E.41/18
It was noted that the following public questions had
been received in accordance with the Executive Procedure Rules, for
consideration at this meeting:
1. Question
received from Mr Colin Luker
‘The SHDC Councillors will no doubt be aware
that on 5 November 2018, Totnes Town Council unanimously approved a
similar motion to that below. I am now
asking the South Hams District Council to support a similar
motion.
“I would ask the SHDC to write to Sarah
Wollaston MP and to the Secretary of State for Work & Pensions
to pause the managed roll-out of Universal Credit whilst necessary
amendments are made.
Without the needed vital changes, it is highly likely
that Universal Credit will have a significant detrimental impact on
many residents & families in South Hams.
The recent Secretary of State for Work &
Pensions, Esther McVey, acknowledged that many people would be
financially worse off as a result of their existing benefits being
consolidated into one payment.”
May I request a polled vote on this
matter.’
In response, Cllr
Tucker informed that the Executive had no jurisdiction to ask that
a letter be written on behalf of the Council without the prior
approval of the Council. That being
said, Cllr Tucker did wish to provide some relevant background
facts as follows:-
-
The Council had closely observed the national
picture with regard to Universal Credit and had monitored closely
the recent roll out in South Hams;
-
Areas of the South Hams first went to full service
in April 2018, with the remainder of the District (including
Totnes) going in September 2018;
-
Council officers were working very closely with the
Department of Work and Pensions and Job Centre Plus and had
processes in place to assist the most vulnerable to ensure that
people did not slip through the net;
-
The Council had used its Discretionary Housing
payment pot to assist people in financial hardship with their
living costs and the Council’s Housing Options service was
also assisting;
-
Furthermore, Citizens Advice was offering budgeting
support and residents could receive assistance with making their
claim online from Mobile Locality Officers and by coming in to the
Council offices;
-
The new Secretary of State for Works & Pensions
had indicated that she would be listening very carefully to
concerns over Universal Credit and it was important to give her the
opportunity to undertake this task.
In reply to a
supplementary question over the Council’s position regarding
the abolition of severe disability premium, Cllr Tucker reaffirmed
his previous point that the Executive was in no position to provide
a formal Council view in this respect.
2. Question
received from Dr Rob van Es
‘Will the
Council agree that to close the toilets at Millbay, East Portlemouth, will result in visitors using the
unofficial public convenience of the adjacent woodland, causing
untreated urine and faeces to run-off into the freshwater stream
running across the beach, which is a favourite playing area for
children?’
In reply, Cllr
Tucker advised that a revised recommendation would be tabled to the
meeting during consideration of agenda item 10: ‘Public
Toilet Review’ (agenda item E.46/18 below refers) that was
likely to allay Dr Van Es’ concerns.
3. Question
received from Mrs Fiona van Es
‘I read with grave concern of the possible
closure of the Mill Bay toilets in East Portlemouth so my question is this:
Is it considered safe and reasonable
for families with young children to have to walk ten minutes to the
ferry toilets along a busy single track
road.’
Cllr Tucker replied by reiterating the response he
delivered to Question 2 (above) whereby a revised recommendation
would be tabled to the meeting during consideration of agenda item
10: ‘Public Toliet Review’
(agenda item E.46/18 below refers) that was likely to allay Mrs Van
Es’ concerns.