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.

The Chairman congratulated Mr Paul Mee on his recent promotion to Group Director Community and Children’s Services.  He also welcomed Mr Steve Owen, Service Director Streetcare to the Committee who was in attendance in place of Mr Nigel Wheeler

To receive the minutes of the previous meeting of the Public Service Delivery, Communities and Prosperity Community Committee held on 27 February 2020

It was RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the 27 February 2020 as an accurate reflection of the meeting.

The Senior Democratic Services Officer presented the report to members which informed them of the outcomes of the recent public consultation to extend the two Public Spaces Protection Orders relating to dog controls in Rhondda Cynon Taf.  The Service Director for Streetcare asked for feedback from members on the report and stated that any comments from the meeting would be taken into consideration when the Cabinet meet to consider the proposals.

A member asked about cemeteries that are run by Community Councils and if it was possible that they could be involved in the PSPO

The Service Director for Streetcare advised that the service area had already worked with Town and Community Councils and though there aren’t many who are responsible for cemeteries they could possibly be included in the PSPO.  He added that no issues had been reported to them from Town   and Community Councils so if members were aware of any he asked that they get in touch with him.

The Chairman asked if dog waste bags were freely available =for residents throughout RCT and at what cost was this to the Authority for providing the service?

The Service Director Streetcare advised members that the Authority spends in the region of £25 – 30k per year on dog waste bags and is a gesture of good will to encourage residents to be responsible owners.  He added that RCT were the only Authority that provides them free of charge.  He advised however that due to the current pandemic the bags had not been distributed since April as they are not a priority and most facilities where they were distributed have been closed

The Chair asked if there was a law that allowed horse manure to be left on the streets.  The Service Director Streetcare advised that this was not an offence

The Chairman asked what the annual tonnage of dog waste collected per annum was. The Service Director Streetcare responded that this was approximately 105 tonne per year.

The Chairman stated that the signs to warn dog owners to pick up their dog waste after them were very small and asked if the signs could be made bigger.   The Service Director Streetcare stated that whilst the signs would need updating to reflect new dates the option to make the signs larger would be a costly exercise as signs would need larger posts and they were legible if you were close to them.

The Chairman stated that he would like to see the Authority engage with schools to educate future generations to clean up after their dogs and be responsible dog owners and for them to understand the impact on public health if dog waste is left behind.   The Corporate Consultations Manager advised that this was to be explored as it was also mentioned in the consultations feedback

A member stated that he fully supported the order and there was large scale support from community also.  He added that people needed to take personal responsibility and not rely on  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

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

Thanked all members in public health and licensing over the last few months.  He also thanked the bin men and crews for their continued hard work during the current pandemic.

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.

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