Agenda and minutes

An apology for absence was received from Councillor G Fazackarley.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Streetscene Scrutiny Panel held on 28 January 2021.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Streetscene Scrutiny Panel meeting held on 28 January 2021 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

The Chairman put forward thanks to Councillor M J Ford JP, the outgoing Executive Member for Streetscene, for his contribution over the last few meetings and welcomed the new Executive Member, Councillor I J Bastable to his first meeting of the Streetscene Scrutiny Panel.

The Chairman was also pleased to announce that last Wednesday, along with Executive Members, the Chairman of the Leisure and Community Scrutiny Panel and the Head of Streetscene, she attended the opening of Abbey Meadows.  It was a pleasure to see so many people enjoying themselves and it is hoped that many more people will be able to enjoy this beautiful area and the facilities it has to offer.

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 received.

There were no deputations made at this meeting.

To consider any item of business dealt with by the Executive since the last meeting of the Panel, that falls under the remit of the Streetscene Portfolio. This will include any decisions taken by individual members during the same time period.

There were no questions or comments for clarification in respect of this item.

To receive a presentation by the Head of Streetscene on the services provided by Streetscene.

The Panel received a presentation by Councillor I J Bastable, the Executive Member for Streetscene, which gave an overview of the main services provided by the Streetscene Team.  The presentation also outlined the management structure and priorities for the departments within the portfolio.   A copy of the presentation is attached to these minutes as Appendix A.

During discussion on this item, Members congratulated Officers on keeping the Borough such an attractive place to live and work.

The Executive Member was thanked for providing an interesting and informative presentation. 

RESOLVED that the Streetscene Scrutiny Panel notes the content of the presentation.

To receive a report by the Head of Streetscene which provides a summary of the phase two DEFRA consultations for the Deposit Return Scheme, Extended Producer Responsibilities and Consistency of Collections, with an overview of the Fareham Borough Council perspective.  

The Panel considered a report by the Head of Streetscene which provided a summary of the phase two DEFRA consultations for the Deposit Return Scheme, Extended Producer Responsibilities and Consistency of Collections, and gave an overview of the Fareham Borough Council perspective.

Members discussed the challenges that the changes will bring, in particular, the significant cost to the Council in procuring new collection vehicles and communicating the Strategy to residents and helping them to understand what the changes will be.

The Head of Streetscene was thanked for providing a very interesting and informative report.

RESOLVED that the Streetscene Scrutiny Panel notes the content of the report.

To receive a report by the Head of Streetscene which outlines the proposals for the future provision of the Council’s displays and In Bloom activities.

At the invitation of the Chairman, Councillor Mrs C L A Hockley addressed the Panel on this item.

At the invitation of the Chairman, Councillor I J Bastable, the Executive Member for Streetscene, addressed the Panel on this item.

The Panel considered a report by the Head of Streetscene and a presentation by the Public Spaces Operations Manager which outlined the proposals for the future provision of the Council’s floral displays and In Bloom Arrangements.

The Panel was very supportive of the development of more sustainable planting that has taken place across the Borough and complimented Officers on making the Borough look so attractive.

Members requested that floral towers be provided in Portchester and Stubbington district centres as well as in the Town Centre in order to increase the attractiveness of using district centres as shopping destinations.  It was suggested that with help from community volunteers in maintaining the towers, only a capital cost would be needed.

Whilst the Panel was very supportive of the future provision of sustainable floral displays, there was considerable concern for the potential loss of valuable community involvement that may result from the proposed changes to Fareham in Bloom Arrangements.  Reassurance was given by Officers that community volunteering and involvement will be retained and will continue to be part of any plans going forward.

The Head of Streetscene and the Public Spaces Operations Manager were thanked for providing an interesting report and presentation.

RESOLVED that the Streetscene Scrutiny Panel notes the content of the report.

To provide an opportunity for Members to consider the scrutiny priorities for the Streetscene Panel.

At the invitation of the Chairman, Councillor Mrs C L A Hockley addressed the Panel on this item.

Members considered and discussed the Scrutiny Priorities for the Streetscene Panel.

In discussing this item, it was agreed that a report be brought to the next meeting of the Panel which will outline how the Council infrastructure is inspected and monitored.

It was also agreed that a further review of the Fareham In Bloom Activities be brought for consideration by the Panel in 18 months’ time.

RESOLVED that the Streetscene Scrutiny Panel agrees that:

(a)   a report be brought to the next meeting of the Panel which will outline how the Council infrastructure is inspected and monitored; and 

(b)  a further review of the Fareham In Bloom activities be brought for consideration by the Panel in 18 months’ time.