Agenda, decisions and minutes

There were no declarations of interest made in accordance with the Code of Conduct.

To confirm as a correct record the Notes of the meeting of the Street Scene and Environment Services Advisory Board held on 30 October 2019

RESOLVED:  That the notes of the meeting of the Street Scene and Environment Services Advisory Board held on 30 October 2019 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

This report updates Members on progress with the Waste Services Contract following the introduction of opportunities for new and improved recycling services on 30th September 2019.  The report outlines progress against the key aims of the new service and actions taken by the Council and Urbaser in addressing outstanding contract performance issues.

Decision Notice D200007MEM

The report of the Director of Street Scene, Leisure and Technical Services provided an update on progress with the Waste Services Contract following the introduction of opportunities for new and improved recycling services on 30 September 2019.  The report outlined progress against the key aims of the new service and actions taken by the Council and Urbaser to address outstanding contract performance issues. 

RECOMMENDED:  That

(1)       achievement of the new service to date against the stated improvement aims be noted;

(2)       actions taken by both Urbaser and the Council to improve contract performance be noted and the outcomes of the Contract Action Plan be closely monitored;

(3)       the roll-out of new services to Flats and the Communal Bin Stores and the subsequent reduction in bring bank sites be delayed until the collection arrangements are delivered in accordance with the contract requirements; and

(4)       detailed performance information be reported to future meetings of the Street Scene and Environment Services Advisory Board. 

Following a motion adopted by full Council, it was agreed that a strategy be developed to support the aspiration for Tonbridge and Malling to be carbon neutral by 2030.  A draft climate change strategy setting out the Council’s commitment to local action on climate change, biodiversity protection and an approach to partnership working would be prepared by May 2020.

-       An initial draft Climate Change Strategy is attached as Annex 1

-       A draft Climate Change Action Plan is attached as Annex 2

Decision Notice D200008MEM

Further to the Motion adopted by full Council in July 2019 to develop a strategy to support the aspiration for Tonbridge and Malling to be carbon neutral by 2030 the report of the Chief Executive set out, at Annexes 1 and 2, an initial draft Climate Change Strategy and a draft Climate Change Action Plan.  It was noted that the draft strategy set out the Council’s commitment to local action on climate change, biodiversity protection and enhancement and an approach to partnership working. 

It was acknowledged that the strategy would evolve over time and noted that consultation with the community, key partners and stakeholders and interested groups would be undertaken between the end of February and end April 2020 with the responses to the consultation reported to the meeting of the Advisory Board to be held on 9 June 2020.  It was further noted that the evolution and delivery of the Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan would encompass a number of services across the Authority with individual work streams undertaken by the appropriate board or committee.

RECOMMENDED:  That

(1)       the initial Draft Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan, as set out at Annexes 1 and 2 to the report, be endorsed for consultation purposes; and

(2)       the financial and value for money considerations, as set out at paragraph 1.3 of the report, be noted.

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.