Member Question Time (Standing Order 7)
A period of up to 40 minutes is allocated for questions to the Leader, Cabinet Portfolio Holders and Chairs of Overview and Scrutiny Committees.
Minutes:
1) Introduction of New Parking Permit Arrangements
Councillor Roodhouse to Councillor Clarke
“The consultation on resident parking states, “Our existing paper-based permit management system is becoming obsolete with technical support from its suppliers being reduced from October onwards. We must now move to a digital, online system.” Could the Portfolio Holder say when he knew it was going to be obsolete and how much is this change costing”?
In response to this question Councillor Clarke stated that the current system will continue until the new one comes on line.
Councillor Jeff Clarke agreed to send a full response out to members.
2) Environmental Impact Statements on Reports
Councillor Chilvers to Councillor Timms.
“Council reports have recently had an ‘environmental impact’ section added. What framework have officers been given to enable them to assess the impact of a policy?” In response, Councillor Timms observed that the approach to the statements on reports would vary depending on the nature of the report.
3) Waiting Time for OT Assessment
Councillor Chilvers to Councillor Les Caborn (Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health.
“How long is the current wait for an OT assessment for adaptations for older people for each level of priority?” In response Councillor Caborn, not having the information to hand, agreed to send it to all of Council in the next few days.
4) De-merge of Police Coalition (i)
Councillor Fradgley to Councillor Dave Reilly (Chair of the Police and Crime Panel).
“The Chair will be aware that the Home Secretary has placed a six-months delay on the de-merger of the Warwickshire and West Mercia Police Forces. The September 2019 Peel Report on Warwickshire Police by HM Inspector of Constabulary notes serious concerns about the force’s efficiency. I am pleased that 7 out of 12 categories are rated “good”, however, four categories are rated “requires improvement” and one, “Planning for the Future” is rated “inadequate”.
The cause of concern for this inadequate rating is the force has not yet defined how all its services to the public will operate in the future nor has it agreed a smooth transition for a future operating model, nor has it consulted with the public on these matters. Amongst other recommendations the report states “the force should improve its arrangements both to consult with the public about business planning and to make feedback as a result of such consultation”.
In view of the importance of the police service to Warwickshire residents and a number of this council’s departments, will the Chair please discuss with the Police and Crime Commissioner what public consultation is planned in response to the inspector’s recommendations and whether there are any ways in which this council can assist in the consultation”
In response to this question Councillor Reilly assured Council that the Police and Crime Panel is working with the Police and Crime Commissioner to address issues around the ending of the alliance.
Councillor Reilly repeated that performance had been found good in many areas adding that ... view the full minutes text for item 6