Agenda item - City Environment Modernisation Update

Report of the Executive Director, Economy, Environment & Culture

1)           That the Committee notes the progress made through the City Environment Modernisation Programme.

2)           That the Committee approves the updated Waste Management for Charitable Organisations Policy at Appendix 1.

3)           That the Committee agrees the commencement of a consultation in relation to the introduction of a communal recycling scheme for the Lewes Road Triangle as outlined in Appendix 2.

10.1      The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director, Economy, Environment & Culture that provided an update on the City Environment Modernisation programme, sought approval for a revised Waste Management for Charitable Organisations Policy and sought permission to consult on communal recycling in the Lewes Road Triangle area.

10.2      Councillor West stated his support for the proposals for communal recycling in the Lewes Road Triangle area as residents had long suffered difficulty with collections in that area. Councillor West noted that the rise in health and safety incidents was of some concern.

10.3      Councillor Brown asked if any progress had been made on reducing the garden waste collection waiting list.

10.4      The Head of Business Support & Projects answered that some people had been added to the collection from the waiting list however, the priority was focussed on improving the service before taking new customers on. The feasibility of introducing a third service and opening up the scheme was an option currently being considered.

10.5      Councillor Wares stated that Members received a high amount of correspondence from those on the waiting list, so it would be useful if those residents could be contact with an expected timeline to manage expectations. Councillor Wares noted that a there were a number of progress actions with an amber status and asked if that indicated slippage in the modernisation process, particularly of the round restructure given its key role.

10.6      The Assistant Director, City Environmental Management replied that there were some fundamental operational issues that had arisen which had meant that some aspects of the modernisation process had been temporarily set aside however, progress was still being made. With regard to round restructures, it was hoped that an update would be brought to the committee toward the end of the year.

10.7      Councillor Wares stated that whilst he welcomed the policy relating to charitable collections however, it was important to exercise discretion and not stick too rigidly to that policy as the charities could withdraw from offering its services for free. Councillor Wares noted that there was no comment on the threat of strike action and asked for an update on that and whether there was a contingency plan in place.

10.8      The Executive Director, Economy, Environment & Culture clarified that talks were continuing between the council, trade union and ACAS and the council were very committed to those talks and therefore, it would not be appropriate to comment further.

10.9      Councillor Lloyd observed that charities varied in size and financial capability and asked if a blanket charge would be applied for any refuse and recycling service they may request of the council.

10.10   The Head of Business Support & Projects clarified that discussions would be undertaken with charities on their specific collection needs and produce a quote based on that information with a charity discount applied.

10.11   Councillor West stated that information on needs assessment was not detailed in the report and asked if further information could be provided.

10.12   The Head of Business Support & Projects clarified that the information detailed in paragraph 2.1 of appendix 1 listed the items that would be provided for free and paragraph 3.5 of the same appendix detailed the quote process.

10.13   RESOLVED-

1)           That the Committee notes the progress made through the City Environment Modernisation Programme.

2)           That the Committee approves the updated Waste Management for Charitable Organisations Policy at Appendix 1.

3)           That the Committee agrees the commencement of a consultation in relation to the introduction of a communal recycling scheme for the Lewes Road Triangle as outlined in Appendix 2.