The Leader, or his nominee, to answer questions from Councillors on matters affecting the Borough, in accordance with Standing Order 15.
Note: the deadline for questions to be considered at this meeting is 12 noon on Tuesday 16 April 2019.
One question has been received to date from Councillor R.W. Sider BEM.
“Is the Leader and members of this council aware that Surrey County Council has withdrawn the free travel bus pass for people with a range of disabilities, for travel before 9.30am with effect from 1 April 2019, as a cost cutting exercise. And are members aware that the government is actively encouraging people with disabilities to go to work? Some of these people, for example those with a learning disability, may be unable to manage money because of their disability and thus will be confused when requested for the relevant fare they will be asked to pay. And will the Leader and members agree with me that the foregoing imposition has been made by persons of sound mind and body against people with disabilities who may not have the clout to defend themselves, and in doing so condemn this action.”
A further question was received by the deadline from Councillor V.J. Leighton:
“"Will the Leader and members of this council agree with me that considering the two large fires this week, any reduction in fire cover by Surrey County Council would cause grave concern for this borough? And would the Leader agree that this council should use every avenue to bring the Surrey consultation to the attention of residents and encourage them to respond with their views?"
Minutes:
The Mayor reported that two general questions had been received, in accordance with Standing Order 15 from Councillors Sider and Leighton.
1. Question from Councillor R.W. Sider BEM:
“Is the Leader and members of this council aware that Surrey County Council has withdrawn the free travel bus pass for people with a range of disabilities, for travel before 9.30am with effect from 1 April 2019, as a cost cutting exercise. And are members aware that the government is actively encouraging people with disabilities to go to work? Some of these people, for example those with a learning disability, may be unable to manage money because of their disability and thus will be confused when requested for the relevant fare they will be asked to pay. And will the Leader and members agree with me that the foregoing imposition has been made by persons of sound mind and body against people with disabilities who may not have the clout to defend themselves, and in doing so condemn this action.”
Response from the Leader, Councillor I.T.E. Harvey:
“Thank you Councillor Sider for your question and raising this matter. The Council is aware of Surrey County Council’s decision. Like you, I am sure we are all concerned at the possible consequences of these changes.
Spelthorne Council responded to the initial consultation in reference to the proposals, raising a number of concerns and questions. The response included the concern that the proposed cuts would discourage those who need to travel to work and who may be in low paid work.
We also highlighted that according to the Office of National Statistics, Spelthorne has the highest number of people with limited activity in Surrey (14.9%) so these changes could have a greater impact on Spelthorne residents in comparison with other Surrey Districts.
We note that Surrey County Council has made this decision in order to achieve savings of £400,000 across all 11 Districts and Boroughs in Surrey.”
2. Question from Councillor V.J. Leighton
“Will the Leader and members of this council agree with me that considering the two large fires this week, any reduction in fire cover by Surrey County Council would cause grave concern for this borough? And would the Leader agree that this council should use every avenue to bring the Surrey consultation to the attention of residents and encourage them to respond with their views?"
Response from the Leader, Councillor I.T.E. Harvey:
“Thank you for your question Cllr Leighton.
Like you, I was greatly concerned to hear of the two fires you refer to, which occurred on Sunday 14 April, one of which tragically resulted in a fatality. I am also aware that another fire occurred last week at Squires Garden Centre in Shepperton. Such events demonstrate the difficult job firefighters face tackling such incidents. I am sure you will all join me in expressing our gratitude for the dedication and bravery shown by all fire service personnel in protecting our community from harm.
Such events also highlight how important it is for Surrey Fire & Rescue Service to have adequate resources to tackle critical incidents in the county. I, and indeed Spelthorne Council, has for some time expressed significant concern about proposed cuts to fire services in our borough, which would result in reduced night-time cover. From when it was announced in 2017 that Staines and Sunbury fire stations were to be closed and replaced with a single station in Ashford, we have consistently argued for the current arrangement of two whole-time crews and appliances to be retained to protect our residents and businesses.
Despite our concerns, Surrey County Council are currently consulting on proposals to cut night-time cover in our borough to one whole-time crew under their ‘Making Surrey Safer plan’. This is, of course, of great concern to us all and yesterday evening our Cabinet agreed to submit a detailed response to Surrey’s consultation on behalf of Spelthorne.
In this, we are expressing our deep concerns over the reduction in night-time cover and a number of other proposed changes under their plan, which we believe will adversely affect Surrey Fire & Rescue Service’s ability to respond to emergencies, in particular high-rise fires and other large scale critical incidents which occur at night, in our Borough.
I would absolutely agree that it is important that we take every opportunity to bring this consultation to the attention of our residents and businesses, to encourage them to have their say on changes which could affect their future safety; and to this end we will continue to use all of our communication channels to remind people to respond to the consultation before the closing date on 26 May 2019.”
Following this item Councillor A.E. Friday left the room together with Michael Graham, Head of Corporate Governance, in relation to their interest in the item on the appointment of trustees to the Sunbury Fuel Allotment Trust.