Agenda item

Members are asked to consider the committee’s work plan and the assessment forms for agreed review topics.

Members gave consideration to Scrutiny Topic Assessment Forms on the following issues:

·        Anti-social behaviour in Westfield and Rural West

·        Domestic waste collection and recycling

Members were updated on the discussion on these topics that had taken place at the recent scrutiny event.

Anti-social behaviour in Westfield and Rural West

Members commented on the differences in the characteristics of the two wards and of differing perceptions of anti-social behaviour. 

The Cabinet Member for Crime and Community Safety was asked whether the proposed topic was in line with his priorities.  He stated that any lessening of anti-social behaviour would be welcome. He did, however,  suggest that the views of the Youth Council be sought as part of the review to avoid it focussing entirely on negative aspects of young people’s behaviour.

Members agreed that the topic should be the committee’s main review for this municipal year. The remaining elements of the Topic Assessment Form were completed.

Domestic Waste and Recycling

The Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhood Services was asked whether the proposed scrutiny topic on domestic waste and recycling linked with her priorities for the year.  She stated that she supported the ambition of the review but suggested that the committee might wish to consider its approach to the topic.  Although there was a commitment to increase recycling, this had to be seen in the context that, nationally the authority was high performing in terms of the rates it achieved.  An exercise was currently taking place to consider ways of reducing barriers to recycling and this was due to be completed in October/November. 

The Cabinet Member suggested that the committee may wish to consider why, in spite of the level of recycling, there was still too much waste going to landfill.  Consideration could be given as to how the council could do more to promote a reduction in waste, for example through encouraging the reuse of items.  It was noted that a number of policies on waste collection were currently being reviewed. 

Members commented on inconsistencies in waste services across the city and on issues relating to non-domestic waste. 

Members agreed that further consideration should be given to the proposed topic at the meeting on 29 November 2011 and that a briefing paper should be prepared for consideration at the meeting. 

Amendments to the Work Plan

It was noted that the report on “Restructure of CANS and Roles Supporting SYP and proposals for restructure of Community Safety in North Yorkshire Police”, which was to have been considered at this meeting, had been deferred as the information was not yet available.  It was agreed that this item should be considered at  the meeting on 10 October 2011.

RESOLVED:       (i)      That a task group be established to carry

out a review on “Anti-social behaviour in Westfield and Rural West”

(ii)      That the members of the task group be Councillor King, Councillor Healey, Councillor Burton and Councillor Orrell.

(iii)     That a review into domestic waste collection and recycling be considered in more detail at the meeting on 29 November 2011. 

(iv)     That the committee’s workplan be updated to reflect the decisions detailed above.