Agenda and minutes

RESOLVED:       That Councillor Gillies be appointed as Chair for the meeting in the absence of the Chair and Vice-Chair.

At this point Members are asked to declare any personal or prejudicial interests they may have in the business on the agenda.

Members were asked to declare any personal or prejudicial interests they may have in the business on the agenda.  Councillor Burton declared a personal interest in agenda item 7 – “Waste Management Services”, as a Friend of St Nicholas Fields.

To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting of the committee held on 10 October 2011.

RESOLVED:       That the minutes of the meeting of 10 October 2011 be confirmed and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

At this point in the meeting, members of the public who have registered their wish to speak regarding an item on the agenda or an issue within the committee’s remit can do so.  The deadline for registering is Monday 28 November 2011 at 5.00pm.

It was reported that there were no registrations to speak under the council’s Public Participation Scheme.

This report details performance on the Community Safety Plan 2011-14.

Members considered a report that provided information on performance on the Community Safety Plan 2011-14.  Officers went through the data.

Members were pleased to note that total crime in York was predicted to be around 1750 crimes lower in 2011-12 than 2010-11.  They were encouraged to hear that this also reflected a decrease in cycle theft.

Discussion took place regarding lead and metal theft.  Members suggested that consideration could be given to establishing a code for scrap metal dealers, for example an agreement that there would be no cash transactions and that mechanisms would be in place in respect of CCTV and the recording of vehicle registration plates.  Officers confirmed that Trading Standards were looking at ways of addressing these issues but it was acknowledged that a national response may be required.

Members requested that the following information be presented in a future report¹:

·        In respect of data on the number of people killed or seriously injured in road traffic collisions,  a breakdown as to the road zones on which these had occurred, for example had the introduction of 20mph zones had an impact?

·        More detailed information as to the impact of the safety cameras.

RESOLVED:       That the report be noted.

REASON:            In accordance with the committee’s responsibilities for the scrutiny of community safety issues, the Police and the local Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership.

These reports provide data on North Yorkshire Police performance.

Members received a report that provided information on the performance of North Yorkshire Police.

Members requested that future reports included comparative data in respect of cities that were similar to York.

RESOLVED:       That the report be noted.

REASON:            In accordance with the committee’s responsibilities for the scrutiny of community safety issues, the Police and the local Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership.

The purpose of this report is to provide an update on financial performance, service plan improvement actions and performance measures for Environmental Services.

Members received a report that provided an update on financial performance, service plan improvement actions and performance measures for Environmental Services for the period April – September 2011.

Members’ attention was drawn to the following issues:

·        The overspend on cleaning which had arisen as a result of two academies leaving the cleaning service and bringing the work in-house.  A third school had also elected to directly employ cleaning staff.

·        Challenges in respect of parking services, including an overspend due to the requirement to replace lights.  It was noted that there was also a shortfall from PCNs.

·        Commercial waste income was not as high as had been hoped but the service was still profitable.

An update was given on progress against Service Action Plans. 

Members drew officers’ attention to issues in respect of fly-tipping and problems regarding waste being left behind terraced properties.  Officers gave details of the enforcement action that was taken when it was possible to identify the culprits.

RESOLVED:       That the financial and performance position of the portfolio be noted.

REASON:            In accordance with budgetary and performance monitoring procedures.

This report is provided to help the committee review performance in key waste management service areas and identify opportunities for improving waste prevention, reuse, recycling and composting.

Members received a presentation that provided information to assist the committee in reviewing performance in key waste management service areas and to identify opportunities for improving waste prevention, reuse, recycling and composting.   Members noted that the council was in the top quartile for recycling and was now looking at ways of promoting reduction and re-use.

Members were asked to further identify their ambitions for the provision of waste services in the city.  It was noted that an officer review on issues in respect of waste management was currently being carried out and was due to be completed by March.  Mindful of the need to avoid duplication of work, Members agreed that rather than instigating a scrutiny review, it would be more appropriate for the committee to be consulted as part of the officer review.

RESOLVED:       That a scrutiny review of waste management services not be carried out at this time.

REASON:            To avoid duplicating work already being carried out as part of an officer review.

Members are asked to consider the committee’s work plan.

Consideration was given to the committee’s work plan. 

It was agreed that, at the next meeting, consideration would be given to possible topics for a scrutiny review.

RESOLVED:       That the work plan be approved.

REASON:            To progress the work of the committee.