Council and democracy
Ask the Leader
Is there a question you would like to ask the Council’s Leader?
You can send Ann Ducker, Leader of the Council, a question relating to the general business of the Council, ideally something that is likely to be of interest to a wide number of residents or visitors to the area.
Residents should send their question or questions to outburst@southoxon.gov.uk
Phone 01491 823108 or post to:
Ask the Leader
South Oxfordshire District Council
Benson Lane
Crowmarsh
Gifford
WALLINGFORD
Oxon OX10 8HQ
Latest questions
Taxi fares in the district
Q. I understand the DC sets the fare pricing and range for all taxi companies in South Oxfordshire. It amazes me that these fares are at least on a par with London Black Cab prices and possibly even more expensive at certain times of the day or night.
This
makes the taxi fares in South Oxfordshire some of the highest if not
THE highest in the whole country. How does the
council justify the approval of such high fares?
Kind Regards
Mark Tamburro
A. Dear Mark
Thank you for your email.
Some district councils do set the fares for taxis, but this council does not currently set fares. This is left for the individual companies to set and they do usually tend to be fairly competitive which each other.
Our one main requirement of South Oxfordshire Hackney carriages is that they display a fare card in the front of the vehicle stating how much their fares cost. This fare card must be visible to all passengers in the vehicle. The driver cannot charge any more than is stated on this fare card but can undercharge if they wish to do so.
I hope that helps to answer your query. If you need any further information, please let me know.
Previous questionsOrchard Centre car park
Q. I would like to share a rather unpleasant experience with you. Shortly before Christmas, I drove to Sainsburys in Didcot to purchase my Christmas shopping. I must add that I am unfamiliar with the store and it’s parking arrangements. To cut a long story short, I received a parking charge notice for failing to display a ticket. The PCN was completely illegible and I only noticed it after having left the store and driven some distance. As it was illegible, I returned to the store immediately, where I was advised as to my offence.
Technically, I was “guilty” of this, but in all honesty, I only saw the “2 hours free” and not the condition of the free parking. Naturally I appealed to EuroCarParks, pointing out that the DVLA code of practice requires inter alia: “3.7 Notices giving full details of the parking contravention and the proposed course of action to be taken by the enforcer should be placed in a prominent position on the‘offending’ vehicle without causing it damage. “
They have ignored my protestations and are insisting that I pay. Since I do
not have the time to pursue this
matter further, I am writing to you as head
of SODC. It is my understanding that EuroCarParks are contracted by SODC
to manage the car park and feel that you should be made aware of the way that they
conduct themselves.
Yours sincerely
Michael Fortune
A. Dear Mr Fortune
I sympathise with your situation, but as the Orchard Centre car park is not a Council run car park, this is not something we can get involved in. The car park is run privately by Didcot Town Centre Management so you really need to raise this with them. You can call them on 01235 519014, email info@orchardcentre.co.uk or write to:
Management Suite
Orchard Centre
20 Station Road
Didcot OX11 7LL
We have, however, spoken with Didcot Town Centre Management and they have recently added more signs to the car park to try and make the ticket process clearer. We hope that the new signage will help to avoid this situation.
Didcot Arts Centre
Q. How will the council recoup their £7m investment in the new art centre and how many annual visitors are predicted to visit it?
Is the council just joining the "trend" of many towns and cities by having an arts centre?
Colin
Bateman
Didcot
A. Dear Colin
Our investment in a five-screen cinema, arts centre and town square, as well as a supermarket, shops, offices and car parking, was based on a great deal of research, and consultation with the people of Didcot, rather than a desire to copy other towns and cities.
Our business plan confirmed there was a demand for the provision of an arts centre, and that there was potential for the development of further activity and trading once the arts centre was open. Work on the arts centre started on site on 15 January 2007 and the centre should be open in 2008.
We expect the arts centre to attract a large number of visitors - around 95,000 visitors a year. In terms of costs, we will meet the capital cost of the arts centre from the Council's approved capital programme. In order to meet the demand for an arts facility, the Council is prepared to invest in the arts centre without looking to recoup its capital investment. The capital cost of the project includes legal fees, professional fees (e.g. architect, quantity surveyor, project manager and employers agent), building and fit out costs.
Starting in the second year, the Council will also fund the annual ongoing costs of the arts centre by £200,000 per year (increasing with general inflation) from the ground rents of the Orchard Centre at Didcot.
The Orchard Centre is now looking good, and the cinema will open in early May this year. I am sure the arts centre will also be a great success for the district.
Outlook newsletter
Q. Why do you continue to send out the Outlook Magazine? Isn't it a waste of tax payers money?
A. Thank you for your question. We continue to produce Outlook because it's popular with residents and therefore I don't consider it to be a waste of resources.
With regards to it being a waste of taxpayers' money it costs just 28p per household to produce and deliver and the majority of residents think this is value for money. There's a survey in the current edition asking residents what they think of it and we've already had an overwhelming response to it. The feedback has been very positive.
We will publish the results of the survey in the next edition, which is out in June.
Roundabouts in South Oxfordshire
Q. In view of the fact that you were elected to represent the views of the electorate of South Oxfordshire, and their opposition to advertisements on roundabouts appears overwhelming, can you tell me if you support the views of your chief executive who writes:-
"Whilst I fully appreciate your continued frustration that these advertisements remain in place, the Council does not intend to do anything about them, irrespective of the number of letters it receives so why continue to waste everybody's time?
I see that you are asking people to copy letters to my appeals and enforcement team. This is unnecessary as they will not investigate any new complaints on this issue.
Isn't it time we all moved on?
Tom Stevenson
A. Thank you for sending in your question. I share the chief executive's views on this matter. We've had at most 50 letters and emails about advertising on roundabouts, which I don't consider to be overwhelming opposition. I've also had many compliments on how good the roundabouts look.
Our decision to advertise on roundabouts was referred to the council's scrutiny committee, whose role it is to scrutinise Cabinet decisions. The committee has the power to ask Cabinet to reconsider its decisions and make alternative recommendations for it to consider. However, on this occasion the committee upheld our decision.
The Cabinet has no plans to look at this issue again
until the contract is up for renewal in January 2011,
so the Chief Executive is right, writing letters and emails is
a waste of people's time.
Wheeled bins for rubbish
Q. Having moved from Reading Borough Council into Henley recently I was surprised to find a little green bucket and a tiny black bin. Could you please tell me the reason why this should be as I would really like to have my wheeled bins back so that I do not have to struggle with the weekly rubbish.
Please do not tell me that it is because the wheeled bins are ugly as I appreciate how important recycling is to the council. We are a family of five and once the bucket is full the recycling goes into a black bin bag and is taken with the other rubbish. Will you be charging us for this extra rubbish? How can old people lift these black bins if they do not have a kind neighbour? Please could I have wheeled bins instead?
Mik Duffin, Henley
A. Unfortunately, at present we do not have wheeled bins for the normal rubbish collection as our refuse collection vehicles do not have the necessary lifting mechanism, and due to manual handling health and safety regulations, wheeled bins cannot be emptied by hand. However, you can put your rubbish out in black bin bags or traditional dustbins (no more than 75cm high). We do not charge for excess amounts of rubbish.
Our waste contract with Grundon is up in 2009/10, and we plan to consult residents on the waste services they would like to have, including the possibility of providing other bins.
We have, however, recently introduced a new service using wheeled bins for garden waste (at a cost of £29 per year, or £27.50 if you pay online)this is a separate service from the normal rubbish and recycling collections using a different contractor, hence why wheeled bins are used.
We also collect recycling in clear sacks. There is no limit on how many green boxes you can have as long as they can be stored on your property until collection day. Please contact us if you would like additional boxes (there is no charge). Alternatively, you can purchase clear sacks from a number of outlets across the District (£2.50 for 25).
For residents who have difficulty putting their rubbish and recycling at the kerbside we do provide an assisted collection service if requested, you can arrange this directly through us.
Drain and sewer systems
Q. What will be done to improve drain and sewer systems and the water supply infrastructure prior to the build of any new homes?
The current ageing network is inadequate for our current needs. Regular failures are commonplace and there will be more serious failures in future without significant improvements. These improvements must be implemented before any new build is connected to the existing water supply and drain and sewer systems. Will the leader confirm that water supply companies will be consulted before any new build is approved and improvements to the existing infrastructure will be completed before any new build is connected to the existing networks?
Paul Hardy, Chinnor
A. We consult with Thames Water when we receive planning applications for significant new development proposals. We also consult Thames Water before we allocate land for development in the Local Development Framework (LDF). The company advises us whether the local water supply and foul water drainage infrastructure is adequate. If it advises us that it is not, then we may refuse planning permission, or we may decide not to allocate a site for development in the LDF.
Where deficiencies exist and where Thames Water has plans to remedy them within the life of a planning permission or land allocation (usually five years), then we may phase new development so that it cannot be not to built or occupied until Thames Water says everything is ok.
If a developer wants to build on a site where Thames Water has identified deficiencies in supply, it may be possible if the developer is prepared to bear the cost of the work needed to overcome the problem. We would investigate such possibilities with the developer and Thames Water when dealing with a planning application or in considering a LDF allocation.
Garden waste wheeled bins
Q. With the great success of the brown wheelie bin scheme, when will you
move to wheelie bins for general waste and recycling?
David Hawkins
A. I am pleased the garden waste scheme has been so successful. We initially anticipated 4,000 orders and in fact we now have well over 6,500 brown wheelie bins out in the community. We are now looking to review how we collect other rubbish.
Our waste contract
with Grundon is up in 2009/10, and we plan to consult residents on the waste services they would like to have, including the
possibility of providing other bins. It also makes sense for us to work closely with all the other districts in Oxfordshire
to try to have a similar scheme.
This is the most important delivery of service this Council has and we have targets
to reach set by the government. Whilst we are currently in the top quartile for collections of recycling, the government
will fine us if we put too much rubbish into the ground, so it is going to be something high on the agenda of this Council
for some time to come. We must recycle, we must encourage composting and we must remain good at not putting waste into landfill.
Pressure on green belt land
Q. Please explain how the Council intends to manage pressure to build houses on what is currently green belt land on the edge of the city of Oxford. This is in the light of the recent increase in the numbers of houses which central government requires to be built in Oxfordshire and throughout the South East.
Jayne Todd
A. It has always been this Council’s position to fight any houses being built on the green belt. Ultimately, a minister will make the decision, and so what we really need is public support to help us get the right decision and campaign against building on the green belt. We feel Didcot could satisfy all the extra houses needed and this is what we will focus on.
Jobs in the district
Q. Where are the people moving to the future speculative development between Didcot and Harwell going to work?
Larry Shaw
A. One of
the main reasons for choosing Didcot for more housing is the potential for thousands of new jobs created at Harwell and at
Milton Park. There is land allocated at these sites for business development, which will allow new businesses to move in
and existing businesses to expand.
Didcot also has a very good train service - reducing the impact on the local road
network. So I don’t think we have any fears about no work, in fact, I think there will be a lot of work and lots of jobs
that can only benefit everybody economically living around the area of Didcot.
Zebra crossings
Q. What is the Council’s policy on zebra crossings?
How does one go about asking for one and what criteria needs to be met? Please could you let me know how to go about campaigning for one. There is a desperate need for at least one on Greys Rd, in Henley.
N. Taylor, Henley
A. This is a question that falls under the responsibilities of the County Council.
If you request a new crossing from the County Council’s highways department, an engineer will visit the site and make an initial assessment. If the assessment suggests the scheme has potential, it will be included in a follow up study to more accurately establish its priority compared with other traffic management and road safety schemes. A bid will be made for funding and the scheme considered for a future programme, depending on funding and priorities.
To suggest a new crossing, contact the County Council on:
Southern Area Office
Oxfordshire County Council
Milton
Road, Drayton
OX14 4EZ
Fax: 01235 528991
southernarea@oxfordshire.gov.uk
Grants for solar panels
Q. Would you kindly let me know what sort of grants there may be for the installation of solar panels on the roof of my house. Do you recommend any firm for the job?
F. N. Manvell
A.
The government gives grants to householders for renewable energy technologies through the low carbon buildings programme.
Householders must have first installed a range of basic energy efficiency measures.
The Council recommends that any solar
installers used are members of the Solar Trade Association. Councils in the Thames Valley are working together to promote
solar energy to householders through the Solarsavers scheme. Advisors can give householders information about the range of
products available, the benefits of solar, and if required refer them to the solar companies who are part of the scheme.
Contact:
Solarsavers
www.solarsavers.co.uk
tel: 0800 107 0044
Low Carbon Buildings Programme
www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk
tel: 0800 915 7722
Planning
If you are intending to install any renewable energy technology you are advised to contact South Oxfordshire District Council planning department to see if planning permission is required. Phone 01491 823740 or 01491 823750 or visit the planning section of this website.
Land for self build house
Q. I am a resident in the town of Didcot. There is a lot of talk about new buildings going up, new housing estates. Large plots of land being developed to provide affordable housing.
My question is: Is it possible for a resident to apply to buy their own plot of land from the council for a self build, and if so how? Building your own house today is more affordable than ever.
Sincerely
Alexander Holland
A. Unfortunately, the Council does not own land in Didcot and so could not offer you any land for a self-build project.
The best course of action would be to speak with local estate agents to find out if there is any land available in the area for a self-build project, or to approach local developers. If you are on a low income it might be possible for a housing association to help you.
The following websites might also be useful. Direct Gov has a section on building your own home and also on finding a plot of land. The website www.homebuilding.co.uk also has lots of advice an tips on building your own home.
Didcot cinema and arts centre
Q. Now that the commercial part of the Orchard centre is an evident success, when are the arts centre and cinema going to become a reality?
A.
I hope you have been able to see the cinema has been started and coming out of the ground looking really very good. The arts
centre will be started by the end of the year (The shell and town square are both on track for completion in December 2006,
and work on the inside should start in January, ready to open in spring 2007. We hope work will start on the arts centre in
autumn 2006 and finish late 2007, with the centre opening early 2008).
The Orchard Centre is now looking good, and I
am sure the art centre and cinema will be a great success for the district.
Questions about Ann
Q. How long you have been a councillor and how long you have been a leader of the Council?
A. I have been a district councillor for 25 years and I was a parish councillor before that. I have been leader at South Oxfordshire for two and half years.
Q. What does the job of leader involve?
A. The leader works very closely with the chief executive and I head up the cabinet. I am head of the ruling group (which is the Conservative party), and my main role is to ensure sure our policies are being carried out. The chief executive does all the work relating to staff and I just keep an eye on what is going on through the chief executive.
Q. What do you most enjoy about your job?
A. What I mostly enjoy is the communication I have with people and I always think that leading a council you are able to enable things to happen, I think the saddest thing may be is when it doesn’t happen. If you are the leader it's like anything you are in charge of - if things are going well everybody is happy with you - and then when things are not going well then you have to take responsibility as well.
Q. What is the hardest aspect of your job as leader?
A. The hardest thing really is to take the rough with the smooth and make sure you communicate with people.
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