Agenda item

Any other Business that the Chairman considers urgent

Minutes:

PUBLIC LIFT REPORT

The Committee received a report of the City Surveyor containing details of the five public escalator/lifts that were working for less than 95% of the time. The report, with the Chair’s permission, had been separately circulated as a late item.

 

A Member questioned whether the sensors for the London Wall West lifts were now stored as parts. The City Surveyor reported that the fault with this lift had now been identified and corrected. She added that sensors were kept in stock as critical spares.

 

The same Member also questioned why the London Fire Brigade had forced the release of the lift door at Blackfriars Bridge. The City Surveyor reported that those stuck inside the lift had called 999 to be released as opposed to using the emergency button within the lift. Signage was now in place informing those using the lift of the correct procedure in the event of any lift failure.

 

RECEIVED.

 

Housing Delivery Test

Officers reported that the Government’s national figures against the Housing Delivery Test had been published last week. The City Corporation had scored particularly poorly at just 32% of the housing requirement, however, this figure was being challenged by Officers on the basis that it did not take in to account the development at Sugar Quay – its inclusion would have resulted in the City Corporation achieving approximately 90% of the housing requirement. Representations had now been made to the Ministry of Housing who were currently considering their response.

 

The Chair highlighted that the City Corporation’s score had already attracted some negative press and hoped that the figures could be corrected in line with the representations made.

 

Interim Chief Planning Officer and Development Director

The Chair formally reported that Gwyn Richards had been appointed as interim Chief Planning Officer and Development Director and would therefore be undertaking the role of Annie Hampson for a period of 6 months following her retirement at the end of March 2020. The Chair, on behalf of the Committee, congratulated Mr Richards on his appointment and stated that he looked forward to working with him in his new capacity. Members were informed that there would be a future opportunity to suitably thank Annie Hampson for her work ahead of her departure.

Supporting documents: