Cabinet Members will answer questions from Members on their Portfolios.
Minutes:
1. Councillor N A Way addressing the Leader voiced his concerns regarding the special meeting of the Community Well-Being Policy Development Group (that had taken place the previous day), the content of the Grants report, the fact the Cabinet Member had not seen the detail of the report before publication and was unhappy with certain aspects; the outcome of the meeting had been that a working group be formed to look at the grant issues. Why was the report tabled as this was very unsatisfactory?
The Leader stated that he had not been present at the meeting and therefore the Cabinet Member should speak for himself. In relation to the Grand Western Canal no decision had been made and further discussions would take place.
The Cabinet Member for Community Well-Being stated that he had expressed his disappointment that the report had been changed since he had seen it and that he was distressed at the recommendation with regard to the Grand Western Canal. A working group had been formed and it would discuss the grant issues, a separate meeting would also take place with Devon County Council with regard to funding for the Grand Western Canal.
Councillor R M Deed spoke of his working relationship with officers whilst he was Cabinet Member and voiced his concern regarding a breakdown of communication between the Cabinet Member and officers.
The Cabinet Member stated that he had a very good working relationship with officers, in this instance the report had arrived at the last minute, he had commented but his comments had not been taken into consideration.
2. Councillor Mrs J B Binks asked the Cabinet Member for Community Well-Being when the report regarding the Grants was sent to him.
The Cabinet Member responded stating that he had received the report 2 days before publication.
3. Councillor L D Taylor addressing the Leader stated that Bradninch Town Council had been asked to contribute to the costs of amenity car parks, grass cutting and looking after 2 play areas and they had lost 75% of the burial grant which had been received since the 1980’s, to cover these costs they would have to increase the precept, during the last 5 years Mid Devon had not increased their Council Tax.
The Leader stated that it was all about devolved services, brought forward by the last coalition Government which gave opportunities for the community to take on local services. He was very proud of the fact that the Council Tax had not risen in the last 5 years, the budget for 2016/17 had yet to be set and that we would know more in the New Year.
4. Councillor Mrs A R Berry asked the Cabinet Member for Community Well-Being why given that the Cabinet Member had had so little time to consider the report, why was the meeting not postponed?
The Cabinet Member stated that there had been no problems in the previous year, yesterday the PDG could have come to a conclusion and there was a need to debate the issue of grants.
5. Councillor J M Downes addressing the Cabinet Member for the Environment stated that 2 years ago the Councillors in Crediton and a community group had received £100k for the refurbishment of Newcombes Meadow play area, one piece of equipment was still outstanding and could that piece of equipment be installed by the spring?
The Cabinet Member stated that he would look into the issue.
6. Councillor Mrs J Roach addressing the Leader asked why the Council were making decisions in isolation, what about the Tourism Strategy and the Corporate Plan, an agreed strategy may lead to an increase in a specific budget.
The Leader stated that a more rounded strategy would help and would enable the Council to move forward; he again encouraged attendance at the away day so that Members could put forward their views.