Agenda item

A 45-minute period in which members may ask questions of the Leader, Cabinet Members, the Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen of the Overview and Scrutiny Committees and opposition group leaders excluding the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Development Management Committee, Licensing and Alcohol, Entertainment and Late Night Refreshment Licensing Committees and Governance and Audit Committee.

Report number LDS289 of the Deputy Leader of the Council.     (Enclosure)

Report number LDS289 provided for Members’ information, a response to a question that had previously been asked by Councillor Selby regarding the disposal of abandoned bicycles.

Question 1

Councillor Dilks referred to an application that had recently been considered by the Development Management Committee that related to a Member of the Council. The report made to the Committee stated that the development works carried out did not conform with the permission that had previously been granted. He asked the Leader about standards of conduct and the potential for the public interpretation of the incident to be construed as a Member of the Council receiving favourable treatment. Councillor Dilks asked whether the Leader would invite the Member to attend the next meeting to make an apology to officers, Members and residents.

The Leader stated that he believed all Members had a duty to preserve the highest standards of conduct. He added that he would discuss the matter with the Chief Executive and the Solicitor to the Council and then with the Member concerned.

A Member who sat on the Development Management Committee spoke about the Committee’s decision and how it had done its best to put matters right.

Question 2

Councillor Ray Wootten referred to the Cabinet meeting held on 10 May 2018, when he had asked the Leader whether he would be prepared to sign a joint letter to United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust and South West Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group regarding services at Grantham hospital, including the accident and emergency department, with the Leader of Lincolnshire County Council. The Leader had agreed to co-sign the letter. Councillor Wootten asked whether this letter had been sent.

The Leader stated that the letter was in the final stages of drafting, and liaison was underway with the Leader of Lincolnshire County Council to try and arrange an opportunity for the letter to be signed that would help generate further media attention. It was suggested that it may be helpful if Councillor Wootten had input into the final drafting of the letter. 

Question 3

Councillor Wood expressed his thanks to the Cabinet Member for Environment for his support tackling lorry parking in Long Bennington, noting particularly his liaison with Lincolnshire County Council.

Question 4

Councillor Forman referred to the difficulties experienced by young people with learning difficulties and disabilities in entering the workplace. She stated that a recognised way of facilitating this was providing supported internships. She asked whether the Council currently had any supported internships or whether there were plans to offer any such placements.

The Deputy Leader stated that he was not aware that the Council had any supported internships at the present time but said it was something that he was happy to discuss further. He added that more work was also planned to strengthen apprenticeships.

Question 5

Councillor Selby asked whether Members who decided not to re-stand for election or who were not re-elected could buy their iPads.

The Deputy Leader stated that following the last election, some Members had chosen to buy their laptops and indicated that he would be happy to arrange for Members to purchase their iPads and stated that he would develop a charging mechanism.