Agenda item

The report will be published later in the week.

Councillor Mark Elliott, Cabinet Member for Resources, introduced the item. He stated that he was happy to hear from the Panel regarding the proposals and where they think the risks might sit.

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

Councillor Hounsell asked whether closing recycling centres would increase cross?district travel. The Cabinet Member stated that this was under consideration and no final decision had been made. He stated that we are well provided for in terms of recycling centres.

Councillor Wait asked whether Keynsham would ever be the only site open. The Cabinet Member confirmed it would not.

Councillor Walker asked if recycling vehicles would be able to take more items. The Cabinet Member explained that kerbside recycling vehicles already take a range of items including small electrical items.

Councillor Heijltjes asked whether changes to waste rounds would reduce resilience. The Cabinet Member confirmed that there would be no reduction in service.

Councillor Walker asked about the removal of one off growth funding – the officer explained that this referred to enforcement cameras which are in place; a time limited piece of work regarding the car club and extra support for supported bus routes. Also School Streets go live after Easter so the funding for the set up is no longer needed.

Councillor Wait asked about the number of School Streets, the officer confirmed that Lime Gardens/Charmouth Road is included.

Councillor Heijltjes asked whether enforcement officers could use e?bikes.

Officers explained that current ANPR technology is not compatible with e?bike deployment.

Councillor Heijltjes asked how Park & Ride charges would be enforced. The officer said improved ticketing and monitoring systems were being explored.

Councillor Jackson stated that there is an ambition to have a hospital flyer from Oddown to the RUH, the bus service (number 4) is extremely erratic. She asked if the budget provides for more information to be publicised about bus services which may encourage more people to use them. She stated that buses used to get fined for cancelling services. It was explained that many bus services are run by WECA and that advertising services is being discussed at the next WECA meeting.

Councillor Jackson asked if there had been any investigation into the effect of parking charges in North East Somerset on small businesses. The officer stated that it is nationally recognised that well managed parking facilities encourage turn over. There has been no dedicated work on the impact on small businesses, but we will continue to monitor.

Councillor Walker asked if there is a quicker system for reporting parking enforcement issues. The officer explained that the direct email should be timely. It is then put on a patrol list and the area will be visited.

Councillor Heijltjes asked about the CAZ (Clean Air Zone) deficit. The officer explained that the number of contravening vehicles is declining. The Cabinet Member confirmed that this will become less profitable as it becomes more successful.

The Chair thanked the Cabinet Member and officers.