Issue - meetings

A period of 20 minutes is allocated for questions to be put to Cabinet Members by members of the Council. Notice of questions need not be given in advance of the meeting. Questions must relate to the powers, duties or responsibilities of the Cabinet. Questions put to Cabinet Members must relate to their portfolio responsibilities.

The Leader will determine how Cabinet question time should be allocated where there are a number of Members wishing to ask questions. Where a question relates to a matter which appears on the agenda, the Leader may allow the question to be asked at the beginning of consideration of that item.

Councillor A Moran referred to the number of Conservative members, including Cabinet support members, who had raised questions at the last Council meeting.

The Leader responded that his members found question time at Council meetings helpful. Responding to a question by Councillor L Brown, he stressed that all councillors were able to ask questions of Cabinet members.

Councillor S Corcoran asked about progress in discussions between the Council and Arighi Bianchi with regard to a proposed distribution centre at Lyme Green, Macclesfield.

The Leader advised that discussions were continuing.

Councillor K Edwards referred to a report produced last year by the Portfolio Holder for Finance setting out progress with the Council’s three year financial strategy, and addressing any potential funding gap.

The Portfolio Holder for finance responded that he intended to produce a similar report this year. He added that next year’s financial position would be manageable but that future years would be more challenging.

The Leader commented that he anticipated a balanced budget over the next three years.

Councillor Edwards asked if the Leader had good news for the many fundraisers who were raising funds in Macclesfield libraries.

The Leader responded that the Council was proud to support its partners and voluntary groups. He asked the Portfolio Holder for Finance to give a written response to Councillor Edwards’ question.

Councillor W Livesley asked if the community interest agreement with

Macclesfield Town Football Club had been signed.

The Leader responded that an agreement had not yet been signed although the Council continued to support the Club.

Councillor Livesley asked if local ward members could receive details of the empty properties in their wards.

The Leader responded that the Council wanted to encourage brownfield site development and that the Council was converting more empty properties than other Councils.

Councillor S Hogben asked for an update on the proposed Lifestyle Centre for Crewe.

The Leader responded that a decision would be taken in the next few days. The Portfolio Holder for Adult Care added that an announcement would hopefully be made before Christmas.

Councillor Hogben also referred to a former elderly persons’ home within his ward and sought assurances that it would be put to good use in the near future.

The Leader undertook to look into the matter.