Two Public Questions had been received, as follows:

From Mrs Susan Kortlandt

1.     I note with regret that the Government has not renewed the "Everybody In" scheme for rough sleepers during the winter. With lockdown in force, freezing weather and rates of infection at record highs, no-one should be forced to sleep in the open now.

How will the Council ensure that everyone in the Borough has a place to stay indoors?

Cllr Hossack responded as follows:

BBC continue to ensure that in the event that rough sleepers are identified an offer of accommodation during the lock-down period will be made in the interests of public health, working beyond the scope of our Statutory Duties.  We are also working very closely with Essex County Council and our district partners to ensure that support will be provided to those that need it at any stage in the process.  We do have a Severe Weather Protocol that we regularly review which is currently in place due to the current pandemic and the current weather conditions which is due for further review on the 18^th January 2021.

In the absence of any guidance to the contrary from central government, we will use reasonable efforts to exercise their duties and powers to make offers of accommodation to all of those who have been identified for the period of the lock-down and where possible work with those accommodated to make longer term plans to avoid the risk of repeat homelessness, including the preparation of Personal Housing Plans and other duties under the Homelessness Reduction Act.

Where subsequent cases of single homelessness occur, we will deal with these under the provisions of the Homelessness Reduction Act, seeking wherever possible to prevent homelessness, supporting the expectation that no one should be evicted or made homeless during the period of the lockdown.

2.         At the last Council Meeting, I was very pleased to hear that agreement had been reached for a mobile 'phone mast for EE and Three to be placed on Masefield Court. Unfortunately, there is no evidence of work actually taking place as yet.

After more than six months without a reliable mobile signal, please can the Leader give me a date when I may expect to be reconnected to a mast, and what progress has been made regarding the mast for Vodafone and O2?

Cllr Hossack responded as follows:

The Council is currently awaiting details of how the relevant mobile network operators will be carrying out the works at Masefield Court so that we can approve the Risk Assessment, Method Statement and cover any health and safety issues arising from of the installation. This is a residential building. The Council has a duty of care for those living in the building, as well as those in the local area, and so it is critical that installation and use of the equipment is safe. 

We share frustrations with the length of time that it is taking to install the temporary solution and restore reliable mobile phone coverage to the area. We have shown our commitment to resolve this issue, both in the short-term with use of Council assets and the long-term as we look to assist identify permanent suitable locations. We are continuing to work with the mobile network operators to achieve a solution as quickly as possible.