Agenda item - Keeping the city clean

Report of the Executive Director, Economy, Environment & Culture

1)             That Environment, Transport & Sustainability Committee note the response to the Notice of Motion as detailed in Appendix 1 and the Seafront Action Plan in Appendix 2.

2)             That Environment, Transport & Sustainability Committee endorse the development of a Waste, Resources & Street Cleansing Strategy as described in sections 3.4 to 3.11 and the Communications and Engagement Plan as detailed in Appendix 3.

42.1      The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director, Economy, Environment & Culture that formally responded to a Notice of Motion received by the committee at its meeting on 29 September. Further, the report provided Members with an update on other work to keep the city clean, including the development of a Waste, Resources & Street Cleansing Strategy and sought endorsement for the approach described in the report.

42.2      Councillor Fowler asked for clarification on the use of glyphosate as she understood it had been agreed to no longer be used.

42.3      The Head of Business Support & Projects stated that the wording reflected that in the Council’s Corporate Plan and the committee would be receiving an update on weed management in early 2021.

42.4      Councillor Wares expressed his concern that the Modernisation Plan was seeking a five-year extension to the original two-year plan. Councillor Wares also expressed his concern regarding the amber rating for health and safety given its importance and several action deadlines that should in his view, be shorter or definitive and not open-ended.

42.5      The Head of Business Support & Projects clarified that the Strategy was not linked to the Modernisation Programme and would be more outward looking and not focussed on internal operational issues as the Modernisation Programme was. The X stated that the other issues raised would be detailed in the next Modernisation report.

42.6      Councillor Brown stated that she agreed with the approach for bins for the city’s parks however, a useful additional measure would be increased enforcement in those areas specifically focussing on littering and dog fouling. Furthermore, Councillor Brown stated that the liners and caddies for food waste should be provided free of charge if the scheme was to be a success.

42.7      The Head of Business Support & Projects stated that the comments on littering and dog fouling would be passed on to the Enforcement Team and free liners and caddies was certainly a consideration in the options appraisal for the food waste service.

42.8      RESOLVED-

1)             That Environment, Transport & Sustainability Committee note the response to the Notice of Motion as detailed in Appendix 1 and the Seafront Action Plan in Appendix 2.

2)             That Environment, Transport & Sustainability Committee endorse the development of a Waste, Resources & Street Cleansing Strategy as described in sections 3.4 to 3.11 and the Communications and Engagement Plan as detailed in Appendix 3.