Agenda and minutes

Councillor Peter Turner gave his apologies and was substituted by Councillor Tony Clarke.

At this point in the meeting declarations of interest are received from Members in any of the agenda items under consideration at the meeting. Members are asked to indicate:

(a) The agenda item number in which they have an interest to declare.

(b) The nature of their interest.

(c) Whether their interest is a disclosable pecuniary interest or an other interest,  (as defined in Part 2, A and B of the Code of Conduct and Rules for Registration of Interests)

Any Member who needs to clarify any matters relating to the declaration of interests is recommended to seek advice from the Council’s Monitoring Officeror a member of his staff before the meeting to expedite dealing with the item during the meeting.

The following people made statements to the Panel:

Robin Kerr – Federation of Bath Residents Associations made a statement regarding the Council’s Coach Strategy. A copy of this statement is attached to these minutes.

In response to a question from Councillor Evans, Mr Kerr suggested that Pickfords would be a good place for coaches to drop off or possibly Pulteney Road. He further explained that coaches do not need to drop people off in the city centre and there is an opportunity for a transport revolution in Bath with the new Transport Strategy.

Rachel Demuth – Resident and business owner made a statement regarding Coach Parking Strategy. A copy of this statement is attached to these minutes.

The Divisional Director for Environmental Services, Martin Shields was asked to comment on the Riverside Coach Park. He stated that, while not within in his remit, he could explain that the coach park is part of the regeneration scheme for Bath Quays. He explained that alternatives have been looked at – for example Oddown Park and Ride and arrangements for short stay parking are under review.

Councillor Samuel asked how the coaches affect the business. Rachel Demuth explained that she cannot open the windows in the summer as coach drivers do not turn their engines off due to the air conditioning. She explained that there are queues of coaches, some large coaches which affect pedestrian safety, cause noise, pollution and block disabled access.  Councillor Anketell Jones stated that a list of the names of the coach companies would be useful.

Patrick Rotherham – made a statement regarding the Parking Strategy. A copy of this statement is attached to these minutes.

Councillor Samuel asked if Mr Rotherham thought that the one way system in the centre encourages people to drive around in circles. Mr Rotherham agreed and stated that Milsom Street is a classic case where there are 20 parking spaces generating a huge amount of traffic.

Adam Reynolds – made a statement regarding the Parking Strategy. A copy of this statement is attached to these minutes.

Responding to a question from Councillor Bull Mr Reynolds explained that there should be zones across the whole city where people can park for 4 hours or less but if they park for the whole day, they must have a ticket or a permit. He also suggested that residents be issued a reporting App where a traffic warden on an electric bike can respond – cop-operation between the community and the Council.

Councillor Samuel stated that his ward is flooded with cars from the East of the city and asked if his proposal would fix this. Mr Reynolds explained that the whole of a Bath is a park and ride site and he proposes that there is a congestion cost to park in the city and the price of a bus pass should be similar to driving and parking.

Councillor Butters asked if there would be a financial benefit to the Council in his proposal. Mr Reynolds  ...  view the full minutes text for item 50.

The Panel are asked to confirm the minutes of the following meetings as a correct record:

18^th September 2017 (ordinary meeting)

13^th November 2017 (Call in meeting)

The Panel confirmed the minutes of the 18^th September 2017 meeting as a true record and they were duly signed by the Chairman.

The Panel confirmed the minutes of the 13^th November 2017 meeting as a true record, with the following amendments, and they were duly signed by the Chairman:

·  Page 9 Councillor Hardman said that the volunteers would have to run the Youth Service, not that they already do.

·  Moorland Road not Moreland Road.

The Cabinet Member will update the Panel on any relevant issues. Panel members may ask questions on the update provided.

The Chair explained that Councillor Mark Shelford, Cabinet Member for Transport and Highways was currently ill and introduced Councillor Bob Goodman, Cabinet Member for Development and Neighbourhoods who updated the Panel on the following regarding waste:

·  It is the 5^th week of the fortnightly waste collections, black bin waste has reduced significantly and the volume of recycling has been tremendous. There has been an increase in green bin waste and food waste recycling. The new arrangements have led to recycling being presented well and cleaner streets. There will be enforcement and further education in the New Year. There has been no increase in fly tipping but this is still being monitored. There have been a few issues with mis-collection but complaints are coming down. A big thanks for all who have worked on this.

Panel members asked the following questions and made the following points:

Councillor Bull stated that the few issues in his ward have been dealt with efficiently by officers.

Councillor Hale stated that this had been a massive undertaking and had been delivered well. He asked if there was still some flexibility over people wanting a bag instead of a wheelie bin. The Division Director for Environmental Services explained that residents should share any concerns via Council Connect as allocations are still being reviewed.

Councillor Evans asked if was true that more affluent areas still have a weekly bin collection. The Cabinet Member explained that there is a small core area in the city where weekly collections continue, this is due to the buildings having no frontage and so that the bags would be hung on railings.

In response to a question from Councillor Gilchrist, The Cabinet Member explained that he is certain that the service is on course for a projected overall saving but cannot confirm at this stage.

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The Cabinet Member updated the Panel on the following regarding air quality:

·  The situation on London Road must be addressed, there is some funding from the Government to take this study on. A draft report to DEFRA is due in March 2018. DEFRA are keen to see the air quality issue addressed.

Panel members asked the following questions and made the following points:

Councillor Bull asked if there was a chance that the area could become a clean air zone. The Cabinet Member stated that everything had to be on the table. Responding to Councillor Samuel, The Cabinet Member explained that the Council response to DEFRA was due in March 2018 – this will look at areas to reduce pollution levels. Firstly there will be options and levels of reduction followed by consultation. DEFRA are very keen to see a reduction.

The Panel undertook a Scrutiny Inquiry Day (SID) on the 12^th October 2017 alongside partners to examine Community Safety -  our current picture; our challenges; and how can we shape our services for the future. A report on the SID is attached.

Councillor John Bull, Chairman of the Panel introduced the item. He explained that the Panel had looked at a number of aspects of Community Safety at the Scrutiny Inquiry Day (SID). He further explained that the areas looked at had widened. He pointed out the three recommendations in the report.

Panel members made the following points and asked the following questions:

Councillor Butters asked if there was any funding. Samantha Jones, Inclusive Communities Manager, explained that all funding for community safety is from the Police and Crime Commissioners grant, there was no Council budget for community safety. A tremendous amount of work is being done by the authority and the police on a shoe string.

Councillor Hale stated that the work is well appreciated. He noted that there was little reference at the SID to anti-social behaviour whereas public concern on this issue is high. He explained that there was a large attendance at Keynsham Area Forum on the anti-social behaviour item. He further explained that he was concerned that only 8-10 police officers cover the whole of BANES when in response mode and this is less than it has been before. He added that the beat officer for Keynsham and Saltford now covers the whole of the Chew Valley. Another issue of concern is that there are now no officers primarily assigned to burglary. He stated his grave concern and stated that there must to communication to central Government on this issue. Councillor Hale said that he would write to his local MP.

The officer stated that there were 3 speakers at the SID who gave the national, regional and local perspective and all referred to anti-social behaviour as being a precursor to other types of violence and criminality such as cyber-crime, modern slavery and people trafficking. She further explained that the Home Office is consulting on PREVENT.

Councillor Anketell Jones asked about the contacts between the Council and the Muslim Community. The officer explained that there is some good and positive contact and members could help with this.

The Chairman thanked the officers, Donna Vercoe, Samantha Jones and Lores Savine for their work on the Scrutiny Inquiry Day which was interesting, successful and positive.

This item is for the Panel to feedback their comments on the Parking Strategy for the Cabinet/Cabinet Member to consider when they evaluate the feedback from the engagement. The Panel’s comments at their informal meeting are attached.

Panel members made the following points and asked the following questions:

Panel members noted public statements on this issue (noted under item 6)

Councillor Hale asked what the cost would be to acquire Pickfords as a coach park. The Division Director for Environmental Services, Martin Shields explained that coaches are always encouraged to use the park and rides and if a free ride into the city is offered, the cost would have to be picked up by the Coach companies. He further explained that Pickfords is no longer available as a site.

Councillor Samuel stated that there should be a balance between the impacts of tourism and poor air quality. Regarding the Coach Strategy he commented that there is no word about environmental impacts and that officers and consultants should be asked to take the Strategy back and incorporate the missing elements. He explained that all documents should have environmental impacts. Councillor Goodman, Cabinet Member for Developments and Neighbourhoods explained that the information is being gathered, there is a vehicle recognition system in the city. Councillor Butters suggested that every report should contain a paragraph on ‘Air Quality’ considerations.

Councillor Butters asked what remit the staff in Terrace Walk have to police the coaches there. The Divisional Director explained that there were security officers there to support the Christmas Market and there is a warden who patrols Terrace Walk which is funded by ‘Safe and Sound’. He stated that he would report concerns back to the relevant officers.

Councillor Clarke stated that the authority do not have the tools yet regarding air quality and WECA may put forward measures to help such as bypasses.

Councillor Simmons stated that on average tourists spend £30 a day in Bath, if coaches are stopped then shoppers will go to Cheltenham.

The Panel noted the recommendation made at the informal meeting:

·  The Panel recommends that the Cabinet should reconsider the move to promote short stay parking and instead aim to remove short stay curb spaces to improve air quality and prioritise the use of these areas to residents, service vehicles or pedestrianisation.

The Panel made further recommendations:

·  The panel considers that all transport related policies and strategies should contain air quality impact assessments in their proposals. The parking and coach parking strategies presented to the panel do not meet this standard and therefore require further work before being taken forward.

·  Officers be asked to look at the practicality of coach drops offs outside the city centre and this should include a review of locations at Terrace Walk.

A report on Domestic Abuse Strategy is attached. There will be a presentation on this item at the meeting (presentation slides are attached)

Samantha Jones, Inclusive Communities Manager and Lores Savine, Community Safety Officer introduced the item and gave a presentation to the Panel on the following:

·  Domestic Abuse – definition

·  Guiding principles

·  National Statistics

·  Locally

·  Objectives

·  Examples of progress (multi agency working/Disclosure and Early Help)

·  Improving support

·  Next steps

Panel members made the following points and asked the following questions:

In response to a question from Councillor Bull, the Community Safety Officer explained that housing benefit changes will affect provision. Councillor Samuel stated that MP’s should be lobbied about these changes. Councillor Bull stated that the Panel will write to the MP.

Councillor Anketell Jones asked what the provision was for men and boys. The officer explained that male victims would also benefit from the VAWG (Violence Against Women and Girls). She also agreed that figures on prosecutions should be added in to the data.

Councillor Samuel asked how access to temporary housing was working. The officer explained that it generally works well but sometimes there is a logjam. Also people can move out of the area into neighbouring authorities. She explained that she did not have the data today but could get it. Some people are put into emergency accommodation.

The Chairman stated that the Panel support the strategy and will take up this issue of funding refuge provision (write to MPs).

This report presents the latest workplan for the Panel. Any suggestions for further items or amendments to the current programme will be logged and scheduled in consultation with the Panel’s Chair and supporting senior officers.

The Panel noted the workplan and the following updates:

·  John Bull to investigate 20mph zones information

·  Parking Policy working group – Brian Simmons, John Bull and Michael Evans (Ian Gilchrist if needed) to discuss proposal from Adam Reynolds.