Agenda and draft minutes

There were no apologies for absence.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Streetscene Scrutiny Panel held on 25 January 2024.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 25 January 2024 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

There were no Chairman’s announcements.

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.

Councillor J M Englefield declared a pecuniary interest in item 8 on the agenda as he leases an allotment in Locks Heath. He remained in the meeting and took part in the discussion of the item as the report was for noting only and no decisions were taken by the Panel.

To receive any deputations of which notice has been received.

There were 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 comments or questions for clarification in respect of this item.

To receive a report by the Head of Streetscene which outlines the Council’s current provision of sanitary waste bins in male public toilets across the Borough and to consider the motion presented to Council on 14 December 2023 by Councillor Mrs K K Trott in respect of Prostrate Cancer UK’s ‘Bins for Boys’ Campaign.

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

The Panel considered a report by the Director of Neighbourhoods which outlined the Council’s current provision of sanitary waste bins in male public toilets across the Council’s own buildings.  The report also set out the implications of supporting the Motion presented to Council by Councillor Mrs K K Trott on 14 December 2023 in respect of Prostate Cancer UK’s ‘Bins for Boys’ campaign.

Members were supportive of the current trial that is being undertaken and discussed the need to ensure that the publicity surrounding the Council’s position is timely and appropriate. 

RESOLVED that the Streetscene Scrutiny Panel:

(a)  notes that the current trial, as detailed at paragraph 10 of the report, will be continued for a period of 12 months;

(b)  notes that a further report will be brought forward for consideration once the results of the trial are known; and

(c)  recommends that points 2, 3 and 4 of the motion, as detailed at paragraph 1 of the report, be taken forward.

To receive a presentation by the Public Spaces Operations Manager which will update members on the current provision of allotments in the Borough.

Councillor J M Englefield declared a pecuniary interest in this item as he leases an allotment in Locks Heath. He remained in the meeting and took part in the discussion of this item as the report was for noting only and no decisions were taken by the Panel.

The Panel received a presentation by the Public Spaces Operations Manager which provided information for members on the current allotment provision within Fareham, site management arrangements and updated waiting list numbers.  A copy of the presentation slides is attached at Appendix A to these minutes.

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

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

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

In discussing the scrutiny priorities for the Panel, it was agreed that a comprehensive update on the provision of facilities and enforcement performance in respect of dog fouling and graffiti be added to the scrutiny priorities for a future meeting of the Panel.

RESOLVED that the Streetscene Scrutiny Panel reviewed the priorities for the Panel.