Agenda item

Equality Impact Assessments for Financial Plans are available on Council’s website on the following link http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/communityandliving/equality/Pages/FinancialPlans.aspx .

The Divisional Director for Environmental Services introduced this item to the Panel. He informed them that the Plan was still a work in progress and that consultation on any of the proposals has and will continue to take place with staff and service users.

He highlighted from within the report the priorities, accomplishments and objectives of the Service. He stated that budget income is at a good level currently but that a drop in the use of Parking Services has been witnessed, which on one hand can be seen as a positive because of less traffic but also has the effect of generating less income for the Council. He added that an Equalities Impact Assessment (EIA) had been carried out in connection with the composition of the Service Action Plan.

Councillor Malcolm Hanney commented that on future plans he would like to see a section that shows what objectives have not been possible to achieve within the year. He added that he would like the comments from the Medium Term Plan debate in December on gulley cleaning, heritage and floral displays to reiterated as part of this process.

Councillor Neil Butters asked if the column detailing the impact on staff could be shown as a percentage.

The Divisional Director for Environmental Services replied that this would be possible.

Councillor Caroline Roberts commented that she wished to highlight the good record of the Waste Services team. She also asked if any further work to target local areas based on current recycling performance had been considered as part of a ‘street pride initiative’.

The Divisional Director for Environmental Services replied by saying that currently there was no such ‘initiative’ at present but that low performing / problem areas were being targeted.

Councillor David Martin asked how had the reduction in black bag collections and the increase in recycling collections affected the service.

The Divisional Director for Environmental Services replied recycling collection costs have increased since food waste has been collected but that the resale values of materials are good and this, together with the reduction in costs of landfill, reduces the overall costs to the Council.

Councillor Caroline Roberts commented that she was still witnessing and hearing reports that street cleaning was taking place prior to refuse and recycling collections and called for these routes to be amended.

The Service Manager for Neighbourhood Services replied that attempts are being made to plan rotas and routes more strategically and to minimise spillages during collections.

Councillor Geoff Ward asked if there were any ideas as to how to generate further income given that the income from Parking may fall by £300,000.

The Divisional Director for Environmental Services replied that the figure in relation to Parking could be as much as £800,000 as fewer trips via car were being made to the City and the competition that the car park at Southgate now provides. He added that he believed there to be no easy options for increasing income, although there may be some further licensing and enforcement initiatives that could be pursued.

Councillor Geoff Ward commented that the Council must show that it is open for business especially in the Olympic / Diamond Jubilee year.

The Service Manager for Neighbourhood Services replied that they were seeking opportunities in revenue this year and attempting to work more efficiently.

Councillor Roger Symonds, Cabinet Member for Transport commented that one possible revenue stream could be gained from enforcing the weight limit restriction on HGVs. This however requires the power to be devolved from Government.

Councillor Malcolm Hanney asked if a reduction in parking charges had been considered in order to improve revenue by attracting more visitors.

The Divisional Director for Environmental Services replied that a reduction in charges had not been ruled out but was unclear as to what degree might be appropriate at this stage. He added that footfall in the city overall had increased.

Councillor David Martin asked if any plans for the Low Emission Zone had been drawn up yet.

The Service Manager for Public Protection replied that funding had been secured from DEFRA and that a brief for the Zone is being devised. She added that the Council had one year in which to submit a plan.

The Panel RESOLVED to ask for the comments below, from the December Medium Term Plan discussion to be passed to the relevant Cabinet Member.

Mobile Libraries – Whilst establishing during the discussion that the Mobile Library Service in its current form would be discontinued it became apparent that options were being considered as to how to provide a service to rural areas in the future. The Panel felt it would be very worthwhile to express this somehow within the plan.

Highways (Footway Maintenance / Drainage & Gully Cleansing) – The Panel expressed their concern over this proposal as they were worried about the potential impact and cost implications this may have in future years.

Heritage Services / Museums / Tourism – The majority of the Panel felt that these services should have minimal reductions made to their budget as they are at the heart of what brings visitors to the area. Some members also called for more to be done within the Olympic year to attract visitors.