Agenda item

With reference to the Kingdom Environmental Contract, members were of the view that in some areas officers aren’t as visible as they previously were.  There is a perceived imbalance between parking enforcement and dog fouling, which is a big issue across all areas.  Clarification was sought regarding the terms of the Kingdom contract.  The Area Council Manager outlined the terms of contract together with the fact that it is not just about enforcement, there is an education element too.  There is a perception that the service is not making a valuable contribution due to lack of information.  Quarterly information is provided but Councillors also need to feed information in to the Area Team via Cath Fairweather either by phone or email.   The Area Manager advised that the contract management meeting is imminent and all of the matters raised would be addressed.

Members expressed dissatisfaction regarding the clean and green project in some areas and queried whether it provided value for money.  There are also difficulties associated with engagement of volunteers.  

Members were asked to be mindful that if all contracts are renewed, the Area Council will be fully committed.

RESOLVED that:-

(i)            The North Area Council note the existing budget position and forecast for the funding commitments.

(ii)          The North Area Council note the reduction in North Area Council Budget from April 2017 to £360,000. This is equivalent to £10,000 per ward.

(iii)         Members agreed to continue the Environmental Enforcement contract from April 2017.

(iv)         Members agreed that there will be a facility to devolve funding to the Ward Alliances based on the proviso that the total Ward Alliance budget is less than £10,000 on the 31st March 2017. 

(v)          Members agreed which priorities they wish to concentrate for design and procurement of further commissioned projects which will address the Area priorities. (Private Sector Enforcement Officer, Clean and Green and Environmental Enforcement.