Agenda and draft minutes

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 11 September 2024.

It was moved by Councillor Bray, seconded by Councillor Cartwright and

RESOLVED – the minutes of the meeting held on 11 September be approved as a correct record.

No interests were declared at this stage.

To update members on planning for food waste collections from April 2026

Members received a report on planning for food waste collections from April 2026.

In response to questions from members, officers confirmed that:

·         Publicity around the new food waste collections may commence in late 2025

·         A safety message around the collection of batteries and vapes would be sent out highlighting the correct disposal and the fire risks

·         A briefing note would be sent out to all members on the planning for food waste collections from April 2026.

It was moved by Councillor Hodgkins, seconded by Councillor Cartwright and

                        RESOLVED –

(i)            The collection system outlined in the report be approved;

(ii)          The bin policy be reviewed and options reported back to Executive by the end of 2024;

(iii)         The trial collection of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) be approved and authority be delegated to the Head of Street Scene Services and the Executive member  for Neighbourhood Services to agree the scope and implementation of the trial;

(iv)         The collection of food waste be undertaken in house;

(v)          The rollout of the new service be phased over eight weeks during February and March 2026;

(vi)         The food waste fleet be operated using HVO to reduce carbon emissions depending upon affordability and DEFRA funding.

To seek approval for the revised Communications Strategy 2024-2028

Members received a report on the refreshed Communications Strategy for 2024 to 2028. The following points were noted:

·         Ofcom research showed the preferred source for news was online for all age groups, although it was acknowledged that many people did not have access to the internet

·         Press releases were circulated to local publications across the borough but the frequency of these publications didn’t always coincide with the council’s timelines

·         A lot of consideration was given to accessibility of the website for people with disabilities, which was welcomed.

It was moved by Councillor Bray, seconded by Councillor Bools and

RESOLVED – the revised strategy be approved.

To advise members on work undertaken to ensure the council meets its statutory Prevent duty

Members received a report on work undertaken to ensure the authority met its statutory Prevent duty which included the venue hire policy and guidance documents. It was moved by Councillor Mullaney, seconded by Councillor Cartwright and

RESOLVED –

(i)            The changes to the statutory Prevent duty for local authorities be noted;

(ii)          The venue hire policy and guidance documents be approved.

To advise members of the car parks study undertaken in 2023 and seek agreement to the car parks action plan 2024-2028

Members received a report on the car parks study undertaken in 2023 along with the proposed car park action plan for 2024 to 2028. It was moved by Councillor Bray, seconded by Councillor Bools and

RESOLVED –

(i)            The car parks study 2023 and action plan be noted and included within the local plan evidence base;

(ii)          The study and action plan be shared with the Town Centre Partnership;

(iii)         The car parks action plan be brought back to the Executive for approval.