Agenda item

To receive written questions to the Leader, Cabinet Members, Chairs of Committees and Nominated Spokespersons in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 12.

 

One supplementary oral question will be permitted.

Council received the following written questions in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 12;

 

Questionfrom Councillor H Zaman

 

“Can the Cabinet Member outline how the Council applies its homelessness duties under the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 to individuals leaving prison or with previous convictions, and whether any specific guidance or assessment criteria are used in such cases?”

 

A response was provided by the Cabinet Member for Housing and Transport (Councillor Crook).

 

Question from Councillor H Zaman

 

Under the recently approved variation to the Tenancy Agreement, the Council is introducing a grounds maintenance service charge for council tenants living on estates with communal areas. Given that the Council has no legal power to levy equivalent charges on private homeowners or private tenants living on the same estates, and has historically funded estate maintenance through the Housing Revenue Account or general funds, can the Cabinet Member explain why the Council has chosen to recover these costs only from council tenants, and whether the administration considers this approach to be fair and equitable across mixed-tenure communities?”

 

A response was provided by the Cabinet Member for Housing and Transport (Councillor Crook).

 

Question from Councillor Scott

 

“A Labour MP in Lancashire, Andy MacNae, has written publicly to his Council making it clear that the Best Start Family Hubs funding is development funding, not the return of Sure Start, and that councils must still apply, select locations and prioritise deprived areas.

 

You have instead stated that “Sure Start is returning to Kirklees”, despite the fact that the funding awarded is £190,729 — an amount which would not run a Sure Start centre for a year, is part of the existing Family Hub programme first introduced under the Conservative Government, and with no capital budget, site or staffing plan announced for any Kirklees town. Why was this presented to the public as the return of Sure Start, rather than explained in the more accurate and transparent terms used by your Labour colleague in Lancashire?”

 

A response was provided by the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services (Councillor Kendrick).

 

Question from Councillor Scott

 

The Dewsbury Arcade Group was originally established to support the restoration and operation of the Dewsbury Arcade. However, public materials now suggest the Group is engaging in wider town centre regeneration activity, including partnerships beyond the Arcade itself. Given that this is a publicly funded regeneration project under the oversight of the Dewsbury Town Board and that Kirklees Cabinet ratifies key decisions can the Cabinet Member clarify what formal governance structures define the role and remit of the Dewsbury Arcade Group, particularly where their activities extend beyond the Arcade building, and how the Council will ensure democratic oversight, transparency, and political neutrality when public funding is involved and the Group’s Chair is a former Labour councillor seeking re-election?”

 

A response was provided by the Cabinet Member for Finance and Regeneration (Councillor Turner).

 

Question from Councillor Scott

 

Given the significant public concern and media attention surrounding certain development sites, and recognising that some aspects may be subject to enforcement and therefore cannot be discussed in detail, can the Cabinet Member outline how councillors are to be supported and briefed so they can lawfully discharge their safeguarding, corporate parenting and public accountability duties while maintaining public confidence in the Council’s leadership and communication?

 

A response was provided by the Leader of the Council (Councillor Pattison).

 

Question from Councillor Taylor

 

Please could the Leader update Council on what meetings she has held with the Farming Community in the last 6 months?”

 

A response was provided by the Leader of the Council (Councillor Pattison).

 

Question from Councillor Taylor

How long should it take for the Council to repair a collapsed wall which it is responsible for?”

 

A response was provided by the Cabinet Member for Highways and Waste (Councillor Hawkins).

 

Question from Councillor Taylor

 

“Many of our schools have warning signs which should flash at the beginning and the end of the school day, why are so many of them not working and why can I not get an answer or response to my query about them?”

 

A response was provided by the Cabinet Member for Highways and Waste (Councillor Hawkins).

 

Question from Councillor Armer

 

Last week, whilst making enquiries about missed grey bin collections in my ward, I was informed that a particular round had been allocated to an outside contractor. How many times have such contractors been used in the last twelve months?”

 

A response was provided by the Cabinet Member for Highways and Waste (Councillor Hawkins).

 

Question from Councillor Armer

 

I was informed last week that no less than five bin wagons were out of service at the same time. This is despite the council having recently invested in a new fleet of cleansing vehicles at considerable expense. How reliable is this new fleet?”

 

A response was provided by the Cabinet Member for Highways and Waste (Councillor Hawkins).

 

Question from Councillor Armer

 

Does the Council carry out the repair and maintenance of bin wagons in-house?”

 

A response was provided by the Cabinet Member for Highways and Waste (Councillor Hawkins).

 

Question from Councillor Munro

 

How is the order of agenda items decided for planning committees?”

 

A response was provided by the Cabinet Member for Finance and Regeneration (Councillor Turner).

 

Question from Councillor R Smith

 

What is the Council proposing to do to address speeding motorists which is a constant source of worry to residents in my Ward?”

 

A response was provided by the Cabinet Member for Highways and Waste (Councillor Hawkins).

 

Question from Councillor R Smith

 

“What action is the council taking to work with Yorkshire Water in the Kirkburton area to ensure that repairs are made in a timely fashion and roads reopened as soon as possible after a leak has been identified?”

 

A response was provided by the Cabinet Member for Highways and Waste (Councillor Hawkins).

 

Question from Councillor Bellamy

 

Residents in the Holme Valley North Ward have reported repeated difficulties when submitting planning enforcement complaints, with some being told that no record exists of their reports — even when screenshots or email confirmations have been provided.

 

Can the Cabinet Member confirm what quality assurance measures are in place to ensure that all online and email-based planning enforcement complaints are properly logged, acknowledged, and tracked to resolution?”

 

A response was provided by the Cabinet Member for Finance and Regeneration (Councillor Turner).

 

Question from Councillor Bellamy

 

I have recently been supporting a constituent — a single parent with a young child — who is living in severely overcrowded and unsuitable conditions in social housing. Despite the presence of damp, inadequate space, and significant impacts on both mental health and family wellbeing, their banding remains low, and there appears to be limited flexibility in the system to respond to exceptional family circumstances.

 

Could the Cabinet Member outline what processes are in place to ensure that single parents and families with children living in overcrowded or unsuitable council housing are prioritised appropriately, particularly where there are health, safety, or wellbeing concerns, and whether there are any plans to review how such cases are assessed and supported through the allocations and banding process?”

 

A response was provided by the Cabinet Member for Housing and Transport (Councillor Crook).

 

Question from Councillor Bellamy

 

I understand that Kirklees Council has introduced a service charge for communal grounds maintenance (grass cutting, hedge trimming, weed control etc) for council tenants, effective April 2025.

 

Can the Cabinet Member confirm how the charge will be applied across different estates, how the amount is calculated, and what measures are in place to ensure transparency, fairness, and value for tenants paying this additional cost?”

 

A response was provided by the Cabinet Member for Housing and Transport (Councillor Crook).

 

Question from Councillor Hall

 

The Yew Tree junction of Norristhorpe Lane, Huddersfield Road and Lumb Lane in Liversedge is very congested, largely due to the position of vehicles turning right out of Lumb Lane and traffic build-up on Huddersfield Road. Will the Cabinet Member please direct highways officers to investigate the traffic movements at this junction?”

 

A response was provided by the Cabinet Member for Highways and Waste (Councillor Hawkins).

 

Question from Councillor Hall

 

Can we please have an update on the sale of council land at the former R M Grylls school and the former Gomersal First School?”

 

A response was provided by the Cabinet Member for Finance and Regeneration (Councillor Turner).

 

Question from Councillor Hall

 

Can we please have an update on the development of the Council’s Culture Strategy?”

 

A response was provided by the Leader of the Council (Councillor Pattison).

 

Question from Councillor Sheard

 

The Nab Lane household waste site in Birstall was closed on 10 November 2024. This closure has caused considerable frustration for residents who have lost local access to a key waste and recycling facility, and this cabinet doesn't seem interested in the needs of Birstall and the surrounding towns.

Can the Leader outline what the Council’s plans are for the Nab Lane site, and whether there is any intention to reopen or repurpose the site in the near future?”

 

A response was provided by the Cabinet Member for Finance and Regeneration (Councillor Turner).

 

Question from Councillor Sheard

 

Reports from international and national media have exposed the horrific persecution and genocide of Christians in Nigeria, where whole communities have been attacked and families burnt alive for following their faith.

 

Given Kirklees Council’s record of taking stands on global humanitarian issues, will the Council issue a statement condemning the persecution of Christians in Nigeria and across the wider region, and write to the UK Government urging the Prime Minister to strengthen diplomatic and humanitarian efforts to protect Christians subjected to such horrific crimes?”

 

A response was provided by the Cabinet Member for Communities and Environment (Councillor A U Pinnock).

 

Question from Councillor Brook

 

The new Communication Strategy, introduced in August 2025 following a project rollout beginning on 1 July 2024, was intended to improve engagement with residents and businesses during major works and local initiatives. However, there have been repeated failures to meet its stated objectives. Businesses and residents have reported being unaware of project phases and unable to plan for business interruptions.

 

Most recently, inadequate notice to affected businesses resulted in significant disruption, including a protest and the barricading of a lay-by with hay bales.

 

Can the Council please explain how it intends to ensure that this Communication Strategy will be effectively implemented going forward, to guarantee timely, clear, and transparent communication with Councillors residents and businesses alike?”

 

A response was provided by the Cabinet Member for Housing and Transport (Councillor Crook).

 

Question from Councillor Brook

 

Whilst I welcome the imminent completion of the northern aspect of the Holmfirth project, I must highlight the ongoing and severe impact on the businesses located near the car park area, who have been among the most and longest affected and who will suffer long after the publicised completion date.

 

Several of these businesses are now in serious financial difficulty, whilst also facing amenity issues including persistent foul odours, dirt and dust entering their premises, constant daytime noise pollution, and the general unsightly condition of the area surrounding their businesses.

 

What measures has Kirklees Council put in place to support these affected businesses, both financially and practically, in recognition of the sustained disruption they have endured?”

 

A response was provided by the Cabinet Member for Housing and Transport (Councillor Crook).

 

Question from Councillor Brook

 

 

“Holmfirth has experienced a growing rat problem in recent years, particularly around the poorly named “duck feeding area” near the Crown Bottom Car Park, where rats can now be seen in broad daylight.

 

This problem has been compounded by individuals continuing to feed both ducks and rats, and by some individuals dumping foodstuffs—including eggs, pasta, and other household waste—directly into the river at this location.

 

A Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) is already in place in Holmfirth, and feeding of wildlife is explicitly not permitted under its terms.

 

Can the Council please outline what enforcement action is being, or will be, taken to prevent this situation from continuing/worsening and to ensure that the existing PSPO is properly upheld and respected?”

 

A response was provided by the Cabinet Member for Communities and Environment (Councillor A U Pinnock).

 

Question from Councillor Thompson

 

“Has there been a survey or review as to the ongoing additional waiting times at Dewsbury tip, and of the added costs to the council and residents?”

 

A response was provided by the Cabinet Member for Highways and Waste (Councillor Hawkins).

 

Question from Councillor Thompson

 

When Nab Lane tip was proposed to be closed, was there any consultation with Leeds Council?”

 

A response was provided by the Cabinet Member for Highways and Waste (Councillor Hawkins).

 

Question from Councillor Thompson

 

What progress has been made with the borough clean-up which was included in the Conservative budget amendment?”

 

A response was provided by the Cabinet Member for Highways and Waste (Councillor Hawkins).

 

Question from Councillor Holt

 

Who is responsible for cutting the grass at North Kirklees bowling greens?”

 

A response was provided by the Cabinet Member for Communities and Environment (Councillor A U Pinnock).

 

Question from Councillor Holt

 

Council House residents are to be charged for grass cutting. Will this service be monitored and quality controlled, and will grass cuttings be removed?”

 

A response was provided by the Cabinet Member for Housing and Transport (Councillor Crook).

 

Question from Councillor Holt

 

When will the vacant posts of estate housing officers in my ward be filled?”

 

A response was provided by the Cabinet Member for Housing and Transport (Councillor Crook).

 

Question from Councillor McGrath

 

On the proposed flexible 2,000 capacity venue in the final phase of the Huddersfield Blueprint on the site of the old multi storey car park, could you tell me who has been consulted among existing venues such as the Lawrence Batley Theatre, The Parish and Smile Bar, and whether a larger 5,000 plus option has been considered so it works as a mid size arena that complements rather than competes with established local businesses?”

 

A response was provided by the Cabinet Member for Finance and Regeneration (Councillor Turner).

 

Questionfrom Councillor McGrath

 

Could you confirm what the capacity is of all town centre car parks and do you have stats showing the busiest times for all the car parks and how often these carparks are extremely full?”

 

A response was provided by the Cabinet Member for Finance and Regeneration (Councillor Turner).

 

Question from Councillor McGrath

Could you give us a timescale for when we are likely to be delivering 2 trains per hour running in the same direction as part of the Penistone line upgrade?”

 

A response was provided by the Cabinet Member for Housing and Transport (Councillor Crook).

 

Question from Councillor Safdar

 

A few nights ago, a number of concerned locals and I witnessed some awful firework related criminal behaviour in various parts of my ward. Some of these crimes may not have been recorded however pending the publication of this year’s data, the most recent verified figures from 2024 highlight continuing concern about the misuse of fireworks across the Kirklees district.

 

During the 2024 Bonfire period 1st to the 6th November, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service attended around 100 fire related incidents in Kirklees. The second highest total in West Yorkshire. West Yorkshire Police recorded over 150 reports of firework-related anti social behaviour, made 11 arrests, and local services treated nine individuals, mostly under 21 years of age, for burns and eye injuries. The Kirklees Community Safety Partnership reported a 7% increase in anti social behaviour compared with 2023, with firework misuse identified as a persistent seasonal hotspot.

 

In light of these figures, and the increasing number of representations received from parents, pensioners, pet owners, and carers of individuals with additional needs across Huddersfield and the wider district, will the Cabinet Member write to the Home Office to lobby for an increase in the minimum legal age for the sale of fireworks, in recognition of the growing community concern and the need to protect the safety and wellbeing of residents and animals across Kirklees?”

 

A response was provided by the Cabinet Member for Environment and Communities (Councillor A U Pinnock).

 

Question from Councillor R Smith

 

Can the Cabinet Member confirm that the recently adopted policy of fencing on Christmas trees is to be scrapped?”

 

A response was provided by the Cabinet Member for Environment and Communities (Councillor A U Pinnock).

 

Question from Councillor Firth

 

I was really pleased to hear the announcement you made about the provision of a new sports facility for Dewsbury, can you outline the next steps and will this include a swimming pool?”

 

A response was provided by the Leader of the Council (Councillor Pattison).

 

Question from Councillor Davies

 

Please can you confirm the latest plans and the current timelines for the opening of the New Museum being built in our Cultural Heart?”

 

A response was provided by the Cabinet Member for Finance and Regeneration (Councillor Turner).

 

Question from Councillor Bolt

 

Please can the Leader explain, for the public, what capital borrowing is, and give examples of its use in Kirklees?”

 

A response was provided by the Cabinet Member for Finance and Regeneration (Councillor Turner).

 

Question from Councillor Bolt

 

The planning process in Kirklees seems at the moment to have lost the confidence of many in our communities, with the recent judicial review finding against the Council, the disclosures through FOI on other cases and the public outrage, as we have seen, with regards to a controversial (and allegedly damaging to the health of residents) development. What is the Leader doing to restore the faith of our communities in the planning process?”

 

A response was provided by the Leader of the Council (Councillor Pattison).

 

Question from Councillor Bolt

 

An MP has started a campaign to reduce the noise levels of fireworks, in Mirfield and other areas our residents rightly complain about fireworks being let off throughout the year and for prolonged periods late in the evening. What measures can the Leader bring in to protect our communities from such nuisances?”

 

A response was provided by the Cabinet Member for Communities and Environment (Councillor A U Pinnock).

 

Question from Councillor Sheard

 

Over recent months, serious concerns have been raised locally about housing developments taking place on land with a history of industrial use, where geoenvironmental and public health assessments have identified potential contamination risks — including asbestos and other hazardous materials — with implications for nearby residents and construction workers. These concerns highlight the critical importance of the Council’s environmental health responsibilities under Policy LP53 of the Kirklees Local Plan, Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, and the DEFRA Contaminated Land Statutory Guidance (2012), which collectively require that land be suitable for its intended use and that any risks to human health or the environment are robustly assessed, remediated, and transparently verified.

 

Can the Cabinet outline how the Council ensures full compliance with these statutory duties — including independent verification of remediation works, clear lines of accountability between planning and environmental health functions, and ongoing monitoring where contamination risks are identified — and whether development activity will be suspended where there is uncertainty about the adequacy of investigation or remediation to protect public health?”

 

A response was provided by the Cabinet for Finance and Regeneration (Councillor Turner).

 

 

Question from Councillor Masood Ahmed

 

At a recent Cabinet meeting, when questioned about spending on the George Hotel, you responded that the full £30 million had not yet been spent as the project is still awaiting planning approval.

 

Can you therefore confirm how much has actually been spent to date on the George Hotel project, including all costs such as consultancy fees, design and architectural work, professional services, surveys, legal or staffing costs, or any other associated expenditure?”

 

A response was provided by the Cabinet for Finance and Regeneration (Councillor Turner).

 

Question from Councillor McKerchar

 

In Kirklees what is the most recent 12 month total for children's suspensions from education? How does this relate to the overall trend in Kirklees, and compare with similar LAs?”

 

A response was provided by the Cabinet Member for Education (Councillor Rylah).

 

Question from Councillor McKerchar

 

What are the most recent figures on Violence Against Women and Girls in Kirklees, and how do they compare with similar LAs?”

 

A response was provided by the Cabinet Member for Communities and Environment (Councillor A U Pinnock).

 

Question from Councillor J C Lawson

How many contaminated sites are included in the Council's brownfield site register and are already allocated for housing?”

 

A response was provided by the Cabinet for Finance and Regeneration (Councillor Turner).

 

Question from Councillor A C Pinnock

 

The Library in Cleckheaton is a grade 2 listed building and in need of urgent maintenance to prevent further deterioration. What funding is allocated in the Council's budget for this essential work?”

 

A response was provided by the Cabinet for Finance and Regeneration (Councillor Turner).