Agenda and minutes

None.

The Committee noted their interest in ward related issues held within the report.

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 15^th January 2024 were accepted with the following queries:

-        The Committee requested to note that include the inclusion of Bus Service Update to the draft Forward Work Programme 2024-2025.

-        The Committee also wished to follow up on a query about the Civic Amenity Site. The Committee noted concerns about whether incineration as an alternative waste disposal method would contribute to pollution problems and climate change, due to smoke and fumes from incineration processes. Concerns were also raised about the transportation of waste to alternative disposal sites, such as incinerators, which could lead to increased emissions from lorries going in and out of the sites. The Committee also wanted clarification about who decides when a landfill site is considered full and how the levels are monitored, especially considering that some waste, such as food waste, would naturally decompose and potentially create more space over time. The Scrutiny Adviser advised the Committee that this would be queried with the relevant Head of Service.

Invitees:

-        Laura Lacey (Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Assets)

-        Paul Jones (Strategic Director (Environment and Sustainability)

-        Joanne Turner (Team Manager- Assets and Planning)

-        Andrew Brooks (Highways Service Manager)

-        Daniel Yule (Flood Risk Officer)

The Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Assets gave an introduction to the report. The Team Manager – Assets and Planning then gave a presentation to the Committee detailing the Strategy.

The Committee asked the following:

·   The Committee queried the inclusion of companies such as drainage companies in the consultation. The Strategic Director – Environment and Sustainability confirmed that those related to the reports were included but agreed to verify this.

·   The Committee raised a query about a point in the report pertaining to a street in their ward. The Strategic Director – Environment and Sustainability assured that this would be verified, acknowledging that the information was sourced from various places.

·   Concerns were raised by the Committee about the limited avenues for consultation. The Team Manager- Assets and Planning acknowledged this and advised they would explore other means to broaden the reach, such as increased use of social media.

·   The Committee asked if community groups within specific flood risk wards had been contacted by the officer. The Strategic Director - Environment and Sustainability and the Team Manager for Assets and Planning confirmed that some groups had been contacted and expressed willingness to contact more groups suggested by the Committee.

·   The Committee questioned the use of ARUP in the report creation. The Team Manager- Assets and Planning advised of ARUP's extensive work in the field and their previous involvement in the 2017-2023 report.

·   The Committee asked about potential partners and challenges from partner organisations. The Team Manager- Assets and Planning and the Strategic Director – Environment and Sustainability discussed the need for prioritisation and the Council's responsibility to prompt partner organisations to act when residents are impacted.

·   The Committee expressed that the document was highly technical and asked if a simplified version was available for public feedback. The Strategic Director – Environment and Sustainability acknowledged the challenge of simplifying the document without omitting necessary details.

·   The Committee suggested the report consider long-term solutions and proactive strategies. The Team Manager for Assets and Planning mentioned a sustainable drainage being considered for developments over 100 square metres.

·   The Committee questioned the consequences if Registered Social Landlords (RSL’s) failed to perform certain cleaning tasks. The Strategic Director - Environment and Sustainability explained that the Council could respond in various ways, including enforcement.

·   The Committee asked about the timeline for repairing manholes. The Highways Service Manager explained that they evaluate the condition of manholes using historical data and perform reactive maintenance in areas with fewer problems. The Strategic Director - Environment and Sustainability noted that most issues with gullies and gratings are isolated incidents and don't require frequent cleaning. However, if a major weather event occurs, those requiring more frequent cleaning are given first priority. The Highways Service Manager also stated that gratings are promptly cleared  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

a)      Actions Plan (Appendix 1)

Invitee:

-        Neil Barnett (Scrutiny Adviser)

a)    Action Sheet

The Scrutiny Adviser advised of the completed actions within the Committee’s action sheet and advised that outstanding actions will be chased with the relevant officers.