Minutes for Environment and Transport Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting, Feb 4 2010, 7.30PM official page

There were no apologies.

There were none.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 8 October 2009 be agreed as a correct record.

Councillor Colin Tandy declared a personal interest as he is Deputy Chairman of Environment Agency Southern Regional Flood Defence Committee. 

There were no items.

   The Committee considered the Draft Revenue Budget for 2010/11 and the Capital Programme for 2010 to 2013, introduced by the Head of Finance.

Members noted the savings and additional savings included in the budget, particularly those arising from the recent transfer of waste services to Serco Ltd and from the changes and flexibility in funding from Transport for London which enables some traffic schemes to be funded from there.

Members discussed the issue of Concessionary Fares and how the recently proposed removal of grant of approximately £1 million by Central Government will affect the Council. 

Some Members raised concern around recycling opportunities for residents in the north of the borough.  There was also discussion surrounding improved bus routes for children going to and from schools, particularly in the Slade Green and Crayford areas.  The Chairman of the Committee noted that he would raise this at the Public Transport Advisory Committee.

The Chairman complimented officers for the great deal of work successfully completed.

RESOLVED: That the Draft Budget and Capital Programme be recommended to Cabinet.

            The Committee considered the Corporate Planning Framework which set out the Council’s objectives over a three year period and the Annual Plan for 2010/11, introduced by the Head of Corporate Policy and Improvement.

RESOLVED-  That the Corporate Planning Framework documents be recommended to the Cabinet.

The Committee considered a report on the transfer of services from Kier/Bexley Trading Services to Serco Ltd.  Members noted that staffing issues regarding the Single Status Agreement had been resolved and new contractual agreements were in place.

Members noted that all services transferred successfully, but the severe weather conditions in December and January had affected refuse collections to the extent that, on occasions, work had to temporarily cease.  However, hand salting of many public areas including school entrances and doctors surgeries had taken place.  From 8^th February 2010 service has now fully resumed and performance will continue to be monitored.  Members complimented officers upon their efforts to ensure service was maintained so far as possible.

            The Dogs and Pest Control Strategy Scrutiny Sub-Group final report was introduced to the Committee by the Chairman.

            RESOLVED – That the report be supported by the Committee and the recommendations be forwarded to the Cabinet Member for Environment.

1)         That the information available to residents regarding the stray dog service be improved to ensure that people know who to contact if they lose or find a dog.  It was suggested that information be displayed on dog waste bins in local parks.

2)         That the availability of the Council’s pest control service be promoted to ensure that people know what services are available and the associated costs.

The Committee considered the Annual Report 2008-09 and Update on Progress in 2009-10 which outlined the work of all the Scrutiny Committees.  Members approved the draft without any additional comments

The Committee considered and agreed its future work plan.  Members were invited to take decisions on future agenda items, scrutiny reviews and policy consultation items.

RESOLVED – That

(a)        a visit to Belvedere Incinerator be organised by the Scrutiny Officer.

(b)        the establishment of an Air Pollution Scrutiny Sub-Group be deferred until the next municipal year.

(c)        the Committee be consulted on two forthcoming executive decisions by correspondence; 2010/11 Local Implementation Plan (LIP) – approval of schemes for funding applications to TfL and Transport and Traffic Professional Services Contract Renewal.

The Committee considered the Quarterly Monitoring Statements for the period October to December 2009. 

Members required clarification on the issue of increasing numbers of stolen lamp post electrical access covers across the borough.  Officers confirmed that this was an issue and that the police were involved to assist in resolving the matter.