Subject: Public Involvement – Written Questions

Date of meeting: 22 January 2024

WRITTEN QUESTIONS

A period of not more than fifteen minutes shall be allowed at each ordinary meeting

for questions submitted by a member of the public.

The question will be answered without discussion. The person who asked the

question may ask one relevant supplementary question, which shall be put and

answered without discussion. The person to whom a question, or supplementary

question, has been put may decline to answer it.

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

1. Question from Allison Hooper

I’m sure committee Chairs will agree with me that parents, teachers and social workers place the interests of a child as paramount. Recently there has been discussion in the media about the growing number of vulnerable children questioning their gender identity.

In this context, do you agree that no-one is better placed to decide the best interests of a child than his or her parents?

2. Question from Samantha Lyons

The Public Sector Equality Duty (updated on December 18th 2023) requires public authorities to have due regard to certain equality considerations when exercising their functions, like making decisions. Can the Chair confirm when or if the council will revise its policies in line with the update and communicate this to schools?

3. Question from Helen Banks

Previously it has been said that all avenues were explored before choosing St Bartholomew's for closure. In the period between being elected in May and choosing St Bartholomew's for closure at the beginning of September, what avenues and alternative models of closure were explored?

4. Question from Emily Brewer

How can you “increase preschool provision” and take the only affordable preschool away in the area that's seen a 70% increase in demand in just over a year?

5. Question from David Maples

The papers for the committee meeting on 6 November 2023 did not include an assessment of vacant school places in West Sussex schools which could potentially offer an opportunity for St Peter's pupils.

Has Brighton & Hove Council now obtained this information?

6. Question from Ed Armston-Sheret

When were plans to move Bright Start Nursery to the Tarner Centre first developed?