Agenda item

To receive the report from the Director of Communities and Environment which sets out the response to the recommendations stated in the Scrutiny inquiry report with regard to kerbside collection of recycling of domestic waste. The report also provides the draft waste strategy for Leeds for the Boards consideration.

The report of the Director of Communities and Environment set out the responses to the recommendations of the Scrutiny Board (Environment, Housing and Communities) inquiry into the kerbside collection of recycling and domestic waste.

A copy of the draft waste strategy for Leeds was appended to the report.

The following were in attendance:

o  James Rogers, Director Communities and Environment

o  Councillor Rafique, Executive Member for Environment and Active Lifestyles

o  John Woolmer, Deputy Chief Officer Waste Management

o  Polly Cooke, Executive Programme Manager

o  Amy Dickinson, Service Manager Environmental Services

o  Laura Driver, Customer Access Development Manager

Members’ attention was brought to the recommendations which were outlined in the submitted report.

In addition, the Service Manager Environmental Services and Customer Access Development Manager, provided the Board with a presentation detailing work which had taken place between the Refuse Service and Customer Access, to produce information which would be accessible on the Council website when it goes live. Members were provided with a demonstration on how residents would view bin collection issues.

The Scrutiny Board considered the responses to the recommendations, and discussion focused on issues including the following:

Recommendation 1

·  Clarity was sought regarding community waste disposal and storage systems. Officers confirmed that any community facilities would be implemented in full consultation with ward members to ensure the best solution is provided.

Recommendation 3

·  A query was raised in relation to council departments being aware of the timescales for receiving the money for resources from the government. Members noted that upon implementation of the waste strategy, officers intended to lobby the government.

Recommendation 4

·  A Member expressed that the context of the draft waste strategy was to state an ambition rather than outline a strategy for change. The Board was advised that the strategy provided a 2 year proposal; the Director of Communities and Environment clarified that although funding streams were somewhat unclear at present, the draft strategy outlines the proposed direction.

·  Clarity was sought in regard to the conversion of gas supply from methane to hydrogen. Officers confirmed this has been subject to testing nationally and is deemed to be a safe alternative.

·  In response to a query in regard to the ‘city conversation’ and for clarity regarding those who have been consulted with. The Board was advised that the conversation is in its early states. Officers confirmed this specific information listing consultees so far will be provided to the Board. The Board suggested consultation through Community Committees, with community forums in addition to the wider public.

·  The Board questioned the extent of focus on waste prevention, with particular reference to reducing food waste. The Board acknowledged that this waste stream in Leeds does not go to landfill unlike some other authorities and welcomes the focus on programmed waste prevention education so far.

Recommendation 6

·  Clarity was sought on the new Crew Chargehand post; officers confirmed that recruitment was soon to take place following approval of the post. Those staff would receive the relevant in-cab training.

Recommendation 8

·  Members queried the delayed rollout of the use of in-cab technology, in response, it was explained that there is specific focus to ensure that the technology will be maximised.

Recommendation 11

·  A Member queried the provision in place to ensure that emergency TRO’s are carried out in a timely fashion, and in response, officers confirmed suitable sites are currently being reviewed and that further progress information, would be provided to the Principal Scrutiny Advisor.

On conclusion of the discussion, the Chair thanked those in attendance for their contributions and hard work.

RESOLVED – The Scrutiny Board (Environment, Housing and Communities):

a)  Noted the Directors response to the recommendations from the Scrutiny Inquiry into Kerbside Collection and Recycling of Domestic Waste

b)  Noted the information contained within the submitted report and the appended City Waste Strategy

c)  Requested that the views of the Scrutiny Board regarding the draft waste strategy be provided verbally by officers as an update to Executive Board report on the 24^th July 2019