Council Agenda Item 78
Subject: Written questions from members of the public.
Date of meeting: 1 February 2024
A period of not more than thirty 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: Omaid Hiwaizi
Plant-based diets result in 75% less GHG emissions and land-use than diets with 100g of meat daily. They cut wildlife destruction 66% and water-use 54%. An analysis by the Office of Health Economics shows that plant-based diets would save the NHS £6.7bn yearly, with 2.1 million fewer cases of disease. Research consistently shows that local governments are trusted more than national politicians making the council well-positioned to introduce plant-based initiatives and deliver public education. Can Brighton join Haywards Heath, Edinburgh, Exmouth, Norwich, Lambeth and Norwich, by endorsing the Plant Based Treaty and developing an action plan like Edinburgh?
Councillor De Oliveira, Chair of Health & Wellbeing Board will reply.
2. Question from: Graham Griffin
If the councillors vote to proceed with the building of the proposed swimming pool will they consult with B&H residents before undergoing any expenditure
Councillor Robins, Chair of Culture, Heritage, Sport, Tourism & Economic Development Committee will reply.
3. Question from: Geraldine Bridgewater
Given changes in climate change policy, the need to conserve energy, no longer having to comply with EU regulations along with the cost of living crisis and high energy tariffs, will the council please now allow householders to install Sealed PVC sash Windows in the front of their houses?
Councillor Williams, Chair of Housing & New Homes Committee will reply.
4. Question from: Clara Usiskin
Has Labour u-turned on declaring a biodiversity emergency?
Councillor Rowkins, Chair of City Environment, South Downs & The Sea Committee will reply.
5. Question from: Suda Perera
Why the decision on Bright Start is being rushed through without a community consultation on future childcare needs and why co-location is not being considered a viable option?
Councillor Taylor / Helliwell, Joint Chair(s) of Children, Families & Schools Committee will reply.
6. Question from: Stuart Lauchlan
Clarendon Mansions is a block of 12 flats on the seafront, housing around 30 residents within the CIZ. Given our location, we are surrounded by bars, venues and two 24 hour off-licences. We recognize the importance of the nighttime economy. That said, there are ongoing problems with licence breaches and lack of enforcement of the terms of those licences. To date, we have struggled to have these issues addressed by officers. As Clarendon Mansions Residents Association, can we meet with councillors, council officers and impacted local businesses to discuss the situation and find a satisfactory resolution for all concerned?
Councillor Daniel, Chair of Licensing Committee will reply.
7. Question from: Bev Barstow
At the recent CFS meeting, the Chair confirmed that it will respond to draft DfE guidance (on Gender Questioning Children) by pointing out that it does not meet relevant legal obligations. Can you please list for me what these legal concerns are and why you say you will recommend the 'toolkit' to schools rather than the DfE guidance?"
Councillor Taylor / Helliwell, Joint Chair(s) Chair of Children, Families & Schools Committee will reply.
8. Question from: Katie Blood
Would the full council agree that as suggested in government guidance about consultations with the public, that they should "include validated impact assessments of the costs and benefits of the options being considered"?
Councillor Pumm, Chair of Equalities, Community Safety & Human Rights Committee will reply.
9. Question from: John McCooke
What does the council understand by the term conversion therapy?
Councillor Pumm, Chair of Equalities, Community Safety & Human Rights Committee will reply.
10. Question from: Stuart Conway
On the 14th of November 2023 the Council issued a notice under Section 94b, and schedule 3a of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, expanding the flyering licence area. The notice specifically mentions the handing out of political material, and the flyering licencing team confirm it would cover candidates' flyers during an election.
SHEDULE 3a section 1.4.b of the EPA 1990 excludes distribution "for political purposes or for the purposes of religion or belief". SHEDULE 3a section 1.4.b of the EPA 1990 excludes distribution "for political purposes or for the purposes of religion or belief". Should the notice and any others like it, and the council website, be amended to show these exclusions, and enforcement staff informed?
Councillor Rowkins, Chair of City Environment, South Downs & The Sea Committee will reply.
11. Question from: Adrian Hill
Last meeting we heard Cllr Rowkins talk about smoke control areas. He suggested that it was previously possible to enforce smoke control areas. Contrary to these suggestions I understand that new regulation has only recently been made available and it wasn’t previously possible to enforce. Can you please clarify the nature of the new regulations, when they were made available to the council and whether other councils have been able to use the new regulations?
Councillor Pumm, Chair of Equalities, Community Safety & Human Rights Committee will reply.