Question Time

I’ve submitted the following questions to the Leader for the next ordinary Full Council. It will be interesting what Cllr Irving has to say on each of the issues.

1. Council Tax Relief
Will the Executive consider establishing a discretionary framework to re-introduce the 50% council tax discount on vacant properties where it can be proved that individuals are facing financial hardship, and are not in the possession of dwellings on a commercial basis?

2. Blacklisting
The council will note the investigation by the Information Commissioner into blacklisting by unscrupulous "business consultants". The council may also further note the subsequent report by UCATT trade union which revealed several large local authority contractors had been invoiced by the consultants. What is the Executive doing to ensure the trade union rights of former council workers and contractor workers are not eroded, either in current or future strategic partnerships?

3. Local Procurement
The full council recently passed a procurement strategy, which featured a policy on local procurement. What work are NSRP and procurement officers of this authority doing to ensure that local businesses are in a position where they are capable to entering successful tenders to provide council services?

4. Children and Young People’s Services
What checks and balances have the executive put in place to ensure that Children and Young People's Services Directorate is in satisfactory condition to be managed in house by the City Council? What is the Department for Children, Schools and Families' view as to whether continued intervention is required vis-a-vis management of the Directorate?