Agenda item
Question Time
To deal with any questions submitted under Council Procedure Rule A2.2(vi).
· Five questions have been received (report attached).
Minutes:
Five questions had been submitted under Council Procedure 2.2(vi) as detailed below. The Deputy Mayor read out each question and a response was provided as indicated:
1) Islamophobia
To the Leader of the Council (Councillor Miles Parkinson OBE)
“On Thursday 4th July 2019, Hyndburn Borough Council adopted the Definition of Islamophobia agreed by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on British Muslims
Does the Council and the Council Leader agree that all incidents of Islamophobia are abhorrent and have no place in Hyndburn?
What steps has the council taken to train staff and councillors on Islamophobia?
What Council policy and procedure documents now includes reference to the Islamophobia definition
What engagement has the Council had with Hyndburn Muslim community to address incidents of Islamophobia related to Council?”
Submitted by Councillor Mohamad Ayub
The Leader responded that the authority had adopted the policy as originally put to the Council.
2) Indices of Multiple Deprivation
To the Leader of the Council (Councillor Miles Parkinson OBE) and Deputy Leader of the Council (Councillor Marlene Haworth)
“The Indices of Multiple Deprivation under the leadership of the current coalition over 23 years has moved the Borough from 54th to 16th most deprived. Do the two leaders accept responsibility for the official figures and what are the leadership going to do to change this?”
Submitted by Councillor Kate Walsh
The Leader indicated that deprivation levels had increased across Lancashire in general during successive Labour and Conservative Governments, including throughout the terms of office of former MPs Greg Pope and Graham Jones. Some Labour councillors had previously held out Burnley as an example of good practice, but that authority was further down the table than Hyndburn. All councillors were invited to come together to work for the good of the Borough. There was now an opportunity for all to join the decision-making process to make things better for everyone.
3) Debate and Fresh Ideas is a Great Thing for Democracy
To the Leader of the Council (Councillor Miles Parkinson OBE)
“Prior to Covid, there was no limit to the number of motions any councillor could submit?
Motions submitted and passed from this Council have shaped policy and discussion at County Hall and Parliament. You only have to look at the documents that are presented for the case for Skipton to Colne Rail Link. They now begin the journey from Accrington to Yorkshire.
When is the limit going to be removed for the number motions as we are now in a post Covid era?”
Submitted by Councillor Noordad Aziz
The Leader responded that this matter was due to be considered at Agenda Item 6 – Constitution Update. The limit had been 1 motion per Group when this question had been submitted. The proposal above to relax this restriction was supported. He thanked Councillor Aziz for his question.
4) Clayton Triangle
To the Leader of the Council (Councillor Miles Parkinson OBE)
“Is Clayton Triangle still progressing?”
Submitted by Mr Tim O’Kane (address supplied)
The Leader indicated that the Council was in receipt of a planning application at the moment, which would need to follow due process.
5) Swimming Facilities in Great Harwood
To theDeputy Leader of the Council (Councillor Marlene Haworth)
“During the recent local election in Great Harwood, both Labour and Conservative candidates campaigned for swimming facilities to remain in Great Harwood, as did local MP Sara Britcliffe. Will the Conservative Group continue to commit to retaining swimming facilities in Great Harwood?”
Submitted by Councillor Scott Brerton
Councillor Marlene Haworth, Deputy Leader of the Council, responded ‘Yes’ to the question.
Resolved - That the Council notes the questions received and responses provided in connection with the matters set out above.
Supporting documents:
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