Minutes:
Councillor Natasha Chapman to Councillor Donald Nannestad
Question
“Given the regularity of lift breakdowns in Shuttleworth House and the difficulties this causes in particular for residents with mobility issues, could the portfolio holder share the usual lifespan of lifts and therefore when lifts in large social housing buildings might be due for replacement?”
Answer
It was highlighted that there was no recognised life span on lifts, it was when it became past its economic service life in terms of failures and available parts.
However, in terms of replacements, it was advised that with respect of Shuttleworth House, a replacement was currently in the design process. The Council was in the process of engaging with a lift consultant, which was a delicate process due to the complexity of the building.
With regards to Trent View / Jarvis House, replacements were within the 30-year business plan and would be evaluated in the coming years.
Supplementary Question
It was queried whether it could be ensured that any lift replacement would stop at each floor within buildings, rather than one lift going to odd numbers and the other within the building going to even numbers. It was highlighted that this caused significant issues when a lift was out of action, as not all floors were accessible by lift.
Answer
It was highlighted that having both lifts stop at each floor within a building would require considerable investment as it would be changing how they currently operated. However, all options would be explored and considered as part of the replacement programme.
Councillor Clare Smalley to Councillor Naomi Tweddle
Question
“What does the Leader think has improved for the residents of Lincoln, following a Labour government?”
Answer
The Leader of the Council recognised that the new Labour government was only a few months into its tenure. However, the Leader was pleased to see multi-year funding settlements for local government, which had been lacking in recent years and considered an improvement, as provided a level of certainty.
The Leader also highlighted the investment made to the NHS and the reversal of the decision relating to the former RAF Scampton airbase, which would have great impact on Lincoln.
Supplementary Question
“Could the Leader provide an insight into what she feels residents of Lincoln could look forward to next?”
Answer
The Leader highlighted that it was hoped sick pay would be improved for lowest earners and it was anticipated that the Employment Rights Bill would bring other positive changes.
Councillor Martin Christopher to Councillor Naomi Tweddle
Question
“What does the Leader think about the government funding only 1/3 of the increase in NI for local councils like Lincoln?”
Answer
The Leader expressed her disappointment in the national insurance changes not being fully funded for local government, as it had put pressure on the budgets of local authorities. However, in defence of the Government, the Leader highlighted that this was owing to the challenging situation with the economy.
Supplementary Question
“Would you include the changes in national insurance contributions on your list of positives about the Labour Government?”
Answer
The new Labour Government had inherited a significant challenge with regards to addressing the country’s finances, which was a result of years of neglect, and it was therefore necessary for the new Government to make challenging decisions to address what it had inherited.
Councillor James Brown to Councillor Bob Bushell
Question
Councillor Aiden Wells has been working with a local football club to get regular organised football back on King George's Field in his ward. However, discussions have not moved forward due to a lack of capacity at the Council. Why is the Communities and Environment directorate underfunded by the Executive?
Answer
It was highlighted that officers had been in dialogue for some months with Councillor Aiden Wells and he was aware of those conversations. The Portfolio Holder spoke regularly with the director and his senior officers within Directorate of Communities and Environment (DCE) and was conscious of the many pressures placed on the various teams within the directorate to take forward new initiatives and projects driven by the community.
Whilst it was a great resource to have active community groups championing new initiatives, no authority could resource up to tackle all such requests all at once. Members would note that the Council was in the process of finalising Vision 2030, and within that the projects that were resourced in the first 18 months were detailed. This enabled the Council to focus on delivering fewer projects, but well.
As these projects were completed, the Portfolio Holder would discuss the next wave of projects with his Executive colleagues and bring those forward as the staff resources become available. He understood the director had given reassurances to Councillor Aiden Wells that he would keep him updated as the potential project moved up the list for action.
Supplementary Question
It was highlighted that St Giles was one of the City’s most deprived areas and the football team was ready to go.
Answer
It was reiterated that this would be discussed within the directorate as other projects were completed and staff resources allowed.