Agenda item

To consider a report of the Executive Director, Core Services and the Executive Director, Place (Item 5a) in respect of the Future Council Improvement Review of Neighbourhood Services (Item 5b).

The following witnesses were welcomed to the meeting:-

·         Matt Gladstone, Executive Director – Place, BMBC

·         Paul Castle, Service Director – Environment and Transport, Place, BMBC

·         Howard Gaskin, Area Manager – Environment and Transport, Place, BMBC

·         Rachel Tyas, Head of Transformation – Environment and Transport, Place, BMBC

·         Councillor Roy Miller, Cabinet Spokesperson – Place, BMBC

Paul Castle introduced the item, reminding Members that this was one of three areas currently under review in the Place directorate that looked at modernising the service and further improving efficiency.

A presentation was then given by Rachel Tyas by way of further introduction.  This looked at the scope of the review and the key challenges facing the service.  Noted was the need to make efficiency savings, but also to modernise by moving to a more flexible service working over 7 days.

Members heard that over 16,000 grass plots were currently serviced, and issues such as differing standards and legacy agreements were noted.  Also acknowledged was the lack of clarity around demarcation of responsibilities with regards to Highways England.

It was noted that a litter bin audit was underway, and around 1,900 existed within the borough.  Many litter bins were placed in close proximity to dog bins, and there were different frequencies of emptying bins.

Members noted that 94.5% of the workforce was male, and by 2020 25% of the workforce would be over 55 which highlighted the need for succession planning.

Thanks were given for the presentation and the open dialogue with Members.  Questions were then invited and discussion entered into, where the following issues were covered:-

·         Questions were raised regarding consultation with Members, and it was noted that appearing before the committee was part of the consultation, with further planned through Area Councils and with members via other means such as Ward Alliances.

·         Concern was expressed about moves towards residents accessing services online, and that this would disproportionally impact on those already disadvantaged.   Noted was the Council’s move towards residents digitally accessing services as part of the Customer Services Strategy, including through social media, and the BMBC App.  However, it was noted that there was still a high volume of calls taken from residents.

·         In relation to how tasks were monitored, ensuring they were completed satisfactorily. It was noted that part of the modernisation and transformation would include the use of technology to assist with this. The use of new smartphones for operatives was being explored, as was technology use as part of back office functions.  It was also acknowledged that setting new standards would also assist in managing the performance of staff. Members heard how 4 staff together with 4 apprentices had recently started to pilot new ways of working with the use of technology.

·         It was noted that ensuring equipment was fit for purpose may also help assist in ensuring productivity in the workforce, especially in light of the current age profile of the workforce.

·         In response to suggestions to increase the size of bins to reduce collection frequency it was acknowledged that close work with Members was required to identify appropriate locations for bins, however there was no additional capital budget for replacement.

·         Members noted the significant number of grass plots serviced and that other creative options to reduce the demand were being considered.  These included such as housing in-fill development and allotments.

·         As part of the review members noted the cross-over with reviews in Waste Management, and Highways and Engineering including in functions such as fleet and stores.

·         The need for positive relationships with functions funded through the Area Councils to ensure services were complementary was acknowledged, and the positive working relationships that now existed was praised.

·         Attention was drawn to some of the outcomes of previous reviews, including the delivery charge for replacement bins.  In response Members were made aware that this had resulted in far fewer bins being requested, and residents were more likely to look after their own bins.

·         Members requested to be kept fully briefed on the outcomes of the review, and officers reiterated the plans for Member involvement throughout the process.

·         The availability of communal recycling points was discussed, and it was noted that bagged recycling waste would be collected if placed alongside the recycle bin on collection day.

·         Members heard how ‘quick wins’ identified throughout the review process could be implemented earlier, but that any fundamental change would be post April 2019 over a planned period of 12 months.

·         The waste of private companies was discussed, and it was noted that officers worked with enforcement colleagues in order to address issues with commercial waste.  In addition it was suggested that businesses were being engaged through the Principal Towns scheme to take more responsibility for their own area. 

·         Queries were raised in relation to Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMO) and their propensity to produce significant amounts of waste, and it was suggested that this was an area which could be considered in more detail in the future by the Waste Management service.  Work with landlords and managing agents to address problems associated with waste in private sector rented properties was noted, and it was thought that the implementation of a selective licencing scheme would assist.

·         It was suggested that the bulky waste collection service and that to remove fly-tipping could be better structured to work together, and the disparities in collection times was acknowledged.  Members noted that technology could help scheduling and routes for collection in this respect.

·         Members heard how there had been month on month reductions in fly tipping over the past 14 months, with many CCTV cameras in place and a significant focus on publicity, including on social media.  It was noted that fines were low for those prosecuted, and Members heard how the LGA was being encouraged to speak on behalf of the sector about how this provided little deterrent.

RESOLVED:-

(i)            That the witnesses be thanked for their attendance and contribution;

(ii)          That the service ensure that Members are fully involved and briefed throughout the review and improvement process;

(iii)         That consideration be given to remove the variance in timescales between the bulky waste collection and fly-tipping removal services; and

(iv)         That the report be received.