Council Procedure Rule 12.6 provides for questions by any member of the Council to the Leader or any Portfolio Holder, without notice on:
(i) reports under item 7 above; or
(ii) any other matter of a non operational character in relation to the powers and duties of the Council or which affects all or part of the District or some or all of its inhabitants.
Council Procedure Rule 12.7 provides that answers to questions without notice may take the form of:
(a) direct oral answer from the Leader or, at the request of the Leader, from another member of the Cabinet;
(b) where the desired information is in a publication of the Council or other published work, a reference to that publication;
(c) where the reply cannot conveniently be given orally, a written answer circulated later to the questioner; or
(d) where the question relates to an operational matter, the Leader or a member of the Cabinet will request that a response be given direct to the questioner by the relevant Chief Officer.
In accordance with the Council Procedure Rule 12.8, a time limit of thirty minutes is set for questions. Any question not dealt with within the time available will receive a written reply. The Chairman may extend this period by up to a further 10 minutes at their discretion.
Minutes:
(a) Buckhurst Hill Parking Review – Briar Close
Councillor G Chambers asked the Safer, Cleaner and Transport Portfolio Holder whether he could suggest a cost effective solution to an error made on the Buckhurst Hill Parking Review in Briar Close, where the changes had made access to the residential properties almost impossible for emergency and refuse collection vehicles?
Councillor G Waller advised that the Buckhurst Hill Parking Review had been completed quite effectively, although he had recognised that there were some issues which had not been dealt with satisfactorily. He had been aware that a few adjustments were required and he would gladly meet with Councillor G Chamber in Briar Close to discuss the issue.
(b) Council Drones
Councillor M Sartin asked the Governance and Development Management Portfolio Holder about the Council’s purchase of drones and whether he could assure Members that;
· they would be used in a responsible manner;
· they would assist officers in their work; and
· there would be policy and training in place before they were used?
Councillor J Philip gave his assurance that the Councils aim was to use the drones in a completely responsible manner and there would be a policy document and operation manual on how they were to be used by mid May 2016 and the end of May 2016 respectively. In addition, the two members of staff that would be operating the drones would be required to sit an exam for the necessary qualifications and obtain an aviation permit. The drones had been brought to assist the Council with aerial photographs, enforcement concerns and Council owned property inspections; saving money for the residents, whilst being in accordance with the law and the Council’s policies.
(c) Crime Statics
Councillor S Murray asked the Portfolio Holder for Safer, Greener and Transport about the crime statics in Epping Forest and whether they had increased or decreased in 2015/16?
Councillor G Waller advised that the overall trend for Crime in Epping Forest was moving downwards, although there had been blips in the data. The Neighbourhoods Select Committee had received a report regarding an increase in March 2016, because of new types of crime being included in the data such as online fraud and domestic abuse. The trend had continued downwards.
(d) Local Plan Consultation
Councillor J M Whitehouse asked the Portfolio Holder for Planning Policy about the postponement of the draft Local Plan until autumn 2016 and whether the length of the new consultation would be the same?
The Leader advised that Councillor R Bassett would supply a fully written explanation to Councillor J M Whitehouse. However, the Leader advised that the deferment had been down to Highways England and the delay in the transport model for the new junction 7a on the M11, which would produce an autumn consultation period.
Furthermore, Councillor J M Whitehouse asked whether the information regarding the Green Belt Review and Settlement Capacity study could be published beforehand, as there would be a mass of information/data that residents would have to absorb, consider and respond to in a relatively short period of time.
The Leader advised that they were looking to get the Local Plan right for Epping Forest and although there would be a lot of evidence that was required for the next stage, residents/Members should not look at any information in isolation because some very tough decisions would be required. He also advised that the consultations with residents would be statutory consultation periods, which would be completed properly.
(e) Parking Issues - The Broadway, Debden, Loughton
Councillor L Girling thanked the Portfolio Holder for Safer, Cleaner and Transport for meeting with him to see the dangerous parking problems in The Broadway, Loughton and requested an update on the emergency Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) for double yellows in this area and whether adequate enforcement would be available from North Essex Parking Partnership (NEPP).
Councillor G Waller advised that a temporary measure would be taken to install double yellow lines in The Broadway, in advance of the main Parking Review which would be carried out shortly with the more in depth consultation requirements. The works would be carried out shortly and he agreed that enforcement was required for the TRO to be effective and to ensure safety for local residents.
(f) Housing Appeals Panel
Councillor D Wixley asked the Housing Portfolio Holder whether applicants would be able to have the support of their local Councillors at any Housing Appeals Panel that would be held following the demise of the Housing Appeals Panel in the new Constitution.
Councillor D Stallan advised that following the discontinuation of the Housing Appeals Panel the decision would be delegated to Officers and therefore it may not be possible, although he would seek further clarification and answer Councillor D Wixley directly.
(g) Postal Delivery to Council Owned Flats
Councillor L Girling asked the Housing Portfolio Holder whether the Council had been made aware of changes to the times of deliveries and post by Royal Mail to the Council owned flats across the District and whether there was anything that EFDC could do about the matter.
Councillor D Stallan advised that the Council had a contract with the security systems and access to the Communal flats and was also surprised that Royal Mail had changed their delivery times without notice to residents or the Council. He would contact officers to find out further information.