Questions on Notice
To deal with any questions on notice from Members of the Council, in the order in which they have been received.
Minutes:
Three questions on notice were taken in the order received.
1. Question submitted by Councillor J. T. Duddy to the Leader
“Is the Leader aware of any secret plans between Bromsgrove District Council and the Muslim Council of Britain to build a Mosque in our District?”
The Leader replied no.
Councillor Duddy asked a supplementary question that would the Leader welcome a mosque in our District and more particularly in his own Ward of Alvechurch?
The Leader replied that he had no feelings with regard to mosques, Roman Catholic churches, synagogues, Sikh temples, etc. Anybody could apply for planning permission in any place at any time for anything and any that came forward would be treated in the same way as any other application.
2. Question submitted by Councillor P. M. McDonald to the Leader
“Could the Leader now confirm after taking £129,000 from reserves that those areas who were informed that their green bin would be used for recycling (waste) is now in full operation?”
The Leader referred this to Councillor M. J. A. Webb as the relevant Portfolio Holder.
Councillor Webb repliedthat the question did not contain factual information. When the Council moved over to comingled waste, £53,000 was required to be taken from reserves so that those residents living in areas where the green bins could not be collected (for instance, houses in narrow lanes) could still use the original recycling boxes. He could therefore confirm that everyone who was offered recycling before the move to comingling, was still being offered a recycling collection. He also added that due to the great success of the comingled recycling service, and the positive comments he was receiving from residents and Members, he had requested a paper to be submitted to Cabinet later in 2010 that would continue to review the service and how the Council could continue to maximise delivery of this important service.
Councillor P. M. McDonald asked a supplementary question as to why Highfield Road which was not a narrow lane was still having to use recycling boxes and not green bins.
Councillor Webb replied that this was an operational issue, he received many queries on operational issues but would look into this matter and then come back with a definitive answer.
3. Question 3 submitted by Councillor S. P. Shannon to the Leader or relevant Porfolio Holder
“After approval from Scrutiny Board, a motion submitted earlier this year to Council that Bromsgrove District Council would sign up to the national 10:10 carbon reduction pledge was approved and agreed. Can the Leader or the appropriate Cabinet Portfolio holder give the meeting an update on any works undertaken by BDC since signing up that have reduced this Councils, and also the Districts carbon footprint?”
The Leader referred this to Councillor P. J. Whittaker as the relevant Portfolio Holder.
Councillor Whittaker replied that the key piece of work was the Climate Change Strategy and the final draft would be ready by the end of the month. This would ... view the full minutes text for item 25