The Leader of the Council, Councillor Jarvis, presented his report to Council.  The following comments were made by Council:

·         Planning for the Future – agenda page 35.  In response to a question on the provision of services and town and parish councils bidding to take over the provision of some services, the Leader said he would endeavour to ensure town and parish councils had all the information they required.

·         In response to a question on the statistical accuracy on the Quality of Life survey, the Leader reassured Council of the reliability of the survey and noted the comments made on communications with the public.

·         Planning for the Future – agenda page 36 5.3 and 5.4 – delivery of Core Strategy and how long it is taking.  The Cabinet Member advised that a timetable was in place and the end date of completion had not changed even though further consultation was proposed.

·         In referring to Adult Social Care Councillor Glenda Powell stated she could not support the administration in increasing fees and charges.  In response the Cabinet Member reminded Council that the demands on Adult Social Care were great and that there were tough choices to be made.  In consultation Councillors had supported the increases, however, any member of the public who was not able to pay would not be expected to do so.  The Chairman of Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny confirmed to Council that the Committee had reviewed the changes to fees and charges and would be reviewing the budget.  He added that as changes took place the Committee would look to carry out a review.

·         In response to a question on the Ofsted report the Cabinet Member confirmed that the report had been sent to all Members prior to public release.

·         Herefordshire People – agenda page 36 5.7 – taxi marshalling service.  In response to a question on the new taxi marshalling service the Leader advised Councillor Kenyon that he would contact him separately on how much money the Council had put into the service.

·         Herefordshire’s Economy and Communities – agenda page 37 5.13.  Councillor McCaull referred to the consultation on car parking charges and the proposed increase and stated all Councillors in Leominster were against the proposed fee for Etnam Street car park.  Councillors asked that the fee to be reversed or reviewed in six months time.  The Cabinet Member reminded Council that all Members for the City or market towns had been consulted, that it had been explained and agreement had been reached.  He added that there was a revenue issue and this was a way of supporting the budget.  During the course of the year a review would be carried out and all points set out in the General Overview and Scrutiny Committee would be taken into consideration.

·         The Cabinet Member was congratulated on the H.Energy week and the Council’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

·         In response to a question on the sale price of the Edgar Street Grid the Leader reiterated that the quote of £90m for the site referred to it’s development value.

·         In response to a question on the cycling project to support sustainable travel the Cabinet Member stated the project would be completed before the money ran out in 2015.

RESOLVED: That the overview of the Executive’s activity be noted.