Issue - meetings

To deal with any questions on notice from Members of the Council, in the order in which they have been received.

Three questions on notice had been received which were taken in the order received.

1.         Question submitted by Councillor E. J. Murray to the Chairman

“Can I be assured by the Chairman that sandwiches are no longer available to all staff and visitors; in an effort to make sure we are all together in saving monies and reducing cost?”

The Chairman referred this question to the Leader who replied that he would not give such an assurance and that hospitality would be continued if the need arose, such as for day long events. He confirmed that sandwiches were no longer provided for Committee meetings.

Councillor Murray did not ask a supplementary question.

2.         Question submitted by Councillor S. P. Shannon to the Leader

“Is the leader of the Council concerned about the increasing number of residents who have been informed that the new collection vehicles are unable to access the roads that they live in, and consequently will no longer be able to participate in the kerbside recycling service operated by BDC?”

The Leader replied that yes he was concerned.

Councillor Shannon asked a supplementary question requesting a fuller explanation including what action was the Leader going to take?

The Leader replied that he had asked officers to investigate the matter and that he would report back once he had had an answer.

3.         Question submitted by Councillor Mrs. C. M. McDonald to the Chairman

“Would the Chairman please inform me of the cost and how many times in the last eighteen months solicitors/consultants have been used regarding investigations on behalf of the Standards Committee?”

The Chairman referred this question to Councillor G. N. Denaro who replied that out of four complaints referred for investigation two had been dealt with by officers and two others, which were linked, had been referred for investigation by an external solicitor. The invoice had not yet been received but the cost would not exceed £3,000 and would be met from within the existing budget. 

Councillor Mrs. McDonald did not ask a supplementary question.

The Chief Executive announced that a fourth question had been received with regard to the issue of car parking fees for hospitals. As this did not relate to a matter for which the Council had responsibility or which affected the District of Bromsgrove more than other areas he had rejected the question.

It was moved by Councillor P. M. McDonald and seconded by Councillor C. J. K. Wilson that the Council’s Standing Orders be suspended so that the question could be asked. The Chief Executive advised that two-thirds of Members present would need to agree to this motion.

On a requisition under Council Procedure Rule 17.5, the following details of voting on the motion were recorded:

For the motion: Councillors Ms. J. A. Marshall, Mrs. C. M. McDonald, P. M. McDonald, D. McGrath, E. J. Murray, W. R. Newnes, S. P. Shannon and C. J. K. Wilson (8).

Against the motion: Councillors A. N. Blagg, Mrs. J. M. Boswell,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 79