Agenda item

To receive the answers to questions submitted to the Leader and Lead Members.

Council considered the written questions and responses which had been published on the council’s website ahead of the meeting.

Various supplementary questions were asked following the questions to the Leader of the Council. In response to the supplementary questions, the following summary points were made:

Councillor Keith Martin asked the Leader of the Council, Councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst:

The Nolan Principles were issued in 1992.  I’d like to ask the Leader which of two other events that also occurred in 1992 and have never occurred since he thinks we are more likely to see first: Leeds United being English World Champions again, or the Conservative Group producing a budget?

In response, Councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst said he would welcome an opposition budget proposal in future and congratulated Councillor Abbas Merali on his performance at the general election of 4 July 2024.

Councillor Harry Davies asked the Leader of the Council, Councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst:

Would the Council Leader comment on the potential implications of the new government’s proposed changes to planning legislation and in particular the possible effect on our Council’s green belt protection policy?

In response, Councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst explained that officers had been working hard to develop planning policies which protected the green belt, that it would be for the Planning Committee to determine applications, and that he was opposed to an arbitrary figure of houses to be built imposed upon the district by HM Government.

Councillor Chris Mitchell asked the Leader of the Council, Councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst:

To help us all, can we bring in a clear and transparent process to ensure that we all abide by the Nolan Principles which have already been mentioned, possibly to be discussed and agreed by the Group Leaders?

In response, Councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst explained that the council’s code of conduct referenced the Seven Principles of Public Life [Nolan Principles] and that the constitution would be reviewed.

Councillor Chris Mitchell asked the Leader of the Council, Councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst:

Can the Leader provide an update on the date of the proposed informal meeting of Group Leaders and Deputies?

In response, Councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst advised that he hoped to hold an informal meeting of group leaders and their deputies toward the end of July 2024 [to discuss changes to the constitution].

Councillor Stephen Cox asked the Leader of the Council, Councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst:

I note that you don’t deny points (a) – (h); do you think that this authority is now better off as a result of your new team?

In response, Councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst said he would make no further comment.

Councillor Jonathon Solomons asked the Leader of the Council, Councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst:

Can the Leader make it clear who it is who invites Ward Councillors to the Local Area Forums?

In response, Councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst explained that Local Area Forum meetings were open to the public, including to parish, district, and county councillors, and that membership of each Forum was made up of each district councillor from the wards which constituted each Forum, and it was for those members to agree to the dates, times, and formats of each meeting.

Councillor Cheryl Stungo asked the Leader of the Council, Councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst:

Do you have the latest status concerning the Red Cross building in Barton Way, and how does that affect the Welcome Club?

In response, Councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst explained that he thought the written answer addressed the question and re-stated it: the situation is that the Welcome Club is the responsibility of the British Red Cross, who have now passed that responsibility to the Watford & Three Rivers Trust. As indicated in the response, they have been given notice to vacate the premises and the lease agreement which goes back to 1966 requires the Welcome Club to be accommodated on other suitable premises. We have offered assistance to the Watford & Three Rivers Trust in relation to the relocation, but it is not and never has been the responsibility of this Council to manage and operate the Welcome Club. We are still awaiting the valuation from an independent valuer in relation to the building. Once that has been received we will consider it against the offer that has been made by the Parish Council and no doubt there will be a meeting with the Croxley Councillors and representatives of the Parish Council to discuss it further.

Councillor Philip Hearn asked the Leader of the Council, Councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst:

Would the Leader of the Council agree with me that anybody claiming that the Chorleywood Car Park proposal will never go ahead, even if it’s included in the Local Plan, is simply wrong and is giving the public false hope?

In response, Councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst explained that he was not aware of any definitive statement that the development of the Chorleywood car park would not take place, but that the figures within the Local Plan would be indicative, as they were for all sites identified within the plan.

As the time limit for the close of the meeting had been reached during this item, no further supplementary questions were asked.