Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors G Barton and R Fletcher.

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 wishing to speak

To approve the minutes of the last 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 the position regarding fuel poverty in Cheshire East.

Consideration was given to a presentation on fuel poverty in Cheshire East outlining:

·         Definition of fuel poverty

·         3 main influences on fuel poverty

·         Who are the fuel poor

·         National fuel poverty targets

·         Strategic links

·         Fuel poverty in Cheshire East

·         Action taken in Cheshire East

It was noted that by 2018 privately rented properties must achieve a minimum energy efficiency standard of band D. Members agreed that tackling fuel poverty within the private sector was a difficult issue, however, there were several projects being undertaken by the Council.  The most recent initative, being the Energy Supply Scheme, which would be up and running within the next few weeks.  This scheme would enable residents to benefit from competitive rates below the average of the ‘Big Six’. Members agreed that for the scheme to be successful, it needed as much publicity as possible, particularly through Councillors, Town and Parish Councils,  libraries and customer centres.

RESOLVED

That a strong publicity campaign be delivered for the Energy Supply Company.

To give consideration to the Cabinet report on Transport Service Solutions Ltd

Consideration was given to a Cabinet report on the proposals to implement Transport Service Solutions Ltd (TSSL), a Council owned and controlled company for the delivery of transport services. It was highlighted that since the original approval of 29 April 2014, further ‘due diligence’ work had been undertaken along with detailed work regarding the contract between the Council and TSSL, resulting in some changes to the approved business case.

During detailed consideration of the report, the following comments were made:

·         There would be no immediate change to the service, however over a period of time there would be new business opportunities and efficiencies made.

·         There was not currently a strong clear policy on the services offered by the Council, this would be rectified over the next 12 months.

·         The proposals would allow the service to do things differently.

·         The financial detail did not appear to show the management fee reducing year on year.

·         The Committee sounded a note of cautions as the proposed estimates for new business generation outlined for years 3, 4 and 5 were merely business assumptions until the market had been tested.

·         Members were assured that part of the business case was to improve customer satisfaction.

·         With regard to paragraph 11.6 of the report, it was agreed that it needed to be made clear that any decisions would be made by the Children’s and Families Service and not TSSL.

·         Members of the Committee should be given the opportunity to see section 1 of the specification.

·         The Council may be able to secure a better deal through other councils or businesses, than that offered by TSSL. It was suggested that this was the safest option short term and the competitive market would drive the contract long term.

RESOLVED

That Cabinet be recommended to approve the report subject to consideration being given to the comments highlighted above and paragraph 11.6 being clarified.

To receive the second quarter Ansa and Orbitas reports.

Consideration was given to the second quarter performance report for Ansa and Orbitas. Members had recently attended site visits of the Ansa and Orbitas facilities which they found most helpful and wished to repeat annually.

With regard to Ansa, the report highlighted three areas of pressure relating to savings associated with the garden waste shut down, the discount on chargeable garden waste bins and capital replacement of worn out bins. Members noted that there had been an improvement in the bin collection service, which they felt had always been excellent. However, the challenge was to reduce costs without a reduction in performance.

It was noted that discussions were taking place with Ringway Jacobs regarding hiring out a trailer for events, the Committee agreed that this opportunity should also be available to community groups.

Members commended the considerable amount of work that had been carried out to develop the apprenticeship scheme and  noted that priority had been given to those children in or leaving care. However, it was felt that one group of children should not be disadvantaged at the sake of another.

With regard to Orbitas there had been a 3% reduction in burials and cremations undertaken, which was in line with a decrease nationally of 5%. The report forecasted a shortfall in income, projecting an overall annual pressure of £179,000 against a net budget of £1.3m, this was due to the reduction in death rates and increased competition to provide local bereavement services.

With regard to KPI’s, Members felt that the number of exhumations due to erroneous burials should be nil rather than  3 or less.

During Members visit to Macclesfield cemetery, it became apparent that investment and maintenance was required in the valley, however, as this was an asset, it was the Councils responsibility.

RESOLVED

That the reports be received subject to the comments highlighted above.

To give consideration to the Cabinet report seeking approval to extend the Highway Service Contract. The Strategic Commissioning Manager for Highways will also provide a verbal update on the Permit to Work Scheme.

Consideration was given to a Cabinet report seeking approval to extend the highway service contract to Ringway Jacobs, following the achievement of the contractual Key Strategic Indicator (KSI) targets in 2012/13 and 2013/14.

It was reported that the permit to work scheme had now gone live. Permit fees would not be charged for the first month and there would be a period of bedding in, however improvements on network co-ordination and quality of work would start to be seen in the near future.

RESOLVED

That Cabinet, acting in its role of employer under the contract, be recommended to award an extension to the service period of 2 years. 

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, it was highlighted that since the publication of this agenda, CE 14/15-34 Handyperson and Minor Adaptations Service - To authorise officers to take all necessary actions to transfer the existing Handyperson and Minor Adaptations Service to Orbitas Limited, and put in place contractual arrangements for Orbitas Limited to act as the Council’s agent in the delivery of this service, had been added to the Forward Plan. Members agreed that as this item related to Orbitas, it should be considered by the is Committee at a later date.

RESOLVED

That key decision CE 14/15-34, Handyperson and Minor Adaptations Service be considered by the New Delivery Vehicles and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

To give consideration to the work programme

Consideration was given to the work programme. It was agreed that CE 14/15-34

Handyperson and Minor Adaptations Service be considered at the meeting scheduled to be held on 4 December 2014.

RESOLVED

That that CE 14/15-34 Handyperson and Minor Adaptations Service be considered at the meeting scheduled to be held on 4 December 2014.