Agenda item

Members of the public who have requested the opportunity to ask question(s) on any item(s) on the agenda will have three minutes to put their question(s) to the relevant Councillor. Members of the public will be allowed to ask one short supplementary question.

To view the procedure for public questions/ speaking click here and scroll to page 119

Three public questions were submitted.

Question One from Jenny Hurley

Although the Council has invested in "Housing where residents can live well", these appear to be in the scope of care facilities, namely a number of units at Tatton Gardens, Primrose Gardens and Woodlands; The scheme to adapt homes to sustainable heating and maintenance solutions for the most vulnerable is also commendable; and provision of affordable housing sounds positive.

They do not address the most financial, green and secure sustainable solution for Chorley Residents, however. The most secure way to ensure green solutions, providing safe homes for Chorley residents already housed or those needing to be housed, is to invest in Social Housing, provided by the Council, run by the council and maintained by the council.

The under-spend of the Capital Program to invest in this area is a clear indication of lost opportunity in a time where local council New House builds are not aimed at the most vulnerable but at the general housing market or specialised care facilities.

Neighbouring boroughs have started expansion in this area, with South Ribble having completed the first phase and Preston looking to move ahead with extensive plans.

Further, we have many residents living in squalid council funded properties, neglected by housing associations, and left bereft and with choice or voice.

Surely the first step would be to bring existing housing standards up to a safe level of health and safety by bringing their running in house and fully accountable.

Long term investment in truly affordable Council Houses, built sustainably, on existing brownfield sites would be the greenest option to long term, truly named, "housing where residents can live well.

In short, the capital program only invests in money making schemes, that creates revenue that is reinvested into money making schemes. It is a fine example of capitalism, and worthy of a Tory Council, but many people voted for a long term investment in its people and their well being.

Why haven't any of these issues been addressed over the years of low council housing investment?

Councillor Howarth, Executive Member (Homes and Housing), responded.

The Council is also very concerned with the conditions of properties provided by Housing Associations and those provided via the Private rented sector. Last year the Council invested in a new Housing Standards Officer post. The role of this officer is to raise the standards of rented homes in the Chorley area by responding to complaints and proactively contacting landlords to inspect properties to ensure they are safe to live in. The officer uses the legislation in the Housing Act 2004 to ensure homes are safe, healthy, and free from things that could cause serious harm.

If anybody is aware of people living in rented properties neglected by Housing Associations, we want to know about it and our Housing Standards Officer can inspect and take enforcement action if necessary.

The supplementary question was not related to the main question so the questioner was asked to ask a relevant question.  This request to follow procedure was not complied with.  At 7.15pm the Mayor adjourned the meeting.

The Mayor reopened the meeting at 7.35pm. 

Question Two from Catherine Waring

I note on the agenda for this £353,000 to be spent improving bus shelters. I would like to attend to ask if this means there will be a more regular local bus service than now.

Councillor Bradley, Executive Leader, Executive Member (Economic Development and Public Service Reform), responded.

Chorley Council support and subsidise bus services, alongside Lancashire CC. For the year to date (April 2023- March 2024) we have spent £59,373 supporting local bus services. We estimate that we will have spent £85,554 by the end of the quarter, the figure exceeds the total amount paid for 22/23 (which was £65,731).

We support the following routes:

117 – Chorley to Chorley via Pilling Lane

118- Chorley to Lower Burgh

119- Chorley to Preston

24A- Chorley to Blackburn via Lower Wheelton, Abbey Village and Feniscowes

These routes are governed by 2 contracts, one covering the daytime 117, 118 and 119 services, this contract is in place until March 2025. The other contract is for the Sunday and evening services of the 24A, 118 and 119. This contract is reviewed every 12 months. For the Sunday and evening services, three quarters of the costs are funded by Chorley Council.

Like all council services, our contribution to bus services and the routes involved are subject to regular review. During our 12 months review, in conjunction with service providers we consider the demand for services from customers, evidence around routes and the available budget to subsidise the services.

Question Three from Humayra Atiq

Is the increase in garden waste a green agenda? If so how?

Councillor Lowe, Executive Member (Customer, Streetscene and Environment), responded. 

No, the increase to the garden waste charge is not part of the green agenda, but rather part of our annual review of fees and charges. The charge is determined to cover the costs of providing the service. As costs of service provision increase, fees and charges are adjusted to ensure that costs are recovered.