Agenda item

Talk With Us Open Forum

To invite questions from the public present at the meeting on subjects other than those on the agenda.  The Committee would encourage members of the public with more complex issues to submit their question before the meeting to allow a substantive answer to be given.

Minutes:

21.1 The Chairman introduced the item and advised that the open

forum was an opportunity for comments and questions to be raised on

items not already on the agenda, and over which the County Council

has jurisdiction. The following issues were raised and responses made.

 

·         2 questions had been submitted in advance on A27 progress / Build a Better A27 (BABA27) membership.  - Nick Burrell explained the current progress and how Chichester District Council’s (CDC) work on local plan improvements were separate from the main BABA27 progress.  CDC were a stakeholder within the BABA27 group so the works would not overlap or be a waste of resources when considered against the proposed future A27 works.  Feedback from Highways England was expected late autumn which would be shared with residents and the BABA27 group.  The next stage would look to see if any stakeholders had been missed for future engagement.

·         Query if the recent government budget announcement for highway strategic investment would assist with A27 improvements.  - Ms Goldsmith explained that the outcome of the budget was still being digested.  Criteria for this would be looked at to understand the bid process.

·         A question on Velo South had been submitted in advance asking for post event details on costs, timetables, legal challenge, etc. Nick Burrell reported that the legal challenge had now been dropped.  The review of the event could now be progressed.  The County Council were committed to consult with residents before a decision on support was given to another Velo South, or similar event.  Ms Goldsmith praised the meeting that had previously taken place by Westhampnett Parish Council, and hoped to use this model again for future engagement meetings.  Mr Oakley reported that the Environment, Communities and Fire Select Committee would be looking at this.

·         Query from a Funtington Parish Councillor asking how groups were selected to join BABA27 and Velo discussions. Nick Burrell explained that Parish Councils were approached first.  Ms Goldsmith proposed that a change in Funtington Parish Clerk may be linked to the missing invitation.  Mr Oakley reminded Parish Councils that it was important that they passed on change of email contacts to upper tier authorities.  Nick Burrell resolved to look into the processes in place for group engagement.

·         A resident reported that they had submitted a petition in support of the King George Gardens Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) which would be considered later on the agenda.

·         Query linked to public picking up litter on bridlepaths and being informed that it was commercial waste and not eligible for CDC collection. Mr Parikh resolved to raise this issue with the Cabinet Member for Environment.

·         Query on the restoration of bus routes. Mr Parikh reported that the new Cabinet Member for Highways and Infrastructure was looking into this.  Mr Fitzjohn reported that the Task and Finish Group report was due for publication on 20 November.

·         Concerns raised over funding cuts impacting the homeless. Ms Goldsmith reported that everyone was concerned about homelessness.  A saving of £145m over the next 3 years required difficult decisions.  The Cabinet Member for Adults and Health had given contract extensions until September.  No decision had currently been made.  A positive of the current discussion was that the charities had got together to form a consortium to work together.  The County Council would try to make the best decision which would be reviewed by the Health and Adult Social Care Select Committee.

·         A Boxgrove Parish Councillor thanked officers Chris Dye and Mike Dare (Highways); and Mr Hunt for their support with a traffic calming group.