Agenda and minutes

It was moved by Councillor Webber-Jones, seconded by Councillor Williams and

RESOLVED – the minutes of the meeting held on 23 November 2020 be confirmed as a correct record.

No interests were declared at this stage.

To review the activities of Street Scene Services.

Members received an update on the activities of the council’s streetscene services that included waste management, green spaces, clean neighbourhood’s and car parks that all formed part of the Environment & Planning directorate. The report set out the key activities during the first three quarters of 20/21 during which the service faced considerable challenges due to the coronavirus pandemic. It was noted that

·         The team focussed on core services throughout this period, working with reduced staffing levels and increased demand

·         Both the green waste and recycling figures were significantly increased

·         There was an increase in fly tipping

·         The first electric vehicle charging points had been installed and would be connected in mid-April

·         The number of bulky collections had been increased due to demand

·         A litter strategy for the A5 corridor was being introduced

·         Central Government are still developing their waste and resources plan which includes food waste collections and a deposit return scheme

Members were reminded that car parking was free after 3pm in some of the council’s town centre car parks.

Members thanked the team for their hard work throughout this period.

RESOLVED – the report be noted.

To provide the third quarter outturn position for performance indicators, service improvement plans, corporate risks and service area risks.

Members were provided with the third quarter 2020/21 outturn position for performance indicators, service improvement plans, corporate risks and service area risks. It was reiterated that considerable additional work had taken place in terms of our response to the pandemic and this report highlighted what the organisation had managed to achieve. It was highlighted that:

·         The number of lost calls was above target despite more business being transacted via the telephone during the pandemic

·         A different approach to monitoring performance would be taken in 2021/22 due to delivering the recovery strategy

·         A high number of new food businesses had registered throughout this period which had increased the need for the inspecting of new premises. It was noted that additional resources were being brought in to support this work for a short period

·         Payment of the £3m ARG business grant were still ongoing and a new scheme was due to be launched shortly.

Members noted:

·         The impact that the coronavirus pandemic had had on planned activities during the year on service delivery, service demand had created additional budgetary pressures

·         That all of the additional activities delivered as a result of the pandemic that had not been envisaged when the original service plans for 2020/21 were drafted

·         The third quarter 2020/21 outturn position for performance indicators, service improvement plans, corporate risks and service area risks

·         The risks that posed the most significant threat to the council’s objectives and priorities.

In response to a question from a member, it was confirmed that development of a new Local Plan was on the corporate risk register but did not feature in the report as it was not a ‘net red’ risk.

RESOLVED – the report be noted.

To present the financial outturn position at December 2020.

The financial outturn position as at December 2020 was presented to members. It was highlighted that

·         Car parks income was down £320,000 for the year but the government compensation grant had covered the bulk of that loss

·         The crematorium project needed to be reprofiled due to delays.

RESOLVED – the report be noted.

To inform members of treasury management activity in the third quarter of 2020/21.

Members were presented with a report on the council’s treasury management activity in the third quarter of 2020/21. It was highlighted that

·         Interest on investments was down in addition to the borrowing rates

·         The current cash flow position was healthy but most of this was due to go out over the next few months.

RESOLVED – the report be noted.

To inform members of the position on sundry debts in the third quarter of 2020/21.

The position on sundry debts in the third quarter as at 31 December 2020 was reported to members.

RESOLVED – the report be noted.