To answer Open Questions asked by Members of the Council under Rule No. 12.7.

The Chairman presided over Open Questions asked of Executive Members and Deputy Members under Procedure Rule 12.7.

1.         Councillor Murray asked about the progress of  a claim that had been submitted to the Council from a member of the public.

            The Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Corporate Resources advised that the claim was being addressed.

2.         Councillor Duckett asked a question about the economic benefits of the Luton Busway Scheme to Central Bedfordshire.

            The Deputy Executive Member for Sustainable Communities Strategic Planning & Economic Development explained the benefits, including the impact on jobs and new homes in Central Bedfordshire.

3.         Councillor Shadbolt asked for an update on the Automatic Number Plate Recognition Scheme (ANPR).

            The Executive Member for Sustainable Communities Services advised that the Auto Number Plate Recognition scheme had been launched and that there were three ANPR vehicles working throughout Central Bedfordshire.

4.         Councillor McVicar invited the Executive Member for Sustainable Communities to join him in commending the Council on the opening of Creasey Park football facility which had been assisted  by the appropriate application  of Section 106 monies.

5.         Councillor Murray asked a question about the status of schooling in Dunstable.

            The Executive Member for Children’s Services clarified the number of schools that had applied for academy status and the associated implications.  He indicated that he would meet with Councillors from Dunstable and Houghton Regis to discuss the matter further.

6.         Councillor Egan asked questions about implications for low paid workers as a result of a reduction in mileage allowances.

            The Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Corporate Resources indicated that he would check the information on which the questions were based and would endeavour to provide a written reply.

7.         Councillor Egan sought assurance that problems incurred by a developer who had left a playground in poor condition would be rectified.

            The Executive member for Social Care, Health and Housing advised that she was awaiting the outcome of a meeting to discuss resolution of the issue and would now also liaise with the Executive Member for Sustainable Communities-Strategic Planning and Economic Development.

8.         Councillor Zerny asked a question about the job role and performance of the Executive Member for Economic Partnerships and the Executive Member for External Affairs.

The Leader advised that he had included an outline of these roles in his address to the Council meeting on 21 July 2011 and commented on the performance of the Executive Members.

9.         Councillor Goodchild asked if Central Bedfordshire Council would be supporting a new initiative organised by Daybreak television show and the Salvation Army,  “Donate a Coat”.

            The Executive Member for Social Care, Health & Housing indicated that she would seek further information on the initiative and that she would be minded to support and encourage support from others.

10.       Councillor Sparrow asked what effect the public services strike might have on Central Bedfordshire schools.

            The Executive Member for Children’s Services advised that the exact number of school closures was unknown at this time.  Data would be collated for submission to the Department for Education as required two days before the strike.

11.       Councillor Duckett asked a question about the approach to the deployment of Section 106 monies in relation to traffic management.

            The Executive Member for Sustainable Communities Services confirmed that Councillors would be consulted on the use of Section 106 monies.

12.       Councillor Aldis asked a question about the planning consultation process with regard to the installation of a temporary building in Sandy.

            The Executive Member for Planning clarified the consultation process which he had no reason to doubt had been followed appropriately.

13.       Councillor Clarke asked a question about whether monies available through the Growing Places Fund, allocated to Local Enterprise Partnerships, would benefit Central Bedfordshire.

The Executive Member for Economic Partnerships advised that in excess of £13 million had been allocated to the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP) and that this Council would be seeking to take advantage of the opportunities this presented.

14.       Councillor Murray asked a question about car parking policies in Central Bedfordshire.

            The Executive Member for Sustainable-Communities Strategic Planning and Economic Development clarified the car parking policy in Central Bedfordshire.