Issue - meetings

Report of the Director for Culture, Strategy and Engagement. To be introduced by the Leader of the Council.

This report is the first of regular updates on the Council’s progress against the commitments and actions outlined in our new Corporate Delivery Plan 2024-26.

The Leader of the Council introduced the report, which was the first regular update on the Council’s progress against the actions outlined in the Council’s Corporate Delivery Plan 2024-26.

In response to questions from Cllr Emery and Cllr Mason, the following information was noted:

-       With regards to performance on reductions in the voids backlog and why this was rag rated green given the negative financial forecast for this area, it was noted that although Housing had cleared all the backlog of voids there were now voids being added on a more daily basis due to the neighbourhood moves taking place into the new builds that were ready.

-       Considering the long-term plan to electrify the Council’s fleet and responding to the query on whether in the short-term vehicles that need to be replaced due to any issues would be with electric vehicles, it was noted that this would be assessed as part of the wider Electrical Vehicle Strategy.

-       Regarding the working assumptions on how the High Road West Scheme would be affected by the change In Lendlease’s European strategy, the Director for Placemaking and Housing responded and advised that the Council were working with Lendlease on next steps and working through the development agreement with them.

-       Noting paragraph 6.41 on the waste strategy and whether this included residents who were living in housing association blocks, it was noted that the Council offer residential waste collection as a statutory requirement regardless of whether residents are in Council accommodation. The managing agent of Housing Association block would usually work with the Council on waste collection. There were properties in Bounds Green with more than one Housing Association and there was work previously done to organise a lead managing agent for waste collection. The Cabinet Member for Resident Services and Tackling Inequality agreed to provide further information on the progress of this arrangement to Cllr Mason.

-       In relation to Bounds Green Play area and the current consideration being given to how the Council can make this more accessible and amenable to local people, it was noted that there was planned equipment replacement and also refurbishment of the play area. An update would be provided in writing to Cllr Mason.

-       Regarding the use and offer of Council vacant properties to community groups such as Food Banks, there was a planned meeting with Cllr Mason and the Cabinet member for Communities where this would be discussed. 

-       There would be a written response provided to Cllr Mason on performance data for domestic abuse offences and whether they can include sexual violence or rape offences. Also, the response will include whether possible to provide data on numbers of offences and age groups and indicate whether residents reporting domestic abuse or sexual abuse get the support needed.

RESOLVED

To note the high-level progress made against the delivery of the commitments as set out in the Corporate Delivery Plan 2024-2026 as at the end of June 2024.

Reasons for decision

Not applicable –  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10

To answer questions on the aspects of the Cabinet Member’s portfolio that fall under the Panel’s remit:

·         Waste management and Recycling

·         Fly-tipping and Waste Enforcement

·         Highways

·         Flooding

·         Parking

Further focusing on the corporate delivery plan update  for quarter 1.  This report is to follow after publication for the Cabinet meeting.

The Chair introduced the session, highlighting that the Cabinet Member’s remit was part of the Corporate Delivery Plan for quarter one, and concerned:

·         Waste management and recycling.

·         Fly tipping and waste enforcement.

·         Highways

·         Flooding

·         Parking.

Waste management and recycling.

Waste management and recycling in the borough was discussed - the main points summarised below:

• A request was made for more information on the cost benefit analysis and collections of the at-home textiles recycling trial scheme. The Head of Waste Management responded that the statistics could be sent to the Committee. ACTION. She also emphasised that the textile recycling scheme was no longer a trial but part of the service.
• Questions were also raised around the new advertising campaign on waste in the borough and whether there had been any behaviour change since then. The Cabinet Member for Tackling Inequality and Resident Services indicated that it was too early to say but the adverts were part of an education package for the public around waste.
• Discussion then turned to the clear up operation after Finsbury Park events which councillors thought unsatisfactory. The Cabinet Member asserted that they had a good set up. Complaints were dealt with as part of the Local Area Management Plan. She also clarified that rubbish collection within the parks would fall under Cllr Arkell. Questions were then asked about whether collections could increase after a major event. The Cabinet Member reiterated that this was not under her portfolio, there were demarcations as to the responsibilities. However, the overall contract will be renewed for 2027, and the team will be looking at needs-based resourcing and more flexibility in the new contract.

·         The issue of a lack of recycling facilities on streets was then raised. There was only one point of disposal for waste at Bruce Castle – and no recycling points. The Cabinet Member responded that bin park assets vary, however they are looking at standardising them across the borough to dual recycling bins. She stated that volunteers who do litter picks did not always understand the colour codes for bin liners making contamination a real issue especially in park bins.

·         It was stated that the current waste management arrangements especially after major events such as football matches were unsatisfactory. Especially around parking areas. Residents’ bins were being used for waste disposal - if waste was being disposed of at all. It was felt by councillors that the footprint for cleaning was too small around major events. The Cabinet Member responded that the council did not receive funds from the Spurs club for the clean-up operation. She explained that they were currently in talks with Spurs about this.

·         Dog – waste disposal units and their availability in residential areas were then discussed. It was brought to the Committee’s attention that residents complain when dog waste gets put in their general bins. The Cabinet Member stated that the team were running a campaign to show dog owners how to dispose of waste correctly - however it was not  ...  view the full minutes text for item 43