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 D Flude referred to proposals which she said had been in place for many months for a bridge from Gresty Road to Weston Road, Crewe, and which had not been brought to the attention of ward members. She asked for a written response as to why this was the case and asked what assurances could be given to local residents regarding the proposed scheme.

Councillor S Hogben asked whether the Council had a policy on the management of trees with particular reference to how they might affect residential properties. The Portfolio Holder for Environment replied that the Council’s tree policy needed to be reviewed and brought up to date. At Councillor Hogben’s request, he undertook to keep members informed of progress with the review of the policy through the Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Councillor S Corcoran asked what plans the Council had to improve air quality in Sandbach and whether this would go beyond what was set out in the air quality action plan. He also asked if the Council would be following the example of Cheshire West and Chester Council by introducing on-the-spot fines for drivers who leave their engines idling and refuse to turn them off when asked to do so. The Portfolio Holder for Housing, Planning and Regeneration undertook to provide a written response.