Agenda and minutes

Councillor Peter Turner gave his apologies and was substituted by Councillor Sally Davis.

Councillor Alan Hale gave his apologies and was substituted by Councillor Anthony 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.

David Redgewell made a statement regarding public transport and service delivery. Mr Redgewell commented that the retro fit of buses as part of the Clean Air Zone proposals must include smaller operators. He asked that the Panel seek a meeting with the WECA (West of England Combined Authority) Mayor to encourage him to come forward with the bus strategy.

Mr Chris Beezley – Chairman of Beech Avenue Residents Association made a statement regarding a Clean Air Zone (CAZ). A copy of this statement is attached to these minutes and a copy is kept on the minute book for this Panel.

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

The Cabinet Member for Development and Neighbourhoods – Councillor Bob Goodman gave the following updates:

·  Waste - the Cabinet Member reported that recycling continued to exceed 60%. He added that there was still a need for more education on the issue and engagement of Curo.

·  Litter Enforcement - the Cabinet Member reported that the final documents were being prepared.

·  Keynsham Leisure Centre - the Cabinet Member reported that satisfactory progress was being made.

·  Parks - the Cabinet Member reported that Parade Gardens had won a gold Britain in Bloom medal.

·  Grass cutting - the Cabinet Member reported that work is being done to identify areas where there has been an issue.

Questions from the Panel

Councillor Evans asked if there are more missed collections since the new scheme started. The Cabinet Member explained that this may have been correct when the new scheme started but now there was no difference.

Regarding a question from Councillor Gilchrist regarding Midland Bridge recycling centre, the Cabinet Member stated that there was nothing new to update, there will be consultation on the location.  

The Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment – Councillor Mark Shelford updated the Panel on the following:

·  Bence Garage – this is progressing well.

·  Brougham Hayes – this will finish today and work will start on the Hayesfield crossing.

·  Sally in the Woods – work successful

·  Churchill subway – work due to finish in December.

·  Parking – two and a half months into the new scheme, so far there has been a reduction in all day parking and increased use of Park and Ride.

Questions from the Panel

Councillor Butters asked if there was progress on the A420 junction. The Cabinet Member explained that a business case was being worked on with South Gloucestershire Council.

Councillor Bull asked about coach parking on Wells Road. The Cabinet Member explained that after the Christmas Market period, coaches will be directed to Oddown Park and Ride.

Councillor Samuel asked if the Council has ever used its powers to issue notices to operators of buses that are idling. The Cabinet Member referred to Chris Major (Group Leader, Transport and Parking) who explained that enforcement had not been used to date but will be brought forward as part of the Clean Air Zone. Councillor Samuel asked why this power, which has been available since 2002, has not been used before. The officer replied that prosecutions need legal backing which had not been possible until now (with CAZ proposals).

The Panel received apologies from the Cabinet Member for Transformation and Customer Services - Councillor Karen Warrington.

A report and presentation slides are attached.

The Panel received a presentation from Cathryn Brown, Team Manager for Licensing and Environmental Protection and Chris Major, Group Leader Transport and Parking, which covered the following:

·  Health Messages

·  Background – Direction from Defra

·  Background – Shortlist of Schemes

·  Preferred option – following technical assessment

·  Options Assessed

·  Proposed Charges

·  How were the proposed charges set?

·  Proposed Charges

·  Proposed Clean Air Zone boundary

·  Scheme Design for a small Class D CAZ

·  Impact of Scheme – air quality (LAQM)

·  Impact of Scheme – traffic volumes

·  Impact of the Scheme – Economic

·  Exemptions

·  Concessions

·  Other measures – proposed shortlist

·  Proposed financial assistance packages

·  Scheme Finances

·  Engagement Feedback so far

·  Programme

·  Monitoring and Evaluation

·  What are other local authorities doing?

·  Key dates

·  Sources of information

·  Reminder of health improvements

Panel members asked the following questions and made the following points on the presentation: (Officer responses are shown in italics).

·  Councillor Clarke asked if there was evidence of an excess of pulmonary deaths in Bath – officers will check and report back.

·  Councillor Clarke asked for more information on the position of monitors in the business case. Officers acknowledged that more specific information on locations could be included.

·  Councillor Butters stated that some spots that are shown as green at the moment may change to red after the CAZ is implemented due to rat running.

·  Councillor Samuel asked what would happen if we still had exceedance in 5 years?

·  Councillor Butters asked how close to compliance would we be with Class C?

·  Councillor Samuel asked if Class D has been selected due to the risk of displacement. Officers explained that all technical work up to now has been scrutinized by the Government Technical Panel and feedback has supported Class D. Officers also explained that Client Earth took a legal case against the Government and the judgement said that Local Authorities must ensure plans achieve compliance and meeting the limits had to be ‘likely’ not just ‘possible’.

·  Councillor Bull asked what the projections for 2021 are based on. Officers explained that certain things were taken into account such as the Government toolkit and ANPR data and the decrease in the number of vehicles causing emissions.

·  Councillor Samuel asked what the consequences would be if the Council does not meet compliance figures. Officers explained that the monitoring officer is clear that we must comply with this legal obligation. There could be action taken against the authority.

·  Councillor Butters asked how people will know if they need to upgrade their car/engine – officers explained that work is being done with Bath Hacked to provide a definitive tool for people to work this out.

·  Councillor Bull asked if the 24 hour charging period is fair to shift workers and what is the justification is for the 24 hour period? Officers explained that the 24hour period is more likely to ensure behaviour change.

·  Councillor Butters stated that some NHS workers do not drive compliant vehicles and asked if they will be penalised? Officers explained that concessions/exemptions can be arranged as  ...  view the full minutes text for item 51.

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 it was agreed that the 19^th November meeting be cancelled as items cannot be brought to that meeting due to officers working on the Clean Air Zone.