Issue - meetings

That the Committee recommends to the Cabinet adoption of the Streetscene service standards detailed in Appendix 1 to the report, including the proposed additions and deletions to the revised list as a result of the portfolio changes.

The Chief Officer (Streetscene & Transportation) introduced a report to seek a recommendation for Cabinet to adopt the Streetscene service standards which had been updated following review.  Performance against the standards - under the Safe and Clean Council theme in the 2019 Council Plan - would be reported as part of the new performance monitoring process.

In response to comments from Councillor Bibby, the Highways Network Manager agreed to provide further clarification on the permitted chemicals used for graffiti removal.

Councillor Connah questioned the removal of some of the standards.  He was informed that responses to pest control would continue to be monitored and that new waste bins/recycling boxes were now collected from Household Recycling Centres.

Concerns were raised by Councillor Dolphin about repeat missed bin collections; sometimes involving an entire road.  In response to questions, the Chief Officer explained that Streetscene Supervisors were able to visit Town and Community Councils upon request.  He shared the frustrations about delays to street-lighting works involving Scottish Power which were outside the control of the Council.

In response to questions from Councillor Evans, the Chief Officer provided clarification on the removal of sharp objects from Council owned land and the targets for street cleansing as agreed with Town and Community Councils.  He also reported on the maximum time needed to process applications for assisted bin collections and the agreed 3-step procedure for dealing with incidents of side waste.

As requested by Councillor Hardcastle, the Chief Officer detailed the process for dealing with fly tipping and reported no increase in the number of incidents.

Councillor Chris Bithell encouraged Members to raise awareness of the Council’s Pest Control team who provided an effective service to residents.  When asked by Councillor Gay about exemption criteria from these charges, the Chief Officer (Planning & Environment) agreed to circulate details.

The recommendation in the report was moved by Councillor Evans and seconded by Councillor Dolphin.

RESOLVED:

That the Committee recommends to the Cabinet adoption of the Streetscene service standards detailed in Appendix 1 to the report, including the proposed additions and deletions to the revised list as a result of the portfolio changes.