Agenda item

To receive written updates from Executive Members, and deal with questions and answers arising therefrom

Question in relation to the update of the Executive Member for Adult Social Care – Councillor Rostron.

Councillor Clynch on the Middlesbrough Independent Living Services.

The Executive Member thanked Councillor Clynch for complimenting the Connect Service and agreed to pass on his thanks to all staff for work undertaken recently.  The Independent Living Service had also been recognised nationally as exemplary, which was a great achievement and the Executive Member added her thanks to all staff.  The Independent Living Service was vital to the community and vulnerable residents.  The number of people who were able to remain in their own homes was largely down to the work of this Service.  For service users, their families and carers, there was the reassurance of access to 24/7 assistance.  The Executive Member also highlighted a link in her update to videos produced by the staff which provided further details of the services provided, which included the Affordable Warmth Team.  Councillors’ attention was drawn to information leaflets provided by the Affordable Warmth Team that were available at the meeting.

Question in relation to the update of the Executive Member for Children’s Services – Councillor Henman.

Councillor Jones agreed to email her question to Councillor Henman.

Questions in relation to the update of the Executive Member for Development – Councillor Furness

Councillor Morrish on empty shops.

The Executive Member concurred that the Government had granted some local authorities enforcement powers to tackle empty shops by putting vacant commercial properties up for rental auction.  Middlesbrough Council was currently offering grants of up to £5000 to local businesses to assist with signage and lighting, as well as improvements to doors and windows. 

Councillor Uddin on the criteria for applying for grants to improvement shop fronts.

The Executive Member explained that a pot of £180,000 was available from the Middlesbrough Priorities Fund.  Applications would be accepted from business owners and quotations would be required.  The Executive Member agreed to forward further information on the scheme to all Councillors and asked them to encourage eligible businesses to apply.

Questions in relation to the update of the Executive Member for Environment and Sustainability.

Councillor Saunders on a damaged culvert on Ladgate Lane.

The Executive Member informed Council that a contract had been awarded for the remedial work required and the contractor had started investigatory work.  Whilst it was acknowledged that it was inconvenient, temporary traffic lights were in place as a safety measure.  Ward Councillors would be given an update on the timescale for completion of the works once the information was available.

Councillor Jones on collection of side waste.

It was confirmed that there had been no policy change in relation to the collection of side waste.  Expected tonnage did not include side waste and its collection would interfere with the rounds being completed on time.  Therefore, the Area Care teams collected side waste.  It was hoped that next year’s recycling changes would improve the situation.

Councillor Wilson on the purchase of black bins.

The Executive Member asked Councillor Wilson to email the details of the specific case he had raised and stated that he would resolve the issue.

Councillor Hubbard on the costs and funding for new bins.

The Executive Member confirmed that the Council had received grants for food waste collection and enhanced recycling costs.  The Executive Member agreed to email the detailed costs to Councillor Hubbard.