Agenda item

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

A period of up to 15 minutes is allocated for the asking and answering of questions.  This may be extended at the discretion of the Chairman with the agreement of the majority of those present.

The Chairman advised that there had been six Questions on Notice submitted for consideration at this meeting.

At the start of this item the Chairman agreed that Councillor S. Robinson’s question could be considered first at the meeting.

Question submitted by Councillor S. Robinson

“What is this Council doing to ensure that there is enough provision sought from developers for High School provision in Bromsgrove?”

The Leader responded by outlining that the Council was actively communicating with Worcestershire County Council as the local authority with the statutory responsibility for education provision. As part of the local plan consultation exercise, information relating to new educational provision had been provided by Worcestershire County Council. This response, alongside others, had been considered and had contributed to the draft local plan and the infrastructure development plan. These plans would be utilised to identify the scale and location of education provision necessary to support proposed development, and to meet demand. It was noted that County Councillors were aiming to propose a Task and Finish review of education provision through Worcestershire County Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Board.

Councillor S. Robinson subsequently asked a supplementary question which sought further information regarding consultation with stakeholders and individual schools.

The Leader responded by explaining that school capacity varied by locality and that data was being collated, however assurances were made that appropriate consultation would take place where appropriate, should the proposed establishment of the Task and Finish Group at Worcestershire County Council be approved.

Question submitted by Councillor S. Ammar

This question was withdrawn.

Question submitted by Councillor J. Clarke

“Can you give an update on the food waste collection service and whether all the other district/borough/city councils in Worcestershire will be collecting their food waste this year?”

Council was advised that the response would be sent to all Members in writing.

Question submitted by Councillor R. Hunter

“Are you concerned that communities in the town of Bromsgrove will be left with poorer services if Bromsgrove is the only town, apart from Redditch, in Worcestershire without a town council following reorganisation?”

The Leader responded by outlining that the Council had supported a two-unitary proposal as part of the local government reorganisation. She acknowledged that the structure of local government was very important to the District’s communities, particularly during a period of change. The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill placed a duty on local authorities to ensure effective governance at neighbourhood level, however did not prescribe specific structures, although indicated that neighbourhood area committees could form part of the future neighbourhood governance landscape. It was highlighted that any future governance arrangements should ensure that residents were heard and given opportunities to interact with Councillors at a place-based level, which should reflect natural population centres and local identity to encourage both localism and community participation.

Councillor R. Hunter subsequently asked a supplementary question which sought further information about the feasibility of a Community Governance Review.

The Leader responded by outlining that the Council was waiting for further information from Central Government, which would inform the best route forward for the future establishment of local government structures.

Question submitted by Councillor D. Nicholl

“Consultation on the draft local plan closed on October 20th, when can the public expect the results to be published?”

The Portfolio Holder for Planning, Licensing and WRS responded by outlining that over 8,000 responses had been received during the consultation. These responses were being collated at pace, and the interim findings would be presented to the Local Plan Cross Party Working Group in March 2026.

Councillor D. Nicholl subsequently asked a supplementary question, querying whether the Council was on schedule or at risk of not meeting deadlines.  The Cabinet Member for Planning, Licensing and WRS undertook to provide a response in writing, following a forthcoming meeting of the Local Plan Cross Party Working Group.

Question submitted by Councillor J. Robinson

“How soon do you think Churchfields Car Park could be brought back into use to help meet our ambition to increase footfall in the town centre?”

The Leader responded by acknowledging that the matter had been considered at a meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Board on 10^th February 2026. It was noted that costs related to remediation works were due to be provided for consideration at a future meeting of the Board. The Leader outlined that this matter was important for the local authority and that any timescales associated with the re-opening of the car park would be relayed to Members when further information was available.

Councillor J. Robinson subsequently asked a supplementary question which sought further information around timescales.

The Leader responded by outlining that further information and data around car park usage would most likely be available in the new municipal year.