Agenda item

QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC NO. 1

 

Under Procedure Rule No 10, Simon Goodall, will ask the Leader of the Council, Councillor C Dean, the following question:-

 

In definition what is Tamworth Borough Council?

 

 

Response:-

 

Tamworth Borough Council is a local government authority responsible for providing a range of services in the borough of Tamworth

 

Supplementary

 

Why does it appear that the Chief Executive is the face of the Council quoting in official Council communications, appearing at the Tamworth FA Cup football match, then the whole of the Holocaust Wreath Laying ceremony does the Leader not agree that this is actually one of her duties and functions as the elected Leader

 

Response

 

As I am sure you will appreciate the Leaders job is quite busy I also have a full time day job and get to as many things as I can but there are always sometimes when people can’t be in every place and on both of those occasions I did have alternative things and just as a point of interest today at 11 o’clock I had 4 meetings at the same time so by the nature of that some things have to give.  

 

QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC NO. 2

 

Under Procedure Rule No 10, Simon Goodall, will ask the Leader of the Council, Councillor C Dean, the following question:-

 

Does the Leader agree that the Controlling group should be sweating all the assets of the Town for the betterment of the residents of Tamworth?

 

Response:-

 

 

The Council holds a number of commercial and industrial buildings for investment purposes.  Occupancy rates for these assets have typically been very good and they service a particular need for smaller businesses in Tamworth. The Council will continue to make best use of these assets as a means of generating income for the Council whilst at the same time providing business and employment opportunities. There is an ongoing piece of work around Asset Management to consider the future of the Councils assets to ensure that they achieve the best outcome for the council.

 

Supplementary

I think we have heard that the Council resources for the people of Tamworth is important to the Leader and so as this year’s budget is being voted on and passed tonight I would suggest some thought being given to Tamworth’s asset.  The real Mayors chain is largely ceremonial and while I appreciate the historical significance of the chain, I would have thought that prioritising the wellbeing of our residents is paramount in times of financial strain.  A couple of weeks ago the Leader quoted that the council finance were in a dire strait so in light of this and  the Local Government Reform when Tamworth Council will no longer exist using the monetary value of this asset could have a profound and lasting impact on the community, which I’m sure fits in with the controlling groups priorities, and wouldn’t dimmish the role of the authority of the Mayor for the short time TBC have one.  Such an action would enhance the council’s reputation, demonstrate fiscal responsibility and innovation is addressing in funding challenges that the leader believes the Council as.  Would the Leader agree?

 

Response

 

I think I have taken from your question that it would be a good idea to sell the Mayors chains?  I think at this point yes; we all know that our finances are not in a good position, and we have had to work hard to get to the position that we are today.  In Tamworth we have quite a lot of really good assets, we have the building we are sitting in, we have the Castle, all of those things are being looked at and there is an awful lot of work going on around that and this is something we have talked about since we were elected in fact something I have talked about since I was elected in May 2023.  The piece of work to look at all of these special assets that we’ve got as already been started and we are being assisted in this by our MP who has been lobbying Government and National organisations on our behalf to see how we can bring about a Heritage Strategy which would include all the things like the Mayors chain and other expensive artefacts we have got. 

 

QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC NO. 3

 

Under Procedure Rule No 10, Ron Brown, will ask the Leader of the Council, Councillor C Dean, the following question:-

"When will our Council realise that the quality of the Live Streaming of our Council Meetings - which last month attracted a mere 17 viewers out of our entire 70,000+ population - is extremely poor and failing to even remotely meet Public Expectations of a quality video service, or if there is already a Plan to address this, will it kindly publish complete details and its timelines?"

 

Response:-

 

Thank you for your question, Mr. Brown.

I appreciate the concerns you've raised regarding the quality of our live streaming of Council Meetings. Our aim is to ensure transparency and accessibility for all residents, and I acknowledge that the current standard of live streaming is not meeting those expectations.

I am pleased to inform you that we have already initiated a plan to enhance the quality of our live streams. This improvement will coincide with the relocation of committee meetings to Marmion House, as approved by cabinet in September 2024.

 

A tender for the procurement of new audio-visual equipment is currently open and will close on 7 March. Following the evaluation of tenders, the successful provider will be appointed accordingly. The installation schedule will then be coordinated with the successful provider in alignment with their commitments.

Your feedback is invaluable as we strive to improve our services. Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention, and please rest assured that we are taking active steps to address it.

 

Supplementary

 

The only thing remaining for me to ask can we have a date that these things will be implanted and visible to the population. 

 

Response

 

I haven’t got a specific date but around end of April/May time we are hoping that going into our Municipal year we will be back in the council chamber with proper AV equipment in place. 

 

QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC NO. 4

 

Under Procedure Rule No 10, Mark Hopkins, will ask the Portfolio Holder for Co-operative Council, Community Partnerships and ASB, Councillor S Daniels, the following question:-

 

What actions are the Council taking in the next 30 days towards keeping the public as safe as possible in view of the noticeable rise in violent crime in the Borough?

 

 

Response:-

 

Thank you for your question. Sadly, a high-profile case is currently being investigated by Tamworth police and from what some of my friends and family tell me, they say they feel less safe out at night nowadays in our town. I have to note, however, that this is not how everyone I speak to feels. It is  not how I feel and these perceptions actually match the statistics for all crime, including violent crime, in Tamworth. 

 

In the last quarter, in terms of information I receive as part of my portfolio, instances of ASB are down (with Police related data showing a 22% reduction in last 12 months).

 

In terms of the town as a whole, there are fewer instances of all types of crime in comparison with neighbouring police areas. However, where there is a hotspot, I must acknowledge, is the town centre at the end of weekend nights when the effects of alcohol come into play.  Tamworth Police always have a police car or van stationed in the town centre on Friday and Saturday nights, support the Tamworth Pubwatch and the Community Safety Partnership support and fund the Tamworth Street Angels (who have recently been awarded the Kings Awards For Volunteering).  The group have been working to roll out the Walksafe app with businesses in the town centre designed to give reassurance, especially to women and girls. around their own safety.

 

The Community Safety Partnership work together for monthly licence checks and partnership awareness event at least twice per year.  In general, there nighttime economy predictive graph shows a 10% reduction in total incidents.  

 

Overall, across all crime types in Tamworth, police report a decrease of 8%. 

 

A report will be given to IS&G scrutiny committee on 5th March to outline priorities for the CSP for the next year and action plan to address fear of crime and support those at risk.

 

The Council as a whole  acknowledge how shocked Tamworth residents were to hear about the crime by the canal in Glascote. Our thoughts are with the victim and her family and we are confident the police will do all they can do bring the person responsible to justice.

 

Supplementary

 

When will the council adjust its focus of attention away from TIKTOK and actively address the alarming rise of violent crime in the Borough

 

Response

 

I refer back to that previous answer we have got in terms of data a reduction in crime overall but its about perception and you note on social media the way things can be discussed to the degree where there are comments from the police saying please do not discuss details, so it doesn’t prejudice a case.  In terms of the work that goes on with the police and the Crime and Safety Partnership as go to be based on robust data, what are the police seeing, what are the residents reporting to us, our responsibility encouraging people to contact 101, what are the police and the Community Safety Partners seeing going around  the streets, charities as well, they’ve go to go on data, we cant go on Social media.  We know that’s a really effective tool and get a temperature on what people are saying but it can ignite feelings that we know aren’t even accurate. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC NO. 5

 

Under Procedure Rule No 10, Mark Hopkins, will ask the Leader of the Council, Councillor C Dean, the following question: -

 

Will the Council Leader please provide a statement on what action can be taken against either Employees or Councillors who issue commitments or permissions which they are not authorised to issue?

 

 

Response:-

 

 

Thank you, Mr Hopkins, for your question.

 

Both employees and councillors are governed by a number of policies, procedures and regulations that make clear decision-making processes.

 

The appropriate action will depend on whether the individual is an employee or a councillor, the nature of the unauthorised commitment or permission, and any applicable policies or codes of conduct. What I would say though if you feel any councillor or employee as breeched these rules I would ask you put these concerns in writing to the Monitoring Officer.

 

 

Supplementary

 

What actions have been taken against Councillors or employees who have issued documented permissions or commitments far beyond their authorised powers as in the case of the copy I hold in my hand. 

 

Response

 

I would need to look at that and take to the monitoring officer and we I’ll come back with a written response. 

 

QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL NO. 1

 

Under Procedure Rule No 11, Councillor P Turner will ask the Leader of the Council, Councillor C Dean, the following question: -

 

What explanation does the Leader have for the lack of support and very poor communications between our Local hero Spudman Ben & TBC?

 

Response:-

 

Further to the recent issues raised by a street trader regarding the plans for return to St Editha’s square the council has taken steps to make and maintain contact with the individuals concerned in order to achieve a resolution. 

 

The focus at this time is to ensure that any issues resided are resolved as quickly as possible.

 

We have also initiated a review of communication and consultations relating to the Future High Street Fund Programme throughout the life of the projects. This will include consideration of the approaches taken. 

 

This review process will identify lessons learnt and any changes required. Once this is completed we will be happy to share the outcomes. 

 

 

QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL NO. 2

 

Under Procedure Rule No 11, Councillor S Smith will ask the Leader of the Council, Councillor C Dean, the following question:-

 

Last year, Ben Newman—better known as Spudman—was honoured with the Freedom of the Borough award, a recognition reserved for exceptional voluntary, professional, or philanthropic service. Spudman has generously drawn thousands of unique visitors to Tamworth. Is the current controversy over his pitch a reflection of a complete lack of commercial awareness and failure to recognise the valuable asset he and his offerings bring?

 

Response:-

 

 

The Council values all its street and market traders and recognises the unique contribution made by Mr Newman in raising the profile of Tamworth as a destination and bringing visitors to the town centre.

 

The FHSF programme has been in progress over several years and will dramatically improve the appearance and facilities in the town centre

Designs for St Editha’s square were agreed by the Project Board on 17/04/2023 and subsequently agreed by Planning Committee on October 8^th 2024- including the planter.

 

As a listening Council we are working to respond to the concerns raised by Mr Newman and other members of the Tamworth community with regard to their priorities for the redesign of St Editha’s square.

 

The improvements brought about by the FHSF will be further enhanced by our new Town Centre Regeneration Strategy and Economic Development Strategy which will drive the Council’s approach to supporting all businesses in the town and further our plans for future investment in the Town Centre

Our events team will be working pro-actively with Mr Newman to ensure that we are working collaboratively to support his entrepreneurial approach to town centre events.

 

Supplementary

 

One thing to recognise we are where we are FHSF as existed I don’t recognise the conversations in regard to what was decided in the sense of the specific issue of the pitch and the closeness to the flowerbed. If somebody had actually walked into a room and said this pitch is located on the flowerbed then of course that would have been raised by the controlling group at the time.  I think this is a good example as in Spudman he is a great example of the private sector in Tamworth and essentially he is a brand and what I’m trying to get at is a positive which is from the High Street fund element of it and treat it as something that we can utilize and of course I’m sure Ben is very much happy to work with us.  So, I ask if you can accept that this offering and that Ben/Spudman and his brand is separated and use our resources to work with Ben as much as we can to find some better outcomes for Tamworth and the local economy.

 

Response

 

Only today your Leader Cllr Oates as reminded us that all market traders went to a meeting in 2023 where they were shown the layout of what the new town square will be.  There as been ongoing dialogue around that and I’m sure you will know from being in control that things cannot be done quickly, it would have been very simple for me to have said yes, there’s a lot of stuff on social media so let’s change our plans and we all know that to turn any plans round within a council is like turning round an oil tanker there are so many bits that we have to make sure that we are doing the right thing for everybody, that proper thought is being taken on every part of the plan, which is what’s happening at the moment and we hope to have a resolution as soon as possible but there are various departments that are looking into the different elements of this.  We are hoping to have a response soon and everyone will be satisfied with the response.      

 

QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL NO. 3

 

Under Procedure Rule No 11, Councillor T Clements will ask the Leader of the Council, the following question: -

 

Could the leader of the council explain why there are no events planned by the council for International Women's Day on March 8th?

 

Response: -

 

Thank you for your question, Cllr Clements.

 

I appreciate the dedication and effort you have put into championing this event, Cllr Clements. It is a remarkable achievement to have established it, and I understand from the Deputy Chief Executive that your leadership played a key role in its success.

 

Over the past two years, the Deputy Chief Executive along with officers and colleagues from the Arts and Events and PR and Comms team, have worked closely with you to support its development.  However, I understand that this year, the event was not included within service plans, and unfortunately, the necessary resources were not available to deliver it.  I want to reassure you that this was not a political decision but rather an operational one, as the Deputy Chief Executive and officers must prioritise their work plans accordingly

 

That said, I am pleased to see that the Royal British Legion is delivering the event this year with Tamworth Borough Council fully supporting it by providing the Town Hall at no charge. Additionally, our PR and Comms team has offered to assist with promotional coverage and media sharing to enhance its reach.

 

I sincerely wish you every success with this event.

 

Supplementary

 

As Cllr Smith as alluded to for the last two years I organised the event within the Council with little or no costs to the council I did it myself, so I am struggling to understand why it’s a resource or capacity issue or is it that we don’t want to highlight the contribution the female members in our council and our community. 

 

Response

 

I understand the frustration and I can only hold up my hand and apologise that the council as not directly ran any events this year but going forward I will ensure that Officers are held to account, and we will look to make sure that next year the event is given the attention and focus it deserves. 

 

QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL NO. 4

 

Under Procedure Rule No 11, Councillor S Smith will ask the Portfolio Holder for People Services, Leisure and Engagement, Councillor L Smith the following question:-

 

Last December at the full council meeting, I asked the Portfolio Holder for People Services, Engagement and Leisure, what steps were being taken to improve communication between Lightspeed, the Council, and distressed residents. We were informed that the Leader and Executive were scheduled to meet with the Managing Director of Lightspeed the following day to agree on future communications. In January, the Chair of the Infrastructure Safety and Growth Scrutiny Committee raised this issue again, and it was noted by Councillor Statham that our MP would be meeting with Lightspeed and that an update would be provided. Assuming these meetings took place, can you confirm if arrangements have been made to enhance communication, particularly ensuring residents can voice their concerns and that issues raised are swiftly supported and actioned accordingly?

 

Response: -

 

Thank you for your question, Cllr Smith

I can confirm that the meeting mentioned during full council proceeded as planned.

The meeting was productive. Lightspeed indicated that the programme is a government-sponsored initiative aimed at benefiting the town and enhancing service for residents.

Lightspeed also pledged to ensure clear and effective communication with Tamworth residents going forward. They agreed to meet with all members if necessary and expressed a willingness for future collaborative efforts. Additionally, I am pleased to confirm that our St George's Day event this year is generously supported by Lightspeed.

Lightspeed has listened to feedback and applied lessons learned from their initial work and implementation, and they are now engaging with affected communities in a different way. The communications team has worked with Lightspeed to ensure that members receive information and copies of their communications with residents. Two letters were shared with all members in the bulletin on 10 January 2025, one was a general introduction and another regarding the installation of poles. 

 

 

Supplementary

 

It was a cheap plug about the sponsorship for St George’s Day given the situation we are in with complaints and feedback I would probably stay away from them this year anyway.  I am a fan of private enterprise.  All I will say we need to separate what we are responsible for on this issue.  In many aspects we would say something that’s within the bit of County and national Government we need to understand what our role is and what we can do.  What can we do.  I’m all for lightspeed telling us there are improving there all for communications but what can we actually do when we get complaints, issues in front of their houses, vehicles parked for days at a time and a feeling of harassment of many of the reps trying to over sell their product.  So, what can we do to listen to the residents of Tamworth to let them know their feelings are being heard and we have a robust complaint and comments system as part of that . 

 

Response

 

The reason I mentioned the sponsorship is because its very likely that Light Speed will have a stall there to be able to communicate on that day and that will be a good opportunity for them to improve their communications with residents.  In terms of what we as a Council have done, they have said about coming in and Infrastructure Safety & Growth have decided that that probably wasn’t the best thing to happened. Other Cllrs have set up meetings with Lightspeed such as Cllr Kingstoen to create the dialogue between us and Lightspeed and as I have mentioned in my initial response my communications  as led to lightspeed saying that they will send out representatives to the houses of residents concerned so its not just a letter it is someone face to face, so if people do have concerns they can get in touch directly with lightspeed through emails and they are arranging face to face communication with those residents.