Issue - meetings

Details of questions should be notified to the Democratic Services Manager at least three working days prior to the meeting - by 10am on Thursday 15 February 2024. Further information and a copy of the procedure are available from Democratic Services (Committees) with details about speaking at Council to be found here: Public Speaking at Meetings

The Lord Mayor reported the receipt of five questions from members of the public.

Question from Sharon Whitgreave to Councillor Bialyk, Leader.

“In the Wellbeing Exeter video, a councillor states, “Wellbeing Exeter brings people together to work in partnership, to collaborate, share ideas and best practices.” Do the councillors have a plan for Wellbeing Exeter to work with Citizens Advice to ensure that residents can access specialist and accredited advice and information?”

The Leader asked Councillor Pearce, Portfolio Holder for Communities & Homelessness Prevention, to answer Ms Whitgreave’s question. Cllr Pearce gave the following response:

Wellbeing Exeter partners already sign post people to a range of advocacy and advice services both in the city and online including CAE. This will continue as normal. 

In a supplementary question, Ms Whitgreave expanded on the range of expert services provided by Citizens Advice and enquired about any formal arrangements between Exeter Wellbeing and Citizens Advice to ensure that residents received the service they deserved. Cllr Pearce responded that discussions were ongoing between Exeter City Council and Citizens Advice aimed at providing residents with the service they needed.

Question from Carolyn Naylor to Councillor Bialyk, Leader.

“The Dix’s Field office space has issues with damp, roof structure and plumbing. If Citizens advice relocates due to high rent charges, do councillors realistically think they will find alternative tenants to pay the expected rent given the number of empty office spaces in the city?”

The Leader asked Councillor Pearce, Portfolio Holder for Communities & Homelessness Prevention, to answer Ms Naylor’s question. Cllr Pearce gave the following response:

The repair of the flat roof is scheduled to take place during 2024 as part of Council’s capital programme. This information would be made available to any prospective future tenant if any office space becomes vacant.

Question from Joe Oliver to Councillor Bialyk, Leader.

“Will the Council consider and cost the impact a reduced Citizens Advice service, necessitated by a loss of funding, would have on residents; for example, the potential loss of the benefits tribunal services and court repossession services, and Citizens Advice Exeter no longer having an office in the city centre?”

The Leader asked Councillor Pearce, Portfolio Holder for Communities & Homelessness Prevention, to answer Mr Oliver’s question. Cllr Pearce gave the following response:

The council intends to offer CAE a grant transitional grant of £75,000 for 2024/25 it will be up to the management of CAE to prioritise which aspects of their work are continued. CAE have previously refused offers of alternative office accommodation in the Civic Centre including shared space within the Council’s Customer Contact Centre.

In a supplementary question, Mr Oliver sought clarity about who adjudicated on grant applications such as rent grants. The Leader explained to Mr Oliver that any application for a grant would be treated within the normal process, namely through the Leader and the Executive Committee and through Council at the appropriate time.

Question from James Banyard to Councillor Bialyk, Leader.

“Recently I reported pavement flooding due to a drain blocked with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1

The Lord Mayor reported that no questions had been received from members of the public.