Decisions

(Report of Director of Street Scene, Leisure and Technical Services)

The report provided an update on the new Waste Services Contract which started on 1 March, including the improved recycling services due to commence on 30 September 2019.  Details were given of key contractor performance indicators, the uptake of the opt-in garden waste service and arrangements for marketing and communication with residents on the new service.  Reference was also made to the proposed timeframe for the implementation of the revised bring bank sites and arrangements for communal bins.  Members’ assistance was sought in disseminating information to their residents.

Following consideration by the Street Scene and Environment Services Advisory Board, the Cabinet Member for Street Scene and Environment Services resolved that:

(1)          progress made in the implementation of the new waste contract be noted;

(2)          a further update on the mobilisation of the new service arrangements be presented at the next meeting of the Advisory Board on 30 October 2019;

(3)          the proposed approach to the roll-out of communal bins be approved; and

(4)          the proposed timeframe for the implementation of the revised bring bank site arrangements be approved.

(Report of Management Team)

The report gave details of the motion on climate change approved by the Council on 9 July 2019 and set out an approach to addressing the issues involved and bringing forward a Draft Climate Change Strategy by May 2020.

Members were invited to contribute to the shaping of the strategy by sending initial thoughts and comments to the Scrutiny and Partnerships Manager.  It was noted that, following approval of the draft by the Council, there would be a period of public consultation to inform the final strategy.  In the meantime it was agreed that all reports should include a section on assessment of climate change impact.

Following consideration by the Street Scene and Environment Services Advisory Board, the Cabinet Member for Street Scene and Environment Services resolved that:

The timescale for delivery of the Draft Climate Change Strategy, as set out in the report, be endorsed.

(Report of the Chief Executive)

The report provided an update on added-value activities delivered by the Borough Council under the ‘skills and work readiness’ agenda and set out details of future activities which would meet the aims of the Economic Regeneration Strategy Action Plan for 2020/21.

Following consideration by the Economic Regeneration Advisory Board, the Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration resolved that:

The proposed activities for 2020/21, as set out at paragraph 1.5.2 to the report, be endorsed.

(Report of Chief Executive)

The report sought endorsement of the submission of an application to the Fairtrade Foundation for the renewal of Tonbridge’s Fairtrade Town Status.

Following consideration by the Economic Regeneration Advisory Board, the Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration resolved that:

(1)          the content of the report be noted; and

(2)          subject to the inclusion of the University of Kent and Tonbridge Castle as local organisations engaged in Fairtrade activities, the renewal submission, as outlined at paragraph 1.2.3 of the report, be endorsed.

(Report of Chief Executive)

The report provided an update on economic regeneration initiatives within the Borough funded by income received from the Business Rates Retention Pilot.  Particular reference was made to the Town and District Commercial Frontages Grant Scheme and the proposed Local Centres and Parades Improvements Scheme.

Following consideration by the Economic Regeneration Advisory Board, the Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration resolved that:

(1)          the content of the report be noted;

(2)          the proposal to close the Town and District Centres Commercial Frontages Scheme to new applications by the end of December 2019 be approved; and

(3)          delivery of a Local Centres and Parades Improvement Scheme be approved and this initiative be launched before the end of December 2019.