Subject: Written questions from members of the public.

Date of meeting: 7 April 2022

A period of not more than fifteen minutes shall be allowed for questions submitted by a member of the public who either lives or works in the area of the authority at each ordinary meeting of the Council.

Every question shall be put and answered without discussion, but the person to whom a question has been put may decline to answer. The person who asked the question may ask one relevant supplementary question, which shall be put and answered without discussion.

The following written questions have been received from members of the public.

1. QUESTION From: Jo Gough, CE of RISE

In the children and families team at RISE we have noticed significant support gaps at schools and in the healthcare and legal system for children and young people who have experienced domestic abuse in Brighton and Hove.

The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 recognises children as victims of domestic violent instead of witnesses however currently the cycle of abuse is not being prevented, instead it is being maintained. What are the council’s plans to make a positive change to impact the lives of babies and children harmed by perpetrators of domestic abuse in the long term.

Councillor Powell, Joint Chair of the Tourism, Equalities, Communities & Culture Committee will reply.

2. QUESTION From: Christopher Hawtree

In last year's much-awaited Book-Stock Report, there was reference to the outsourced stock selector being supplied with a 'demographic' of readers. Would Cllr Powell please tell us how readers' tastes are thereby judged and how this is applied to stock being made available at Hove's Carnegie Library?

Councillor Osborne / Powell, Joint Chair of the Tourism, Equalities, Communities & Culture Committee will reply.

3. QUESTION From: Peter Harland

Why do Brighton & Hove City Council not publish all Freedom of Information requests and responses

Councillor Mac Cafferty, Leader of the Council will reply.

4. QUESTION From: Nicole Shepphard

I am concerned about the health implications of 5G. What reassurances can you give me that it is not detrimental to our health, and how will I know when 5G is planned for where I live.

Councillor Davis / Heley, Joint Chair of the Environment, Transport & Sustainability Committee will reply.

5. QUESTION From: Laura King

Could the Council Leader please advise if the Greens and Labour are still running Brighton and Hove City Council as a coalition according to their Memorandum of Understanding agreement with regular monthly meetings?

Councillor Mac Cafferty, Leader of the Council will reply.

6. QUESTION From: Nigel Furness

Does the Leader of this Council have full confidence in ALL members of his administration?

Councillor Mac Cafferty, Leader of the Council will reply.

7. QUESTION From: Theresa Mackey

What is the Council doing to address the dreadful crisis in Adult Social Care Recruitment?

Councillor Shanks, Chair of the Health & Wellbeing Board will reply.

8. QUESTION From: Bruno de Oliveria

An analysis published to mark Race Equality Week, showed that more than 1.2 million (78 per cent) adults from households headed by someone from a Black, African, Caribbean or Black British background reported having less than £1,500 in savings and investments, compared to a national average of 48 per cent.

Based on that, what is the council's prediction on the impact of the cost of living crisis on black and ethnic minorities in the city?

Councillor Osborne / Powell, Joint Chair of the Tourism, Equalities, Communities & Culture Committee will reply.

9. QUESTION From: Gareth Hall

Around 4 years ago planning permission was given to demolish the tea rooms in Hove Park and build a restaurant in it it’s place. It was agreed that trees could be felled but a condition was placed that they should be replaced by new trees. The new build has not gone ahead but the trees were felled by the owner of the tea rooms about 4 years ago. These trees have not been replaced and the planning department have told me that there is no requirement to do so until the new restaurant has been built (which could of course never happen)

I am asking the council to ensure that in future when giving planning permission that time limits are placed on planning conditions particularly tree replacement so that trees are replaced within a time limit from the date they are felled.

Councillor Osborne / Powell, Joint Chair of the Tourism, Equalities, Communities & Culture Committee will reply.