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 18.03.2021

It was RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the 18 March 2021 as an accurate reflection of the meeting.

The Senior Scrutiny and Democratic Services Officer presented the report to members to seek their comment and approval on the draft Work Programme.

The Chairperson asked f it was possible to have a future item on litter picking throughout RCTCBC and how the Community Groups are communicated with and managed.  The Service Director Streetcare agreed he could bring an item to a future meeting.

RESOLVED: To agree the draft Work Programme

The Service Director Streetcare presented the report to members to update them the impact of the Council’s Recycling performance during Covid 19 period.

He advised Members that the Council year on year has improved its recycling figure.  This year has seen us contend with the impact of Covid 19 which had the potential to greatly affect the services performance.  This is due to a number of factors such as closure of the Community Recycling Centres (CRC’s) due to social distancing restrictions, the ceasing of enforcement on contamination of recycling, availability of distribution points for recycling bags and the social distancing rules for collection staff.

Another factor, which affected the service, was the closing of numerous distribution points for recycling bags which could have made it difficult for residents to be able to get recycling bags, but to counter that, we opened a bag request system online and redirected the enforcement team to deliver to our residents.

He referred members to the table in the report that showed the Councils performance during the full year 2020/21 as 68.55%. These figures are subject to ratification by Waste date flow and any change will be minimal. Figures are consistent with what we are achieving.  Increase in residual waste, but still on track for the 70% target in 2024/25

The Chair asked how nappy waste was disposed of/ recycled?

The Service Director Streetcare advised that they were dried, shredded and turned into cork/ pin boards through an external company.  He added that they could also be used in sound installation boards. 

A Member recalled that signs in parks to state the rules regarding where dogs were allowed were promised in the last meeting.

The Service Director replied that the signs already in situ were quite clear.  He added that some parks with wide-open spaces had been identified where floor stencils could be added to state no dogs on the pitches, no dog fouling etc.  He further added that signs had to be a certain size and have only limited information to comply with regulations.  He reassured members that the Authority were linking with Keep Wales Tidy (KWT) in the autumn to work on a dog fouling campaign.  KWT will have campaign information and will work with RCT. 

A Member asked what the plans are to distribute recycling bags in the future and looking at the big green bags, will there be an issue with these?  Will there be a lot of green waste that wont be going into them? 

The Service Director Streetcare advised that the distribution centres are stocked and if people are sensible, the stocks they will last a while.  However some take many rolls of bags which is difficult to keep pace with.  He added that the Authority did consider the merits of a mass delivery of bags to every resident but considered this to be hugely wasteful as not everyone chooses to recycle and therefore would not be cost effective.

A Member asked about the new green waste bags that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

To reflect on the meeting and actions to be taken forward and confirm if members wish to make any formal recommendations

The Chairperson thanked all officers and members for their attendance and contributions.

• For Officers to have early engagement with the public on the changes to the green waste collections to ensure a smooth transition

When changes to any collections are made such as the collection days that the changes are communicated in advance with the local member so they are able to pass on the changes to their residents

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

Members were reminded that information is provided in respect of relevant consultations for consideration by the Committee, which are circulated on a monthly basis.

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.

The Chairman asked that a letter be written to former Group Director Mr Nigel Wheeler to thank him for his hard work and commitment to the service during his time with RCTCBC and also that the Committee wishes him well in his retirement.