Agenda item

Public Question Time

Meeting of Full Council, Wednesday, 17th October, 2018 7.30 pm (Item 4.)

To answerpublicquestionsunder Council Procedure Rule10.The questionsmust be on matterswhich are relevanttothe functionsofthe Council, andshould not includestatements.

One supplementaryquestionfrom thequestioner will be allowed.

Up to 30 minutesisallocatedto PublicQuestionTime.

Minutes:

Questions asked in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10 were as follows:

Questioner’s Name	Name of Councillor Responding
Mrs Redfearn - (Broadfield) I wanted to know what the council can do to help us with the parking in Halley Close, Broadfield. The parking is extremely poor, made worse by airport parking. There is a lack of parking spaces available. We brought forward a petition but we are wondering what else can be done, such as permits.	Councillor Thomas (Cabinet Member for Environmental Services and Sustainability) In particular reference to Halley Close, meetings have taken place with residents and officers to discuss the issues and concerns. There is some justification to say that Halley Close is a unique area. Whilst a substantial petition was brought forward to the Overview and Scrutiny Commission, the vast majority of the areas causing concern are the responsibility of WSCC. The parking permits you mention have to be done in coordination with WSCC. The road space audit currently underway and officers are investigating options and there may be a slight possibility of small ameliorations. Options will be discussed with residents but we are aware of the difficulties but also where the responsibilities lie and the finances involved. Councillor Irvine (Councillor for Broadfield North) I was at the Overview and Scrutiny Commission when this was discussed and a recommendation was that consultation would be undertaken with residents. I am glad to hear that officers have started that dialogue. Sustainable transport is not for everyone and we should involve as many people as possible. Councillor Quinn (Councillor for Broadfield North) This issue has been going on for a long time but officers are now involved and discussing the issues.
Mr Hall (Langley Green) There are currently many signs on Crawley’s roundabouts asking people to ‘please take your litter home’. Who paid for these signs? Did the taxpayer or did someone else? Supplementary Question I’ve seen it many times but unfortunately the scheme isn’t working. How much did we have to pay?	Councillor Thomas (Cabinet Member for Environmental Services and Sustainability) My understanding is that the scheme is funded jointly by the County and individual District and Borough Councils. I would have to find out how much we paid. However I think it is better to do something than nothing at all. Following the effect of Blue Planet, recycling figures are increasing so change is possible. I would add that the placing of the notices is a positive step, along with the other strategies in place and worth trying. I support it.
Resident from Northgate I am aware of a private hire pick up/drop off violation. Why is the licensing authority failing in its reporting of this violation and enforcement?	Councillor Pickett (Chair of the Licensing Committee) Enforcement action does occur and the Licensing Officers have been out. I have been informed of instances that have taken place as you describe. I can assure you that enforcement action does take place and the team work hard to enforce the laws.
Mr Khan (Bewbush) Please can you help me get my taxi licence back?	Councillor Pickett (Chair of the Licensing Committee) I am very much aware of the history of your case. I understand that you will shortly be able to submit an application to renew your licence. Whether this will be granted is a separate matter.
Mr Asad (Langley Green) You were going to tell us when we can remove our door signs?	Councillor Pickett (Chair of the Licensing Committee) Are you referring to the consultation programme which is about to commence concerning the signage on taxis in Crawley? If you are a licensed taxi driver in Crawley or private hire, you will be receiving a consultation document where you will be able to put your views and return it to the council.

Questioner’s Name

Name of Councillor Responding

Mrs Redfearn - (Broadfield)

I wanted to know what the council can do to help us with the parking in Halley Close, Broadfield. The parking is extremely poor, made worse by airport parking. There is a lack of parking spaces available. We brought forward a petition but we are wondering what else can be done, such as permits.

Councillor Thomas

(Cabinet Member for Environmental Services and Sustainability)

In particular reference to Halley Close, meetings have taken place with residents and officers to discuss the issues and concerns. There is some justification to say that Halley Close is a unique area.

Whilst a substantial petition was brought forward to the Overview and Scrutiny Commission, the vast majority of the areas causing concern are the responsibility of WSCC. The parking permits you mention have to be done in coordination with WSCC. The road space audit currently underway and officers are investigating options and there may be a slight possibility of small ameliorations. Options will be discussed with residents but we are aware of the difficulties but also where the responsibilities lie and the finances involved.

Councillor Irvine

(Councillor for Broadfield North)

I was at the Overview and Scrutiny Commission when this was discussed and a recommendation was that consultation would be undertaken with residents. I am glad to hear that officers have started that dialogue.

Sustainable transport is not for everyone and we should involve as many people as possible.

Councillor Quinn

(Councillor for Broadfield North)

This issue has been going on for a long time but officers are now involved and discussing the issues.

Mr Hall (Langley Green)

There are currently many signs on Crawley’s roundabouts asking people to ‘please take your litter home’. Who paid for these signs? Did the taxpayer or did someone else?

Supplementary Question

I’ve seen it many times but unfortunately the scheme isn’t working. How much did we have to pay?

Councillor Thomas

(Cabinet Member for Environmental Services and Sustainability)

My understanding is that the scheme is funded jointly by the County and individual District and Borough Councils.

I would have to find out how much we paid. However I think it is better to do something than nothing at all. Following the effect of Blue Planet, recycling figures are increasing so change is possible. I would add that the placing of the notices is a positive step, along with the other strategies in place and worth trying. I support it.

Resident from Northgate

I am aware of a private hire pick up/drop off violation. Why is the licensing authority failing in its reporting of this violation and enforcement?

Councillor Pickett

(Chair of the Licensing Committee)

Enforcement action does occur and the Licensing Officers have been out. I have been informed of instances that have taken place as you describe. I can assure you that enforcement action does take place and the team work hard to enforce the laws.

Mr Khan (Bewbush)

Please can you help me get my taxi licence back?

Councillor Pickett

(Chair of the Licensing Committee)

I am very much aware of the history of your case. I understand that you will shortly be able to submit an application to renew your licence. Whether this will be granted is a separate matter.

Mr Asad (Langley Green)

You were going to tell us when we can remove our door signs?

Councillor Pickett

(Chair of the Licensing Committee)

Are you referring to the consultation programme which is about to commence concerning the signage on taxis in Crawley? If you are a licensed taxi driver in Crawley or private hire, you will be receiving a consultation document where you will be able to put your views and return it to the council.