Agenda and minutes

At this point, Members are asked to declare:

·        Any personal interests not included on the Register of Interests

·        Any prejudicial interests or

·        Any disclosable pecuniary interests

which they may have in respect of business on this agenda.

Members were invited to declare at this point in the meeting any personal interests, not included on the Register of Interests, or any prejudicial or disclosable pecuniary interests they may have in respect of business on the agenda.  None were declared.

To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 13 November 2012.

RESOLVED:       That the minutes of the meeting of 13 November 2012 be confirmed and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

Members requested information as to whether there had been an increase in use of Hazel Court.¹

At this point in the meeting, members of the public who have registered to speak can do so.  The deadline for registering is 5.00pm on Monday 14  January 2013.  Members of the public may speak on agenda items or matters within the remit of the committee.

To register to speak please contact the Democracy Officer for the meeting on the details at the foot of the agenda.

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

This Cabinet Report on Surface Water Management is presented to the committee for information to support their consideration of a possible scrutiny review on City of York Council Emergency Planning Procedures.

Consideration was given to a report that had been presented to Cabinet on the issue of Surface Water Management.  The recommendations contained in the report had received Cabinet approval.

The report had been presented to the Committee to support their consideration of a possible scrutiny review on City of York Council Emergency Planning Procedures.  Officers went through the report and responded to Members’ questions regarding specific geographical locations.

Discussion took place as to the role of the Internal Drainage Boards, the membership of the boards and the funding allocated to them by City of York Council.    Members stated that they would welcome more detailed input from the boards when planning applications were being considered.   It was noted that the council did not appoint its full quota of representatives to the boards.

Officers were asked if planning on surface water management was also being carried out on a ward basis.  They explained that the plan was generic for across the city but that if there were particular issues in a ward more specific plans were put in place.  Many of the problems with flooding occurred in flat areas where there had been piecemeal developments. 

Members asked if there were ways in which the community could assist the council in identifying flood risks.  Officers stated that the Local Flood Risk Management Strategy would involve consultation and engagement with the community.  The council encouraged residents to notify them when persistent problems occurred in order that these could be assessed.

Members stated that it would have been helpful if the report had been presented to the committee prior to it being considered by Cabinet.  This would have enabled the committee to have had an input.

Members agreed to give further consideration as to whether or not to carry out a review of the issues raised when they considered their work plan - agenda item 7 (minute 39 refers).

RESOLVED:       That the report be noted.

REASON:            To support the committee’s consideration of a possible scrutiny review on City of York Council Emergency Planning Procedures.

This report provides an update on financial performance, service plan improvement actions and performance measures for Environmental Services and Public Protection.

Members considered a report that provided an update on financial performance, service plan improvement actions and performance measures for Environmental Services and Public Protection.

It was noted that the Quarter 3 report was due to be presented to Cabinet in February and hence more up to date figures were now available which showed an improved position.

Officers were questioned about the reasons for the delays in implementing savings.  They gave details of the review that was taking place in respect of waste collection.  Work had been ongoing to prepare deliverable options for consideration by the Cabinet Member.  The intention had been for the savings to be split over a two year period but it was now likely that there would be little impact in year one and that most of the savings would fall in year two.  Concerns were expressed that, in view of the shortfall in income from commercial waste, the targets set were unrealistic.

Officers were asked about the reasons for the shortfall in income from Penalty Charge Notices.  They gave details of the industrial action that had been taken by staff in that department, although the impact of this could not be quantified.  The situation had now been resolved.  It was noted that there had also been a shortfall in this area over the last few years.

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

REASON:            In accordance with budgetary and performance monitoring procedures.

This report presents the Safer York Partnership performance report on the Community Safety Plan 2011-14.

Consideration was given to the Safer York Partnership performance report on the Community Safety Plan 2011-14.

It was noted that total crime in York had dropped by 10% in 2011-12 compared to 2010-11.  The first seven months of data available suggested that crime continued to fall.   Members were pleased to note the very low level of crime on educational premises.  They requested that information on crime statistics for schools be included in the next report.¹

Members sought information as to the action that was being taken to address alcohol related crime.  Officers detailed the strategies that were in place, including liaising with the hospital.  The Director of Public Health was considering how data could be better utilised and how it could better inform funding allocations. 

Officers were asked whether there were any plans to introduce a late night levy.  Officers stated that consideration was being given to the implications of introducing such a levy.  Factors being taken into account included the evidence gathering that would be required and the fact that the council would only be able to retain 30% of any levy that was collected.    Members requested that they be consulted on any report on this issue prior to its presentation to Cabinet.²

Members were informed of the Home Office funding that would now go direct to the Police and Crime Commissioners and of the way in which the Safer York Partnership was looking to work with the commissioner to ensure that community safety initiatives continued to be funded.   Although there had been a suggestion that there be one partnership across the area, it was intended that the Safer York Partnership be retained for the time being.

RESOLVED:       That the Safer York Partnership Bi-Annual Performance Report be noted.

REASON:            To ensure that the committee is kept informed of progress in implementing the Community Safety Plan 2011-14.

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

Consideration was given to the Committee’s work plan.  The following issues were considered:

(i)           CCTV

A verbal update was given on the situation in respect of CCTV.  It was noted that, at this stage, officers were not carrying out a review of CCTV but consideration was being given to the possible remit for such a review.  The Chair reported that she had met with the Director of City and Environmental Services who had suggested a number of possible areas for scrutiny review in the new municipal year, which included CCTV.   Members expressed their concern at the delay in implementing a review of CCTV but agreed to invite the Director to attend their meeting in April 2013 to discuss his ideas for possible future topics.

(ii)          Domestic Recycling Task Group

It was noted that the final report of the Domestic Recycling Scrutiny Review was due to be presented at the meeting on 12 March 2013.  The Chair of the task group stated that the final report was not likely to be completed by that date.  It was agreed that an update on the situation would be emailed to Members following the meeting.

(iii)        Internal Drainage Boards

Following discussions that had taken place under agenda item 4 – “Surface Water Management” (minute 36 refers), consideration was given as to whether the committee should carry out a review in respect of Internal Drainage Boards, particularly in view of the funding allocated to the boards by the council.  It was agreed that a review of  this topic was unnecessary.

(iv)        Commercial Waste Recyling

Consideration was given as to whether it would be worthwhile to carry out a scrutiny review on issues around the recycling of commercial waste.  Members suggested that more could be done to encourage businesses to recycle.   Members requested that officers be invited to attend their meeting on 12 March 2013 to provide the committee with information on the pros and cons of introducing commercial waste recycling, to inform their consideration of this possible topic.  

(v)         Signboards and Posters

The Chair drew the committee’s attention to the number of commercial signboards and A-boards that were present in parts of the city, citing Clifton Green as an example.  The Chair had been informed that the Highways Department would only take enforcement action if signage was obstructing the highway.   The Chair suggested that this may be a suitable topic for review and agreed that, at the next meeting, she would  provide the information she had gathered. 

RESOLVED:       That the committee’s work plan be updated to include the following agenda items:

·        12 March - verbal update on the Domestic Recycling Scrutiny Report (as the final report will not be completed)

·        12 March - Verbal briefing from officers on the recycling of commercial waste

·        12 March – briefing on A-Boards

·        23 April – Director of City and Environmental Services to be invited to attend the meeting to talk about issues including CCTV.  (To be invited to attend the meeting on 12 March if unable to attend  ...  view the full minutes text for item 39.