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 Children’s Services – Councillor Henman

 

Councillor Uddin on school attendance.

 

The Executive Member for Children’s Services commented that 339 of Middlesbrough’s school aged children in care had a school place.  In terms of six who did not currently have a school place, there were a range of reasons, a couple of examples were provided which were: being placed out of area as a protection from criminal activity, and moving to another local authority and awaiting a placement there.  All children were currently accessing alternative forms of education and these were standard circumstances that the virtual school supported young people with.

 

Question in relation to the update of the Executive Member for Development - Councillor Furness

 

Councillor Rush on Nunthorpe Community Centre

 

The Executive Member for Development explained that the opening date for the Nunthorpe Community Centre had not been confirmed as yet.  There had been some issues with the water connection which had delayed the opening.  The Executive Member stated that he would inform the Councillor when he had a confirmed date.

 

Councillor Morrish on Nunthorpe Parish Council

 

This question was not permitted by the Chair since the topic did not appear within the Executive Member’s Update.

 

Question in relation to the update of the Executive Member for Environment and Sustainability – Councillor Gavigan

 

Councillor Rush on pedestrian crossings

 

Councillor Gavigan stated that he could not answer the question directly but that there were a number of new pedestrian crossings being installed during the next financial year.  All requests were assessed against a matrix by a panel of officers and included an overall score based on multiple factors.  Schemes were implemented when funding was secured.   The Council had a limited budget to progress multiple requests for schemes and there were currently in excess of 100 schemes across the Borough on the list.  In relation to the number of pedestrian crossings in Nunthorpe and the criteria for determining provision, the Executive Member invited Councillor Rush to email her question and he would provide a response, as he did not have that information to hand.

 

Question in relation to the update of the Executive Member for Neighbourhoods – Councillor Blades

 

Councillor Rush on Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB)

 

The Executive Member for Neighbourhoods explained that each of the four neighbourhood areas across the town focussed on issues such as ASB.  The Executive Member suggested that the Councillor should contact the Neighbourhood Manager for the Nunthorpe area in relation to the complaints received from residents. In relation to youth provision, in conjunction with Middlesbrough Football Club, a bus had been fitted out as a roving youth club for the time being until further evidence was gathered in relation to what was required in terms of provision.  It was important to try and go to where young people congregated in order to engage with them and ascertain what the most appropriate venues for youth provision were.  Further information would be communicated to Ward Members.

 

Question in relation to the update of the Executive Member for Development - Councillor Furness

 

Councillor Rush on Development Across the Borough Section 106

 

The Executive Member for Development explained that the use of Section 106 money was determined by Officers in terms of infrastructure requirements around new developments.  In terms of how and when Section 106 money was allocated, this was determined by the planning application system.  The Executive Member also highlighted the Members’ Small Scheme Allowance was available for Councillors to bid for improvements such as pedestrian crossings.

 

Question in relation to the update of the Executive Member for Environment and Sustainability – Councillor Gavigan

 

Councillor Rush on Marton Shops Junction

 

The Executive Member for Environment and Sustainability stated that he was aware of an email exchange between Councillor Rush and the Head of Transport in respect of the issues raised in relation to the Marton Shops Junction and that he had nothing further to add. 

 

Question in relation to the update of the Executive Member for Neighbourhoods – Councillor Blades

 

Councillor Morrish on CCTV Patrols

 

The Executive Member for Neighbourhoods explained that 3 patrol vehicles had been off the road for servicing, repair or camera upgrades.  The other 4 vehicles were not on the road on the particular day to which the Freedom of Information Request had been submitted by Councillor Morrish.  The costs of hiring extra vehicles had increased due to the requirements of the number of additional staff now employed by the Council. The Executive Member stated that the Neighbourhood Caretakers were currently using hire vehicles and were being used to patrol all areas.

 

Question in relation to the update of the Executive Member for Development - Councillor Furness

 

Councillor Branson on Coulby Newham Infrastructure

 

The Executive Member for Development congratulated the Councillor and Officers on the successful Neighbourhood Plan.  The masterplan for Newham Hall designated an area for a Community Centre. Whilst that did not guarantee that a Community Centre would be built, it was a priority for the current administration to ensure there was one in every area.   It was likely that a shopping centre and a primary school would also be viable following the development of over 100 new houses Coulby Newham.  Construction had started on the new road and roundabout.

 

 

 

 

 

Question in relation to the update of the Executive Member for Environment and Sustainability – Councillor Gavigan

 

Councillor Morrish on Marton Interchange

 

The Executive Member was unable to comment on traffic surveys undertaken or whether the sliproad near the crossing would be re-opened.  The Executive Member agreed to email a response to the Councillor.

 

Question in relation to the update of the Executive Member for Development - Councillor Furness

 

Councillor Morrish on Carbon Savings

 

The Executive Member confirmed that the rooftop solar energy system installed at Fountain Court would deliver carbon savings equivalent to the items in his report – planting trees, removing petrol use and avoiding coal burning as a whole.  The new system cost £160K, and had been part funded by the Tees Valley Combined Authority.  Battery storage was included and this week there had been two days when there had been no electricity usage from the grid.  Payback for the investment was anticipated between 6 and 7 years.  It was hoped that similar technology could be rolled out across all Council buildings in future.  Although there was an initial cost this would also help protect against future energy costs.

 

Question in relation to the update of the Executive Member for Environment and Sustainability – Councillor Gavigan

 

Councillor Morrish on Waste Services

 

The Executive Member for Envrionment and Sustainability thanked Councillor Morrish for his comments on the roll out of the red top bins and food caddies.  In relation to communication with the public, it was confirmed that the Council was three months away from the scheme coming into use in June and the roll out was on track.  Closer to the start date, all available communication methods would be used to make sure residents were fully aware of the scheme.    The Executive Member added that he looked forward to everyone playing their part in ensuring a greener, cleaner town with improved recycling rates. 

 

Question in relation to the update of the Executive Member for Development - Councillor Furness

 

Councillor Morrish on Restaurant

 

The Executive Member for Development added his congratulations to Umami, a new restaurant joining the culinary line up at Captain Cook Square, in 2026.   The new restaurant was part of the plans for the town centre rather than the historic retail offer.  People liked choice and venues clustered together – such as STACK, Level X and inflate space.  The Council was looking at the town centre as a whole and developing a marketing package to encourage people to come and shop and eat.  Middlesbrough was historically the centre of the Tees Valley but it now needed to be reimagined and the Executive Member encouraged all Councillors to back the plans.  In relation to the impacts on employers of the national minimum wage, increased cost of living and business rates, the Executive Member stated that he thought the national minimum wage increase was a good thing and unfortunately he did not have any power over business rates which were set by Government.