Agenda and minutes

To receive disclosures of personal interest from Members in accordance with the Code of Conduct

Note:

1.     Members are requested to identify the item number and subject matter that their interest relates to and signify the nature of the personal interest: and

2.   Where Members withdraw from a meeting as a consequence of the disclosure of a prejudicial interest they must notify the Chairman when they leave.

In accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct, there were no declarations made pertaining to the agenda.

None

To receive the minutes of the previous meeting of the Public Service Delivery, Communities and Prosperity Community Committee held on 16^th January 2020

It was RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the 26 September 2019 as an accurate reflection of the meeting.

approved

Information is provided in respect of relevant consultations for consideration by the Committee.

The Chairman advised Members of the links to the consultations that were available to members to participate in.  Members were reminded if they had any queries on the consultations they could contact the Scrutiny Team.

The purpose of this report is to provide Members of the Public Service Delivery, Communities & Prosperity Scrutiny Committee with update of the work of the South Wales Parking Group (SWPG).

The Parking Services and Enforcement Manager provided a presentation to Members which updated them on the current position of the South Wales Parking Group. 

The Officer explained that they were looking to expand the service they offer with the Vale of Glamorgan Council and Bridgend County Borough Council. 

A Member asked how many penalty notices issued are progressed to the bailiff stage for the collection of funds not paid.

The Officer responded that the national collection average was around 72% but usually RCT collects around the 80% mark.   He add that that the Authority cancels very few fines at 7% which again was below the national average.  He advised members that for the fine to be progressed to a collection agency, the motorist will have received and ignored three to four letters.  He added that the Authority incurs no cost for it to be escalated to the collecting agent as all costs are recouped by them from the motorist.

In response to a question from a member the officer reassured that the collection agency that they use follow special rules when dealing with vulnerable adults.  They remain in close contact with the Authority throughout and ask us if they want them to proceed with the collection of funds.  He advised members that they had received less than 10 formal complaints regarding the collection agents.  He further advised that they all wear body cameras for the protection of themselves and the public. 

A Member asked which area in RCT was the most profitable

The Parking Services and Enforcement Manager advised that the majority of the fines issued were in the Aberdare and Pontypridd area as they had the most restrictions and car parks.  He added that if a surplus was made through this scheme it was ring-fenced into the wider highways budget. 

A Member was concerned that in the Llanharry area there was often illegal parking but as there were lower enforcement officers in that area motorist continued to park inappropriately as they knew there were not often enforcement officers in that area.  The Officer responded that if members felt there was a particular problem area they could deploy officers to that area and should contact him to discuss.

The Chairman asked if Enforcement officers were issued with a standard uniform that they should be wearing as when they are on patrol they are representing the Council and felt they should be immediately identifiable as an enforcement officer and look professional.

The Officer responded that they do have a set uniform that they should wear and are reminded regularly that as a representative of the Council they should look smart as they are a representative of the council.  Appropriate action is taken with officers if they are found to continually not follow the uniform guidelines.

A Member raised the issue of people parking on pavements and asked if there was anything the council could do.

The Officer responded that as parking on pavements was illegal it was therefore a police matter  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

To provide an overview of the Council’s 2019/20 Revenue Budget and 3-year Capital Programme (in relation to those areas that come within the remit of the Public Services Delivery, Communities and Prosperity Scrutiny Committee)

The Head of Finance – Prosperity, Development and Frontline Services and CEX’s Group provided Members with a presentation on the Council’s 2019/20 revenue budget and the Council’s 3 year Capital programme with the aim to aid the Committee’s understanding of the Council’s revenue and Capital budgets.   

A member asked what the cost of providing the recycling equipment for all RCT households was.  The Officer responded that approximately 20 million bags were provided on an annual basis for the collection of recycling with an estimated cost of £1.5 million.

A Member noted that RCT would need over £100m to bring us back where we wold like to be in the refurbishment of their bridges.  He asked how this was budgeted for.

The Officer responded that there was £1.5million in general reserves and that they were currently looking at options with National and Welsh Government.  The member asked if the £1.5million from general reserves was enough. The Officer responded that he would not be able to answer that question and it was recommended by members that the question should be asked of the Leader in Council.

A Member asked if any department in the Authority had a reduction in funding for the next financial year. The Officer responded that information would be detailed in a report to full council next week.  He reminded members also that the budget was reported on quarterly to the Finance and Performance Overview and Scrutiny Committee

A Member asked that all Committee Members receive a copy of the presentation.  The Officer responded that a copy was available on the Council’s website and the link would be sent around to Members after the meeting.

To consider any items, which the Chairman, by reason of special circumstances, is of the opinion should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency.

There was no urgent business reported

To reflect on the meeting and actions to be taken forward.

The Chairman reminded members that the next meeting is on 26 March 2020. 

The Chairman advised that he would ask the Group Director Prosperity to give the committee an update at their next meeting on the recycling figures for 2019

The meeting closed at 17.58