Agenda item

The Committee considered the report of the Corporate Management Team which presented progress against the Councils corporate basket of performance indicators for the Altogether Greener theme and report other significant performance issues for the second quarter of the 2016/17 financial year, covering the period October to December 2016 (for copy of report, see file of minutes)

The Customer Relations Policy and Performance Manager, Mary Readman gave a presentation which gave an update of the performance indicators relating to:

·         Performance summary

·         Achievements

·         Refuse and Recycling

·         Improved Environmental Cleanliness

·         Fly-tipping

·         Condition of the Local Authority road network

·         Reduction in carbon emissions

·         Renewable Energy Generation

Councillor Joan Gray left at 10.15 am

The Chairman thanked the Customer Relations Policy and Performance Manager and asked Members for their comments and questions.

Councillor P May noted the improvements to the Local Authority road network and asked whether now there could be improvements to the unclassified or estate roads, filling in potholes and such.  The Customer Relations Policy and Performance Manager noted that it was dependent upon funds and weather conditions, as further investment may need to be made, however, the Head of Technical Services, John Reed would be the appropriate Officer to speak to Members in this regard.

Councillor O Millburn asked how dog fouling was monitored, noting that anecdotally it seemed to be on the increase.  The Customer Relations Policy and Performance Manager explained that there were three surveys carried out annually looking at areas including residential, business and retail and assessing litter, detritus and dog fouling.  It was added that whenever incidents were reported, the Neighbourhood Protection Team and Neighbourhood Wardens would look to investigate as appropriate.

Councillor J Clare noted that household waste was sometimes left on street corners and added he felt that this could be linked to education, awareness of the bulky household waste collection that the council offered, furniture schemes and ensuring people chose reputable tradespeople who dispose of their waste responsibly.  Councillor J Armstrong agreed with Councillor J Clare that there was a need to educate, and to reiterate the message that individuals were responsible in terms of checking that anyone carrying out works for them had all the requisite permits in terms of waste disposal.  He added that the use of household waste recycling centres was free for the disposal of domestic waste and that not all residents were aware of this. Councillor J Clark added that she felt that there needed to be wider publicity of a facility available on the Council’s website whereby members of the public could upload photos of fly-tipping and this was useful in helping to investigate and secure convictions.  The Customer Relations Policy and Performance Manager noted that the facility was being tested and added that it was important to help provide the Neighbourhood Protection Team with evidence to follow up, and to then prosecute offenders.  Councillor J Clark noted that often people were reticent to come forward and provide a statement, however, would be likely to be willing to upload photos.

The Chairman noted that she felt it was important to try and educate parents, adding that at school closing time parents would often empty their cars of rubbish and this then becomes windblown and all over the area.

Councillor P May noted a serious fly-tipping incident in his Division and that in that case there had been an attempt to burn evidence, and that information from members of the public was vital in terms of tackling the issue.  He added that the local AAP, environment groups, Parish Council, residents group all worked together to help in this regard and he added that the word was spreading amongst such groups of how to take action.  Councillor P May added he would advise any Member to look to engage though their local AAP and neighbourhood groups on this issue. 

The Customer Relations Policy and Performance Manager noted a Facebook page, separate from the Council’s page, that highlighted recycling “do’s and don’ts”, which also set out facts to bust myths around these issues.

Mr D Kinch noted that the Neighbourhood Protection Manager, Ian Hoult had spoken to the Smaller Councils’ Forum as regards training Town and Parish Council staff in how to issue Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) and that this training had been provided at no cost.  He asked whether many had taken up this opportunity and if not could it be more publicised.  The Customer Relations Policy and Performance Manager noted she would speak to the Neighbourhood Protection Manager.  Mr T Bolton noted that speaking to Shildon Town Council, he had noted that two members of staff had been trained in how to issue PSPOs.  Councillor J Armstrong added it would be interesting to see whether it would have an effect.

Councillor O Milburn noted she had tried to explain to her neighbour as regards 95% diversion from landfill and was not believed.  She asked whether this figures could be displayed along the sides of the refuse vehicles to help educate the public on the excellent work of the Authority in this regard.  The Customer Relations Policy and Performance Manager noted the performance information was made public and discussions were ongoing with the Head of Planning and Performance, Jenny Haworth as regards how best to get the information out to the public.

Resolved:

That the report be noted.