WRITTEN QUESTIONS FROM COUNCILLORS

The following questions have been received from Councillors and will be taken as read along with the written answer which will be included in an addendum that will be circulated at the meeting:

(1) Councillor Platts:

I’m pleased the Administration supported Labour’s amendment at the recent Environment, Transport & Sustainability Committee, calling for local residents and stakeholder groups to be consulted and be able to offer input into the process before the implementation of tranche 2 emergency temporary transport changes. We set out a reasonable timeframe for meaningful consultation. Please can I get an update on that consultation?

Reply from Councillor Heley, Chair of the Environment, Transport & Sustainability Committee

(2) Councillor Platts:

Labour were pleased to work cross-party with other political groups in order to set up a range of working groups when in administration. We set up a cross-party Community Wealth Building group, as well as Project Boards covering Black Rock, i360, King Alfred, Madeira Terraces and Waterfront. Lots of these have understandably been hold due to the public health crisis. Please can I get an update on each of these project boards, as well as the Community Wealth Building Working Group

Reply from Councillor Mac Cafferty, Leader of the Council

(3) Councillor Platts:

COVID-19 impacts upon all of us, but the evidence suggests it hits disadvantaged families the hardest. We know there is already an attainment gap for children living in areas of disadvantage and I am concerned the public health crisis will cause this gap to widen further. What is the Administration doing to ensure that existing educational attainment gap is not widened due to COVID-19?

Reply from Councillor Clare, Chair of the Children, Young People & Skills Committee

(4) Councillor Barnett:

I refer to the council land comprising Benfield Valley Golf Course that I understand is currently on a long lease.

Can the Leader of the Council confirm?

a) The extent of the land that has been leased and its definition

b) The year the land was leased by the council

c) The term of the long lease

d) The amount the land was leased for

e) How much it would cost for the council to buy back the long lease.

Reply from Councillor Mac Cafferty, Leader of the Council