To provide an opportunity for Councillors to ask questions to the Leader of the Council in accordance with the Council’s Standing Orders.
Process:
No more than 15 minutes will be allocated at the Council meeting for questions to the Leader of the Council.
The question must be addressed through the Mayor or the person presiding at the meeting and not directly to the person being questioned.
Minutes:
Leader’s announcements
In answer to the first question from the Mayor, the Leader made the following announcements:
- Thanks to the outgoing Mayor on what would be his final Council meeting.
- The inaugural ABP Newport Marathon being staged at the weekend, which was estimated to bring £1.1million into the local authority.
- Congratulations to Newport RFC on reaching the finals of the WRU Challenge Cup.
- The announcement expected soon on the bid for lottery funding for the Transporter Bridge.
- Completion of the recent works to the City Footbridge.
- The £2.5million grant awarded in March to the Living Levels Partnership, for a series of projects designed to restore and enhance the natural heritage and history of the Gwent Levels’ unique landscape.
- The success of the Cardiff Capital Region bid, let by Newport officers, for £6million worth of funding from the local full fibre wave two challenge fund to enable improved digital technology in south-east Wales.
Congestion charges and parking levies
Councillor Matthew Evans reported that Cardiff Council were considering introducing congestion charges and levies on car parking, and asked the Leader to rule out any similar plans being introduced in Newport. The Leader responded that she recognised the particular issues with parking in Cardiff, but could not comment upon the actions of another Council, and would not be drawn into any promises to rule this out. In response to a supplementary question, the Leader confirmed that there were no immediate plans to look at such measures. The Leader added that she would rule out the introduction of three-weekly bin collections in this administration’s term.
David ‘Bomber’ Pearce
Councillor Kevin Whitehead referenced the current campaign to recognise the sporting achievements of local man David “Bomber” Pearce, and asked whether he could be given a posthumous award, for example the Spirit of Newport award or the freedom of the city. The Leader confirmed that the statue of Mr Pearce would be unveiled on 7 June in the city, and agreed to talk to officers about a potential award.
Great Western Cities Partnership
Councillor Carmel Townsend asked for an update on progress of the Great Western Cities Partnership signed by the former Leaders of Newport and Cardiff, and the former Mayor of Bristol. The Leader confirmed that the authority was pushing for progress, which had been made difficult with changes in the different personnel. There was a clear synergy with the South West region, and discussions were ongoing to try and move this forward, including the potential to expand the partnership to include other cities such as Bath and Swansea.
Newport Market
In response to a question from Councillor Graham Berry, the Leader confirmed the progress that had been made in communications with the traders at Newport Market. Long term options for the Market were being considered, meanwhile regular meetings were being held with traders to discuss short term solutions to improve footfall and organise events.
Transporter Bridge
Councillor Charles Ferris asked whether any contingency plans were in place in case the Heritage Lottery Fund bid for the Transporter Bridge was unsuccessful. The Leader confirmed that pressure was being applied at the highest level for Welsh Government support, and the situation would need to be reviewed after the outcome of the bid was received. While the authority was committed to preserving the Transporter Bridge, the level of funding needed was beyond the reach of the Council, and would have to be considered against the delivery of statutory services.