The Leader will inform the Council about his work and his plans for the Council, and will give an overview of decisions taken by the Cabinet (and Portfolio Holders) since the previous meeting of the Council
Minutes:
The Leader of the Council presented a Statement outlining his recent work and an overview of decisions taken by the Cabinet (and Portfolio Holders) since the previous meeting of the Council.
Children’s Centre Public Consultation
(Paragraph 1.2 of the Statement)
In response to questions from Members concerning the proposed closure of Leek Day Nursery, Mr Lawrence explained that the proposal was about closing two buildings, not stopping services. He added that he had met with the parents of the children affected by the proposal and had given an assurance that those children would be moved into new provision elsewhere in the area.
Transforming Welfare Benefits and Fairer Charging in Staffordshire
(Paragraph 1.4 of the Statement)
Members welcomed the recent announcement that Stafford Hospital had been given a “clean bill of health” by the Care Quality Commission.
Making Staffordshire Safer – Automatic Number Plate Recognition
(Paragraph 2.1 of the Statement)
Members welcomed the joint initiative by the County Council and Staffordshire Police to introduce Auto Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology around the main arterial roads of the county which would make it harder for criminals to enter Staffordshire and commit crimes. In response to questions from Members, Mr Marshall indicated that the fixed ANPR sites would be supplemented by a number of mobile units which would allow for greater flexibility and responsiveness to emerging issues, whether that be crime or road safety issues. He added that the technology would assist the Police in tackling a wide range of criminality from terrorism to uninsured drivers.
Mr Michael Oates extended his congratulations to Mr Ellis on his recent selection as the County Council’s candidate for the election of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.
2011/12 Financial Outturn and Performance Report
(Paragraph 3.1 of the Statement)
Members welcomed the 2011/12 Final Financial Outturn and Performance report which indicated that, during the year, the County Council delivered savings of £34.2m whilst, at the same time, freezing the level of Council Tax. Several Members also commended the contribution made by the Assets and Budget Scrutiny Committee in helping to develop the County Council’s financial strategy.
Portfolio Holder Delegated Decisions – Street Lighting PFI
(Paragraph 3.2 of the Statement)
Mr Morrison indicated that he welcomed the recent decision by the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport to introduce a county wide street lighting dimming strategy and to enable local communities to apply for the switching off of street lights between midnight and 6am. In response, the Leader of the Council indicated that this decision not only empowered local communities but would also result in financial savings to the County Council.
National Memorial Arboretum
(Paragraph 5.1 of the Statement)
In response to a question by Mr Sweeney concerning the recent Government announcement that it was to abolish the 3rd Battalion the Mercian Regiment (Staffords) as part of its plans to reduce the number of regular soldiers by 20,000, the Leader of the Council referred to the close links which the communities in Stafford and Lichfield had with the armed forces and to the fact that the County Council had recently signed-up to the Armed Forces Covenant. He also indicated that he shared the Member’s concerns at the Government’s proposals and that he would be making representations to try to ensure that the name of “the Staffords” was retained within the Brigade.
Leader’s Visits and Meetings
(Paragraph 6 of the Statement)
Several Members expressed concern at the recent announcement that milk distributors/supermarkets were proposing a reduction in the price they paid to dairy farmers for milk. In response, Mr Winnington indicated that he shared the Members’ concerns and had therefore written to the Staffordshire Members of Parliament to seek their support in opposing the milk distributors/supermarkets proposal.
Mr Winnington also expressed his thanks to Ian Wykes, the County Council’s Commissioner for the Rural County, and his team, for their exhibition at this year’s County Show showcasing the Council’s work across the rural sector.
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