Agenda item

Question 1 –The Metro West rail project does not appear in the budget figures.  This project would help with the implementation of a station in Saltford.  Also there is no

Mention of Saltford primary school expansion.  Does this mean this will not happen?

Answer – There are over 120 projects within the capital programme and the presentation includes a snapshot of some of the projects planned.  Saltford primary school expansion is included in the 2016/17 financial year.  Feasibility work is required.

Question 2 – Does the river corridor fund extend to Keynsham?  Will you be liaising with South Glos as the river goes into the authority area?

Answer – The fund is specifically identified for river safety improvements in the City.  The River Corridor Group does look at the Avon and will take account of the impact on South Glos.

Question 3 – As Bath Community Academy share the sports facilities on their site will they be making a contribution towards the £200k improvements works?

Answer – The Academy does contribute revenue funds towards the use of the facilities.  The Council will take this up further with them.

Question 4 – As part of the new property company, will the Council offer some affordable houses?

Answer – The initial aim will be to ensure the 60 units above the shops in Bath will be available for private renting as soon as possible.  The Council will consider a business case that addresses a range housing needs.

Question 5 – Currently the Council provides a weekly recycling collection.  Will the protection of front line services include protection of this weekly service?

Answer – Government funding has allowed the Council to offer weekly collections.  This funding expires in 2017.  There is political support to continue to offer this service however a review will need to be carried out.

A further comment was made that if recycling collections are reduced to fortnightly collections, there will be an increase in fly tipping in the villages.

Question 6 – Is there still a commitment to ensure Somerdale delivers the employment opportunities?

Answer – Yes, the Council is still committed to deliver the economic growth and jobs.

Comment 7 – I welcome the proposals in the budget to improve junctions across the area.  The recent traffic improvements to Bath Hill in Keynsham are poor.  The road has been narrowed which causes traffic congestion.  Please stop narrowing the roads we need the traffic to flow freely. 

Question 8 – The area will see significant housing growth, what improvements have been planned for to increase school numbers?

Answer – There will be improvements to Castle Primary and a new school build on the Somerdale site as part of the development.

Question 9 – Will the Council have more autonym on its spending once the government grant has been withdrawn?

Answer – No, the grant is not ring-fenced, however more funding can be raised locally.

Question 10 – Bath does not have an additional precept, but Keynsham does, how did this happen?

Answer – When Bath City Council existed, residents did not pay a city tax due to the rental income from its properties.  When B&NES Council was created there was no parish council and therefore no precept was added to residents’ council tax who lived in the city.  The whole area benefits from the income generated in the city.  It is up to the community to decide if they want to have a parish council for Bath City centre.

Question 11 – How much is the Cabinet pushing Bath Tourism plus to promote the whole area and not just Bath?

Answer – The Council are discussing this with them to ensure they broaden their focus across the whole area.

Question 12 – We need to ensure that the one way system proposed in Keynsham high street stops people using the town as a rat run.  We need to ensure the flow of traffic is right.

Answer – The proposal is a trial.  No final decisions have been made.  It is important that the community are consulted and buy-in on the proposals.

Question 13 – Will there be a Tourism Levy introduced in Bath?

Answer – A Tourism Levy is only voluntary ‘opt in’ at the moment.  The Government is reviewing this.

Question 14 – The Volunteer Centre have been talking to the BID in Bath about ‘Volunteer Ambassadors’ for the city centre, is this something that the BID will support?

Answer – The BID is a separate organisation.  Our aim is to ensure we obtain financial efficiencies to reduce Council subsides.