Agenda item

The item was introduced by the Area Council Manager who provided an update in relation to procurement.

The notice inviting tenders to deliver Tidy Team provision had been advertised with a closing date of 5^th November, 2018, with an evaluation panel being convened on 3^rd December.  It was expected that the revised service would commence 1^st April, 2019.

In relation to the current Tidy Team and their preparing for winter, a suggestion was made that finance be made available for the purchase of grit for use by the Tidy Team.  A figure of up to £1,000 was proposed, with further detail to be submitted to the Area Council in due course.

In relation to procuring parking enforcement services, the OJEU notice of procurement had been issued and officers were awaiting details of the TUPE implications.  An evaluation panel was expected to convene at the end of November, 2018.  Members noted that the provision in the South Area had been added to that in Central and North East Areas, to be managed in three separate lots, in order to make the procurement more attractive.

In response to queries from Members, it was confirmed that the officers in question would have the powers to issue fixed penalty notices for dog fouling and littering should they come across these issues in their patrolling, though the focus would be on parking enforcement.

Members heard how the revised specification of requirements for advice services provision was still being drafted, but would be circulated to Members for comment in due course.  The additional advice sessions funded through the Area Council were now operational, with appointments being scheduled for the most complex cases.  A report on performance would be considered at the December meeting of the Area Council.

Members discussed the funding of potential revisions to a Traffic Regulation Order in relation to Blythe Street.  After some debate it was suggested that further investigation be undertaken prior to this being considered by the Area Council.

A suggestion was made that traffic management could be the subject of an exercise to consider boroughwide services delivered locally, which met with support of the Area Council. It was suggested that, if possible, this be undertaken prior to the service to deliver parking enforcement becoming operational.

RESOLVED:-

(i)            That the current financial position as detailed in the report be noted;

(ii)          That up to £1,000 be allocated to the purchase of grit to be used by the Tidy Team, with further detail of the expected amounts and costs to be submitted to the December meeting of the Area Council;

(iii)         That the timescales for commissioning associated with the Environmental Tidy Team and for Parking Enforcement be noted;

(iv)         That the length of Environmental Tidy Team, Parking Enforcement, and Advice Services contracts be noted;

(v)          That further discussion around the revision of a Traffic Regulation Order in relation to Blythe Street take place prior to its reconsideration by the Area Council;

(vi)         That traffic management in the South Area forms the basis of an exercise to consider boroughwide services delivered locally.