Agenda item

The Head of Transport and Highways, and the Group Manager, Network Management and Resilience were welcomed to the meeting to discuss the delivery and performance of their service in the area.  Members heard how their service was moving from a ‘Worst First’ prioritisation method towards a services led by intelligence provided by condition surveys, which informed the most efficient use of resources.

It was noted that surveying of all roads was currently underway, which would inform a short, medium and long term strategy for the maintenance of highways.  This was expected to go live for the 2017/18 financial year, with a transitional plan for 2016/17.

Members noted that reports of defects would still be considered and dealt according to their urgency.

The meeting discussed a number of areas where the team could assist the Area Council, including signage in the area.

Members noted proposed changes improve the efficiency of how the service dealt with ad-hoc requests from Parish Councils, Area Councils, Councillors etc.  It was suggested that there be an annual ‘window’ where applications could be considered, with the highest priority schemes being added to the capital programme for the service in the next financial year.

The Area Council Manager updated Members on the performance of services commissioned by the Area Council currently being delivered in the area.

It was noted that the Training For Employment contract had ended on the 31^st March, 2016.  A final report was being prepared and would be considered by the Area Council at its meeting on 6^th June, 2016.  Members questioned the ownership of the assets purchased by the project, and it was noted that these remained owned by the Council, but were currently being used by volunteers at the Salvation Army to provide assistance with basic job search.

With regards to the Environmental Enforcement Service, Members noted that since the start of the contract until 10^th March, 2016, 717 notices had been issued, with 531 being for littering, 55 for dog fouling and 131 for parking.  This had resulted in £25,552.95 of revenue raised which would be returned to the Area Council.

Members received an update on the performance of the contract with Twiggs Grounds Maintenance.  All actions since the previous monitoring meeting had been completed and Twiggs had engaged 14 businesses to date.

It was noted that Twiggs had worked with 13 established groups on clean up campaigns and led three social action projects. Members heard how 209 bags of waste had been collected and 76 litter picks undertaken.  Members commented how the impact of the project was now being seen wider, with residents now more likely to pick litter themselves.

Although there had not been any formal monitoring of the Housing Enforcement SLA, it was noted that for January and February, 2016 there had been 103 contacts with the service, 17 of which were from vulnerable households.  Of 16 requests for action from private landlords it was noted that only one had required a formal notice.

Members discussed the media presence in the area, acknowledging that though the Council does support residents in private rented accommodation, most of the issues raised are the responsibility of the landlord or agent.

RESOLVED

(i)        that staff from Highways be thanked for their contribution;

(ii)       that the progress of the Area Council commissions be noted.