- Motion – Arbour Vale Site
That the interests of Slough taxpayers are put first:
(a) by the Council not pursuing further its legal challenge to the Government's direction to make the former Arbour Vale School site available for the Khalsa Secondary Academy which the Government had agreed to fund.
and (b) by obtaining "best value" through its sale of this former school site to enable further use for educational purposes when there is a long-term shortage of secondary school places in Slough and when the alternative of development for housing and a football stadium has been pursued for at least six years without a deal being concluded.
This motion was proposed by Cllr Dexter Smith and seconded by Cllr Anna Wright at Council on 23rd April. It was rejected by all Labour councillors.
- Polling Stations
Council resolved, on 23rd April, that the revised polling district boundaries and polling places for each of the Borough Wards be approved for consultation. Proposals include using fewer schools as polling places, with alternatives suggested including hotels and places of worship. Conservative Members requested a referral to the working group to prevent using the latter venues as polling stations and to consider other options for religious reasons. Labour Members were opposed to this referral request. Cllr James Swindlehurst said the consultation would take into account residents’ views. An initial consultation will run to the end of May, before a full consultation between June and September.
- “Free from Three” Parking Trial
It was agreed at Cabinet on 24th April, to proceed with a “Free from Three” Parking Trial. The scheme will start on 2nd May and run until August. Councillors also agreed to extend this to council-run town centre car parks if Queensmere Observatory Shopping Centre owners Criterion Capital also agreed to offer free parking.
- The Curve
Cabinet agreed a business plan to pump £22m into building the Curve, off Wellington Street. Construction will start in October, with major works beginning in February next year. The Curve will house a new library, creative performance space and public meeting room and provide skills, employment and information services.
- Council Tenants Have Their Say on Housing Services
People who live in council homes are being asked for their views on the housing services provided by Slough Borough Council. Between April and June council tenants and leaseholders will receive a survey in the post inviting them to share their views about the services delivered by the housing services team. People will be asked to comment on a variety of things, from repairs and maintenance to how the council handles complaints and deals with anti-social behaviour. The results of the survey will be published in the autumn.
- Council awards contract to run NHS complaints advocacy service
SBC has awarded a contract to run a NHS complaints advocacy service that supports people who need help when making a complaint about the healthcare service they have received. The one year contract has been awarded to SEAP (Support, Empower, Advocate, Promote), an experienced provider under a joint commissioning arrangement with a number of other south east local authorities. The contract takes effect from 1 April 2013 as this is when responsibility for delivery transfers from the NHS Independent Complaints Advocacy Service (ICAS) to local authorities under the changes taking place in the health service. NHS Complaints Advocacy Service can be contacted on 0300 343 5723.
- The Queen Goes to Britwell
Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh officially opened the new Britwell Centre on Friday 5 April. During the visit Her Majesty was taken on a tour of the new building including the kitchens, main hall and new library. Labour Councillors for Britwell (including the Leader of the Council) and Councillors involved with the Britwell project as well as the Lady Mayor were all in attendance. Opposition Councillors were not invited to greet the Queen.
- Council trip to China
Slough Borough Council’s leader, chief executive and commissioner for economic inclusion travelled to China in April on a mission to encourage businesses to locate in the borough. The council was invited to attend China’s prestigious outbound investment event in Beijing and Slough’s delegation will be talking to more than 1,000 Chinese international investors, government agencies and entrepreneurs.