Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies for absence, however the Chairman, Councillor Miss T Harper was not present for the start of the meeting and therefore the Vice-Chairman Councillor G Fazackarley chaired the meeting until she arrived.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Streetscene Policy Development and Review Panel meeting held on 7 June 2018.

It was AGREED that the minutes of the Streetscene Policy Development and Review Panel held on 7 June 2018 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

There were no Chairman’s announcements made at this meeting.

To receive any declarations of interest from members in accordance with Standing Orders and the Council’s Code of Conduct and disclosures of advice or directions received from Group Leaders or Political Groups, in accordance with the Council’s Constitution.

There were no declarations of interest made at this meeting.

To receive any deputations of which notice has been lodged.

There were no deputations made at this meeting.

To consider a report by the Head of Streetscene which gives a review of recycling in the borough.

(The Chairman arrived at the start of this item and chaired the remainder of the meeting.)

The Committee considered a report by the Head of Streetscene which reviewed the performance of the Council’s recycling over the past 12 months.

Members discussed the recycling rate and the fact that it has not been increasing year on year. The Recycling Co-Ordinator confirmed that this is a national problem. One of the issues discussed was the need for residents to be able to recycle more items, especially plastics tubs and trays. The Head of Streetscene confirmed that the plans for a Super Materials Recovery Facility, which would have provided wider recycling opportunities for local residents, has been put on hold until after the Governments Waste Strategy is announced in the Autumn of this year.

It was AGREED that the Panel note the content of the report.

To consider a presentation by the Head of Streetscene on the Communications Plan in relation to the Single Use Plastics policy.

The Panel received a presentation from the Head of Streetscene, a copy of which is appended to these minutes, on the progress made by the Officer Working Group who were tasked with considering the issue of Single Use Plastics and the Communications Plan for promoting the non-use of single use plastics, for staff and for residents.

Councillor Price suggested that in addition to the proposed reusable branded coffee mugs, that the Council should also promote branded reusable water bottles for residents to ensure that the message reaches a wider audience. The Head of Streetscene confirmed that this could be included as part of the SUP Communications Plan.

The Chairman asked if in addition to the signage that will be placed on the refuse and recycling vehicles, if posters could also be placed on bus shelter. The Head of Streetscene confirmed that posters promoting the new campaign will also be placed on bus shelters throughout the borough.

At the invitation of the Chairman, Councillor Mrs Ellis addressed the Panel on this item.

It was AGREED that the Head of Streetscene be thanked for his informative presentation.

To consider a report by the Head of Streetscene on the Panel’s Work Programme for 2018/19.

The Panel considered a report by the Head of Streetscene which reviewed the Panel’s work programme for the year.

Councillor Keeble requested that there be a Member/Officer working group set up to look at the Review of Cemetery Regulations including Children’s Graves Policy.

It was AGREED that the Panel approve the work programme for 2018/19.