To receive questions from members of the public who wish to ask a general question in respect of matters within the Council’s area of responsibility or influence.
Subject to the Chair’s discretion, members of the public may ask one question and one supplementary question, which should relate to the original question and answered received.
Councillors may also ask questions under this agenda item.
Minutes:
(1) A member of the public described a number of concerns relating to homelessness, the lack of available provision and numbers of staff to meet local need. He also expressed health and safety concerns around the urban area of Ferham for young people and pets, which had a serious problem with fly-tipping. He, therefore, suggested the Cabinet and officers should take cognisance, as part of their monthly meetings, and visit the areas in question.
The Leader pointed out Cabinet Members were regularly out and about in Wards dealing with various issues as part of their portfolios, but it was important that the meetings of Cabinet remained at the Town Hall as they were webcast to enable the public to view the proceedings.
Councillor Beck, Cabinet Member for Housing, referred to Item 9 of the agenda pack and the presentation of the Homelessness Prevention and Rough Sleeper Strategy 2019/22 which would support and advise homeless households and those threatened with homelessness moving towards more settled accommodation as soon as possible.
The Homelessness Team had also increased temporary supported accommodation from 29 units to 50 and the Council were investing more than £50 million over the next 4 to 5 years building affordable homes.
Over the course of 2017/18 the Homelessness Team prevented more than 700 households from becoming homeless either by assisting them in remaining in their existing home or through support in moving to a new home. Of these around a quarter of those rehoused were into the private sector through positive relationships with landlords.
In terms of the concerns around litter in Ferham, Enforcement Officers would be directed to the area to deal with the issues. It was also noted that Ferham was within a Selective Licensing area so landlords were expected to raise standards for residents. Of those that refused to comply the Council would seek to prosecute.
Councillor Allen, Cabinet Member for Cleaner Greener Communities, reinforced the need to improve cleanliness standards in Ferham and was more than happy to visit the area with officers to address the concerns.