Agenda item

The public open forum will commence at 2.00 p.m. and the following formal business of the Council will commence at 2.30 p.m. or whenever the public open forum ends, if earlier.

Question 1 – from Mr S Hewerdine:

I would like to know if, when the accounts are published, the report is going to be written in a succinct and clear manner and not laced with the usual “political jargon”.  For example, in the Grantham Journal dated Friday 22 May 2009, an article makes reference to a payment of £5,052.50 for “specialist legal advice”.  What on earth is this “specialist legal advice” and why should we – the general public – have to be paying for it when the council already has its own legal advisors?

Reply from Councillor Taylor:

Thank you for your question. I would respectfully advise that the annual statement of accounts is produced within a statutory framework and in accordance with the Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting in the United Kingdom – A Statement of Recommended Practice produced by CIPFA,which is the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy, which sets out proper accounting practices required for the Statement of Accounts.

The Council is mindful of the complexity of the statement of accounts and annually produces a summary of accounts publication, which has been externally accredited with a crystal mark for plain English.

In relation to your enquiry regarding the details of specialist legal advice I am informed that you have been provided with a full copy of the response.

Mr S Hewerdine’s supplementary question:

As Resources and Assets portfolio holder, Councillor Mike Taylor, best value is important. Can you please tell me why the position of Chief Executive is being internally advertised and would it not be best to have a wider choice of applicants if advertised nationally, or is the reason being if it stays in house a lower salary would be offered, i.e. saving public money, would then the cabinet have cross panel of Councillors of all political groups on the interview panel make the final decision on the applicants experience so we have a committed Chief Executive who the public would have faith in, so restoring confidence in this administration and have value for money. Thank you.

Councillor Adams:

Before I call on Councillor Taylor I have to say, Mr Hewerdine, that is not a supplementary question as I’m sure you’re well aware it doesn’t relate to the original question in any way, shape or form. I will ask Councillor Taylor if he wishes to respond. If he does not wish to respond he is quite within his legal right.

Reply from Councillor Taylor:

As in line with the Constitution, Mr Chairman, there is no relation to the original question I have got no comment.

Question 2 – from S Hewerdine:

I understand the South Kesteven District Council pay around £21,000 per year to Buckminster Trust for the rights to have a market in Grantham.  Has the Council got any future plans to buy back the rights?  If not, will the Council ask Buckminster – in light of the downturn in trade due to the global recession – to freeze the rent for at least two years in order to encourage more market traders to participate?  I feel that if the cost of having a stall on the market continues to rise then more people will drop out and eventually we will end up without a market.

Reply from Councillor Cartwright:

Thank you for your question.  The Council working with the Market Working Group and the local business community and the Market Traders Federation has considered a range of options to help revitalise the markets across the district. 

The Council is fully aware of the current economic climate and the difficult trading conditions for businesses and traders and is working hard to offer support during this period.  For example the market stall rents have not been increased for the last two years.

The Council has previously made enquiries in respect of the purchase of the Market Rights without success and it is a proposal that may be considered again in the future. The owner of the market rights has agreed to a less than inflation increase for this financial year.

Mr S Hewerdine’s supplementary question:

Basically you have answered my question, has the Council got any plans to send out questionnaires to the market traders in how to encourage trade in Grantham?

Reply from Councillor Cartwright:

We do consult with the market traders all the time as part of normal practice, we’ve sought to minimize costs ourselves by reviewing operating practices and this has included looking at increasing income by providing additional and specialized markets and we do everything we can to encourage the markets.