Agenda item

Minutes:

Councillor Trevor Young had submitted the following question, under Council Procedure Rule No. 9 to the meeting: -

 

1)        Question to Cllr Jeff Summers, Leader of the Council, from Councillor Trevor Young

 

“Could the Leader of the Council explain to the people of the District why it is that this council has not met for one full quarter of the year? By doing so he will also explain to the councillors why this is the case and why it seems un-important for the council to meet in a timely manner and take council for the affairs and wellbeing of the District and its citizens?

 

It is accepted that there are no meetings in August as has long been the case except for the planning committee. But a glance at the Council meeting calendar shows that at least one Full Council was cancelled, supposedly for lack of business and there has been no Full Council Meeting in October.

 

Could it be that the Leader and his administration are just tardy when it comes to meetings thinking that they have a majority and so debate and consideration don’t matter anymore?

 

Or perhaps the Leader and his administration are frightened of that very debate and questions that might arise either as direct questions or through the movement of business through the council.

 

While we accept there is no point in meeting for meeting sake the electorate who vote for us and pay our allowances surely have a right to expect the council to meet as a full council on a regular basis and to debate the policy which the administration want to enact during their tenure of office.

 

Time was when the council will deal with all business and its right that some business is enacted through committees.

 

However, there are times when a policy or change affects the whole district and thus every elected member and the people they serve. This can be seen in the move to charge for green waste for example or the letting of contracts for leisure services provision across the district.

 

The Market Provision is being discussed and worked through and the way markets are provisioned. This is causing some disquiet among the Leaders own members and it could be that bringing these policies and strategies to full council will show the cracks in the administration and allow the people to see where the current control of the council is failing the people who ought to expect more.

 

I invite the Leader therefore to answer the question and respond where in doing so hope that this council will not have a further period of one quarter of a year when it fails to meet.”

 

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Jeff Summers, responded as follows: -

 

“Thank you for your question Councillor Young.

You are correct to say that September’s scheduled full council was cancelled. It was cancelled by the Head of Paid service as there was insufficient business to be conducted to warrant a meeting. This is in accordance with the Head of Paid Services delegations as detailed in Part IV of the constitution.

 

The Council has an effective Scheme of Delegation which allows for a vast majority of decisions to be made at the two Policy Committees, Corporate Policy and Resources and Prosperous Communities Committee. As you know both Committees are politically balanced and give members from all parties the opportunity to debate the decisions made. In addition to the committee membership, all members are welcome to attend both policy committees to listen, learn and with the chairman’s consent, ask questions.  

 

Unnecessary, potentially, poorly attended council meetings where repetitive business formed the agenda would neither enhance the Council’s business nor use our resources efficiently.

 

This Council’s constitution will always inform our decisions, assisted by the need not to waste our resources both human and financial.

 

You mention Tardy. Of the sixteen years I have sat on this Council, representing everyone in the district I can assure all, we now operate a system of fourth option governance (where all members are involved as much as they want to be) which allows all members to be part of the decision making process.

 

The political make up of our council is determined by our electorate, every four years!

 

I am so pleased you mentioned green waste in your question. The changes were consulted upon, a decision to charge was made, Why? (Because we felt it unfair for non-users of the service to pay, many of them residents in your own ward) the consultation resulting in a resounding yes from residents by significantly subscribing to our valued service, way above expectations.

 

Whereever possible our council will provide equitable physical, financial and social solutions for the future.

 

Another very important point you raise is Gainsborough markets.  We held a workshop on this subject only the other evening, at which you were present. There are many issues around markets and high street trading. First and foremost a stall holder / high street shop must provide what the customer is looking for, at a competitive price. Commercial strain is not a new phenomenon.

 

With the introduction of out of town retail parks, supermarkets, designer outlets and more importantly, internet sales and next day delivery. We cannot shoulder this pressure alone. You as a market trader must be well aware of the issues.

 

By the way have you declared an interest?

 

Thank you.”

 

Having heard the response, Councillor Young requested opportunity to pose a supplementary question.

 

The Chairman, using her discretion as granted by the Constitution, declined the request.

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