An opportunity to put questions to the Leader of the Council.
Minutes:
The Leader thanked the chair for inviting him to the inaugural meeting of the Borough, Bankside and Walworth community council. He gave a brief overview of some of the projects the council was delivering such as: free healthy school meals, the introduction of food recycling and making every council home warm, dry and safe. The administration had frozen council tax at the same level for the past two years and was allocating a community restoration fund of £1 million to help areas affected by the disturbances in the summer of 2011. The regeneration of elephant and castle was continuing with the Aylesbury and the council was currently looking for a development partner to deliver the large project covering 28.5 hectares.
Cllr John invited the Walworth Society to present a deputation to cabinet on Manor Place and stated that he was interested to learn more.
In response to questions Cllr John clarified that Southwark were seeking to keep the level of rent affordable. Under new legislation social housing registered landlords would be able to charge up to 80% of the market value for rent. The council would seek to keep their rents affordable.
A resident asked why the Lend Lease Phase 1 application did not commit to the 35% level of affordable housing outlined in council policy. Cllr John responded that the application was an outline and therefore did not contain all the detail of a final application. He also stated that levels of affordable housing were subject to affordability tests irrespective of what the guidance seeks. In London developments normally consisted of 15-19% affordable housing. As part of the Heygate agreement the council had secured a minimum of 25% affordable housing, so even if the 35% was not met the minimum would be higher than the norm in London. In response to a further question on affordable housing Cllr John clarified that the Heygate estate had been emptied so residents were not losing homes and there would be a net increase in the number of affordable homes.
In response to further questions from the floor Cllr John reiterated the promise to make every council home warm, safe and dry – there was a timetable for a schedule of work for every block of homes. A resident raised a recent press story about the level of council tax owed to the council. Cllr John explained that the council tax collection service had recently been brought ‘in-house’ to deal with this issue and recovering this debt was a work in progress. In terms of contracts with other companies, the council had in place procedures to deal with any potential risk of fraud. In response to questions on transport and parking Cllr John explained that there had been proposals for a tram line in the south of the borough but this required investment in infrastructure from TfL and the government. If residents experienced particular issues with parking Cllr John suggested they raise them with one of their ward councillors.
A resident raised an issue around visitor passes for disabled residents and the cost of attaining passes which were required for example if people were visiting to carry out repairs on a home. Cllr John acknowledged that this was problematic and agreed to look into the issue further. Cllr John also agreed to look in specific issues raised in relation to the Tabard Estate and a new door entry system and Decima Street.
The chair thanked Cllr John for attending the meeting.