Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

The Democratic Services Officer drew attention to the Emergency Evacuation Procedure.

Councillor Alex Beaumont, Councillor Saskia Heijltjes and Councillor Grant Johnson had sent their apologies to the Panel. Councillors Duncan Hounsell, Joanna Wright and Shaun Hughes were their respective substitutes for the duration of the meeting.

Councillor Karen Walker had also sent her apologies to the Panel and Councillor Hal MacFie was sitting on the Panel occupying the current vacant position.

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 4.4 Appendix 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.

Councillor Colin Blackburn declared an other interest with regard to agenda item 7 (Call-in of decision E3620 – Business waste collection changes in central Bath). He stated that his wife runs a business within the centre of the city and that he is a Director of the business.

Councillor June Player addressed the Panel. She expressed concern about the financial and operational impact the proposed decision to change the timings for business waste collection will have on small and independent traders. She questioned the accuracy of the cost estimates and highlighted potential negative environmental and community consequences.

Mr Charlie Dalton-Ball, a local business owner addressed the Panel. He raised practical objections to the proposed waste collection time changes, citing staffing, hygiene, fire safety, and financial burdens. He noted that 93% of consultation respondents opposed the time changes and urged the Council to reconsider the decision.

Councillor Colin Blackburn addressed the Panel and presented the case for the call-in. He argued that the proposed single-member decision lacked sufficient scrutiny and risked undermining existing improvements in waste management.

He highlighted concerns about the lack of pre-decision scrutiny, the consultation process, cost implications for businesses, and potential negative impacts on staff and the public realm. He advocated for a phased approach, implementing supported elements (e.g. reusable rubbish bags and labelling) while reconsidering the proposed time restrictions.

Councillor John Leach said that overall, there had been a low response to the consultation and asked if it was known why.

Councillor Blackburn replied that many businesses were too busy to respond and unaware of the potential impact until later in the process. He added that he had spoken to many businesses who did not respond but shared the concerns raised.

Councillor Anna Box asked about the operational logistics of waste collections and bollard access to the centre of the city.

Councillor Blackburn replied that service vehicles had access via a known procedure and that businesses were accustomed to the current collection window.

Councillor Joanna Wright asked how the change in timings would affect refuse collectors at the end of the working day and whether they would be able to access public transport to their homes.

Councillor Blackburn replied that they would still need to transfer the collected waste to a transfer station and that this could be a two hour process. He added that similar concerns had been raised by the operators and that they might need to use additional vehicles.

Councillor Shaun Hughes asked if the potential cost burden on businesses and staff was a true reflection.

Councillor Blackburn replied that he felt that the £3,000 estimate was too low and did not account for additional staffing, insurance, and utility costs.

Councillor Wright raised concerns regarding fire safety and internal waste storage.

Councillor Blackburn replied that many businesses were likely to have limited space to store waste and that specific waste handling needs were required for food waste.

Councillor Box asked if residents views had been sought on this decision.

Councillor Blackburn replied that he was not aware of any public concerns being raised as the consultation was aimed at local businesses.

The Chair asked if a reason could be given with regard to the lack of engagement from local businesses and members of the public for this Panel meeting.

Councillor Blackburn replied that people were too busy working and therefore no time to attend.

Councillor Wright asked if the decision had been scrutinised by the Panel prior to it being made.

Councillor Blackburn replied that it had not.

Councillor Wright asked if the waste collection contractors had been consulted as part of the decision-making process.

Councillor Mark Elliott, Cabinet Member for Resources replied that they had.

Councillor Elliott addressed the Panel. He defended his decision, stating that the proposed changes aimed to improve the public realm by reducing visible waste and deterring seagulls and vermin. He emphasised that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 156.