Agenda item

The report was introduced by the Executive Director for Environment. He provided a full outline of the report and noted the contents in appendix A and B.   The Executive Director for Environment requested that the Committee give consideration to the report and the recommendations.

Members of the Committee had the opportunity to consider the report and raise questions to the Executive Director for Environment.   Members considered the report and it’s appendices in detail.

Councillor Schneiderman outlined some concerns in regards to the waste collection review and the savings proposals in relation to this.   Mr Mee said that saving proposals would be reported back to the Committee once Officers had time to work on this.  Councillor Peter Zinkin outlined that the priority was to balance this years budget that was contained in the report. 

Councillor Felix Byers noted the delivery of LIP funding schemes.  Mr Mee responded to this point as did the Chairman respond to this point.

Members raised issues in respect to Street Lighting as highlighted in appendix A.  Mr Mee outlined that options in respect to street lighting would be reported to the Environment Committee.   Mr Mee said that he would look into this topic and update Members accordingly. 

Councillor Alan Schneiderman requested to know what would happen to the review of low quality parks and open spaces and how funding could be raised.   Ms Cassie Bridger outlined that the Parks and Open Spaces strategy contained this information.

Councillor Schneiderman requested that Policy and Resources Committee be more informed in regards to saving proposals in relation to smarter cities and therefore he stated that there should be more detail available in order for a more informed decision to be made.    Mr Mee outlined that the Council will make improvements as technology improves and he said that figures will change as the technology changes and Government policy is amended.    The Chairman said that the Environment Committee would have it’s opportunity to provide scrutiny in the future.   He added that the Environment Committee had delivered it’s saving targets as set out over the years.

The Chairman invited Councillor Laithe Jajeh to speak on the Fees and Charges element of the report.   He raised questions on the costs that are connected to cricket and the charges for training nets and matches. Ms Cassie Bridger responded to this point and noted that rates were correct, she said that she would provide further information to Members on this point.    Councillor Jajeh also noted points on street light banners and the power required for street lighting.  This was responded to by Mr Mee. 

Members also made comments on graffiti and additional time costs. 

Councillor Alan Schneiderman requested that the item be voted on.  The Chairman therefore moved this item to the vote:

Resolved:

That the Environment Committee considered the MTFS proposals that relate to the committee as set out in Appendix A after having considered the initial equalities impacts and refer these recommendations to Policy and Resources Committee for decision

That the Environment Committee noted the changes to the fees and charges 2021/22 as set out in Appendix B, which will be included in the budget proposals submitted to the Policy and Resources Committee.

The vote recorded was:

For – 6

Against – 4