To receive a report from the leader on the activities of the executive (cabinet) since the meeting of Council on 12 October 2018.

The Leader introduced his report and received the following question:

·         The prospect of the inclusion of a raised crossing on the Belmont side of Haywood Lane in the South Wye Transport Package (SWTP) was proposed which would avoid the need to close the lane during works at a later date. The Leader confirmed that a written response would be provided.

The Leader announced that the Council had completed the purchase of the Royal National College for the Blind in College Road, Hereford. The campus would continue to be used as a centre of excellence and offered flexible space. The purchase represented the acquisition of a strategic asset in line with the corporate objectives of the Council. It supported further and higher education in Herefordshire.

The Leader continued to receive questions below:

·         An update on the work of the executive to implement sustainable principles into the development partnership was requested. The Leader confirmed that an update would be provided in the list of projects and initiatives undertaken by the Council to respond to environmental issues.

·         The review of car parking concessions was welcome in principle to investigate cheaper parking at times of the day to improve footfall but there had been questionable consultation and decision-making and no obvious means of measuring its success. Assurance was sought that there would be a proper level of planning, consultation and measures for success in future. The Leader did not accept the premise that there had been problems with the decision taken. The review had sought to find best policies for the council and consultations were often criticised. The review had been a positive move and the criticism was difficult to understand.

·         Assurance was sought that the minerals and waste plan consultation would take account of the climate emergency and consider anaerobic digestion and crops for biomass. The Leader confirmed that any review undertaken would take account of the policies and priorities of the Council.

·         A member felt that the decision, SWTP - southern link road was cover for the allocation of £1million to the SWTP at the end of the financial year without proper decision-making and against the constitution. Assurance was sought that the decision would be properly dealt with through the constitution and with a proper cabinet member key decision. The Leader explained that written clarification on the matter would be provided.

·         The rebuilding of Peterchurch School was raised and the requirement for similar improvements at Kingsland School. The Leader explained that as the cabinet member for children and young people he launched the capital investment strategy which was working to improve educational facilities in Herefordshire.