Agenda item

Mr Murray reported that the projected overspend of £1 million had been reduced significantly.  The bulk of the overspend in Commissioning and Client Services related to inflationary pressures within the Veolia contract and waste provision for Homes for Haringey (HfH) and action was being taken to mitigate these.  There was also a dispute with Amey regarding the specification for the cleaning contract and action was being taken to resolve this through arbitration.  Parking income was under pressure as was funding for the maintenance and upkeep of parks.  Staffing levels were extremely lean with no resilience built in.  In addition, the Council was locked into a number of big contracts where there was little scope for manoeuvre. 

In response to a question on the introduction of charges for bulky waste, he stated that there was not necessarily a link with fly tipping and removing them would not automatically lead to an improvement.  He agreed to seek clarification of the figures for the projected shortfall in income as the report contained figures that appeared to be contradictory. Consideration was being given as to whether the targets were realistic.  In respect of HfH, a service level agreement was being developed in order to resolve outstanding issues and provide greater clarity. 

In respect of the development of Marsh Lane depot, the Panel noted that current proposals were for the construction were for a more modest building then previously had been planned and this had let to savings in the capital budget.   Councillor Hearn, the Cabinet Member for Environment, agreed to circulate figures for the amended scheme.

Mr Murray reported that further consideration was being given to enforcement when houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) were the source of flytipping.  In addition, how best to encourage landlords to behave responsibly was also being looked at.  Licensing would be of assistance but would not be the solution to all problems.  Specific consideration would be given to measures that had proved to be successful elsewhere. 

The Cabinet Member reported that there would be discussions at Corporate Board on budget options and these would be put before Members.  There was quite a large budget gap and this would need to be filled in order to achieve a legal budget.  The budget for Environment was under particular threat and savings from it were not regarded as having the same human impact as other areas.  Particular efforts were being made to maximise income but she felt that there was a need for a greater level of scepticism about targets.

In answer to a question, Mr Murray reported that there was a constructive relationship between the Council and Veolia.   Stringent efforts were made to ensure value for money but it was important not to erode standards.

AGREED:

1.    That the Interim Assistant Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods be requested to provide clarification of the shortfall in achieving income targets for the collection of bulky waste; and

2.    That the Assistant Director of Planning be requested to provide a short briefing note for Panel Members on current plans for Council depot sites.