Minutes:
In accordance with Standing Order No. 8, the following question was put by Councillor D. Moore to the Leader
With regards to the crèche at St. Sidwell’s Point:
A Was the Equality Impact Assessment prepared for the closure of the crèche based on the actual users of the facility over the period it had been in operation or was it a theoretical desk based exercise?
Response
The Portfolio Holder for Leisure Services and Physical Activity reported that in order to comply with the general duty of the act, authorities must assess the impact on equality of decisions, policies and practices. The aim of this particular Equality Impact Assessment was to review the impact that closing the crèche facility at St. Sidwell’s Point Leisure Centre may have on groups and individuals with protected characteristics. The review did not prevent the authority from reducing or changing services where necessary.
B How much did that assessment cost to prepare?
Response
It was carried out by officers of the Council at no additional cost.
C What is the projected annual net income expected from alternative uses from the crèche room?
Response
Staffing changes across leisure were still taking place and the work needed to be completed before any alternative operational date is set.
Councillor D. Moore, asked a supplementary question as to whether the Equality Impact Assessment had been based on the views of the users of the facility when it had been open or if it had been a theoretical desk based exercise?
The Portfolio Holder for Leisure Services and Physical Activity responded that it was not appropriate, or usual, when undertaking an Equality Impact Assessment to ask each user of any protected characteristics they may have. The review did not prevent the authority from reducing or changing services where necessary.
In accordance with Standing Order No. 8, the following question was put by Councillor D. Moore to the Leader
In light of the
risks posed by unexploded ordnance, what action will the Portfolio
Holder take to prevent magnet fishing in the
Exe?
Response
The Portfolio Holder for Recycling, Waste Management and Waterways reported that the River Exe was designated as a main river and, as such, the Environment Agency were the responsible management authority. Exeter City Council had no powers to prevent any lawful use of the river. She advised that, unlike normal fishing, magnet fishing did not require a rod licence and she was not aware of any other forms or legislation which govern or regulate this past time. There were rules which applied to canals managed by the Rivers and Canal Trust but these did not apply.
Magnet fishing had many benefits, the main one being the clearance of metallic debris from waterways including cycles, scaffold poles, fencing barriers, shopping trollies and motorbikes making the waterways safer for all users. Those groups contacted had found two items of unexploded ordnance in the last two years. One was a hand grenade and the other was an artillery round (which turned out to be an inert training round). On both occasions, the groups cordoned off the area, called the Police and the items were taken away for disposal.
While the City Council had no powers to prevent this activity or to regulate it, it planned to work with the active groups in the area to develop a code of conduct. This could also be agreed with the Exe Estuary Partnership to give consistency and wider coverage.
Councillor D. Moore, asked a supplementary question as to whether the issues could be raised with the Environment Agency?
The Portfolio Holder for Recycling, Waste Management and Waterways agreed to raise the issues with the Environment Agency.
In accordance with Standing Order No. 8, the following question was put by Councillor D. Moore to the Portfolio Holder for Climate Change
At the Council meeting of 13 December 2022 Council agreed for the Portfolio Holder for Climate Change “to ask to open urgent and meaningful negotiations with the County Council on Transport and the 2050 target to develop a supportive policy context for the City of Exeter Net Zero plans”.
Please can the Portfolio Holder provide an update to Council about the response to that ‘ask’ and progress on any discussion thereafter?
The Portfolio Holder for Climate Change stated that there had been a business as usual communication on a number of transport related projects, but the budget setting process at both Exeter City Council and Devon County Council had been very challenging, and the pre-election period had made organising specific transport related meetings, since the December Council, difficult. A meeting to discuss the differing Net Zero targets and the contribution of transport would be arranged following the May Local Elections.