Agenda item

To consider the report and make any appropriate recommendations to Cabinet.

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Officers presented the report which looked to prioritise and improve the response to dumped waste along with improving the education of residents and visitors, supporting community litter-picks and other initiatives, whilst dealing firmly with those who were intent on illegally discarding their waste through enforcement.

The Chair thanked officers for the report and invited questions and comments as summarised below.

Councillor Bubb asked if there would be a small charge for removal of items larger than black sacks.  The Waste and Recycling Manager explained that the ability to remove larger items for a charge would be considered during the future development of the scheme.

Councillor Bambridge asked what the situation was for end of tenancy clearances and the Waste and Recycling Manager explained that this was considered to be commercial waste.

Councillor Devereux welcomed the proposals and referred to the removal of dead seals which had previously caused problems due to land ownership.  He also asked if work would be carried out with farmers to make waste disposal easier.  The Waste and Recycling Manager explained that the ability to offer chargeable services to farmers and land owners would be considered as part of the future development of the proposals.  The Principal Environmental Health Officer explained that the Council also participated in the Rural Crime Network which involved meetings with land owners.

Councillor Bullen referred to education and asked what work would be carried out.  The Waste and Recycling Manager explained that additional resources would be provided by the Communications Teams and the new posts for this service would also include the need to engage the public formally and informally.

Councillor Kemp addressed the Panel under Standing Order 34.  She welcomed the proposals and hoped that they would tackle problematic areas such as an area in Poppyfields, West Lynn near the bus stop.

Councillor Joyce cautioned the use of charging and noted that not all could afford the bulky waste collection service.  It was explained by officers that this charge would need to be considered during the budget and fees and charges setting process, but cautioned that if there was not a charge for the service more people would use it instead of taking items to the Household Recycling Centre and then additional resources would be required.  The Waste and Recycling Manager reminded those present of the red tag scheme which cost £2 and would allow an extra black bag to be collected.

Councillor Squire referred to the financial implications as set out in the report and the percentage allocated to community engagement.  The Assistant Director explained that some of the work would be shouldered by the Communications Team and the budget allocated in the report was for more specific items.

Councillor Squire also asked about other enforcement issues such as burying of waste and building sites.  The Assistant Director encouraged Councillors to report any specific issues to the Enforcement Team.

RECOMMENDATION: That the Panel support the recommendations to Cabinet as follows:

1.     To commit additional resourcing to address the clean neighbourhood issues and reinforce the council’s commitment to dealing with litter, fly-tipping and clean neighbourhood issues to improve the appearance and environment of the Borough.

2.     Approve the resourcing and expenditure as set out in the report.

3.      To approve the vehicle procurement in line with our climate change policy as set out in the report.