Question 1 – received from Matthew Francis
At the budget meeting of full council on 6 March 2024, the deputy leader of the council, Councillor Micheal Payne, stated clearly that the administration at Nottinghamshire County Council had increased council tax by the maximum level permitted every year, since 2017. He was given the opportunity to provide clarification and/or correction, numerous times by Councillor Adams and also on one occasion by Councillor Sam Smith, but it would appear he failed to do so. Contrary to Councillor Payne's assertions, it has subsequently been ascertained by myself, through an information request to Nottinghamshire County Council and a full review of the budget reports, which are all a matter of public record, that the conservative leadership at Nottinghamshire County Council have for almost every financial year since 2017/2018, increased the main council tax precept levy by less than the maximum permitted amount, saving the residents of Nottinghamshire in that period, millions of pounds in council tax charges. When challenged on his assertion, Councillor Payne stated in writing that, and I quote: 'There is an element of subjectivity to the word maximum.'
Based on this information, and in the interests of honesty, integrity and accountability, does the Deputy Leader of the Council and the Member of Parliament for Gedling, wish to correct the record so that the residents of Gedling Borough, are in full possession of the facts?
Question 2
Does the Council think the symbolism of spending large sums of money at Gedling Country Park while letting parks in Carlton and the Carlton Valley decay show that this council prioritises what looks good in political leaflets and in their connect magazine rather than providing some of our most deprived communities with the services and respect they deserve?
Minutes:
Two questions were received, and one questioner was in attendance to ask their question. The questions and answers are as follows:
Question 1 – Asked by Matthew Francis
At the budget meeting of full council on 6 March 2024, the deputy leader of the council, Councillor Micheal Payne, stated clearly that the administration at Nottinghamshire County Council had increased council tax by the maximum level permitted every year, since 2017. He was given the opportunity to provide clarification and/or correction, numerous times by Councillor Adams and also on one occasion by Councillor Sam Smith, but it would appear he failed to do so. Contrary to Councillor Payne's assertions, it has subsequently been ascertained by myself, through an information request to Nottinghamshire County Council and a full review of the budget reports, which are all a matter of public record, that the conservative leadership at Nottinghamshire County Council have for almost every financial year since 2017/2018, increased the main council tax precept levy by less than the maximum permitted amount, saving the residents of Nottinghamshire in that period, millions of pounds in council tax charges. When challenged on his assertion, Councillor Payne stated in writing that, and I quote: 'There is an element of subjectivity to the word maximum.'
Based on this information, and in the interests of honesty, integrity and accountability, does the Deputy Leader of the Council and the Member of Parliament for Gedling, wish to correct the record so that the residents of Gedling Borough, are in full possession of the facts?
Answer 1 – Given by the Mayor, Councillor Ron McCrossen
Councillor Payne has considered the question and has decided there is nothing further to add from what he said at the meeting.
Question 2 – Read by the Chief Executive on behalf of the questioner
Does the Council think the symbolism of spending large sums of money at Gedling Country Park while letting parks in Carlton and the Carlton Valley decay show that this council prioritises what looks good in political leaflets and in their connect magazine rather than providing some of our most deprived communities with the services and respect they deserve?
Answer 2 – Given by Councillor Clarke
Gedling Country Park was developed on the former Gedling colliery site. It is our flagship visitor attraction and a significant “green lung” in the borough of Gedling.
The topography of the park offers considerable views over Nottinghamshire, and has established itself as a wildlife haven, having been granted Local Nature Reserve status in 2018.
In terms of the park’s development, we have a children’s playground, café 1899, and two viewing platforms, some of which were funded through external grants. For anyone listening who hasn’t been to the site, I would certainly recommend a visit.
In terms of Carlton, you will be aware of our two most recent announcements.
Firstly, our proposal for a multi-million pound investment into a new Carlton Leisure and Community Wellbeing Centre with state-of-the-art facilities. This will benefit all residents of the borough, and particularly those residing in Carlton and the Carlton Valley area, and
Secondly, we have launched a consultation on how to spend the £20 million awarded through the Long Term Plan For Towns government funding for the Greater Carlton area. I do hope you and others will respond to this consultation, as it provides a real opportunity to directly influence investment in assets such as parks and open spaces in the Carlton and Carlton Valley area.
Thank you.