- From Members of the Public
- From Councillors
Minutes:
Please note that a full record of the questions and responses is available on the recording of the meeting at Council meeting 21 March 2024 - YouTube. Time codes for each question will be provided before the wording of the question.
QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
The following questions were asked by members of the public:
0:11:30
“A petition was raised for a walking track in Rushey Fields Park in 2014. So far, the Council has failed to provide it, why?”
Deputy City Mayor Cllr Cutkelvin provided a response to this question.
2. Mr Sharma
0:11:45
“When will the Council provide the walking track in Rushey Fields Park?”
Deputy City Mayor Cllr Cutkelvin provided a response to this question and to Mr Sharma’s supplemental question.
3. Mr Sharma
0:08:37
“A petition signed by 675 residents was raised almost 12 years ago regarding a CCTV camera at the junction of Gipsy Lane and Harrison Road. Why has the CCTV camera not been installed so far?”
Deputy City Mayor Cllr Russell provided a response to this question.
4. Mr Sharma
00:15:25
“When will the Council install the CCTV camera, due to increased crime in the area, and public safety?”
Deputy City Mayor Cllr Russell provided a response to this question and to Mr Sharma’s supplemental question.
QUESTIONS FROM COUNCILLORS
1. Cllr Mohammed
0:50:00
'3 months after the double attempted murder shooting on Evington Rd there now has been another violent attempted murder crime. Local residents feel their neighbourhood has been taken over by a late-night vampire economy, which is sucking the family life out of their neighbourhood. There are numerous planning and licensing breaches by businesses in the area which adds further pain to the numerous grievances of our local residents. ?
When can local families expect some real impactful action from the local authority.'
Deputy City Mayor Cllr Cutkelvin provided a response to this question.
2. Cllr Batool
0:53:15
“Research by the UCL Institute of Health Equity has found that a million people in England would have lived longer if they had experienced the same death rates as the wealthiest 10% of the country. It means, poverty and inequality is precisely shortening people’s lives. Can the portfolio holder outline the Initiatives Local Authority is taking to address the health inequalities in response to these shocking statistics?”
Deputy City Mayor Cllr Russell provided a response to this question.
3. Cllr Batool
0:57:10
“Can the Portfolio holder please advise how many Leicester families (with children and young people in Full Time Education) are currently living in temporary accommodation?”
Deputy City Mayor Cllr Cutkelvin provided a response to this question and to Councillor Batool’s supplemental question.
4. Cllr Batool
0:59:57
“Can the Portfolio holder please provide the information related to the vulnerable people placements (victims of domestic abuse or any other particular needs) that how many vulnerable people have been placed in Leicester rented accommodation by other local authorities and how many Leicester residents sent to other local authorities in the last 2 years?”
Deputy City Mayor Cllr Russell provided a response to this question and Councillor Batool’s supplemental question.
5. Cllr Haq
1:01:55
“How much has been spent on Cycle lanes in the past 4 years? And what amount of that money was ring-fenced ?”
City Mayor provided a response to this question and to Councillor Haq’s supplemental question.
Varying Order of Business Questions and Adjournment - Questions from Councillors were taken after item 8b to allow Councillors observing Ramadan to break fast and prayers.
6. Cllr Haq
2:19:31
“How much money has?been spent on flood risk management?? ?and what is the future spending plans to protect residents from flooding across the city?”
Deputy City Mayor Cllr Russell provided a response to this question and to Councillor Haq’s supplemental question.
7. Cllr Haq
2:22:42
“Residents across the city are struggling with access to GP appointments, Ambulance delays and long A and E waits what is the council doing about this?”
Deputy City Mayor Cllr Russell provided a response to this question and Councillor Haq’s supplemental question.
8. Cllr Haq
2:24:50
“There are lots of new businesses investing in the city centre and then closing very quickly, is there any plans to improve parking and reducing Antisocial behaviour in the city centre?”
City Mayor provided a response to this question and a response to Councillor Haq’s supplemental question.
9. Cllr Haq
2:29:10
“When were the Hospital Close houses purchased and for how much?”
Deputy City Mayor Cllr Cutkelvin provided a response to this question and a response to Councillor Haq’s supplemental question.
10. Cllr Kennedy-Lount
2:30.33
“I have asked this question by email in recent months on two occasions without a reply. Can the City Council advise this evening if they have paid any subsidy for the service 87 bus service in the last year?”
City Mayor provided a response to this question.
11. Cllr Kennedy-Lount
2.32.00
“In the Investment Strategy Report for 2024/25 for the last Council meeting I read the council made a loan to Leicestershire County Cricket Club which is guaranteed. However, are the loans from the Council to the Ethically Sourced Products Limited, the Leicester Hockey Club and Leicester Community Sports Arena guaranteed, if so by how much?”
City Mayor provided a response to this question and to Councillor Kennedy-Lount’s supplemental question.
12. Cllr Kennedy-Lount
2:33:30
“The City Council plans to spend £195,000 of taxpayers money in 2024-25 on the Heritage Panels. Considering the recent flooding in Leicester, does the Council agree with me that an additional £195,000 on flood prevention would be of much better use of limited public money rather than heritage signs?”
City Mayor provided a response to this question.
13. Cllr Kennedy-Lount
2:36:30
“Braunstone Leisure Centres main pool has been out of action for several months. Health and fitness are key components to a person's well-being. Since the temporary closure of the pool have we seen an increase in use at other Council run facilities such as Aylestone and New Parks?”
Deputy City Mayor Cllr Dempster provided a response to this question.
14. Cllr Westley
2:38:20
“How many houses has been built in Ashton Green field since project started and by when can we expect remaining houses to be build and complete the project?”
Deputy City Mayor Cllr Cutkelvin provided a response to this question.
15. Cllr Chauhan
2:39:33
“How many unused or unoccupied council house in city at present?”
Deputy City Mayor Cllr Cutkelvin provided a response to this question and to Councillor Chauhan’s supplemental question.
16. Cllr Chauhan
2:42:00
“What is current process of claiming housing benefits?”
Deputy City Mayor Cllr Russell provided a response to this question and to Councillor Chauhan’s supplemental question.
17. Cllr Chauhan
2:43:20
“Are Wolverhampton taxi plate holder allow to bid for school run ?”
Assistant City Mayor Cllr Dempster provided a response to this question.
18. Cllr Chauhan
2:44:34
“What was the reason for flood in the city and particularly in Ross Walk in Belgrave?”
Deputy City Mayor Cllr Russell provided a response to this question and to Councillor Chauhan’s supplemental question.
19. Cllr Agath
2:46:48
“Abbey Lane bus lane scheme was rejected by majority of the residents in the council survey. Council did another round of survey which was equally rejected as people haven't changed their minds. Can the Council now clearly confirm that the scheme has been cancelled?”
City Mayor provided a response to this question and to Councillor Agath’s supplemental question.
20. Cllr Agath
2:49:10
“After recent floods due to storm Henk the government announced funds to support the residents. How much of that funding has been allocated to Leicester and how much has been claimed by the residents of Abbey ward which was most affected?”
Deputy City Mayor Cllr Russell provided a response to this question and to Councillor Agath’s supplemental question.
21. Cllr Modhwadia
2:51.17
“We want to ask the council that there are so many businesses, and their premises are empty, so why is the council not giving permission or working to convert these premises into houses or apartments?”
Deputy City Mayor Cllr Cutkelvin provided a response to this question.
22. Cllr Modhwadia
2:53:02
“There are some City Council buildings that can be used into community centres or into houses. If council don't want to develop them is council thinking or selling these properties?”
City Mayor provided a response to this question and Councillor Modwhadia’s supplemental question.
23. Cllr Modhwadia
2:55.40
“The council must have approved some projects recently to convert into houses or apartments, can these lists be shared with us?”
Deputy City Mayor Cllr Cutkelvin provided a response to this question and Councillor Modwhadia’s supplemental question.
24. Cllr Modhwadia
2:57:35
“Can City Mayor kindly give us an idea on his future projects that may attract new jobs? We want to know as what is Sir Peter Soulsby doing to address the unemployment issues? Are there any plans to attract new businesses?”
City Mayor provided a response to this question.
25. Cllr Modhwadia
2:58:55
“Government grant of £830000, fix damage to stretches of the A4560 Narborough road and A607 Melton Road. Is it funding been received or not??”
City Mayor provided a response to this question.
26. Cllr Joannou
3:01:30
“My question for council. You say we have no money. However, all over the city there is illegal parking and outrageous antics on our roads, especially outside schools, putting children at risk. Scotland has passed a law to stop parking on pavements. If we employed more parking attendants we could generate a significant pot of money. You may say that we cannot afford more parking attendants and my response is they will generate enough to pay for them and make money for the council .?”
City Mayor provided a response to this question and Councillor Joannou’s supplemental question.
27. Cllr Rae Bhatia
3:05:20
“Recent council tax bills for 2024-25 state that the Adult Social Care Precept increase is by 2%. But when calculated the increase actually ranges between 11-15% depending on band of the property. Can the City Mayor explain the reasons for this discrepancy?”
City Mayor provided a response to this question and Councillor Rae Bhatia’s supplemental question.
28. Cllr Rae Bhatia
3:07:45
“Has the city council employed an external legal team to support its case on the Local Plan that goes before the government inspector in coming months? If yes, how much has it cost the council, which obviously is paid for by the tax payers in the city?”
Deputy City Mayor Cllr Cutkelvin provided a response to this question and Councillor Rae Bhatia’s supplemental question.
29. Cllr Rae Bhatia
3:11:35
“The government has been generous to the city council in topping up its highways maintenance fund by another £800k on top of £580k granted last year for pothole repairs. Given the condition of the roads across the city which are in state of disrepair, I’m sure everyone in this chamber and residents of the city all want to know where has that money been spent. Can the Deputy Mayor advise us on that and what are the plans now to fix potholes, resurfacing and remarking across the city not just on the two stretches announced recently?”
City Mayor provided a response to this question and Councillor Rae Bhatia’s supplemental question.
30. Cllr Singh Patel
3:17:12
“What are council doing to tackle damp in properties”.
Deputy City Mayor Cllr Cutkelvin provided a response to this question and
Councillor Singh Patel’s supplemental question.
31. Cllr Singh Patel
3:22:02
“If works can't be completed due to additional trades being required or resources, what steps are being taken to ensure that the correct trades or resources are arranged?
Deputy City Mayor Cllr Cutkelvin provided a response to this question.
32. Cllr Singh Patel
WITHDRAWN
33. Cllr Singh Patel
3:24:20
Damp and mould regardless of whether it's condensation or lifestyle what are we doing to ensure the issue is treated or resolved to prevent future legal claims.
Deputy City Mayor Cllr Cutkelvin responded to the question and Councillor Singh Patel’s supplemental question.
34. Cllr Gopal
3:26:42
“Belgrave Ward stands out as an iconic area in Leicester. What measures is the council implementing to enhance its appeal?”
City Mayor provided a response to this question and Councillor Gopal’s supplemental question.
35. Cllr Gopal
3:31:50
“Parking on zebra crossings is a common issue in Leicester. How is the council addressing this problem?”
City Mayor provided a response to this question and Councillor Gopal’s supplemental question.
36. Cllr Gopal
3:34:03
“Leicester's cleanliness varies across different neighbourhoods, with Belgrave Ward often being among the worst affected. What actions is the council taking to address this?”
Deputy City Mayor Cllr Cutkelvin provided a response to this question.
3:34:03
37. Cllr Gopal
3:37:40
“What are the council's plans regarding the vacant land left by the demolished Sainsbury's building?”
City Mayor provided a response to this question and Councillor Gopal’s supplemental question.
38. Cllr Gopal
3:41:00
“The Sainsbury's council parking lot remains consistently empty. Could the council consider implementing free parking to encourage usage?”
City Mayor provided a response to this question and Councillor Gopal’s supplemental question.
39. Cllr Osman
3:43:10
“Do we know where we are about district heating, regarding how many properties have now been fitted with "heat meters"?
How much has the council invested towards subsidising and how much help was eventually received from the Govt towards this?”
Deputy City Mayor Cllr Cutkelvin provided a response to this question and Councillor Osman’s supplemental question.
40. Cllr Osman
3:46:10
“We believe the cost of heat meter including installation id under £500, yet it is expected tenants will eventually be paying in excess if £2000 by monthly meter standing charge on top the actual standing charge, how can this be fair.?
Utility companies are offering smart meters at no cost.”
Deputy City Mayor Cllr Cutkelvin provided a response to this question.
41. Cllr Sahu
3:49:16
“Can Cllr Cutkelvin please provide an update on the refurbishment of Clarendon Park Road Play Area?”
Deputy City Mayor Cllr Cutkelvin provided a response to this question.
42. Cllr Sahu
3:54:25
“Can Cllr Cutkelvin please provide an update on progress with expanding Landlord Licensing to Castle Ward?”
Deputy City Mayor Cllr Cutkelvin provided a response to this question.
43. Cllr Gregg
3:56:25
“Can the City Mayor please provide an update on the refurbishment of Victoria Park Pavilion?”
City Mayor provided a response to this question and Councillor Gregg’s supplemental question.
44. Cllr Kitterick
3:59:20
Cllr Kitterick to say:-
“Can the Cabinet Member responsible for Sports Services tell me how many citizens of Leicester have registered for access to Victoria Park Tennis Courts?”
Assistant City Mayor Cllr Dempster provided a response to this question and Councillor Kitterick’s supplemental question.
45. Cllr Kitterick
4:04:10
“Can the Cabinet Member responsible for Sports Services tell me how many of those citizens who have registered for access to Victoria Park Tennis Courts have done so under the council's concessionary rates scheme for people accessing Leisure Services in Leicester?”
Assistant City Mayor Cllr Dempster provided a response to this question and Councillor Kitterick’s supplemental question.
46. Cllr Kitterick
4:05:10
“Can the City Mayor inform the council as to when then City Council's planning website will be functioning again?”
City Mayor provided a response to this question and Councillor Kitterick’s supplemental question.
47. Cllr Kitterick
4:07:14
“Can the City Mayor inform the council as to whether the recent cyber attack on Leicester City Council will affect the running of the Police & Crime Commissioner elections in the City due to take place on 2nd May?”
City Mayor provided a response to this question and Councillor Kitterick’s supplemental question.
48. Cllr Kitterick
4:10:10
“Can the City Mayor tell the council if he instructed members of his Senior Management Team not to answer questions on the recent cyber attack at the meeting of the Councils Governance & Audit Committee which took place on 13th March, and if he did not issue the instruction who did?”
City Mayor provided a response to this question and Councillor Kitterick’s supplemental question.
49. Cllr Kitterick
4:15:05
“Will the City Mayor assure the Council that Members of the Senior Management Team provide an update on the ongoing effects of the cyber attack on Leicester City Council at the Council's Governance & Audit meeting on 25th March 24?”
City Mayor provided a response to this question and Councillor Kitterick’s supplemental question.
50. Cllr Kitterick
4:19:25
“Will the City Mayor please provide an update on the review of governance systems of Leicester City Council in particular the future of the City Mayor Executive model and possible alternatives to this model?”
City Mayor provided a response to this question and Councillor Kitterick’s supplemental question.
51. Cllr Porter
4:20:10
On?27 February 2024 did the Labour mayor state (in an email to Leicester residents) that?"we have?not?made unwise investments"?
City Mayor provided a response to this question and Councillor Porter’s supplemental question.
52. Cllr Porter
4:22:30
“The council plans to spend £45 million on freehold property outside the housing revenue account, will all the purchased?properties be EPC ?'C' and above??”
Deputy City Mayor Cllr Cutkelvin provided a response to this question and Councillor Porter’s supplemental question.
53. Cllr Porter
4:27:10
“Changes in the arrangement of bus?stops in?the city centre?has significantly impacted?on?people with mobility issues.??
Did the?council have any involvement in the decision to?reallocate?and/or remove bus stops or was the decision?made entirely by the bus companies with no consultation whatsoever with the council??”
City Mayor provided a response to this question and Councillor Porter’s supplemental question.
54. Cllr Porter
4:31:10
“The council wants to employ 25 extra members of staff as part of the council's proposals to spend £45 million on freehold property, so how much is the total cost including pay, any additional benefits, overtime payments, employers' national insurance contributions and pension contributions of employing 25 extra staff??”
Deputy City Mayor Cllr Cutkelvin provided a response to this question and Councillor Porter’s supplemental question.
55. Cllr Porter
4.33:20
“The council's invested /purchased shares in the Threadneedle Property Unit Trust - can the council give details of the date(s) of (i) each acquisition, (ii) the offer price paid, (iii) the amount of money invested and (iv) the total asset value of the fund at the time of each acquisition?”
City Mayor provided a response to this question and Councillor Porter’s supplemental question.
56. Cllr Porter
WITHDRAWN
57. Cllr Porter
4:36:10
“The council's invested /purchased shares in the Lothbury Property Trust Fund - can the council give details of the date(s) of (i) each acquisition, (ii) the offer price paid, (iii) the amount of money invested and (iv) the total asset value of the fund at the time of each acquisition?”
City Mayor provided a response to this question and Councillor Porter’s supplemental question.
58. Cllr Kitterick
4:39:00
“To ask the Cabinet Member responsible for Adventure Playgrounds, why after the warm words at the Council's Budget Meeting are Leicester's Adventure Playgrounds being burdened, during this year's funding, with tasks and clauses that reduce their possibility of replacing that funding?
Why does the council appear to be making it less attractive for other bodies to fund Adventure Playgrounds?”
Deputy City Mayor Cllr Russell provided a response to this question and Councillor Kitterick’s supplemental question.
59. Cllr Karavadra
WITHDRAWN