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 declarations of a party whip

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 on 4 September 2014

Consideration was given to the minutes of the meeting held on 4 September 2014.

RESOLVED

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

To examine the draft Municipal Waste Strategy 2030.

Further to the meeting held on 4 September 2014, consideration was given to the Municipal Waste Management Strategy 2030, outlining the key aims and objectives for future waste management in Cheshire East, the public consultation on the objectives and steps that would be needed to implement them.

During consideration of the strategy the following points were raised:

·         The core aim of the strategy was to gain energy from waste rather than bury it; several options to achieve this were outlined in the strategy. Members felt that this aim should be made clearer.

·         It was noted that in the short term, there were no plans to close any of the Household Waste Recycling Centres sites. However, in an ever changing market, the authority needed to be flexible and consider all viable options up to 2030.

·         The Strategic Environmental Assessment had gone out to consultation, all comments received had been positive.

·         A feasibility study was currently being undertaken on the possible location of the anaerobic digester.

·         With regard to commercial opportunities, it was agreed that a robust business case was required. Members requested to receive a copy of the SWOT analysis.

·         It was important to ensure that the service to Cheshire East residents remained excellent and focused. There was currently no drive to expand the service.

·         A strategic review of the HWRC’s contract which terminated in 2018 was required.

·         With regard to table 5.2 on page 62 of the report (optimisation of HWRC network), Members raised significant doubts regarding the statement ‘Highly viable option being considered and introduced elsewhere’.

RESOLVED

That Cabinet be recommend to approve the draft Municipal Waste Strategy 2030

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 forward plan. With regard to key decision CE14/15-24, Highway Services Contract – Service Period Extension, Members requested that the report be submitted to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee prior to Cabinet. It was also agreed that an update on the permit to work scheme for utility companies be considered at that meeting and the Commissioning Manager be invited to attend.

RESOLVED

1.    That Key Decision CE14/15-24, Highway Services Contract – Service Period Extension be considered at the Committee scheduled to be held on 6 November 2014.

2.    That an update on the permit to work scheme for utility companies be considered at the meeting scheduled to be held on 6 November 2014 and the Commissioning Manager be invited to attend that meeting.

To give consideration to the work programme

Consideration was given to the work programme. It was agreed that the options appraisal for Planning Support Company would be considered at the meeting scheduled to be held on 6 November 2014.

RESOLVED

That the options appraisal for Planning Support Company be considered at the meeting scheduled to be held on 6 November 2014.