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 Planning Committee, Licensing and Alcohol, Entertainment and Late Night Refreshment Licensing Committees and Governance and Audit Committee.

Question 1 – Councillor Ray Wootten to The Leader of the Council

Councillor Wootten noted that in 2014 Council agreed a motion to call upon United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust (ULHT) to liaise with Grantham councillors on the future of the old Grantham Hospital.  Now that the building was up for sale and would potentially be demolished would the Leader of the Council write to Simon Evans, Chief Operating Officer ULHT calling on Grantham Councillors and local residents before any decision is taken.

The Leader of the Council advised that on 26 February 2021 he had met with both Simon Evans and Paul Matthew, Director of Finance ULHT and Gareth Davies MP to discuss the future of the site.  It had been disused since 2006, as the building became too costly to maintain, with the provision of health care services being the top priority of the Trust.  In the meeting ULHT had agreed to the request to look at all options available and to look at alternative paths other than demolishing the historic building.  They agreed to engage with local councillors and local community representatives.  The Leader noted that he was happy to follow up with further correspondence, to re-iterate the interest of South Kesteven councillors and for them to be involved in the discussion on the future of the building.

Question 2 – Councillor Ian Selby to The Leader of the Council

Councillor Ian Selby asked that Members of the Council join him in providing thanks to South Kesteven employee, Ian Yates for his years of service to the Council and Community.  Ian Yates had retired after many years of service and Councillor Selby wished him all the best for his retirement.

The Leader thanked Councillor Selby for the question, he noted that Ian Yates was one of the first Officers he had met when he first joined as a Councillor.  Ian would be helping support the Council in a consultative capacity and warm wishes were given for a happy and healthy retirement.

Question 3 – Councillor Jan Hansen to The Leader of the Council

Councillor Jan Hansen enquired about an incident that took place in his ward approximately 18 months ago, after a Parish Council meeting. A subsequent investigation had taken place, by a firm of lawyers.  Councillor Hansen wished to know how he could be provided with information relating to the outcome of that investigation, so that he could inform residents. He was concerned about the supply of information to elected representatives.

The Leader of the Council advised that he was aware of the incident and requested that the Monitoring Officer contact Councillor Hansen, to discuss the matter.

Question 4 – Councillor Lee Steptoe to the Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning

Could re-assurances be provided that all residents of the Riverside flats now had fully operational heating and hot water.

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning advised that there were still 6 flats outstanding and was due to the lack of consent from the occupants, this had also happened when radiator servicing had been undertaken.  Residents had been provided with a credit to their accounts in lieu of the issues with heating and hot water.

Question 5 - Councillor Paul Wood to The Leader of the Council

Councillor Paul Wood enquired about the proposed Scrutiny Review, he had received some information on its progress, but requested a further update and when it was due to start.

The Leader of the Council advised that the Chief Executive had shared the Scrutiny proposals with Group Leaders, in support of a proposed June commencement. The Chief Executive had met with the Centre for Governance and Public Scrutiny, to confirm the scope and timeline. The review would include, scrutiny committees’ terms of reference, work programmes, observation of various scrutiny committees and a programme of engagement for all involved in Scrutiny.  A further response was to be provided on those details.

Question 6 - Councillor Helen Crawford to the Cabinet Member for Culture and Visitor Economy

Councillor Crawford noted that it was great to see that some of the Carbon Reduction Grant was going towards the Bourne Corn Exchange.  The Cabinet Member for Culture and Visitor Economy was asked what the status of the refurbishment of Bourne Corn Exchange was and when it was anticipated that it would be opened.

The Cabinet Member for Culture and Visitor Economy advised that all Arts Centre openings were being looked at, ready for when the restrictions of the pandemic were lifted. The refurbishment was well underway, a lot had been achieved during the closure of the building. Details were provided on the status of the improvements and changes that had been undertaken so far.  Thanks were given to Ian Bland (House Manager) and his Team, for their hard work in the achievements made so far.

Question 7 - Councillor Mike Exton to the Leader of the Council

Councillor Exton noted concerns that had been raised at the previous full Council meeting regarding the viability of St Mary’s Practice as a vaccination centre. Some members of the public were concerned about its organisation.

The Leader of the Council had visited St. Mary’s Medical Centre and was pleased to report that the organisation of the Vaccination Centre was efficient and very safe. Members of the public had praised the running of the centre. 

The Leader gave thanks to all members of the NHS and volunteers who were involved in both St Mary’s Practice and The Mere’s Leisure Centre, Vaccination Centres.

Question 8 – Councillor Harrish Bisnauthsing to The Cabinet Member for Culture and Visitor Economy

Councillor Bisnauthsing enquired if the lift for disabled access had been installed in the Stamford Arts Centre.

The Cabinet Member for Culture and Visitor Economy advised that all access issues were currently being considered.

Question 9 – Councillor Sue Woolley to The Leader of the Council

Councillor Woolley was concerned about reports that suggested some local authorities would be charging a fee for temporary structure applications, when pubs, restaurants etc. were permitted to re-open, after the current lockdown restrictions were lifted. The hospitality sector was already under immense strain and that would be a further unnecessary restriction.  It was questioned if it was South Kesteven’s intention to impose the unnecessary restrictions.

The Leader of the Council agreed that the hospitality sector had been hit very hard by the pandemic and its restrictions.  South Kesteven District Council would continue to support its businesses and no restrictions or fees would be imposed, relating to any temporary structures.

Question 10 - Councillor Ashley Baxter to The Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning

Councillor Baxter queried if the take up of disabled facilities grants had improved on previous years, if not was this due to lack of need or if residents were not aware of the availability of such grants.

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning advised that there were concerns about the grants and their needs.  An outturn report had been provided on Q3, the report showed an underspend of £200,000, however an extra £119,000 had been provided to the Council, therefore this showed a good position, individual requirements were also a factor in the spend.

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning was pleased to report that it took 3 weeks from the receipt of a request to add a stair lift, unfortunately longer for a wet room and construction work.  These grants were awarded to private accommodation. It was also noted that in addition to this, Council owned accommodation had £890,000 spent on them.