Agenda item

Councillor Gail Jenkinson asked a question of the Chair of the Economy, Regeneration and Housing Committee in relation to a public question asked the meeting held on 11 September 2024, Minute number 24. Reassurance was given that contact had been made between the New Towns Task Force and communications are ongoing. Councillor Jenkinson asked for further information on the nature of this contact, the information that had been exchanged and what are the next planned steps for this contacting with designating new town stages to Birkenhead.

Councillor Tony Jones had given apologies for the meeting, but the Leader of the Council was able to confirm that council offices were in regular contact with officers in the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). As a key function of the World Regeneration Partnership, they were to be developing a five -year Business Plan outlining priorities and investments requirements for delivering the Birkenhead 2040 framework. This will be submitted to MHCLG following consideration at Policy and Resources Committee in spring of 2025.

Councillor Helen Cameron asked a question of the Chair of Tourism, Communities, Culture and Leisure Committee in relation to the meeting held on 19 September 2024, Minute number 24. Councillor Cameron asked for an update on the community asset transfers of libraries previously and also any proposed changes to Wallasey Central Library.

Councillor Lewis confirmed that the Community Asset Transfer of Pensby and Prenton Libraries had been finally completed, with Irby Library due to be agreed at a future Committee meeting. Councillor Lewis then provided Members with an update on Wallasey Village and Wallasey Central Libraries.

Councillor Simon Mountney asked a question of the Chair of Environment, Climate Emergency and Transport Committee in relation to the meeting held on 13 September 2024, Minute number 13 in regard to proposed car parking charges.

Councillor Elizabeth Grey responded to state that she would ask all residents to complete the consultation so that that their thoughts and ideas could be reviewed before a decision is made.

Councillor Naomi Graham asked a question of the Chair of Environment, Climate Emergency and Transport Committee in relation to the meeting held on 13 September 2024, Minute number 13, asking if the car parking strategy could be shared highlighting that the findings were based on resident feedback, and the evidence had been provided on the impact on businesses.

Councillor Elizabeth Grey confirmed that she would be happy to reshare the document.

Councillor Tony Murphy asked a question of the Chair of Health and Wellbeing Board in relation to the meeting held on 18 July September 2024, Minute number 9 regarding the medical optimisation programme, asking if the Health and Wellbeing Board could raise the subject of medication reviews to avoid issues with incorrectly prescribed medication.

Councillor Jean Robinson responded to say that she had raised the matter and it was under review with the NHS primary care service.

Councillor Richie Pitt asked a question of the Chair of Environment, Climate Emergency and Transport Committee in relation to the meeting held on 13 September 2024, Minute number 6, highlighting concerns that the Council were cutting down the healthy trees that line Liscard Road to make way for a proposed active travel route. Councillor Pitt asked for assurances that all healthy trees were safe from just being cut not just on this road but across the borough.

Councillor Grey responded to confirm that both the tree team and the active travel team would liaise over all active travel schemes. Unless diseased or dangerous in some way, keeping mature trees was considered be an absolute priority.

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