Agenda and minutes

None.

Cllr Howells noted that he had a declaration of interest on a later topic that he would raise at the appropriate time.

The Minutes of the previous meeting held on the 17^th April were agreed to be a true and accurate record.

Environmental Health and Public Protection

Invitees:

-          Councillor Yvonne Forsey Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Bio-diversity

-          Paul Jones Strategic Director - Environment and Sustainability

-          Silvia Gonzalez-Lopez Head of Environment and Public Protection

The Chair praised the officers for the improvement to the report and noted that it was clearer and more user friendly. The Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Bio-Diversity gave a brief over view of the report and highlighted the relevant points to her portfolio. The Head of Environment and Public Protection then gave an overview of the report.

The following was discussed:

·         The Chair asked about the completion status of certain actions related to work. The Head of Service explained that some actions had set end dates, but they may go beyond March 2024, and service plans will now be on a rolling basis.

·         The Committee inquired about feedback or issues regarding the new 3 weekly bin collection. The Head of Service mentioned that progress on the bin collections was not covered in the report, and further time was needed to report back. Initial response to the change had been positive.

·         The Committee raised a complaint about cardboard recycling and whether it affected bin collection. The Head of Service explained that bags were previously used for cardboard recycling, but residents could continue using bins as long as waste was sorted correctly. Any issues should be reported.

·         The Committee asked about circulating waste and collection information to schools. The Strategic Director mentioned that engagement with schools had been ongoing for a long time.

·         The Committee inquired about updating collection reminders on the council website. The Head of Service confirmed that this would be done, and paper calendars had already been distributed.

·         The Committee questioned a policy on replacing cut-down trees. The Head of Service stated that there was already a tree replacement policy. The Strategic Director clarified that replacement might not be in the same spot, but they would try if viable. The Committee suggested publicizing the policy.

·         The Committee asked about plans to upgrade parkland in Tredegar Park and which areas were under council control. The Strategic Director explained that the house was under the National Trust's guardianship, but the parkland was still under council control. Feedback could be provided to the National Trust if needed.

·         The Committee requested an update on the development and approval of a new public space protection order. The Head of Service reported progress but mentioned some delays. They would provide a date to the committee.

·         The Committee asked about the availability of public toilets. The Head of Service explained that Public Protection and the toilet strategy had been moved to housing, but work had been done on updating the strategy. The Strategic Director agreed to provide a written update on new initiatives.

·         The Committee expressed the need for more public toilets in tourist areas. The Strategic Director acknowledged the need but cited cost and anti-social behavior as reasons for the council's decision not to support more public toilets.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

Invitee:

-          Neil Barnett – Scrutiny Adviser

The Scrutiny Adviser introduced the Draft 2023-24 Annual Forward Work Programme to the Committee, and detailed the reports coming in the next calendar year. The Draft Annual Forward Work Programme had been produced following a review with Heads of Service, and includes statutory reports that come to the C   ommittee annually.

Actions:

1. The Committee approved the Annual Forward Work Programme, the start time for Committee meetings and the proposed schedule of meetings, which included the topics being discussed at the next two meetings:

Monday 24^th July 2023, the agenda item;

• End of Year Performance Reviews 2022-23

Monday 11^th September 2023, the agenda item;

• Replacement Local Development Plan Preferred Strategy

a)      Actions Plan (Appendix 1)

Invitee:

-          Neil Barnett – Scrutiny Adviser

The Scrutiny Adviser introduced the Draft 2023-24 Annual Forward Work Programme to the Committee, and detailed the reports coming in the next calendar year. The Draft Annual Forward Work Programme had been produced following a review with Heads of Service, and includes statutory reports that come to the C   ommittee annually.

Actions:

1. The Committee approved the Annual Forward Work Programme, the start time for Committee meetings and the proposed schedule of meetings, which included the topics being discussed at the next two meetings:

Monday 24^th July 2023, the agenda item;

• End of Year Performance Reviews 2022-23

Monday 11^th September 2023, the agenda item;

• Replacement Local Development Plan Preferred Strategy

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