Agenda item

The Leader of the Council, and other members of the Executive, will report on their work since the last meeting of the Council and will respond to questions from Councillors on that work.

Councillor Mark Crane, Leader of the Council

The Leader of the Council presented his update on the work he had recently undertaken, as outlined in his report.

Discussion took place on the inclusion of appendices in reports on the agenda which then made agendas larger in length. It was agreed that in future, links would be inserted for any appendices and that only the reports would be attached with the agenda.

Councillor Richard Musgrave, Deputy Leader of the Council and Lead Executive Member for Place Shaping

Councillor Musgrave, Deputy Leader of the Council and Lead Executive Member for Place Shaping, provided an update on the work he had recently undertaken, as outlined in his report.

Concern was raised at the circulation of a letter to residents regarding the demolition of the old civic centre building and that no communication had been provided to the ward members. The Lead Executive Member for Place Shaping explained that he had not seen a copy of the letter however the site was owned by Tesco.

A query was raised regarding the development of Olympia Park around whether it would still be going ahead and if this was the case, then the Council should cease paying consultants involved in the work on the site. The Lead Executive Member for Place Shaping informed Council that the site owner was confident that a scheme for the site could be brought forward. It was noted that since the agreement to develop a new Local Plan, this would place less pressure on the Olympia Park site in terms of housing delivery. In relation to consultants, the Lead Executive Member for Place Shaping explained that it was right that the Council got the best planning and legal advice it required.

A query was raised regarding whether Sherburn would be included in the district wide transport assessment in relation to the work being done on the new Local Plan. The Lead Executive Member for Place Shaping explained that the work for the assessment had not yet been commissioned yet as the first stage was the preparation of the Issues and Options Document.

In relation to demolition notices, it was felt that all Councillors should be made aware of such notices in their area as it was important Members were aware if this was happening in their area.

Councillor Cliff Lunn, Lead Executive Member for Finance and Resources

Councillor Lunn, Lead Executive Member for Finance and Resources presented his update on the work he had recently undertaken, as outlined in his report.

Concern was raised that the savings target was not being achieved and the implications of this affecting the planning service.  The Director of Economic Regeneration and Place explained that the planning review was designed to look at ways the service could be improved going forward.

Discussion took place on the figure of £11.6m figure relating to housing loans for the Selby and District Housing Trust and it was felt that clarification was needed why the loans were not being used for the development of new schemes.

In response to a query concerning delayed roof replacement programme, the Lead Executive Member for Finance and Resources explained that this was due to the difficulties in obtaining contractors for the works and that any affected properties would be repaired if damage was caused by the delays. 

Councillor David Buckle, Lead Executive Member for Communities and Economic Development

Councillor Buckle, Lead Executive Member for Communities and Economic Development provided an update on the work he had recently undertaken, as outlined in his report.

A query was raised regarding the development of industrial units when the Council was struggling to let the current units it owned. The Lead Executive Member for Communities and Economic Development explained that some units were jointly owned with North Yorkshire County Council and that work was needed to upgrade current units so they met the latest regulations relating to Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) before they could be let.

In response to a query concerning the development of the bridge over the River Ouse on the Olympia Park site. The Lead Executive Member for Communities and Economic Development explained that it was hoped full funding was obtained from the Transforming Cities Fund so that the bridge could be developed.

A query was raised whether Selby College was consulted to be involved in the development of a training needs analysis programme to support the development and retention of employees in growing businesses. It was agreed clarification would be sought on this.

In relation to the outreach post office scheme at Grove House Community Centre, it was queried whether similar schemes could be rolled out to other areas even though they did not have a community centre. The Lead Executive Member for Communities and Economic Development stated that he could not see a reason the scheme could be rolled out to other areas if it was a success at Grove House.

A query was raised regarding the Elmet Business Forum and whether the Council were making other forums aware of these events. The Lead Executive Member for Communities and Economic Development explained that there were ongoing business groups for many areas however the Elmet Business Forum was designed for larger businesses than smaller ones.

Council was informed that Selby Globe Community Cinema had been rated as one of the 10 best small cinemas in the UK and deserved congratulations for this.

Councillor Chris Pearson, Lead Executive Member for Housing, Health and Culture

Councillor Pearson, Lead Executive Member for Housing, Health and Culture, provide an update on the work he had recently undertaken, as outlined in his report.

An update was requested on the modernisation of council homes. The Lead Executive Member for Housing, Health and Culture explained that there was currently a shortage of contractors relating to building work however he was confident the Council could present a timetable in due course.

In response to a query concerning the slow progress of the work from the Streetscene Task and Finish Group, the Lead Executive Member for Housing, Health and Culture explained that work with the group had been delayed due to the recent Parliamentary election.

Concern was raised regarding the empty property on the Crescent and the complaints that had been received regarding this during the recent Selby 950 Illuminations. The Lead Executive Member for Housing, Health and Culture explained that this property was owned by a private individual.

RESOLVED:

To receive and note the reports from the Executive.