Agenda item

To receive a written report from the Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services, and to question the Executive Member thereon, provided any such questions are registered in accordance with the timescales and procedures set out in Standing Order 11.1.

A written report was received from Cllr Ann Reid, the Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services.

Notice had been received of eight questions on the report, submitted by Members in accordance with Standing Orders.  The questions were put and answered as follows:

(i)        From Cllr King

“Could the Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services inform Council of what measures have been taken to ensure that assistance is available when the emergency cord in used in the disabled people’s toilets?”

The Executive Member replied:

“ENCAMS are working with us on the toilet review and they are currently contacting other across local authorities in the UK to identify the best workable solutions.  In the meantime, officers are working with the planning department to ensure the appropriate signage can be displayed in the City Centre.”

In response to a supplementary question from Cllr King, asking when the signage would be in place, the Executive Member replied that she did not know but that it was being treated as a matter of urgency.

(ii)       From Cllr Holvey

“Is the Executive member able to give an update on the staff wellbeing initiatives outlined in the report?”

The Executive Member replied:

“145 people attended the recent drop-in health fair which offered advice on a whole range of health issues from smoking to weight loss.  It was open to all Neighbourhood Services staff.

Staff in the Civil Engineering department have been offered a Gold MOT.  This was an hour long consultation with a occupational nurse which covered the whole range of possible health problems.  Blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels, lung function, sight hearing, height, weight etc were all tested and advice given on measures that could be taken to address any problems identified.  The MOTs were confidential with the individual results only shared with the staff member involved.  All but 2 of the 72 staff took up the opportunity, along with 2 Councillors.”

(iii)      From Cllr King

“Could the Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services inform Council of what security measures have been introduced in the short term at the new Eco Depot until long term proposals are introduced?”

The Executive Member replied:

“As outlined in my report I agreed to a review of depot safety and security in June.  An independent assessment was carried out by the Freight Transport Association.  I would remind members that the site always has been secure at night and that it is daytime access that was identified as the problem.  A temporary gatehouse has been put in place with a capital bid for a permanent structure made.  We have had to go out to tender for the vehicle barriers but the preparatory work has started for their installation as physical changes are needed at the entrance to accommodate them.  We expect them to be fully operational by Christmas.  This will ensure that access to the site is monitored with visitors reporting to the new reception area at the gate.

The following specific things have been done which should improve security to both the site and the buildings

·        Depot gates are locked between 6pm and 6am daily and between 6pm Friday and 6am Monday, although this was always the case.

·        Daily checks are made to ensure the integrity of the perimeter fence

·        Vehicles are locked overnight on site.  

·        Work issue rooms are physically locked from 5pm each day.

·        Swipe cards mechanisms are to be added to the work issue rooms which will allow access after 5pm to a small number of staff.

·        Stronger key security in place within work issues rooms.  Each department has made its own arrangements depending on individual operational needs but it must be emphasised that for operational purposes staff do need to have access to buildings and vehicles outside normal working hours.

We are also upgrading the CCTV coverage but the final position of some cameras will be dependent on the layout at the entrance gate so changes will not be made until that work is complete.

There is a full report due at Neighbourhood Services Emap on the 4^th December which Cllr King will now have seen.”

(iv)      From Cllr King

“In view of the high profits made at the Crematorium will the Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services assure us that the cost of fitting new filters is not borne by the families of the deceased?”

The Executive Member replied:

“Yes.  It is intended that the capital cost of mercury abatement filters will be funded by capital receipts. There should be no additional cost to revenue budgets and therefore no increase in fees as a consequence of fitting the filters.”

(v)       From Cllr Aspden

“I note the welcome introduction of the NVQ for Hackney Carriage drivers.  Can the Executive Member update Council on the take up of the course and if any drivers have successfully completed it?”

The Executive Member replied:

“The Council is working in partnership with the Yorkshire Rail Academy and York College to introduce a nationally recognised qualification for the taxi trade.

So far 28 people have successfully completed level 2 NVQ in Road Passenger Transport with 28 more currently taking the course and a healthy waiting list of those wanting to take up the opportunity.    A small start as we have 290  taxi drivers and 595 private hire drivers but never the less, very encouraging.

The course takes over 80 hours and covers topics such as customer care, looking after the needs of the disabled, transporting children and dealing with emergencies.

We should applaud the drivers for taking the time out of work to study and show that they are committed to improving standards in this city.  The course has been so successful that adjoining authorities are taking up the training.  I am also pleased to report that Officers have secured funding via the Train to Gain Scheme from the Learning and Skills Council which means that there is no cost to the authority.”

(vi)      From Cllr King

“Is the Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services satisfied at the proposals for the Christmas and New Year bin collections due to the longer periods between collections and will the Executive Member assure us that any black bags put at the side of the full bins will also be collected?”

The Executive Member replied:

“I am satisfied with the proposals, and side waste will be taken during the Christmas and New Year collection period as it has been in previous years.”

(vii)     From Cllr Ayre

“Can the Executive Member update Council on residents’ satisfaction with Cold Calling Zones?”

The Executive Member replied:

“I am pleased to be able to report to Council that follow up surveys in Cold Callling Zones have shown that residents are pleased with their introduction are happy with the way that they are working and feel more able to deal with cold callers.  

Trading standards have carried out two surveys of the Cold Calling Controlled Zones.  The first survey was carried out 3 months after the first 5 pilot zones were introduced in October 2007.  442 properties were surveyed and 174 returned their survey forms (39% return).  66% of respondents felt they were less concerned about doorstep crime following the introduction of the zones.  A second survey was undertaken of new zones last month.  A sample of 589 properties were sent questionnaires and to date 213 have replied (36% return). So far the results show that 62% of respondents felt they were less concerned about doorstep crime following the introduction of the zones in their neighbourhood.

198 of those 213 said that they now felt able to deal with cold callers because the zone is in place.

Officers had already identified that traders were using the excuse that they had not seen the lamp post sign so they have designed individual stickers for properties to try to address the situation and these have been offered to people who were surveyed.”

(viii)    From Cllr King

“Whilst I agree there have been improvements in sickness absence, would the Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services agree, that there is still room for further improvements, and any further improvements have to be introduced in a sensitive manner?”

The Executive Member replied:

“Yes to both parts of the question.  I am pleased that the Shadow Executive Member recognises the improvements that have been made in sickness absence. This is the result of an ongoing process which will deliver further improvements and will be appropriate.”

In response to a supplementary question from Cllr King, the Executive Member confirmed that she did agree that further improvements should be introduced in a sensitive manner and invited Cllr King to raise with her any specific comments about the procedure that had come to his notice.