Issue - meetings

Report of the Leader of the Council detailing the Executive Business, attached.

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 then submitted in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 11.1

1.  Townhill Park Regeneration Scheme

Question from Councillor Inglis to Councillor Payne

Could you please advise how many homes have been built and occupied on the Townhill Park Regeneration Scheme?

Answer

The Council approved the budgets for site preparation at Townhill Park in December 2012 and the decanting of tenants began in April 2013. This was carried out in 3 phases to reduce impact on the Council’s substantial waiting list. 121 Council tenants and 14 leaseholders have now vacated, with one leaseholder remaining with whom negotiations continue.  A demolition contract has commenced for the demolition of 7 of the 8 blocks in phase one and is programmed to conclude in September 2016.  A planning application has been lodged and is expected to go to Planning Panel on April 12^th 2016. The procurement process for commencing the first phase is underway.   

In the meantime 33 homes have been constructed and are occupied in the scheme known as Pond View, this scheme was completed in December 2014.

2.  Use of Consultants

Question from Councillor Inglis to Councillor Chaloner

Could you please advise how much the Council has spent on consultants in this financial year and provide details of the 5 largest projects?

Answer

So far this year the amount spent on Consultants from the General Fund budget is £870,751.30

The five largest projects are as follows:

Price Waterhouse Coopers for expertise and advice on the transformation project.

AECOM Infrastructure & Environment UK Ltd for a preliminary study for the River Itchen Flood Alleviation scheme.

Price Waterhouse Coopers for work on creating a development company to deliver housing stock.

Ricardo-AEA to write a draft low emissions strategy for the Council.

Ameo Professional Services Ltd for consultants working on the transformation project. Further information can be provided separately if required.

3.  Cash Payments

Question from Councillor Parnell to Councillor Chaloner

What procedures are in place for residents to pay cash for services required?

Answer

Most Council services can currently be paid for with cash. There is a central cash office next to Gateway in One Guildhall Square and currently two housing offices that take cash payments for most services (Council Tax, Rents, Rates, Parking Fines, Garden Waste etc). Other venues such as Registrars, Licensing, SeaCity and Schools take cash for the specific services they provide. There is also the option to pay Council Tax at the Post Office network using giro-slips and Housing tenants can pay for rent and council tax using Paypoint cards at the Paypoint network.

4.  “Stipples”

Question from Councillor Parnell to Councillor Rayment

Whilst good for the blind, is the Cabinet Member aware of the discomfort that “stipples” cause people in wheelchairs?

Answer

Tactile paving is designed to nationally defined standards and is installed  ...  view the full minutes text for item 86