To answer oral questions asked by Members of the Council under Rule No. 12.7.

The Chairman presided over oral questions asked of the Leader, Deputy Leader, Portfolio Holders, the Chairman of a Committee or a Member representing the Bedfordshire Police Authority or the Bedfordshire and Luton Combined Fire Authority under Council Procedure Rule 12.7.

1)      Councillor Dr Egan asked a question about the Council’s responsibility towards members of the public falling in the snow.

The Portfolio Holder for Safer Communities and Healthier Lifestyles   advised Members that it depended on the individual case at the time.

2)      Councillor Stay asked a question about the scale of reduction in Government funding, over the next 5 years, that would face Central Bedfordshire Council.

         The Portfolio Holder for Finance, Governance and People explained that it was anticipated that the national reduction over the next 4 years would be 25%.  Central Bedfordshire Council had realised £10m efficiency savings during its first year, and was working to deliver a further £12m of savings during 2010/11.  The savings target needed for 2011/12 would be of the order of £15m.  Further information would be known once the Government had announced its findings from the Comprehensive Spending Review on 20 October 2010. 

3)      Councillor Snelling asked a question about the Section 106 funding designated for a new lower school in the south Leighton Buzzard development.

         The Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services confirmed that at the current time there were no plans for a new lower school in Leighton Buzzard.  Members were advised that a review of all schools in Leighton Buzzard was due to take place during the Spring Term in 2011.  The Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Development acknowledged that there was funding in the Section 106 Agreement for the south Leighton Buzzard development for a new school.  The funding would not be utilised for a school until a certain number of dwellings had been completed.

4)      Councillor Murray asked a question about the scope for Chief Executives to manage more than one council.

         The Leader of the Council explained that she did not feel this was a viable option for Central Bedfordshire.

5)      Councillor Aldis asked a question about the completion of the office refurbishment at Priory House.

         The Portfolio Holder for Customers, Systems and Assets advised Members that the Your Space project was coming to an end.  There was currently a surplus of office equipment which was being temporarily stored, but this was shortly due to be removed as were the packing crates.  The Portfolio Holder commended the Officers who had taken forward the Your Space project.

6)      Councillor Dr Egan asked a question about improving the process of submitting oral questions at Council.

         The Chairman of the Constitution Advisory Group confirmed that he would consider the suggestions made.

7)     Councillor Aldis asked a question about proposals for the concessionary fares scheme to be ineligible for journeys travelled before 9.30 a.m.

         The Portfolio Holder for Safer Communities and Healthier Lifestyles advised that the Council was reviewing the Local Transport Policy and the findings would be reported to a future meeting of the Executive.

8)      Councillor Snelling asked a question about the relocation of employees and the cost of the resultant travel expenses.

         The Portfolio Holder for Customers, Systems and Assets explained that the Your Spaces moves would increase the efficiencies of the Council by bringing service areas together.  These moves had been carried out in an effective and efficient way.

9)      Councillor Dr Egan asked a question about Connexions closing down through lack of funding and the impact this would have.

         The Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services confirmed that due to the Government’s removal of Area Based Grant staff in the Youth Service, including the Connexions were being consulted on restructuring proposals.

10)   Councillor Dr Egan asked a question about bus companies carrying mobility scooters. 

         The Portfolio Holder for Safer Communities and Healthier Lifestyles confirmed that he would pursue this issue with the bus companies.

11)  Councillor Mrs Gurney asked a question about retained fire stations being closed.

         The representative of the Bedfordshire and Luton Combined Fire Authority confirmed he was not aware of any retained fire stations being closed.