Questions on Notice
A period of up to 15 minutes is allocated for the asking and answering of questions.
To deal with any questions on notice from Members of the Council, in the order in which they have been received.
Minutes:
Question submitted by Councillor M. Thompson
Can the Leader confirm the total travelling costs to the Council for officers travelling from Bromsgrove to Redditch (and return) over the last two years.
Councillor G. N. Denaro responded that whilst staff could work at different sites on different days, most staff did have a permanent base from which to operate so as to reduce the need for them to travel. It was true to say that a number of staff chose not to make any claim for these journeys. Costs had reduced from £87k in 2013/14 to £67k in 2014/15.
Question submitted by Councillor S. P. Shannon
Attending the annual Bromsgrove Muslim Association Eid celebrations in Parkside buildings last Saturday I was surprised to notice on the guest list an invitation to the Chairman of the Bromsgrove Conservative Association. Noting that the event was jointly funded by the Council and Bromsgrove Muslim Association can the Leader explain why similar invitations were not extended to the other established political parties that operate in Bromsgrove.
The Leader responded that the invitations for this event were issued by the Bromsgrove Muslim Association and the question should therefore be addressed to them.
Question submitted by Councillor P. M. McDonald
Would the Leader please inform me of the amount of monies spent on external legal costs over the last two years?
Councillor G. N. Denaro responded that in 2014/15 the cost was £36, 658 and in 2015/16 the cost was £28,912 (to January 2016).
Question submitted by Councillor C. A. Hotham
In the light of Policy Strategic Objective 6 in the emerging Plan which is to deliver 2the vision” and states that sustainable modes of transport and in particular cycling will be encouraged ; please could the Portfolio Holder explain why the successful Cycle to Work scheme promoted by Bromsgrove District Council to its employees, is not open to Council Members? And what changing room facilities have been provided in the new Parkside building to encourage and help employees/Members to cycle to work?
Councillor G. N. Denaro confirmed that the scheme at present only applied to employees and Members were not classed as such. He had asked officers to look again at the possibilities of Members participating in the scheme. It was confirmed that shower and locker facilities were available at Parkside.
Question submitted by Councillor K. J. May
Bromsgrove Post office is a fundamental part of our Town Centre. Can I call upon our Leader to write to the Board of Post Office Counters Limited requesting that any new provision of a Post Office in Bromsgrove Town centre is both sustainable and accessible to all of our residents?
The Leader responded that she was taking this matter forward.