Published: Thursday, 27th April 2017

Over 70 people attended the event at the Town Hall on Wednesday night (25 April).

The meeting gave residents a chance to both table and ask on-the-spot questions on any topic about the borough.

Leader Denise Hyland and Deputy Leader Danny Thorpe answered questions on a host of different subjects including education, investment in transport and infrastructure and the role digital technology plays in the delivery of Council services - especially in the borough's libraries and service centres.

Strong concerns over national budgetary cuts to education and schools were voiced by several members of the audience; both the Leader and Deputy Leader expressed their concern too and delivered a message of solidarity with schools across the borough facing these financial challenges.

In response to questions raised by residents on the regulation of Houses In Multiple Occupation, Councillor Hyland was able to provide assurances that the Royal Borough of Greenwich was taking firm action on the issue with the extension of licensing across the borough to crack down on rogue landlords and drive-up accommodation standards.

The Deputy Leader also responded to a discussion on the financial issues faced by benefit claimants, showing understanding that these residents deserved dignity and respect amidst the difficult challenges that they face.

Councillor Denise Hyland

Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich Councillor Denise Hyland said: "I was delighted to be able to hear from so many residents first hand on the issues that matter most to them. What really resonated in every question we heard was the deep commitment and passion local residents have for their community and I strongly believe that through listening, responding and working together, there is no limit on what we can achieve."

Councillor Danny Thorpe

Deputy Leader Councillor Danny Thorpe, added: "Listening and responding effectively to the needs of residents lies at the very heart of how we aim to serve the Royal Borough of Greenwich.

"This Question Time was a great opportunity for Members, officers and residents to share information and learn from each other on what the Royal Borough is doing well and where there are issues to be addressed. I would like to thank all residents for coming along and sharing their views, and I hope they will continue to help us improve the borough for everyone."

Asad Ahmad

The session was chaired by BBC London presenter Asad Ahmad who praised the format of the event which he believed was unique to Greenwich.

In his closing remarks he observed: "One of the reasons I am proud to live in Greenwich is that I think it's so important to the democratic process, it's so important to being a member of our community, to be able to sit here face to face with the Leaders of our Council - people who can make things happen or not - ask them why things are happening, why things aren't happening and see what they are going to do about them."