Agenda and minutes

An apology for absence was received from Councillor M Hardy

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 30 July 2015

Consideration was given to the minutes of the meeting held on 30 July 2015.

RESOLVED

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

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 receive a presentation by the Major Projects Manager

The Committee received a presentation on the energy programme to date. The presentation detailed:

·         Cheshire East Energy Framework

·         Thematic objectives and programme in the energy framework

·         What energy supply companies do in the public sector

·         Types of energy supply companies

·         What models are being used by other authorities

·         Current position in the development of Cheshire East Energy Limited (CEEL)

·         CEEL objectives.

It was highlighted that CEEL currently had no relationship with OVO. Options were currently being investigated and a decision would be made over the next few months.

It was noted that 2756 residents had taken up the fairer power offer, which was on track to hit the business plan target.

RESOLVED

That the update be received

To review the draft Highway Asset Policy and Strategy

Due to the lack of officer attendance for this item, it was agreed that any comments would be submitted to the officer directly

RESOLVED

That any comments be submitted to the Strategic Commissioning Manager

To receive the first quarterly reports for Ansa and Orbitas

Consideration was given to the first quarter reports for Ansa and Orbitas. In the first quarter Ansa Environmental Services reported anticipated annual costs within the agreed management fee. As part of this fee Ansa was set to deliver £500k of savings. There was a £200k pressure this year associated with the need to profile savings targets that were to be achieved by re-letting the waste disposal contract. This would be delayed 12 months until completion of the current Environmental hub infrastructure program. It was noted that complaints were low for Ansa.

In this first quarter Orbitas was forecasting that it would deliver services within the management fee and was reporting compliance with its performance indicator targets. It was noted that work was underway to provide an ‘Orbitas Funeral’ , the aim being to provide the bereaved with financial transparency and to lower the cost of a funeral.

Members raised the following questions, to which R Kemp agreed to circulate a response:

·         How may funerals fell to the Council each year because of no known relatives and are they covered by the management fee?

·         why it had been agreed not to rebuild the bridge at  the valley project in Macclesfield

·         how many  cardboard coffins were used and did they cause any problems for the service

Members had recently attended a tour of the Ansa facilities which Members found most useful and wished to thank the officers involved.

RESOLVED

That the first quarter reports be received

To give consideration to the areas of the forward plan which fall within the remit of the Committee.

Consideration was given to the extracts of the forward plan which fell within the remit of the Committee.

RESOLVED

That Members receive a briefing on Sydney Road Bridge, Congleton Link Road and Poynton Relief Road.

To give consideration to the work programme

Consideration was given to the work programme. It was agreed that the Committee should receive an update on Sydney Road Bridge Replacement Scheme, Congleton Link Road and Poynton Relief Road. It was also agreed that the possibility of a review of the bus services be considered at a later date.

RESOLVED

·         That the Committee receive an update on Sydney Road Bridge Replacement Scheme, Congleton Link Road and Poynton Relief Road.

·         That a review of the rail services be added to the work programme.