Agenda item
Cabinet Member Update
The Cabinet Member(s) will update the Panel on any relevant issues. Panel members may ask questions.
Minutes:
A WRITTEN STATEMENT HAD BEEN SUBMITTED TO COUNCILLORS IN ADVANCE
Councillor Steve Hedges asked how many landlords had been prosecuted in relation to the licensing of HMOs.
Councillor Tim Ball, Cabinet Member for Homes & Planning replied that only one had been prosecuted so far for failing to licence an HMO under s72 Housing Act 2004.
The Chair asked if he would like to offer any further information on the Gypsy and Traveller site.
Councillor Ball replied that the site was one week ahead of schedule and due to open at the end of February 2015. He added that a consultation document relating to the site would be issued soon and that they were looking to name the site with the current proposal being Carrs Wood View.
The Chair asked how many empty properties were there in B&NES.
Councillor Ball replied that there were around 430.
The Chair commented that she was pleased with the figures of 91.7% Equalities Impact Assessments are now in place and 58.3% of complaints responded to within 15 days of receipt, but asked why it seems to take on average 34 weeks to complete a disabled facilities grant.
The Head of Housing replied that the figure of 34 weeks begins from the moment that the client first contacts the Council and that from that point there are many steps. He stated that the figure of 34 weeks was actually a very good timescale.
He explained that an initial assessment of the client is made and then a schedule of works is formed before receiving a number of quotes. Assistance is then given to the client with regard to application forms and then a contractor is assigned before work can begin on site.
He stated that around half of grants are completed within 16 weeks and that the Council was only directly involved in a third of the process.
Councillor Ben Stevens, Cabinet Member for Economic Development addressed the Panel.
He wished to highlight to the Panel the bullet points within his update on Bath Flood Mitigation:
· £1.12m Local Levy and Flood Defence Grant in Aid funding now secured following successful Environment Agency Project Approval Board in September 2014.
· Planning application and listed building consent applications all now registered. Decisions expected in January 2015.
· Detailed design progressing.
· Works commencement envisaged early 2015 (vegetation removal) and mid 2015 (construction works).
He informed the Panel that the Victoria Bridge would need to be closed for one extra week in order for the temporary truss to be removed.
The Chair asked if any flood mitigation had yet been investigated regarding the east of Bath.
The Strategic Director for Place replied that with the Strategic River Group now in place the river was being addressed in a collective way, beginning with the work relating to the Enterprise Area. She added that the Council was currently looking for the most appropriate site for a Park & Ride to the east of Bath.
The Chair asked if any update was available regarding the waterlogged floor at St. Nicholas School, Radstock.
The Divisional Director for Project Management replied that work had taken place over the summer to replace it and that it was now being monitored.
Councillor Gerry Curran asked when the last remaining gas holder would be removed from the BWR site.
Councillor Ben Stevens replied that removal of the holder had begun earlier today.
The Chair announced that the new road in Radstock would open on December 13th. She said that some of the local traders were still experiencing difficulties regarding paperwork for their compensation and asked if they could receive some further support.
Councillor Ben Stevens said that he would discuss the matter with officers.
Councillor Brian Simmons asked why the Sainsbury’s attached to the new Keynsham Civic Centre had not opened as planned this week. He also asked if any other traders had been identified for the site.
The Divisional Director for Project Management replied that a BT problem had prevented Sainsbury’s from opening and that it now planned to open at the end of next week. He added that three further traders had been identified, an estate agents, a pet shop and a café.
Councillor Brian Simmons asked if the Bath Hill road would be resurfaced.
The Divisional Director for Project Management replied that any road works had been deferred until January 5th and that re-surfacing would take place over a couple of nights.