Agenda item
TO RECEIVE WRITTEN QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL
The questions which have been received from Councillors to be put at this meeting are set out in the attached report.
A maximum period of 30 minutes is allocated to this agenda item.
Decision:
8.1 Question from Councillor Md. Abdul Mukit MBE re: antisocial behaviour in the Brick Lane and old Shoreditch Station area of Weavers Ward.
8.2 Question from Councillor Peter Golds re: Trinity Square Gardens.
8.3 Question from Councillor Amy Whitelock re: Glamis Community Nursery.
8.4 Question from Councillor Fozol Miah re: unemployment figures.
8.5 Question from Councillor Carlo Gibbs re: attendance at this year’s Tower Hamlets Fireworks displays.
8.6 Question from Councillor Tim Archer re: CCTV on Manchester Road.
8.7 Question from Councillor Khales Uddin Ahmed re: the Working Neighbourhood Fund Evaluation.
8.8 Question from Councillor Harun Miah re: Government proposals to raise the income threshold for migrants wishing to bring family members to Britain. (No supplementary question was asked.)
8.9 Question from Councillor Shiria Khatun re: reductions to street cleaning in the Borough.
8.10 Question from Councillor Dr Emma Jones re: the safety of cyclists in the Borough.
8.11 Question from Councillor Helal Uddin re: fixed term tenancies.
The above questions and in each case (except where indicated) a supplementary question were put and were responded to by the relevant Cabinet Member.
Questions 8.12 to 8.18 were not put as the time allowed for this agenda item had expired. Written responses to each question will be provided and will be recorded in the minutes.
(Action by: John S. Williams, Service Head, Democratic Services)
Minutes:
8.1 Question from Councillor Md. Abdul Mukit MBE:-
Can the Mayor tell me what actions he is taking to limit antisocial behaviour in the Brick Lane and old Shoreditch Station area of Weavers Ward, specifically street urination and late night noise?
Response by Councillor Ohid Ahmed, Deputy Mayor:-
We are extremely glad that Brick Lane has become such a popular visitor destination however we are working hard to ensure that residents are not negatively impacted by the large visitor numbers.
We are taking these issues extremely seriously and we have developed three main responses.
Firstly, our most important resources are the THEOs. To date the THEOS have reported 129 incidents of public urination in Brick Lane and these will be pursued through the courts for prosecution. We will be stepping up these patrols over the Christmas period to ensure an appropriate response.
Incidentally I am sure members will be interested that our use of THEOs has been so successful that Newham has now introduced Newham Enforcement Officers.
Secondly, we have also now introduced a borough wide drinking control order, in line with other London Boroughs (including Newham and Hackney) which will give the police and council more powers to deal with issues arising from street drinking.
Finally we have our 20 partnership police, part funded by a commitment from this administration. They are focussed on tackling crime issues which most affect the local community.
Summary of supplementary question from Councillor Md. Abdul Mukit MBE:
Everybody knows there is a problem, how many offenders have been fined and what action is being taken to address the serious position in this area?
Summary of Councillor Ohid Ahmed’s response:
I understand that a number of people have been fined. As I have said, we take this very seriously. I have visited the area three times with THEOs, who are doing all in their power to address the issues.
8.2 Question from Councillor Peter Golds:-
Will the Mayor provide details of meetings held between himself, his administration and officers and the company Moving Events which led to the now cancelled plan to hire out Trinity Square Gardens for Christmas and New Year celebrations?
Response by Councillor Rania Khan, Cabinet Member for Culture:-
Thank you Councillor Golds for your question. The Mayor did not have any meetings with the company Moving Venue.
Officers from the Arts and Events Team met four times with Moving Venue on the Trinity Square Gardens (TSG) project as follows:
On 25th February 2011 they had a site meeting;
On 23rd May 2011 the project was discussed;
On 19th July 2011 there was a further site meeting; and
One 16th September 2011 there was a meeting to discuss any licensing application.
Summary of supplementary question from Councillor Peter Golds:
There seems to have been a cult of secrecy, with the proposals covered up until the scandal broke. Why were senior officers able to give consideration to hiring out such a sensitive site where people would leave memorial flowers and wreaths, and who in the administration was overseeing what was going on?
Summary of Councillor Rania Khan’s response:
Administration members do not micro manage the services. TSG management approached Council Officers to consult on the matter. We took action when we became aware of the detailed proposals.
8.3 Question from Councillor Amy Whitelock:-
Can the Mayor tell me what steps did the council take to support parents and staff affected by the sudden temporary closure of Glamis Community Nursery in early November and what plans are in place to ensure the sustainability of this service for local parents and children?
Response by Councillor Rania Khan, Cabinet Member for Culture:-
Glamis Community Nursery is a voluntary sector day nursery run by a Management Committee.
As soon as the Early Years Service was informed that the nursery would not be opening on Monday morning of 31st October we attempted to contact the nursery and offer support.
The Family Information Service provided the manager of the nursery with information on other nurseries in the area. The Council offered brokerage support when requested to find alternative childcare for the children attending Glamis.
It is extremely important that there is childcare provision for families in the Shadwell area.
Summary of supplementary question from Councillor Amy Whitelock:
Is the Cabinet Member aware of local parents’ concerns and support for this popular nursery? Nationally the Conservative/Lib Dem cuts are closing many Surestart services. Does she agree that we have a responsibility to support our community based services and ensure that families are not left without nursery provision in future?
Summary of Councillor Rania Khan’s response:
We will do all in our power to ensure that all children in the area have access to excellent nursery facilities.”
8.4 Question from Councillor Fozol Miah:-
Is the lead member aware of the appalling unemployment figures recently released which show that unemployment amongst young people is now above a million across the UK and that many of these young people are facing years on the dole as a result of the abject failure of the Condem government’s policies and would the lead member say what measures the council is taking to try and mitigate the worst effects of the government’s failed policies?
Response by Councillor Shafiqul Haque, Cabinet Member for Jobs and Skills:-
Myself, the Mayor and all the administration are concerned about the Youth Unemployment Figures. I completely agree that the figure of 1 million young unemployed is a stark reminder of how the Conservative-led coalition Government has failed this country.
What is most concerning about this figure is that it represents the future of this country. How can we ensure we are able to grow out of this global recession if we are not investing in our young people?
One of the main ways we can help to improve the youth unemployment figures is to ensure they are able to gain the skills that will be useful to employers. To this end we are bringing back EMA to Tower Hamlets. The Mayor’s Education Award will ensure that all young people can stay on at school and gain the skills they need to gain employment.
We are also ensuring that the Council employs as many local young people as possible - We have the Council graduate programme which will employ (this is funded by the allocation in the amendment Cllr Eaton made to the last budget); we have the Mayor’s Apprenticeship programme; and Tower Hamlets Homes is also offering an apprenticeship programme.
We are also developing programmes to help all residents, including young people into work, including £1.2m of ESF funding to support grants to third sector organisations helping residents into work; and a pilot project to help women from ethnic minority backgrounds overcome barriers to employment.
Summary of supplementary question from Councillor Fozol Miah:
Are you aware of the dire economic forecasts showing an increase in unemployment of up to 400,000 in a year and what discussions are you having with the Olympic authorities to ensure there is training and employment for our young people?
Summary of Councillor Shafiqul Haque’s response:
Yes, the administration takes this very seriously. The Mayor and I have had a series of meetings with LOCOG to secure more employment for local people and a minimum of 1,000 jobs for Tower Hamlets residents has already been agreed.
8.5 Question from Councillor Carlo Gibbs:-
Can the Mayor tell us how many thousands more local families attended the Tower Hamlets Fireworks displays this year?
Response by Councillor Rania Khan, Cabinet Member for Culture:-
Overall the three fireworks displays across the borough were a great success, with Weavers Fields attracting an audience of 15,000, Millwall Park 5000 and Bartlett Park 3,000.
I was pleased with the outcome because a majority of families attending the displays were from our borough, which was my aim. This was evident as the majority of audiences that attended arrived on foot which was confirmed by the DLR duty manager at Millwall and Island Gardens who advised that use of the DLR was consistent with a typical Saturday evening.
Summary of supplementary question from Councillor Carlo Gibbs:
The displays in total attracted only a quarter of the attendance at last year’s event in Victoria Park and the estimated cost this year was approximately £5 per person compared with £1.50 per person last year. Could it damage our bid for City Status if as a borough we are seen not to welcome outsiders to our events? Do you accept that the decision not to hold the Victoria Park display was wrong and will you re-instate the event next year so that more people are able to enjoy the event?
Summary of Councillor Rania Khan’s response:
The displays this year were more accessible to local people who pay local taxes and who are our priority. Your position on this matter is in contrast to your opposition to the Live Site in Victoria Park which will enable many local people to enjoy the Olympics next summer.
8.6 Question from Councillor Tim Archer:-
As at mid-November why is the CCTV camera on Manchester Road (in front of the Nisa store) still not operational, despite the commitment for this being given in March 2010?
Response by Councillor Ohid Ahmed, Deputy Mayor:-
You are not alone in being concerned about this as I have also made enquiries.
Some time was taken to bring together the key stakeholders involved in this initiative. However, once we had completed the surveys, potential contractors were required to submit method statements, risk assessments and health and safety information for the type of work required. A delay was experienced in September and October as essential maintenance work needed to be carried out on the system.
This meant that no resources could be spared to carry out the work at Kelson House.
The current situation is that the new transmitters have been put up on Kelson House and the link back to Mulberry Place proven. All the wiring at Kelson House has been completed for this camera and all we have to do is install a CISCO switch to allow the connection of the camera. At the moment we estimate this work will be completed by the end of November 2011.
However, I am not happy about the time this has taken to be resolved.
Summary of supplementary question from Councillor Tim Archer:
I have submitted many enquiries on this matter and there have been a series of excuses for the delay. Exactly when will the camera be working?
Summary of Councillor Ohid Ahmed’s response:
It will be working by the end of next week.
8.7 Question from Councillor Khales Uddin Ahmed:-
Can the Mayor provide us with an update on the Working Neighbourhood Fund Evaluation, and provide us with an indication of when it will be completed?
Response by Councillor Shafiqul Haque, Cabinet Member for Jobs and Skills:-
The Working Neighbourhood Fund was an important government scheme implemented by the last Labour Government. As we have heard earlier it is clear that this current Government has nowhere near this level of commitment to helping the unemployed find jobs.
As you know the delivery of the Working Neighbourhoods Fund (WNF) programme finished on 31st March 2011. Since then the WNF Programme Management Team and the External Evaluators have carried out a range of activities including verification of Key Outcomes and Outputs (including Job Outcomes and Training Outputs); preparation of project reports for all organisations (now complete and received by Lead Organisations delivering WNF projects) and the Evaluation Report for the overall programme.
We expect to receive the Final Evaluation Report by the end of November 2011. This will then be published on the Council website.
Summary of supplementary question from Councillor Khales Uddin Ahmed:
When will the Enterprise Strategy be brought to the Cabinet?
Summary of Councillor Shafiqul Haque’s response:
This will be reported in the near future.
8.8 Question from Councillor Harun Miah:-
Is the lead member aware that the Condem government is seeking to scapegoat migrants for the abject failure of their economic policies and that they have commissioned a report which has recommended imposing a high financial threshold before families can be united in this country, and would the lead member agree that any policy which stops British citizens marrying the spouse they wish to marry and to be united with their spouse and children is reprehensible and that the council should make representations on behalf of the thousands of people in Tower Hamlets who will be adversely affected were such a policy to be implemented by the Condem government?
Response by Councillor Alibor Choudhury, Cabinet Member for Resources:-
I thank Councillor Miah for his question. Yes, I do share your concerns about Government proposals to raise the income threshold for those wishing to bring a spouse or child to live in Britain.
The Government’s proposed new threshold of £18,600 - £25,700 will effectively bar half the population from bringing in a spouse or partner from abroad. I think this is grossly unfair.
Essentially the Government's approach favours the better off. If you are in the top half of the income distribution, you’re ok. But if you are in the bottom half you are not welcome.
These measures will have a direct impact on families in Tower Hamlets. The largest group of people banned from coming to Britain under the proposals would be women from India, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh.
We will be making representations to the Government expressing our view that the Government's proposed new threshold is too high. We will also be expressing our concern about the stress that could be placed on children and families affected as a result of these recommendations.
No supplementary question was put.
8.9 Question from Councillor Shiria Khatun:-
Can the Mayor tell me what reductions have been made to street cleaning in the Borough and how he decided which routes to cut?
Response by Councillor Shahed Ali, Cabinet Member for Environment:-
Thank you Councillor Shiria Khatun for your question. No routes have been cut from street cleaning.
The budget for Street Cleaning was set and agreed by Full Council in line with the Council’s medium term financial plan. Prior to this decision the Council swept the majority of residential roads in the borough at least three times a week; they are now swept twice a week.
Summary of supplementary report from Councillor Shiria Khatun:
Is the Mayor aware of the increasing public dissatisfaction with the service provided by Veolia in many parts of the borough?
Summary of Councillor Shahed Ali’s response:
This administration is very serious about street cleaning and decluttering. A pilot scheme was introduced in Bethnal Green Road, where paladins were replaced with refuse sacks for businesses to dispose of rubbish easily. Councillor Shiria Khatun is welcome to attend a visit of the area with me.
8.10 Question from Councillor Dr Emma Jones:-
What role does the Council have in ensuring the safety of cyclists in the borough?
Response by Councillor Shahed Ali, Cabinet Member for Environment:-
Thank you for your question. I am sure I speak for everyone in expressing our condolences to the friends and family of Brian Dorling, 58, of Hounslow, west London, who was killed on the Bow Roundabout on 24th October; and to the friends and family of Svitlana Tereschenko, 34, of Bow, who died on 11th November after a collision with a tipper truck. Their deaths are shocking and highlight the growing dangers for cyclists in London.
Transport for London (TfL) are responsible for the safety of cyclists on their roads in the borough. When TfL introduced the two Cycle Superhighways, Council officers discussed all their safety concerns with them. Unfortunately the Council’s suggestions were rejected because priority was given to traffic capacity. Sadly since then we have had two cyclist fatalities on the Bow Roundabout Cycle Superhighway.
The Mayor has called on the Mayor of London Boris Johnson to instruct Transport for London to put cyclists’ safety first and look again at the safety of these Cycle Superhighways. The Mayor has also written to Peter Hendy, Commissioner of Transport for London, to discuss safety measures.
I am are very concerned that Boris Johnson was unaware of a vital report produced by Jacobs Consultancy which recommended signalised crossings for cyclists and pedestrians on two arms of the junction, together with off-carriageway cycle lanes. I agree with the comments of the Chief Executive of the London Cycling Campaign that "it’s a tragedy it has taken two cyclist deaths in three weeks to bring this vital report on the dangers at Bow to the Mayor’s attention.”
We call on Boris Johnson to implement the report’s recommendations to make the junctions safe.
The Council has provided cycle training which over the past two years over 4000 cyclists have benefitted from. The Council has also worked with the Metropolitan Police and TfL to deliver a number of bike awareness events and campaigns such as “Exchanging Places” sessions to raise awareness of the danger of HGV and cyclist conflicts.
Last year the Council initiated a volunteer Cycle Rangers project to develop a pool of rangers who closely monitor local cycle routes and act as champions in promoting our walking and cycle network to local people.
The Council is also working with SUSTRANS and the ODA to deliver routes off road and through quieter areas. Designing out hazards is an important part of this process.
The Metropolitan Police have also targeted their Cycle Taskforce at key sites along Cable Street in response to complaints about the conflict between cyclists and pedestrians.
The Council is committed to ensuring as best it can the safety of cyclists in the borough.
Summary of supplementary question from Councillor Dr Emma Jones:
There has also been a recent serious accident in Wapping. Could the THEOs provide a presence during rush hour periods to prevent vehicular traffic encroaching into areas allocated for cycles?
Summary of Councillor Shahed Ali’s response:
It would be premature to make a hasty decision about THEO involvement but various options are under consideration and areas of particular conflict between cyclists, pedestrians and motorists are being examined.
8.11 Question from Councillor Helal Uddin:-
Can the Mayor confirm whether or not fixed term tenancies will be introduced in Tower Hamlets?
Response by Councillor Rabina Khan, Cabinet Member for Housing:-
The Mayor and I have consistently opposed any move to fixed term tenancies. On 1st March this year we responded to the Government's consultation on this issue and I made it clear that the Council's position was as follows:
'We remain firm in the belief that security of tenancies should be the preferred option for a high percentage of tenants in social housing... We are concerned that offering young families shorter fixed term tenancies will impact on their long-term development and sustainability. Children attain higher academic standards when they live in suitable secure housing and families benefit from the social networks developed locally.’
We are in the process of developing our updated tenancy policy and our commitment to lifelong tenancies and sustainable rooted communities will be at the heart of this policy. We will ensure that Tower Hamlets Homes continues to offer lifelong tenancies.
The Localism Bill 2011 has just been passed and requires local authorities to set out a strategic lettings policy to give guidance on whether fixed-term tenancies should be introduced. However this is guidance only and we cannot force registered providers to follow this.
I am doing all I can within the powers given to me by the ConDem Government to make our position clear and ensure we reduce the number of fixed term tenancies in the borough.
Summary of supplementary question from Councillor Helal Uddin:
Can I also have your assurance that you will oppose the potential damaging effects of proposals to cap Housing Benefits?
Summary of Councillor Rabina Khan’s response:
You will see that I have submitted a motion for debate later in the agenda drawing attention to the fact that the Government is failing those in need of social housing and calling for a ‘living rent’ and robust action to protect private sector tenants from rogue landlords.
Time limit for item
At this point the Chair informed the meeting that the time allocated for Members’ Questions had expired.
Questions 8.12 to 8.18 were therefore not put at the meeting due to lack of time. Written responses would be provided to these questions as set out below:-
8.12 Question from Councillor Stephanie Eaton:-
Could the Lead Member comment on the November 2011 Ofsted Local Area
Children's Services profile which reports that none of the 3 children's homes that were inspected were 'outstanding' and most were merely 'satisfactory'? What specific weaknesses were identified by Ofsted in relation to the Borough's children's homes? Can I be advised whether there are any safeguarding concerns arising from the weaknesses and what plans are in place to bring all the Children's homes to at least a 'good' standard?
Response by Councillor Oliur Rahman, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services:-
The Children’s Service Assessment took into consideration all inspections up to the end of August 2011. Since the cut-off point a number of inspections of children’s homes have taken place. These recent inspections are a more up to date and therefore accurate reflection of services in the borough:-
· An unannounced inspection of Discovery Home was conducted on 16th September 2011 and was rated as “good”.
· Bishops Way was inspected on 26th September 2011 and rated as “good”.
· Discovery House, which had not ever been inspected prior to the August cut-off, was inspected on 23rd September 2011 and was rated as “outstanding”.
There were no safeguarding concerns raised in previous Ofsted reports. The areas of concern were administration processes and procedures which have now been rectified.
Taking these recent inspections into account, all children’s homes within the borough are rated as either good or outstanding.
8.13 Question from Councillor Anna Lynch:-
With residents struggling with rising living costs and government funding available to compensate for rises, will the Mayor commit to not using hard pressed residents for additional income and freezing Council Tax for 2012/13?
Response by Councillor Alibor Choudhury, Cabinet Member for Resources:-
Earlier this summer the Mayor made a clear commitment to freezing council tax for another year. Officers were instructed to draw up a budget which included a freeze in Council Tax. This will be the third year in a row Council Tax has been frozen.
As you will have read in East End Life the Mayor has now announced this freeze to help families plan their finances next year.
It is important to clarify that Eric Pickles’ announcement of a grant for freezing Council Tax is a measly offering the Coalition is giving Councils. This is not an ongoing revenue stream. This is simply a one off lump sum which will not cover the income we would have received from raising Council Tax.
To be clear this was a proactive choice by the Mayor in prioritising ways we can help residents facing some of the worst attacks on their household income and worst increases in living expenditure.
8.14 Question from Councillor Gloria Thienel:-
Will the Mayor explain why unique amongst London local authorities he has not signed up to the London Permit Scheme to co ordinate street and road works?
Response by Councillor Shahed Ali, Cabinet Member for Environment:-
There are currently six boroughs that have not joined the scheme and the majority of these are now progressing to adopting permits as the 4th tranche of applications. This includes Tower Hamlets Council.
8.15 Question from Councillor Zenith Rahman:-
Can the Mayor make publicly available a full list of portfolio responsibilities for the members of his Cabinet and Executive Advisers?
Response by Councillor Ohid Ahmed, Deputy Mayor:-
The Cabinet positions are as follows:
Cllr Ohid Ahmed, Deputy Mayor
Cllr Rofique Uddin Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Regeneration
Cllr Shahed Ali, Cabinet Member for Environment
Cllr Abdul Asad, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing
Cllr Alibor Choudhury, Cabinet Member for Resources
Cllr Shafiqul
Haque, Cabinet Member for Jobs and
Skills
Cllr Rabina Khan, Cabinet Member for
Housing
Cllr Rania Khan, Cabinet Member for Culture
Cllr Oliur Rahman, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services
Cllr Maium Miah, Cabinet Advisor for the 3rd Sector
Cllr Kabir Ahmed, Cabinet Advisor
The Mayor’s Executive Advisers are:
Tony Winterbottom, Regeneration and Development
GulamRobbani, Adults and Children Health and Wellbeing
Mark Seddon, Communications
ShahidMalik, Equalities
Michael Ambrose, Youth Participation
AmirulChoudry, Business
SurothMiah, Sports and Olympics
Mohammed Jubair, Communities Communications
8.16 Question from Councillor David Snowdon:-
Will the Mayor please comment on the availability of food waste recycling bags? Neither the Isle of Dogs library or the Canary Wharf Ideas Store have had any for public distribution for many weeks. When will this situation be rectified?
Response by Councillor Shahed Ali, Cabinet Member for Environment:-
All Idea Stores, One Stops Shops, libraries and the Town Hall receive a weekly delivery of food waste bags and pink recycling sacks.
If a location does not receive the delivery, they are asked to report this to the Clean and Green Service.
Canary Wharf Idea Store confirmed on Friday 18th November that they have received a delivery of food waste bags. The Isle of Dogs Library confirmed that there has been a slight delay in receiving food waste bags and this has now been raised with Veolia who will be increasing the amount of bags delivered to the Library.
8.17 Question from Councillor Craig Aston:-
Following on from the successful Fireworks displays in Bartlett Park, Weavers
Fields and the Isle of Dogs, would the Mayor please comment on why he did not seek corporate sponsorship/branding sponsorship for the event, and why charities were not encouraged to make collections at the entrances?
Response by Councillor Rania Khan, Cabinet Member for Culture:-
Thank you Councillor Aston for your question.
Sponsorship companies look for established events with a known potential footfall and benefits. Sponsorship was not therefore sought in 2011 as this was the establishing year. We are now in a position to actively seek sponsorship for 2012 based on evidenced footfall, target audience and branding potential.
Charities are welcomed to apply to collect at Council events and are subject to the usual health and safety checks.
8.18 Question from Councillor Zara Davis:-
At the September 2011 Full Council meeting, the Council resolved ‘that Sir John McDougal Gardens, Millwall Park and Island Gardens will remain solely for the use of residents and community groups for the purposes of recreation, leisure and sports.’ Will the Mayor confirm that this motion will be implemented and that commercial events will not be permitted to take place on these parks?
Response by Councillor Rania Khan, Cabinet Member for Culture:-
Thank you Councillor Davis for your question.
Any Council motion that has financial implications has to be brought to Cabinet for consideration. I can confirm that a report on this matter will be brought to Cabinet in January.
Change to Order of Business
Councillor Dr Emma Jones MOVED, and Councillor Tim Archer SECONDED, a procedural motion – “That under procedural Rule 14.1.3 the order of business be varied to allow motion 12.8 to be considered as next business.”
The procedural motion was put to the vote and was agreed.
12.8 Questions to the Mayor at Council meetings
Councillor Peter Golds and Councillor Tim Archer altered the wording of their motion in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 15.8.1.
Councillor Peter Golds MOVED, and Councillor Tim Archer SECONDED the motion as amended.
Following debate, the motion as amended was put to the vote and was agreed. Accordingly it was:-
RESOLVED
This Council notes that the Mayor has reserved all decision making to himself and that no Council member has any delegated authority.
This includes Councillors who are designated Cabinet Members but, as has been confirmed by officers, have no authority to make any decision.
Therefore it follows that questions by Councillors regarding Council policy and decisions taken by Mayor should be answered by the Mayor himself, whilst ensuring that the Mayor is not restrained in his right to address the meeting.
The Council therefore resolves to amend Standing Order 12.2 to achieve this end and to read:
12.2 Questions on Notice at Full Council. Subject to rule 12.3, at an Ordinary or Extraordinary meeting of the Council a Member may ask the Chair, the Mayor or the Chair of any Committee or Sub Committee a question about any matter in relation to which the Council has powers or duties or which affects the borough. Questions at an Extraordinary Council meeting must relate to a matter on that agenda.
Questions relating to Executive functions and decisions taken by the Mayor will be put to and should be answered by the person responsible for those decisions, namely the Mayor, unless he delegates such a decision to another member who will therefore be responsible for answering the question.
In the absence of the Mayor the Deputy Mayor will answer questions directed to the Mayor.
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