Agenda item

A public question form is included at page 56.

This is an opportunity for public questions to be addressed to the chair. Residents or persons working in the borough may ask questions on any matter in relation to which the council has powers or duties.

Responses may be supplied in writing following the meeting.

The following public questions were asked at the meeting:

1.   What is the council’s policy on religion. What does it do to promote religion that is not oppressive or discriminatory (whichever religion that may be).

Councillor Stephanie Cryan responded that Councillor Jamil Mohammed, had helped to arrange an inter faith community day and was compiling a directory of all the different faiths and places of worship in the borough. Councillor Mohammed could be contacted for further information.

2.   As freeholders, how do we get out of the communal heating system so as to have full control of our own heating [rather than] paying for what others use.

  Councillor Richard Livingstone responded that it was a difficult one as people either have communal heating systems or they don’t. If people opted out, that would increase the bills for everyone else contributing.

3.   A question was raised about the planned 20 mph speed limits in the borough and the difficulty of limiting vehicles to that speed. Concerns were expressed about residents being criminalised by speed cameras.

  Councillor Livingstone responded that a report would come to a future meeting about the consultation that took place on 20mph limits.

4.   It has been three years since the Pumphouse museum closed down. It remains an empty building. What has Southwark got out of the closure.

Councillor Richard Livingstone responded that savings were needed due to heavy budget cuts. Councillor David Hubber added that there have been expressions of interest from groups wishing to use the Pumphouse museum for community use which would be warmly welcomed.

5.  Would the indigenous population of Southwark be given preference in obtaining accommodation in Southwark, instead of people from another borough coming here and depriving them of the opportunity.

Councillor Richard Livingstone responded that last year the council agreed as part of the allocations policy a requirement for residency. There was now a five-year residency priority.

6.   What plans were available to make homes more affordable. A new two bedroom flat, in the area, only 650 square foot, was on the market for £650,000.

Councillor Richard Livingstone responded that more homes needed to be built across London and Southwark was doing more than most boroughs. Councillor Anood Al-Samerai added that the situation was tough and more should be done to deter investors from abroad buying property and not even dwelling in the properties. Extra council tax should be charged on such unoccupied properties.

7.   A resident highlighted the Ship York pub that had recently closed. It could have become a Shisha bar prior to it becoming flats but residents and officer action had prevented that from happening which was important for the area.

8.   Is there anything that could be done to ban people buying properties to rent and make it easier to rent to buy.

9.   A resident asked about officers parking in the Blue Bermondsey for 3 or 4 hours at a time while residents were limited to 30 minutes.

A written response was read out that council officers were exempt whilst carrying out their statutory duties.

Councillor Leo Pollak added that there had been some displacement of parking due to major works around Lucy Way. A solution was being worked on which may include pay and display and traders bays respected.

10. A resident said that people on shared ownership schemes had no chance of owning the property outright. Should shared ownership be dumped and the focus be on building more council houses so that local people could be housed.

Councillor Richard Livingstone responded that as many council homes should be built as possible but that would not meet the demand so other sorts of affordable housing options should be available as well.

11. David Eyles, Chair of the Tissiba and Haddonfield Tenants and Residents Association (TRA), said that at the last community council there was a question that strongly criticised TRAs. David explained that he had invited the author of the question to contact him and discuss ways forward and demonstrate the activeness of TRAs in the area. David said that without TRAs in the area many things would not get done including festivals. He added that his door was open and he would be happy to assist with any needs associated with TRAs in the community.

12.  In response to a question about parking in Gomm Road, Councillor Stephanie Cryan said that controlled parking zones in the wider Canada Water area was being looked at and consultation had been requested.

13. A resident complained about the Police stations in the area being closed. He had been told to come back with lost property to another destination at a particular time and then told it would not be accepted. Councillor Kath Whittam responded she would follow up on that issue.