Agenda item

Part I – To deal with written questions to the Executive.

Part II – To receive reports from the following Members of the Executive:-

a) Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts – Leader of the Council

b) Councillor Benet Allen – Deputy Leader & Communications and Culture

c) Councillor Christopher Booth – Community

d) Councillor Ross Henley – Corporate Resources

e) Councillor Marcus Kravis – Asset Management and Economic Development

f) Councillor Richard Lees – Sports, Parks and Leisure

g) Councillor Peter Pilkington – Climate Change

h) Councillor Mike Rigby – Planning and Transportation

i) Councillor Francesca Smith - Housing

j) Councillor Sarah Wakefield – Environmental Services

An Executive Councillor shall submit a report to an Ordinary Meeting of the Council as to current and future business of their portfolio for the information of and comment from the Council. Such reports are for discussion and comment only and no motion shall be put to the meeting as to any such item other than those closure motions described in Standing Order 5.

During the discussion, the following points were raised:-

·       An update on the Future of Local Government in Somerset was requested and Councillors suggested a member briefing could be held.

·       Praise was given on the Canonsgrove Project and the support given to those vulnerable residents.

·       Clarification was requested on the Kingsmead Academy solar panels application.  There appeared to be many objections which had not reached the Chair of the Planning Committee.

·       An update was requested on the installation of electric car charging points in some car parks, as the applications had been submitted in 2018/19.

·       Councillors praised the use of the weekly newsletter during the lockdown period and that it had provided them with much needed information for their constituents.

·       More consistent reports were requested from the Portfolio Holders.

·       Further detailed figures were requested on the housing service, especially the homelessness section.

·       Councillors thanked the Portfolio Holder for his work on economic development within the area.

·       An update was requested on when the Members Portal would be implemented.