeping the ports open.  This Council is leading the Brexit preparations in the Borough with the Head of Communications, Phil Jones as Lead Officer and Councillor Sweeney as Lead Member.

 

No problems were anticipated.  The Council was working closely with partners such as the Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce in the event of a no-deal.  There was a page on the Council’s website offering advice.

 

Councillor Olszewski asked the Leader if he agreed with the Prime Minister, leaving the European Union at the end of October – even if it meant breaking the law.

 

The Leader stated that it was the Prime Minister’s decision to make.  There had been a lot of scaremongering about a no-deal Brexit and there were far worse things that could befall the Country such as a Corbyn government.

 

 

Question 2:

 

Councillor Parker asked the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Efficiency to confirm if the Audit of the Council’s accounts had been completed.

 

Councillor Sweeney confirmed that this had been done.

 

 

Question 3:

 

Councillor Fear asked The Portfolio Holder for Finance and Efficiency how the Council was spending the money provided by the Government to prepare for Brexit on 31 October.

 

Councillor Sweeney advised that £17,400 had been used to fund Brexit workshops and these had proved very successful.

 

In addition, a joint social media project was being aimed at EU nationals advising of their position post Brexit. 

 

Funds would continue to be monitored on how to put them to their best use.

 

Councillor Fear asked Councillor Sweeney to write to the government asking them to declare Brexit Day a Bank Holiday.

 

Councillor Sweeney agreed to do that.

 

 

Question 4:

 

Councillor Wright asked the Leader if any help could be given to the Cultural Squatters Café for Merrial Street who had been asked to vacate the premises by the landlord.

 

The Leader stated that he had been made aware of this two days ago  and discussions had taken place as to what could be done. Some of the smaller vacant units owned by the Council may be suitable for a transitional period.  The situation would be closely monitored so that they were not lost from the town centre.

 

Councillor Wright asked if there was anything that the Council could do to prevent private landlords giving short notice to vacate premises.

 

The Leader would raise this with the Council’s Housing Team.

 

 

Question 5:

 

Councillor Robinson asked the Leader if Locality Action Partnership’s (LAP’s) would be sustainable without the administrative support of the Council.

 

The Leader advised that the LAP’s knew that the Council’s Locality Action Partnerships Coordinator, Irene Lee was retiring and that she would not be replaced.  The Council wanted to support LAP’s in a different way.  They would be shadowed by a member of the Strategic team.  The LAP’s would be advised who their support officer would be.    LAP’s had their own bank account and Constitution.  Support Staffordshire could be asked to give advice to LAP’s

 

Councillor Robinson stated that the LAP’s had achieved a great deal but felt that without administrative support, some would struggle.

 

Councillor Robinson praised Irene Lee for the work that she had done with the LAP’s.

 

The Leader joined Councillor Robinson in praising Irene.

 

 

Question 6:

 

Councillor Robinson asked the Leader if any plans to distribute the Town Centre Fund in Kidsgrove would be distributed fairly.

 

The Leader stated that the publication of the prospectus was awaited and a meeting would be held with a government official shortly, which would hopefully set out the criteria for how the money could be spent. 

 

The Leader would keep Members up to date on the progress.

 

Councillor Robinson asked that all Councillors be involved and that residents and community groups be given their say on how monies would be spent.

 

 

Question 7:

 

Councillor Northcott asked that thanks be placed on record to the former Head of Planning, Guy Benson who had recently retired.

 

Members acknowledged the work that he had done over the years and stated that he would be a hard act to follow   He had provided valuable advice in an honest and forthright manner and had been hardworking throughout.

 

Members wished him all the best for the future.

 

The Mayor stated that he would personally send a letter to Mr Benson, on behalf of Members, expressing their thanks.

 

A round of applause was given for Mr Benson.