To receive reports from, and to put questions to, Cabinet Portfolio Holders:
a. Cabinet Portfolio Holder: Schools – Councillor Myfanwy Alexander
b. Cabinet Portfolio Holder: Property and Waste - Councillor Phyl Davies (upon request)
Minutes:
a. Cabinet Portfolio Holder: Schools – Councillor Myfanwy Alexander
b. Cabinet Portfolio Holder: Property and Waste – Councillor Phyl Davies
As mentioned in the apologies Councillor Alexander, Cabinet Portfolio Holder: Schools could not attend today’s meeting neither could the Leader. Councillor Phyl Davies had been invited to attend upon request to update on Waste matters but had a prior commitment so presented his apologies, however, he had arranged for Ashley Collins, Waste and Recycling Strategy Manager and Laura Samuel, Senior Contracts Officer: Waste to attend to update on waste matters. During update and discussion particular reference was made to:
a. Powys Kerbside Recycling Scheme – Powys has adopted the Welsh Government’s preferred recycling scheme i.e. kerbside sorted recycling in boxes
b. Household Recycling Sites – there would be a press release regarding plans to review site operations following the Cabinet’s decision to re-consider the changes introduced in April. The original proposal in MTFS was to save £700k which would mean operating three sites across Powys (one in each shire). Following the consultation, the saving was reduced to £200k with the additional money coming from the FRM process and reserves for 2017/18. This was to be achieved through the reduction in opening days and commercial vehicle restrictions which has been operational since April. Cabinet would be considering the position on Tuesday 11th July with a view to implementing any change for 1st September. There had been significant concern raised by members and the public in relation to sites not accepting household waste brought in commercial vehicles or in trailers especially when it was clear that it was household waste and not commercial/trade waste which should be dealt with differently under a payed arrangement. In order that residents can dispose of genuine household waste the Cabinet are now considering operating a permit scheme. Hours of site operations would also be reviewed (currently sites are open for three days). Due to health and safety some residents who had visited on foot had been unable to enter for their own safety (it would always be best in such situations to contact sites before visiting)
c. Recycling Sites and Bulking Stations/Transfer Sites – it would be much better for the Authority to own and operate its own sites for a variety of reasons. The Welsh Government had provided some grant funding for new sites, it would be important to maximise the drawdown of the funding available
d. Waste Management (Targets/Requirements) – the Welsh Government had imposed statutory recycling targets in order to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill. Unmet targets are subject to financial penalties, charges for landfill are rising. Brexit would have no effect on the positon, the Welsh Government has committed to continue to continue to increase recycling and reduce waste sent for landfill
e. Four Day Collection Week – residents would see very little change from a four day collection week. The only change may be the pick-up day and time of collection. Work undertaken to review routes would also deliver on savings due to reducing the number of vehicles required.
f. Enforcement/Flytipping - more recently the Council had taken a stronger stance in terms of enforcement. Members and the public were urged to report flytipping etc. (flytipping is an illegal activity). Initial reprimands would take the form of letters to those offending and there would be an escalation process for repeat offenders which could result in fine or court summons. Members were informed that fifty seven fixed penalty notices had been issued (mainly for trade waste) and seven hundred and ninety eight letters had been issued to residents to advise them of breaches
g. Savings to be Achieved/Consultation – the service is very visible and any changes often generate interest from the public. There continue to be savings targets to be met as required by Council. There would be appropriate consultations with regard to service changes
h. Consultation with Members – members questioned previous consultations and in particular member involvement and requested that future consultations recognise the role of the local member
i. Waste Awareness and Enforcement Officers – there are regional waste awareness and enforcement officers who promote schemes and support local ventures as well as carrying out enforcement.
j. Machynlleth Household Waste Recycling Site (Closure) – the local member for Machynlleth re-iterated his concern regarding the local site having closed. The community valued the site, the trip to the next nearest site in Newtown was a sixty mile round trip. Machynlleth is unique with being in a designated biosphere and has received associated awards for its environmental position in the UK and Europe. Instances of flytipping since the household waste site had ceased to operate seem to have increased
k. Recycling Boxes (Welshpool) – the officer accepted that there had been an issue with regard to the supply of recycling boxes and urged members experiencing issues to contact him, or the local depot, direct
l. Commercial/Trade Waste – a member suggested that the Council could generate income from collecting commercial/trade waste. All areas for potential income would be considered. There are issues for the Council in operating such schemes because schemes would have to operate in all areas i.e. not just the towns and larger villages where it could be more profitable which is where commercial companies tend to provide such services
Members thanked Ashley and Laura for their update and would welcome being kept informed/updated.