Issue - meetings

To consider the Forward Work Programme of the Environment & Economy Overview & Scrutiny Committee and to inform the Committee of progress against actions from previous meetings.

(a)     That the Forward Work Programme, as amended, be noted;

(b)     That the Facilitator, in consultation with the Chair of the Committee, be authorised to vary the Forward Work Programme between meetings, as the need arises; and

(c)     That the progress made in completing the outstanding actions be noted.

            The Overview & Scrutiny Facilitator presented the latest Forward Work Programme for consideration and highlighted the items being considered at the 8^th February meeting.  She then referred to the 5^th July meeting confirming that the Standard Landfill Site item, as requested by Councillor Hutchinson, would be considered at that meeting.   Moving to the Action Tracking report the Overview & Scrutiny Facilitator provided an update on the completed actions and those which were still ongoing.

            Councillor Owen Thomas asked for an update on the litter problems from food outlets.  In response the Chief Officer (Streetscene and Transportation) confirmed that there was continued lobbying of Welsh Government (WG) for a change in the legislation.  She confirmed that when the Area Coordinators were made aware of local issues they visited these local premises to speak to them.

            The Cabinet Member for Streetscene shared the concerns of Councillor Thomas and referred to a notice of motion submitted to WG a number of years ago.  This highlighted the same issues with suggestions that the wrappings were tagged in some way to identify them.  Unfortunately changes in the legislation had to be made by WG to enable enforcement to be carried out by the Council.  The fast food outlets were aware of the issues but were not taking steps to mitigate the impacts of the litter. The Council was having to deal with that.

            In response to a question from Councillor George Hardcastle on funding for dropped crossings, the Chief Officer (Streetscene & Transportation) confirmed that a report on this would be presented to committee in February.  There was no allocated funding for this however requests were made to WG via the Active Travel fund, but resources were limited. 

The recommendations were moved and seconded by Councillors Paul Shotton and Joe Johnson

RESOLVED:

(a)     That the Forward Work Programme, as amended, be noted;

(b)     That the Facilitator, in consultation with the Chair of the Committee, be authorised to vary the Forward Work Programme between meetings, as the need arises; and

(c)     That the progress made in completing the outstanding actions be noted.