Agenda item

Questions from the Public

 

To receive any questions from members of the public addressed to Members of the Executive in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 11.  There is up to 5 minutes for each question, one supplementary question may be asked arising from the original question. 

 

Questions must relate to any matter the Council has power or which affects the Borough, except no questions may be asked in relation to 

 

a)    A specific planning or licensing application

b)    A specific staffing appointment or appeal, or Standards determination

 

Public question time will last up to 30 minutes; questions will be taken in the order of receipt. 

 

The deadline for submission of questions is Monday 8 November 2021 at 12 noon. Questions to be submitted to democratic.services@adur-worthing.gov.uk  

 

Minutes:

The Mayor advised that 6 questions had been received in advance of the meeting.

 

They were as follows:-

 

Question 1 from Mr Conell Loggenberg, a Worthing resident

 

Which parts or provisions of the Equality Act 2010 can the public not rely on as applicable for inclusive consideration by Council or individual Members of Council to any matters of current or future functioning or processes for or by Council?

 

Cllr Daniel Humphreys replied that the very short answer was none.

 

In response to the supplementary question, Cllr Humphreys requested that the question be shared in writing (via email) and a written response would be provided.

 

Question 2 from Mr Conell Loggenberg, a Worthing resident

 

In July 2020, to the ends of Promoting Racial Equality in Worthing, I asked and suggested to Council the need for visible inclusive Commemoration of the Sacrifice made by People of Black Ethnicity in respect of the War Memorial in Steyne Gardens.

 

The Leader of the Council agreed that People of Black Ethnicity fought alongside British Soldiers in the same War, that they also made the ultimate sacrifice and that inclusive commemoration of their lives was justified.

 

The Leader of the Council stated that he would take leadership on the matter.

 

To date, close to almost 18months later, absolutely nothing has materialised.

 

Unless the Member has abandoned the commitment, can the Member confirm whether he is ACTUALLY serious, whether he has discussed this matter cross-party and who with about Permanent Public Facing Memorial Effects Equally representing the sacrifice made by People of Black Ethnicity…

 

If yes,

 

Given that the Member is stepping down as Leader of the Council;

Has the Leader assigned this task to ANYONE…who?... and how much longer do we still have to wait to see delivery on Permanent Public Facing Effects that Commemorates the Sacrifice of People of Black Ethnicity in respect of that War?

 

Cllr Daniel Humphreys replied that his recollection of the previous correspondence differed from that of Mr Loggenberg. However, he was happy to listen to ideas and discuss these moving forwards.

 

A supplementary question was asked in relation to the delivery of an inclusive commemoration.

 

Cllr Humphreys reiterated that he was happy to hear suggestions coming forward.

 

Question 3 from Kelly Hannah-Rogers, a Worthing Resident

 

Members of the public raised complaints about how racist conservative councillor Tim Wills was able to continue to serve on this council and what actions could be taken to avoid a repeat. This was pursued by the public under the councillor code of conduct adopted by Worthing Borough Council from the Local Government Association. At the last full council meeting on 19th October, we were informed by Worthing Borough Council that the investigations in this respect were ongoing and therefore could not comment on some of the questions put by the public, even though at that point Tim Wills had resigned.

 

All the sanctions which are available in the councillor code of conduct apply only to an incumbent councillor, not a councillor who has left their post.  Please confirm the status of the investigation, is it being pursued under a breach of the councillor code or another process. If the latter, please explain what process and possible outcomes.

 

Cllr Daniel Humphreys replied that the complaints against the former Councillor Tim Wills, were under investigation and would be determined by the Joint Governance Sub-cttee in due course, in accordance with the Council's procedure for dealing with Code of Conduct complaints.  Cllr Humphreys was not in a position to make any further comment, whilst the investigation was in progress.

 

Ms Hannah-Rogers asked about the timeframe for the investigation as a supplementary question.

 

Cllr Humphreys advised that it was difficult to ascertain how long the investigation would take, but reassured the questionner that the investigation would be in line with the Joint Governance Committee / Council process. 

 

Question 4 from Kelly Hannah-Rogers, a Worthing Resident

 

Will Worthing Borough Council take back responsibility for engaging on their equality duties from Community Works, who have no demonstrable experience in race equality when taking on the contract.

 

Cllr Daniel Humphreys replied the Council had no plans to change its relationship with Community Works.

 

Question 5 from Susie Pepper, a Worthing Resident

 

I am a member of B A M E  Groups in Worthing, I have an obvious interest  in the Community Cohesion Committee - as mentioned at the meeting on the 19th October. Please could you set out the timeframe for the setting up of the community cohesion committee?

 

Cllr Daniel Humphreys replied that the motion agreed by the Council on the 19th October would be considered by the Joint Governance Committee at its meeting in January 2022.

 

A supplementary question requested that the issue be addressed with greater urgency.

 

Cllr Humphreys and Cllr Jenkins advised that if it was possible, a report setting out next steps would be brought to the Joint Governance Committee on the 23rd November. 

 

 

 

 

Question 6 from Susie Pepper, a Worthing Resident

 

As a member of most B A M E groups in Worthing, Please could you set out how the community cohesion committee will be constituted, in particular the council’s B A M E  leaders of this committee, and how community stakeholder groups in Worthing will be consulted?

 

Cllr Daniel Humphreys replied that the Joint Governance Committee would need to consider and make recommendations on the terms of reference for any new committee.

 

A supplementary question was asked in relation to contacting community leads.

 

Cllr Humphreys replied that there would be an opportunity for public questions at the start of committee meetings. Details for the submission of questions could be obtained from Officers.