Issue - meetings

(a)       ICT Awards

The Leader reported that the City Council had won two Information and Communication Technology awards from the Society of Communication and Information Technology Managers, as one of the top six web sites amongst unitary authorities and amongst the most improved sites in the last 12 months of all local authorities in England.

(b)            Bradgate Park Trust

The Leader reported that the City Council had received a letter from the Trustees of Bradgate Park with regard to the current foot and mouth crisis which had led to closure of the park.  It was noted that the City Council had agreed a reduction of £20,000 in its contribution to the park for the current year based on the park increasing its income by increasing car parking charges.  However, as a result of the required closure, the park was suffering significant losses.  The Leader therefore asked that officers take appropriate action on how this funding might be reinstated for this year in the light of the special circumstances.

(c)            National Front March

            The Leader reported that members of the Cabinet and he were aware of a proposal for a National March organised by the National Front to take place in Leicester on Saturday 21 April 2001.  He expressed his own, his Cabinet colleagues' and members of the Labour Group's abhorrence at such a proposal from the National Front and hoped this would be supported by the other two political groups on the Council and all fair minded people within the City.  He wished to put on record as a Cabinet and a Council that such a March was neither welcome nor wanted in the City.  As a City celebrating diversity and vitality he hoped that all sections of the community in Leicester would combine with the City Council in condemning and opposing in the strongest possible terms any proposal from the National Front for such a March.  In order for the matter to be given full consideration, he asked officers to bring a full report to the next meeting of the Cabinet.

(d)       Baby Joe

The Leader referred to an open letter from the staff of the Social Services Department which offered support and care to the parents of the abandoned baby Joe.  The Leader commended and thanked the staff for their speedy and sensitive response and added the Cabinet's support to the appeal to the parents to come forward and assured the parents of the City Council's support and help.