Council Meeting Question Time
Questions for the Leader of the Council, a member of the Cabinet, or a Committee Chair may be submitted by councillors or by member of the public, under Council Procedure Rule 2.2(vi)
At the meeting on 25th September, nineteen questions were submitted to Council. Written responses have been provided to Councillors who submitted questions either on their own behalf or on behalf of members of the public, and these responses are listed below.
1) Skip Days
To the Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services (Councillor Stewart Eaves)
Could the portfolio holder please provide an update to Council on the recent skip days?
From: Councillor Clare Pritchard
On behalf of: Mr C Martino
Date of first receipt by Office: 14th July 2025 (11:46)
Response from Cllr Stewart Eaves – Since the introduction of skip days there have been 6 skip days which took place in Huncoat, Barnfield, Netherton, Overton, St Andrews and St Oswald’s Wards.
There are a further 3 skip days planned during the remainder of the year for Milnshaw in October, Springhill in November and Church in December. The dates for these planned skip days will be finalised with Ward Councillors and then advertised to the public.
In the main I believe the days have worked well but there is room for improvement. It doesn’t help that the window is between 8.30am and 10.30am on the Saturday mornings but this is due to Whinney Hill closing times, I also feel that Councillors from the opposition are not doing the legwork due to not wanting the initiative to work.
2) Council Reserves
To the Portfolio Holder for Resources and Council Operations (Councillor Vanessa Alexander)
How much money does this Council have in its reserves?
From: Councillor Steven Smithson
Date of first receipt by Office: 17th August 2025 (17:35)
Response from Cllr Vanessa Alexander
It is CRITICALLY IMPORTANT to understand that the majority of our reserves are not freely available. Most are either earmarked for specific commitments, such as ongoing projects or contingency planning, or are subject to strict conditions—for example, capital grants and developer contributions that can only be used for designated purposes. This means our flexibility to use these funds is significantly constrained.
More information Provisional Revenue Outturn Position 202425 – Main Report.pdf
3) Great Harwood High Street Accelerator Plan
To the Leader of the Council (Councillor Munsif Dad BEM JP) or relevant Portfolio Holder
Following the successful roll out of £45,000 in grants for shop improvements in Great Harwood, will you roll this out this across the whole Borough and offer the same opportunity to other towns?
From: Councillor Zak Khan
Date of first receipt by Office: 19th August 2025 (16:50)
Response from Cllr Munsif Dad – Funding for the Great Harwood shop improvement grants was provided via the High Street Accelerator Programme, which was a UK Government pilot awarded to ten areas across the UK to help partnerships between communities and Local Authorities to work together to address local challenges, such as empty shops and increasing visitors to high streets.
The Council will be looking for other funding opportunities to roll out similar shop front improvements schemes across the Borough. The Cabinet will also consider funding similar schemes for other town centres as part of the budget process.
May I remind you that questions can be forwarded to council at any time via Enquiries@hyndburnbc.gov.uk.
Once again thank you for your question.
4) Local Nature Recovery Strategies
To the Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services (Councillor Stewart Eaves)
How is Hyndburn engaging in the new Local Nature Recovery Strategies? – A new system to map the best opportunities for restoring nature to help focus efforts and target funding.
From: Councillor Zak Khan
On behalf of: Vinette Davitt
Date of first receipt by Office: 19th August 2025 (17:17)
Response from Cllr Munsif Dad – The local nature recovery strategies (LNRS), once adopted, will be a material consideration in determining planning applications.
The emerging local plan explicitly references the LNRS through the policy PS16, requiring all document proposals to take it into account. During, the local plan examination hearing, the planning inspector requested that these references be strengthened. Revised wording will be set out in final modification version of the local plan, which will be subject to consultation prior to adoption, provided the inspector finds the plan sound.
The LNRS support the requirements for development sites to deliver a minimum 10% biodiversity net gain. It identifies opportunities for biodiversity enhancement and for improving ecological connectivity. Applications will therefore expected to demonstrate how their proposal response to the LNRS when submitting planning applications to the Council.
May I remind you that questions can be forwarded to council at any time via Enquiries@hyndburnbc.gov.uk.
Once again thank you for your question.
5) King George V Playing Fields
To the Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services (Councillor Stewart Eaves)
Please could the portfolio holder give an update on the reopening of King George’s playing fields?
From: Councillor David Heap
Date of first receipt by Office: 24th August 2025 (19:27)
Response from Cllr Stewart Eaves – A tender exercise has taken place and a suitable contractor appointed to undertake the field drainage work on the playing field. The contractor started work at KGV playing field during the first week in September and it is anticipated they will finish the drainage work by the end of October.
Grass seeding work will be undertaken once the drainage work is completed. Public access will be restricted while the drainage work is undertaken and the grass playing surface is established, it is still envisaged that the field will be ready for sports to take place in 2026.
6) Accrington Cemetery
To the Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services (Councillor Stewart Eaves)
What action will Hyndburn Council take to stop dogs fouling and walking over graves at Burnley Road Cemetery, and when will the promised fencing, water tap, and review of burial regulations for the Muslim section finally be delivered?
From: Councillor Shabir Fazal OBE
On behalf of: Khuram Mehrban
Date of first receipt by Office: 10th September 2025 (11:41)
Response from Cllr Stewart Eaves – A Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) is in place requiring dogs to be kept on leads and prohibit fouling. In January 2025, the Council appointed an additional dog warden to increase patrols across the borough. The cemetery is now patrolled most days, sometimes twice daily, although staff are not present at all times. Should the dog warden find anyone in breach of the PSPO, they will issue a Fixed Penalty Notice.
Council officers have been asked by the Cabinet to find a suitable fence for the cemetery. Officers are working to find a fencing solution which prevents dogs from accessing the graves but does not prevent access to the Muslim burial area for cemetery visitors (including those with disabilities and mobility issues), for people attending funerals and maintenance staff and contractors. So any fences installed should meet those criteria.
There are taps located throughout the cemetery in key locations. One of those is located next to the Muslim burial area.
The Councils cemetery regulations govern what happens in all four of its cemeteries. Cemetery staff regularly liaise with funeral directors from mosques, and should there be any suggested changes to the cemetery regulations these can be put forward.
7) Vehicle MOT Requirements
To the Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Housing and Regeneration (Councillor Melissa Fisher)
Wolverhampton Council has implemented a policy requiring 12-month MOTs for private hire vehicles to ensure consistent safety standards. Is Hyndburn Council planning to adopt a similar approach, especially in light of the recent proposal to end ‘in-house’ MOT testing and allow local garages to conduct these checks?
From: Councillor Shabir Fazal OBE
On behalf of: Sohail Asghar
Date of first receipt by Office: 10th September 2025 (11:44)
Response from Cllr Melissa Fisher – The Labour Group made a promise to residents when we took control in May 2024 that we would review the current MOT arrangements for licensed taxis in Hyndburn. After a full review and public consultation, we are delighted to have finally brought a report to full council to recommend the externalisation of MOT provision for licensed vehicles by approved garages. This has arisen following much feedback from the trade which will now allow drivers much more choice and flexibility.
In answer to the question raised, Wolverhampton Council have an age limit policy for private hire vehicle. They will not licence vehicles over 12 years old, and vehicles over 10 years old require an MOT every 6 months.
As stated on page 44 of the Council’s agenda pack, currently in Hyndburn vehicles up to the age of 2 years when tested will be issued with a 12 month license. Any car over the age of 2 years of age will be required to pass the Councils vehicle examination test twice yearly and will be issued with a 6 month license each time. When a vehicle reaches 15 years of age it will be subject to the Council’s vehicle examination test three times per year and will be issued with a 4 month license each time.
Hyndburn do not currently have an age limit in place, and as such more than 70% of our licensed private hire vehicles are over 10 years old. Vehicles under the age of 2 years are currently issued 12 month licences and require only a 12 month MOT. This is currently 2% of our vehicles.
As such, the controlling group believe that Hyndburn already has a very fair and robust MOT policy in place to ensure the safety of licensed vehicles in our borough.
Thank you to the resident for the question.
8) Fly-Tipping
To the Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services (Councillor Stewart Eaves)
In Oswaldtwistle we have seen a recent increase of fly-tipping – what plans do the council have in place to tackle this ongoing issue?
From: Councillor Steven Smithson
Date of first receipt by Office: 16th September 2025 (09:38)
Response from Cllr Stewart Eaves – The Council’s waste enforcement officers investigate incidents of fly tipping on public land such as open spaces or the public highway. Should the enforcement officers secure evidence whether that be documents, CCTV, or witness statements they will prosecute the perpetrator.
However, the Council is aware that environmental crime such as fly tipping can blight neighbourhoods. Therefore, I have instructed officers in waste services to work with the Council’s legal team to assess what process is needed to increase fines for fly tipping substantially and explore the possibility of seizing vehicles involved in fly tipping.
9) Friendship/Twinning with a Palestinian City
To the Leader of the Council (Councillor Munsif Dad BEM JP) or relevant Portfolio Holder
Preston City Council is progressing with building connections with a Palestinian city, Hebron, as part of their friendship and twinning arrangements. Can the Leader please confirm whether Hyndburn Borough Council has any plans to consider similar friendship links, particularly with a Palestinian city, and if not, whether this is something that will be explored in the future?
From Councillor Shabir Fazal OBE
On behalf of: Hasnain Fazal
Date of first receipt by Office: 16th September 2025 (17:32)
Response from Cllr Munsif Dad – There are no current plans to build civic connections with a Palestinian city. The Council is already working to establish twinning arrangements between Accrington and Khust in Ukraine, which is a new experience for the borough. The project was born out of the war between Russia and Ukraine, which has led to the displacement of Ukrainian citizens to the UK, including Hyndburn, under the Government’s Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme.
The Council understands that friendship links with areas under extreme stress can be beneficial, both symbolically and practically. However, experience to date of working towards town twining with Khust has demonstrated that that there are practical barriers to any meaningful interaction while conflict is on-going. For example, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is still recommending against all but essential travel to the Khust area and against all travel to many parts of eastern Ukraine. Similar advice is in place for travel to Israel and Palestine.
The Council would need to consider carefully the time commitment required and potential benefits of undertaking wider friendship or twining arrangements.
May I remind you that questions can be forwarded to council at any time via Enquiries@hyndburnbc.gov.uk.
Once again thank you for your question.
10) Unused Land at Perth Street/Willows Lane and Pendle Street
To the Leader of the Council (Councillor Munsif Dad BEM JP) or relevant Portfolio Holder
What are Hyndburn Council’s plans for the unused land at the Perth Street/Willows Lane junction and the Pendle Street site where homes were demolished years ago, and when can residents expect progress or development?
From Councillor Shabir Fazal OBE
Date of first receipt by Office: 16th September 2025 (17:35)
Response from Cllr Munsif Dad – Both of these sites are in private ownership, and therefore beyond the Council’s control and therefore the Council does not have any plans for the land.
The Pendle Street land was sold by the Council in October 2024. The land was sold for residential development but we are not aware if this remains the land owner’s intention.
Willows lane/ Perth Street Land is also under private ownership and has been for long time.
May I remind you that questions can be forwarded to council at any time via Enquiries@hyndburnbc.gov.uk.
Once again thank you for your question.
11) Support for Cultural and Sports Events
To the Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and Sport (Councillor Kimberley Whitehead)
Hyndburn Council runs fantastic events like the Accrington Soapbox Challenge and Food Festival. Will the Council commit to supporting future cultural and sports events—such as Kabaddi, cricket and weightlifting—especially those that celebrate our borough’s diversity, with the same level of funding and backing as other major events?
From Councillor Shabir Fazal OBE
On behalf of: Tanveer Khan
Date of first receipt by Office: 16th September 2025 (17:38)
Response from Cllr Kimberley Whitehead – Thank you for your question regarding support for cultural and sporting events in Hyndburn.
We are very proud of the range of events already taking place locally, such as the Accrington Soapbox Challenge and Food Festival, and we recognise the importance of supporting activities that reflect and celebrate the rich diversity of our borough. It is important to highlight that these events are run and organised by Third Party event organisers and not the Council.
Through our range of funding opportunities such as our annual events fund, the Cabinet action fund and UKSPF, the Council provides opportunities for groups and organisations to apply for funding themselves to deliver cultural and sports events. These funds have previously supported initiatives such as the recent H3 event and the successful Connecting Cultures event.
In addition, we have supported over 30 sporting organisations, representing a wide variety of activities across the borough from grassroots community clubs through to more formal sporting organisations.
Details of our funding opportunities are widely advertised each year to ensure accessibility. In recent months we launched a £90,000 Culture Fund, which attracted over £350,000 worth of applications, demonstrating the huge demand and enthusiasm for cultural projects across Hyndburn. While we cannot fund every proposal in full, we are committed to supporting as many as possible within the available budget.
Anyone interested in submitting an application in the future are encouraged to keep an eye out for announcements or to contact their local councillor, who can provide further guidance and support.
Finally, I would like to reassure you that members of the public can ask questions directly to the Council at any time by contacting enquiries@hyndburnbc.gov.uk or calling 01254 388111 or simply by asking your local councillor to respond to these simple questions and you shouldn’t be waiting weeks for them to give you a response.
Thank you once again for your interest in helping to make Hyndburn a vibrant and inclusive place.
12) Council Debt
To the Portfolio Holder for Resources and Council Operations (Councillor Vanessa Alexander)
How much debt does the Council currently have?
From Councillor Steven Smithson
On behalf of: Mr and Mrs J Westell
Date of first receipt by Office: 17th September 2025 (20:16)
Response from Cllr Vanessa Alexander –
As at 31 March 2025, Hyndburn Borough Council held £9.6 million in LOBO (Lender Option Borrower Option) loans and £1.5 million in outstanding vehicle lease agreements. These figures have not materially changed as of 6 October 2025.
The Council’s Capital Financing Requirement (CFR) is a regulatory indicator under the CIPFA Prudential Code. It reflects the total capital investment that has been funded through borrowing or long-term liabilities. Importantly, the CFR does not represent actual external borrowing, nor does it imply financial risk. It is a technical measure used to ensure transparency and compliance with statutory borrowing limits.
The Council continues to operate within all relevant financial regulations and prudential indicators. There is no unsustainable debt, and all borrowing decisions are made in line with the approved Treasury Management Strategy.
In addition, the Council maintains a portfolio of short-term investments, which are managed prudently to generate income from surplus cash balances while ensuring liquidity and security.
13) Baxenden Village Clock
To the Leader of the Council (Councillor Munsif Dad BEM JP) or relevant Portfolio Holder
Please can I have an update on Baxenden’s broken village clock?
From Councillor David Heap
On behalf of: Kevin Laycock
Date of first receipt by Office: 21st September 2025 (16:38)
Response from Cllr Munsif Dad – A clockmaker has visited site and has said that the mechanism of the clock as it is currently set up i.e. a battery powered clock, has failed completely. He has suggested that we need to move to an electrically supplied mechanism which would also mean getting an electricity supply to the clock too. Facilities are currently working with the contractor to establish the cost of the project as this is likely to run into £000’s. This is not a case of a simple repair, it requires extensive work.
May I remind you that questions can be forwarded to council at any time via Enquiries@hyndburnbc.gov.uk.
Once again thank you for the question.
14) Minutes of Meetings
To the Leader of the Council (Councillor Munsif Dad BEM JP) or relevant Portfolio Holder
Why are the minutes from meetings only published just before the next meeting and not within 2 weeks of the meeting happening?
From Councillor David Heap
On behalf of: Catherine Laycock
Date of first receipt by Office: 21st September 2025 (16:38)
Response from Cllr Munsif Dad – Minutes of formal public meetings are drafted as soon as possible after the meeting has concluded. No specific target date for publication of the minutes is in place, as the time taken to draft them depends on a variety of factors including:
- The length of the meeting and number of items considered;
- The type of meeting, such as Council, Overview and Scrutiny, quasi-judicial or Cabinet meetings (all of which have different minuting styles and require a different level of detail for the public record);
- The time taken to clear the initial draft with technical officers, or legal and finance officers, to ensure that they accurately record the material facts required;
- Other workload issues for the committee staff involved, which may include prioritising the publication of other agendas to meet statutory deadlines around public access to information.
Once cleared, the draft minutes will normally appear on the Council’s website within a few days.
May I remind you that questions can be forwarded to council at any time via Enquiries@hyndburnbc.gov.uk.
Once again thank you for the question.
15) Cath Thom Leisure Centre
To the Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Housing and Regeneration (Councillor Melissa Fisher)
The Council have spent 10.5 million on the new Clayton leisure centre and will expect a return on that investment. What process has been set up for councillors to monitor the achievements of these targets and how often will the public be informed?
From Councillor David Heap
On behalf of: Peter Shaw
Date of first receipt by Office: 21st September 2025 (16:38)
Response from Cllr Munsif Dad – The Labour Group, together with Hyndburn Leisure Trust, are absolutely delighted to deliver the new Cath Thom Leisure Centre under this administration. Despite the documented challenges before and during the development, the centre will be opened officially on the 10th October. Membership figures are on-course to meet expected targets.
In answer to the question raised, monthly meetings have already started and have been scheduled between Cllr Melissa Fisher, as portfolio holder for Leisure, and the Chief Executive of Hyndburn Leisure.
The Chief Executive of Hyndburn Leisure also continues to join four-weekly meeting between Cllr Vanessa Alexander and The Council’s Finance Director.
The Chief Executive of Hyndburn Leisure provides regular briefing paper updates to Cllr Melissa Fisher and Cllr Vanessa Alexander to share with the Group.
The Chief Executive of Hyndburn Leisure continues to meet with HBC Officers for a liaison meeting every month.
The Chief Executive of Hyndburn Leisure has circulated the Annual Impact Report for 2024/25 with Members and Officers and has presented it to the Scrutiny Committee.
The Chief Executive of Hyndburn Leisure has offered to deliver updates to the wider Cabinet/Labour group and the Conservative group upon request.
Thank you to the resident who raised the question.
16) Empty Retail Unit on Hyndburn Road
To the Leader of the Council (Councillor Munsif Dad BEM JP) or relevant Portfolio Holder
What is happening with the empty unit formerly the hot tubs on Hyndburn Road?
From Councillor David Heap
On behalf of: Carol Hoyle
Date of first receipt by Office: 21st September 2025 (16:38)
Response from Cllr Munsif Dad – this is a privately owned unit which is being marketed by Thomas Weaver. We understand that there is a good interest in the unit, and should be occupied and bought back into use in the not too distant future.
May I remind you that questions can be forwarded to council at any time via Enquiries@hyndburnbc.gov.uk.
Once again thank you for the question.
17) Baxenden Recreation Ground
To the Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services (Councillor Stewart Eaves)
Will the portfolio holder meet with our councillor (Cllr Heap) to look at having a pump track for our youth on Baxenden rec?
From Councillor David Heap
On behalf of: Nicola Harvey
Date of first receipt by Office: 21st September 2025 (16:38)
Response from Cllr Stewart Eaves – The Council has installed two pump tracks in the borough, one in Great Harwood and one in Milnshaw Park in Accrington. In Great Harwood, the pump track was 100% paid for by grant funding and the pump track in Accrington was 50% paid by grant funding. If suitable grant funding could be identified to pay for a pump track in Baxenden then this could be taken forward. However, I have projects that I need to prioritise and complete. Councillor Kathleen Pratt would also need to be involved and the people of Baxenden consulted.
18) Accrington Victoria Hospital Site
To the Leader of the Council (Councillor Munsif Dad BEM JP) or relevant Portfolio Holder
What is happening with the ‘Accy Vic’ site ?
From Councillor David Heap
On behalf of: Mary Bilsborough
Date of first receipt by Office: 21st September 2025 (16:38)
Response from Cllr Munsif Dad – despite the Council’s objections, it has been well documented that the hospital had to be closed with services relocated, some temporary, due to very high maintenance and repair cost. The East Lancashire Hospital Trust has set up a steering group which includes the Member of Parliament, two cabinet members and senior representatives of the trust, to bring the site back into use.
The vision for the site is to provide a modern, community healthcare and supported living facility that captures the spirit and embraces the heritage of the former Accrington Victoria community hospital. The next step is for the East Lancashire Hospital Trust to procure an appropriate partner to support the regeneration of the site.
May I remind you that questions can be forwarded to council at any time via Enquiries@hyndburnbc.gov.uk.
Once again thank you for the question.
19) Access to Allotments in Baxenden
To the Portfolio Holder for People and Communities (Councillor Ethan Rawcliffe)
With the allotment monies collected, is there any plan to reinstate and maintain the pathway at Hey Street around to Hill Street, Baxenden so that plot holders can get to their plot with a vehicle.
From Councillor David Heap
On behalf of: Anne Metcalfe
Date of first receipt by Office: 21st September 2025 (16:38)
Response from Cllr Munsif Dad – The section of unmade track to the rear of 398 to 448 Manchester Road, Baxenden an unadopted public highway, which is not owned by Hyndburn Borough Council and therefore not within the scope of the allotment service. The track provides service access to each house (eg bin wagons etc) and is not firstly provided for allotment access.
May I remind you that questions can be forwarded to council at any time via Enquiries@hyndburnbc.gov.uk.
Once again thank you for the question.