Issue - meetings

The report of the Leader of the Council was submitted setting out the details of the business undertaken by the Executive.

The Leader and the Cabinet made statements and responded to questions.

The following questions were submitted in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 11.1:-

1.  Reduction in income

Question from Councillor Hannides to Councillor Hammond

In view of the anticipated reduction in income from business rates, council tax and fees, what measures are the Executive taking to mitigate this and what action is being taken to support local businesses, boost the local economy and save local jobs?

Answer

  A range of different actions had been put in place to help and   safeguard jobs and take account of issues around the budget   process.  The Council recognises its unique role and would do its best   to support recovery and build sustainable growth in the   City.  Engagement work had been taken place and a Leaders task   force set-up with industry specific round table held, the first being the   hospitability sector with more to come.  There was also a wider support   programme with the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and   Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the Solent   Apprenticeship hub and kick starter programmes in place.  Work was also taking place with both Further Education and Higher Education   Partners in the City with a range of investment to safeguard and   provide strategic direction around particular themes.

2.  Southampton Airport Expansion

  Question from Councillor Fitzhenry to Councillor Hammond

  Can the Leader outline the Cabinets political position on the   Southampton Airport Expansion proposal?

  Answer

   The accountable decision maker for the Southampton Airport   Expansion was Eastleigh Borough Council.  I have set out concerns at the start of the year prior to its submission to the City Council Planning   and Rights of Way Panel (PRoW).  Whilst there had been some good   progress against some of the concerns from the airport, there are still   issues which require further work. It would be for a forthcoming PRoW   to consider the item and form the consultation response to Eastleigh   Borough Council.

3.  Bedford Place

Councillor Fitzhenry to Councillor Leggett

Will the Cabinet member outline his criteria for the re-opening of Bedford Place?

Answer

Any decision made by the Council on the future of the temporary Bedford Place road closure will need to take into account the general approach set out in the Green Transport Recovery Plan Monitoring & Evaluation Framework and in partnership with Go!Southampton. 

All schemes will need to consider the changes in the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions and the need to maintain social distancing and the support needed to safely reopen the economy. The Bedford Place scheme in particular will need to support the hospitality and other businesses once this current lockdown is eased and we continue to work in partnership with Go!Southampton to ensure we consider the views of all business and hope for some good trading over the festive period. 

The monitoring and evaluation of the Bedford Place scheme will consider qualitative data from representations made  ...  view the full minutes text for item 41