Agenda item

In accordance with Standing Order No. 8, the following question was put by Councillor Prowse to the Leader.

Question – The Leader is asked to respond to the following:

On page 21 of today’s report under para. 2.1 there is a breakdown of the calculations that eventually give an accumulative answer to the source of the funds to finance the development. The New Homes Bonus element indicates a sum of £18 million as part of the contribution. Give or take a shekel or two there is only £11 million in the bank. Where does the other £7 million appear from?

The Leader stated that the Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing, Communities and Sport would reply to the question.

The Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing, Communities and Sport responded that under the current Council resolution, £1m of New Homes Bonus money a year would be set aside to cover major projects or debt reduction as was approved at Council on 21 February 2017.  The additional £7m would be recovered over the next seven years and management of the gap would be undertaken as part of the Council’s day to day treasury management activity.  No long term borrowing would be undertaken to cover the gap.

In response to Councillor Prowse’s supplementary question, the Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing, Communities and Sport clarified the position with regards to the recovery of the additional £7 million and the Council’s day to day treasury management activity.  No long term borrowing would be undertaken to cover the gap.

In accordance with Standing Order No. 8, the following questions were put by Councillor Musgrave to the Leader.

Question - Does the Council's preferred construction contractor have any link to the Consulting Association, known to support a construction industry practice of blacklisting unionised and union associated construction workers?

The Leader stated that the Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing, Communities and Sport would reply to the question.

The Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing, Communities and Sport responded that the Contractor had confirmed that they do not. The Consulting Association was wound up in 2009, and the contractor has confirmed that they do not support or condone the practice of “blacklisting” in any way whatsoever and not do I.

Question - What measures will the Council put in place to ensure that blacklisting of construction workers is not possible on the St Sidwell site? 

The Leader stated that the Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing, Communities and Sport would reply to the question.

The Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing, Communities and Sport responded that the Council would work closely with the contractor to prevent this practice. For example, in 2016 the contactor issued specific directions to prevent any practice of “blacklisting” and they fully recognised that this is contrary to both law and industry best practice.

Question - Is there provision in the construction contact for unfettered construction site access for union officials?

The Leader stated that the Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing, Communities and Sport would reply to the question.

The Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing, Communities and Sport responded that the contractor is covered under the Construction Industry Joint Council working rule agreement.  It is the largest industrial agreement within the construction industry and covers workers at Contractor & Subcontractor level.

Question - What conversations have been had between the preferred construction contractor and the project team about trade union recognition, paid time off for union representatives and worker health and safety? 

The Leader stated that the Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing, Communities and Sport would reply to the question.

The Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing, Communities and Sport responded that the construction contract is still to be negotiated but, in principle, this should not be problematical, subject to health and safety considerations.

Question – Will all main contractor and sub-contractor workers receive a trade union induction before working on the St Sidwell's site?

The Leader stated that the Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing, Communities and Sport would reply to the question.

The Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing, Communities and Sport responded that all workers would receive an induction prepared by the company.