Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies for absence

To provide an opportunity for Members and Officers to declare any disclosable pecuniary and non-pecuniary interests in any item on the agenda.

There were no declarations of interest.

To provide an opportunity for Members to declare the existence of a party whip in relation to any item on the agenda.

There were no whipping declarations.

A total period of 15 minutes is allocated for members of the public to make a statement(s) on any matter that falls within the remit of the Committee.

Individual members of the public may speak for up to 5 minutes, but the Chairman will decide how the period of time allocated for public speaking will be apportioned, where there are a number of speakers.

Note: In order for officers to undertake any background research, it would be helpful if members of the public contacted the Scrutiny officer listed at the foot of the agenda, at least one working day before the meeting to provide brief details of the matter to be covered.

There were no members of the public present wishing to speak

To approve the minutes of the meeting as a correct record

Consideration was given to the minutes of the last meeting.

RESOLVED

That the minutes be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To receive a presentation on developing the Environmental Services hub

Consideration was given to a presentation on developing the Environmental Services hub. The presentation outlined:

·         The approach

·         Key principals

·         The need for change

·         Key work streams

·         Proposed services to be delivered

·         Progress to date

·         Benefits for Environmental Services

·         Benefits from partnering with Bentley

·         Key issues

It was intended for the hub to be based in Middlewich, land had been purchased, however planning permission was still required. The site provided excellent links to the rest of Cheshire East, the hub would be a waste transfer site and the headquarters for ANSA.

It importance of working closely with Bentley was noted as the migration was two phased, the timeframe was ambitious and planning permission had still to be sought by both Bentley and the Council.

The authority was committed to providing one Environmental Services Hub for the Borough as it was not practicable to provide two for a borough the size of Cheshire East, Members requested to receive evidence to prove that one hub would be cost effective.

With regard to the lessons learnt, it was agreed that there needed to be full communication with Members and the public. It was noted that an engagement strategy was currently being developed.

RESOLVED

That Members receive a cost/benefit analysis of providing one hub for the whole of the Cheshire East.

To receive a presentation updating Members on the Planning Support Company.

Further to the meeting held on 4 December 2014, the Committee received additional information on the Building Control and Planning Support high level process.

Councillor M Hardy had met with finance officers to discuss the evidence relating to mitigating loss and a cumulative surplus of £90K over 5 years. He felt that the financial need to form a company was proven and the suggested profit over 5 years was conservative, however the management fee should be reviewed annually.

Members agreed that the support services costs appeared to be high, however noted, savings would be made through the transition period and that to compete with the private sector the company would need to be commercial.

Members agreed that the constitution needed to be revised to allow the Council to be more agile.

RESOLVED

1.    That the update be received

2.    That the final proposals be supported to the Committee prior to Cabinet.  

To give consideration to the assessment report – to follow

Consideration was given to the Assessment of Waste Collection of compliance with new legislation (TEEP). Under the revised Waste Framework Directive in respect to the Waste (England and Wales) regulations 2011, Regulation 13 required the separate collection of recyclable glass, metal, paper and plastic from householders from January 2015. Therefore as a Council that collects dry recyclables in one silver bin, it would need to be demonstrated that it would be unnecessary and uneconomic to switch to a separate collection and that the quality of the processed recycling streams being produced through the contract with UPM was of the same as if it had been kerbside sorted. The report demonstrated that there was no necessity to collect the materials separately and that it was not technically, environmentally and economically practicable (TEEP) to do so. It was highlighted that this would need to be reviewed if the Council decided to collect food waste.

RESOLVED

That Cabinet be recommended to accept the TEEP Assessment.

To note the current forward plan, identify any new items, and to determine whether any further examination of new issues is appropriate.

Consideration was given to the areas of the forward plan which fall within the remit of the Committee.

RESOLVED

That the forward plan be noted.

To give consideration to the work programme

Consideration was given to the work programme.

RESOLVED

That an update on the energy company be brought to the next meeting.