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.

To receive the minutes of the previous meeting of the Public Service Delivery, Communities and Prosperity Community Committee held on 14^th January 2021

It was RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the 14^th January 2021 as an accurate reflection of the meeting; subject to the inclusion of Cllr Wayne Owen to be added to the attendance list.

The Senior Democratic Services presented the report to members which detailed their work programme for the remainder of the municipal year.  She advised that members should note that the Forward Work Programme remained flexible and was subject to change taking into consideration the pressures on the service area during any given time.

RESOLVED: Members agreed to the current work programme attached at Appendix 1 of the report.

He informed Members however that this year there were 28 play areas on the programme for development this year with a further 9 for next year.

Members were advised that during the pandemic, the Countryside Team were inundated with queries and complaints from residents in relation to Japanese Knotweed Rights. This was most likely attributed to the public being restricted to their gardens. Over 300 sites in RCT were treated as part of the Knotweed programme. In addition, there had been 13 legal claims against the council in relation to Knotweed, compared with zero last year.

The Group Director Prosperity, Development and Frontline Services All services have unfortunately seen a number of staff absent at various times due to Covid related issues with staff either shielding, isolating or symptomatic so the team have had to prioritise work accordingly.

These services however have continued to operate in line with Covid restrictions with a targeted approach to a particular problem affecting trees, namely Ash die-back. General maintenance of trees overhanging highways and street lighting has been undertaken.  Tree surveys were also ongoing to identify trees of poor health or condition growing upon public open spaces. Emergency works and responding to requests and complaints have continued with approximately 150 requests/month for trees and allotments

A member asked how many complaints had been received on footpaths being obstructed and asked what was being done about barbed wire on footpaths.

The Group Director replied that he couldn’t give an exact figure but it was into three figures.  He added that most complaints related to unilateral land owners closing off land during COVID.  He added that the Authority didn’t own much of the land though, especially where barbed wire complaints were concerned.  There was also no legislation in place to allow the Authority to remove barbed wire from a footpath.

A Member asked if the Authority were taking enforcement action against the offenders.  The Head of Legal Services advised that there was no restriction, unless it was causing a nuisance to a Highway.

A member asked if the Authority were taking action against those that were bstructing footpaths as this was particularly problematic in the Taff area with people illegally blocking them.

The Group Director responded that 10 warning letters had recently been issued.  He added that we do try to avoid taking legal action in the first instance as this is quite a resource pressure and have lengthy timescales and have found that communication is the best approach in the first instance. If this doesn’t work, rangers would go out and remove obstructions and we would then pursue legal action if the obstructions were put back

A member asked if there were reports of parks being used by the public when they were closed under Covid restrictions. 

The Group Director advised that there were a number of people using them when they were closed and we had a number of reports of individuals using them, as well as the use of Sports clubs opening.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 23.

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

The Senior Democratic Services Officer advised members of a consultation on litter and flytipping that was currently open and being undertaken by Welsh Government should they wish to take part in the consultation.   The Chair added that he had already contributed and encouraged members to take part.

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.

A Member advised the Committee that he had received a letter from a resident commenting positively on the recycling measures and the street cleansing, especially during inclement weather and the global pandemic, the letter commended the team and thanked them for keeping the streets of RCT clean.  

The Chairman informed members that it was raised in a recent Finance and Performance Scrutiny Committee that a particular ward wasn’t clean.  He clarified that at this time, this is because officers were having to undertake other priorities during the pandemic. as well as continuing with their day jobs.  The Group Director added that the service area had maintained the service from day 1 of the pandemic and supported areas as best they were able to during COVID whilst contending with staff self-isolating and being redeployed to essential and critical services.   

Members agreed with the comments mentioned and commended the teams for their continued efforts throughout the pandemic.

Recycling figures

The Group Director updated members on the recycling figures for first 9 months of the year and was pleased to inform members that they had achieved just over 69% for recycling which was the highest figure the Authority had ever had.  He added that 70% is the target for 2024/25.  He further advised that flood damaged areas were included in these figures and if it wasn’t for the Flood damage, we probably would have gone over 70%

Member raised query regarding rodents in wards and asked what we used to treat the sewers.

The Director Public Health and Protection advised that the Authority undertakes the sewer bating contract on behalf of Welsh Water which was a fixed contract fixed for a number of years.  She advised that the Authority were proactive but lead by intelligence.  She added that the pest control treatment programme does vary each year but stated we rely on people reporting so we can have a focussed approach.