Agenda, decisions and minutes

There were no declarations of interest in accordance with the Code of Conduct.  However, Councillor N Heslop referred to a potential interest in any items that might have implications for the Bridge Trust on the grounds that he was a member of its Board.

To confirm as a correct record the Notes of the meeting of the Housing and Environment Services Advisory Board held on 9 November 2015

RESOLVED:  That the notes of the meeting of the Housing and Environment Services Advisory Board held on 9 November 2015 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

The report of the Director of Street Scene, Leisure and Technical Services gave details of the current arrangements for collecting fridges/freezers and provided a comparison with neighbouring authorities.  In accordance with Decision No D160015CAB, consideration was given to proposals for introducing charges following a review of concessions for fridges/freezers and bulky household waste collections.  It was noted that overall savings arising from the introduction of the proposed charges were estimated at around £40,000 per annum.  Members were assured that fly tipping would continue to be monitored closely and kept under review.

RECOMMENDED:  That the charges outlined in paragraph 1.4.3 of the report be introduced with effect from 1 April 2016 and future charges and service requests be kept under review.

*Referred to Cabinet

Decision Notice D160023MEM

The report of the Director of Planning, Housing and Environmental Health summarised a response submitted to the last part of a three stage consultation by DEFRA on the review of the Local Air Quality Management (LAQM) regime.  The document invited views on Government measures to improve LAQM delivery including seven proposed changes to the framework.  The Annex to the report contained answers to the questions posed in the consultation.  Particular concern was expressed that the consultation proposed responsibility for and resource implications of addressing PM2.5 (small particulate material) pollution be shifted from DEFRA to local authorities despite a lack of statutory status.

RECOMMENDED:  That the comments submitted by officers to DEFRA in response to the third stage consultation on the LAQM regime, as set out at Annex 1 to the report, be endorsed.

The report of the Director of Planning, Housing and Environmental Health provided an update on key issues relating to the Housing Service.  Particular reference was made to the outcome of the recent round of meetings of the Housing Associations Liaison Panel, highlighting affordability and rent levels and the implications of the focus on Shared Ownership.  Attention was also drawn to the response submitted to Kent County Council’s consultation on proposed changes to the way supported accommodation and floating support for young people were provided in future.  In addition Members were advised of the current position regarding homeless households living in temporary accommodation.

The report of the Director of Street Scene, Leisure and Technical Services provided an update on a number of projects and initiatives within Waste and Street Scene services.  Particular reference was made to the “Love Kent – Hate Litter” campaign and participation in the national “Clean for the Queen” campaign.  Members were advised that Tonbridge and Malling was the first council to adopt “Littergram”, a new free app created by a local resident to exploit the latest smartphone technologies in helping clear the streets and countryside of rubbish.

The report gave details of 12 winners of the Environmental Champions Award who would be recognised at a reception at Tonbridge Castle on 26 February.  An update was also given on the use of Waste Resources Action Programme (WRAP) funding obtained by the Kent Resource Partnership Communications Group together with progress on the TMBC Communications Plan which would be reported to the Advisory Board in May.

The Chairman to move that the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting during consideration of any items the publication of which would disclose exempt information.

There were no items considered in private.