Agenda item

To receive questions from members of the public, of which prior notification in writing has been received (no later than noon on the Tuesday prior to the day of the meeting).

In accordance with Procedure Rule 1(3)(e) and the Council’s Public Question Time and Participation at Council and Committee Meetings Scheme, the Leader of the Council referred to six questions from Mr Tom Kelly and one question from Ms Rosalind Murphy of which prior notification had been given.  A copy of the questions and prepared responses from the Leader of the Council were circulated to all Members and those in attendance at the meeting.

Mr Kelly read out his questions.

Question 1

“Given recent statistics, should Govt be asked to 'review' the Planning Appeals System-in particular the relationship of Planning Inspectorate to Developers?”

Response:

Yes, we recognise this concern and are currently seeking to instigate a review on this subject and in particular look to scrutinise some of the recent decisions.

Question 2

“Should Overview and Scrutiny investigate all the background to the Maldon Police Station move, in particular the P&CC statement "no decision has yet been made" but prior to which MDC had already taken steps to accommodate?”

Response:

No, the Council recognised the need to retain a police station in the town and was proactive in working with the police to look at options to relocate the service rather than lose it.  The solution, which was agreed by the Finance and Corporate Services Committee presents a “win win”, retention of accessible local police services within a local community hub and effective utilisation of the Council’s assets.

The Leader of the Council added how the Council had sought to improve its assets of which the Council Offices were one, whilst keeping a Police presence within the Town of Maldon.

Question Three

“Why did MDC request payment from Healthcare Funds to permit patients use of St. Cedds site new parking spaces, as it was Public Money which had funded that Project?”

Response:

Maldon District Council as a guardian of public funds must seek to ensure that best value is achieved in all of its activities, including generating a return on the use of its assets.  Services provided from the Blackwater Medical Practice are provided by a commercial provider, it is not therefore felt to be unreasonable to request a contribution from them to contribute for their customers’ use of car parking space financed from public funds.

Question Four

“Should MDC not ,in view of historical basic underfunding of the local NHS, make representations to Govt?”

Response:

The Council has already expressed its concerns at national level about the historical underfunding per capita paid into the Mid Essex Clinical Commissioning Group. In doing so we have demonstrated that we are sympathetic to their challenge and continue to work together closely with them in the interest of providing good quality accessible services to our residents. 

Question Five

“Would this Council consider being part of a 'Question Time' public on its handling of Local issues?”

Response:

Yes the Council will consider this, subject to consideration of more detailed proposals.

Question Six

“Would members and staff participate in the Community Speedwatch activities?”

Response:

Yes, we believe this Community Speedwatch is a valuable community lead approach to reducing the risks on our roads and we will willingly promote this opportunity to our staff.  The Leader of the Council added that Council staff made their own decisions upon which organisation and activities they chose to support.

Ms Murphy then read out her question.

Question seven

“Bearing in mind the Police and Crime Commissioners’ assertion in the local press ‘M&B Feb 9th 2017’, that the ‘People of Essex’ & also listed in the priorities for Essex in his website, - ‘want a local, visible & accessible Police Force’ –

Is the inaccessible District Council offices, with the narrow & congested exit routes the best positioning for the centre of Policing in this historic & sociable town?  Over 700 people have signed a petition to ‘Save Our Police Station’, because it is so well placed & accessible.

There are fears for the Town, the District & beyond the District.

Thank you for considering this far reaching question from a Town & District feeling extremely vulnerable.  Normally sign a petition.

There are also fears for our Historic High Street.

There is a very strong feeling that we need this visible Police presence.”

Response:

The Police Crime Commissioner (PCC) will be attending the Council Offices on the evening of Monday 27 February to provide his response to the community’s concerns re the relocation of the police station.  The Leader of the Council added how the Council had responded positively and supported residents to keep a Police presence in the District.

Councillor M R Pearlman declared a pecuniary and non-pecuniary interest in relation to the Police Station as he owned property opposite.