Issue - meetings

The report of the Leader of the Council was submitted setting out the details of the business undertaken by the Executive.

The Leader and the Cabinet made statements and responded to questions. 

Council noted that Councillor Jordan had replaced Councillor Lewzey as Lead Member for Children’s Social Care and revised portfolio responsibilities were made available.

The following questions were submitted in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 11.1.

1.   Skateboarders in Guildhall Square

Question from Councillor Moulton to Councillor Kaur

Following the Council debate some months ago regarding skateboarders in Guildhall Square, what steps have been taken by the Council to provide new or improved facilities in the city centre away from Guildhall Square? What meetings have taken place with skateboarders, between officers and what funds have been earmarked for skateboarding?

Answer

Officers and members have met with skateboarders on many occasions. A Southampton Skating Association has been formed to represent views, through whom a code of conduct has been signed as a means of promoting improved community engagement and on the 10^th September hundreds of people attended Skatefest hosted in the Cultural Quarter in a positive display of support for skating.

We are working with Southampton Skating Association on investigating options for new as well as improved facilities around the city, including the inner city area. With skateboarding becoming an Olympic sport, Southampton City Council are keen to work with national skating organisations and other partners who have expressed interest in working with us and Southampton Skating Association to help secure the necessary resources needed to make Southampton a skater friendly City.

2.  Council blocks procurement costs

Question from Councillor Moulton to Councillor Payne

Leaseholder residents in council blocks have recently received section 20 paperwork concerning procurement costs associated with structural works to balconies. The letters quote sums of c£5000 and ?c£10000, depending on the numbers of flats and balconies. These letters provide no details of when residents might have to pay these sums and what the payment options are. Is it acceptable that residents, many of whom are elderly, are left not knowing and worrying about when such huge sums of money might be due? What is the Cabinet Member doing to resolve the situation?

Answer

Following the completion of the design for the support of the balconies, Leaseholders were sent an initial Stage 1 Letter on 10 April 2017 advising of the Council’s intention to seek tenders for the remedial works. Following on from receipt of tenders and the assessment process, the Stage 2 letter was issued on 23 August 2017 confirming details of the accepted tender for the works. A number of documents were appended setting out the tender report and the estimated cost of the works which varied depending on which Lot and the number of affected flats. These letters are required to be in a set format to meet the requirements of the Act and are based on templates drawn up for us by specialist lawyers. We will review the template with lawyers and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 44