Agenda and minutes

- to support the development of a publicity campaign

The Waste Strategy Manager submitted a report on the impact disposable nappies had on the waste stream and proposed a practical option to promote the use of real nappies in Rotherham.

The Council had always supported the use of real nappies as an alternative to disposables, however, there was currently no information available to educate or inform householders with infants on the environmental, financial or other apparent benefits.  It was not known how long it took for an average disposable nappy to break down in a landfill site but a conservative estimate was between 500 and 700 years.  It was estimated that 3,600 tonnes of disposable nappies were collected in Rotherham and disposed of every year through the domestic waste stream.

The main option was to educate and inform householders with infants on the benefits of purchasing and using real nappies.  It was estimated that the cost of purchasing disposable nappies over a 30 month period would equate to approximately £1,100.  The purchase and use of 24 terry towelling nappies could be as little as £250 including the cost of the nappies, accessories, washing agents, energy and allowing for wear and tear on a washing machine.  There were also alternatives to the traditional terry towel nappies; they were made from soft cotton, shaped to fit the baby and fastened with Velcro or poppers.  The cost was approximately £350 including the purchase of nappies, accessories, washing agents, energy and wear and tear.

There was currently a nappy laundering service operating in Sheffield.  For £8.50 per week householders on the scheme received up to 70 replacement nappies.  Soiled nappies were collected on a set day and replaced with a sealed pack of freshly laundered nappies.

It was proposed to design and produce an information leaflet on the advantages of real nappies and to include details on nappy laundering services.  The leaflet would be distributed at a launch of Rotherham’s campaign via a real nappy roadshow during the national campaign to be held 20^th-24^th June, 2005.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the development of a publicity campaign to coincide with ‘Real Nappy Week’ be supported.

(2)  That a further report be submitted on the options for incentives for householders following further research.

(3)  That the development of publicity on the promotion of a nappy laundering service be supported.

- to note the report

The Waste Strategy Manager submitted a report on possible ways to prevent waste and encourage everyone to become more active in promoting waste prevention.

Waste prevention could be tackled at a local level and schemes could impact on environmental, cost and social benefits.  Local waste prevention initiatives could be developed in partnership with local communities, schools, charities and business.  The Local Government Association had recently published a report outlining 10 ways to minimise waste as follows:-

Reduce Junk Mail

Charge for Excess Waste

Encourage Food Waste Digesters, Home and Community Composting

Support Re-use Schemes

Support for developing the local second hand sector

Promote share and hire schemes

Work intensively with local residents on participation in recycling

Promote Real Nappies

Prosecute excess packaging of goods

Reduce the use of plastic carrier bags

With regard to the issue of prosecuting producers/retailers for excess packaging, the Waste and Resources Action Programme was currently working with retailers to reduce the amount of unnecessary packaging on goods.  Local Authority Trading Standards officers could also investigate incidences of over packaging by companies and in some cases prosecute offenders.  This was to be raised with the Authority’s officers.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the report be noted.

(2)  That the presentation of further reports on waste minimisation initiatives be supported.

(3)  That the issue of excess packaging by producers/retailers be raised with the Trading Standards officers with a report submitted in 3 months’ time on any actions and prosecutions that had been undertaken.

- to consider the request for the provision of off-road parking areas near the Doctors Surgery on Hepworth Drive

The Democratic Services Manager reported receipt of a petition, containing 117 signatures, from residents of Hepworth Drive and Catherine Avenue, Aston, requesting the provision of off-road parking areas near the Doctors Surgery on Hepworth Drive.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the petition be noted.

(2)  That the matters be investigated and a report submitted in 1 month.

- to note the report and progress made

The Equalities and Diversity Officer submitted a performance report set against Performance Indicator 164 for the period April, 2004 to March, 2005.

There had been 13 recorded incidents of a racist nature during the period which was a slight increase compared to the same period last year.  The increase may be due to the training and awareness raising that had taken place.

The current system for reporting and recording racist incidents had a number of shortcomings that raised questions about its effectiveness and had led to criticism from the Audit Commission.  Recently, the Corporate Management Team had approved a new policy and procedures for the Council including 1 corporate reporting form with leaflets.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the report and progress be noted.

(2)  That the Asylum Team receive training on the new corporate reporting form when available.

- to support the development of promotion of a junk making reduction campaign

The Waste Strategy Manager submitted a report proposing the implementation of a waste prevention campaign to reduce junk mail by tackling the cause rather than the symptoms.

The Mail Preference Service was a free service that had been in use for 20 years.  It was funded by the mail industry and allowed consumers to have their names and addresses removed from lists used within the industry.  The Service could remove householders’ names from up to 95% of direct mail lists.  It would not stop mail from overseas, unaddressed or mail addressed to the occupier.  It may take up to 4 months for the Service to take full effect but a significant reduction should be noticed during the period.  To register for free householders could either write to the Service at Freepost 22, London W1E 7EZ, by telephone on 0845 703 4599 or via the website at www.mpsonline.org.uk.

It was proposed to advertise the Scheme via the Council website, press releases and the production of a small sticker that may be voluntarily affixed to householders’ letter boxes or doors.  A link would be set up via the Council’s website to go directly to the MPS registration and information would also be displayed next to internet access points in libraries.  Mail Preference Service forms and stickers would be issued at Waste Management Roadshows and displayed in libraries and reception areas with all completed forms being returned to the Waste Management Unit to be sent off to the MPS.

The promotional material used would include the production of stickers the cost of which (£1,000) would be met from the Waste Management budget.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the report be noted.

(2)  That the development of publicity on the promotion of a junk mail reduction campaign be supported.

(3)  That the Council undertake the postage of completed application forms to the Mail Preference Service.

- to approve the proposed price changes for implementation from 1^st April, 2005

The Waste Strategy Manager submitted proposed revised prices for the collection and disposal of bulky items and special collections from households.

This was the first review of charges made for bulky items and special collections since 1^st May, 2003.   The effects of inflation and the Government increasing Landfill Tax from £14 per tonne to £18 per tonne during the 2 year period also demanded a review of the pricing structure.

Consideration had to be given to achieving the correct balance between the need to recover the Council’s actual costs of operating the service and the requirement to keep the service financially attractive thereby encouraging its continued use by customers.

It was proposed that the price charged to the customer for the collection of a standard bulky item, including refrigerators, be increased by £2.00 to £10.00.  This price meant that a standard bulky item collection was subsidised by the Council by £9.49 (52% of the cost).

A discounted price would be offered to Rothercard holders of 50% of the normal rate.

It was also proposed that the prices charged for the collection of larger orders and DIY items be increased in line with movement in inflation and Landfill Tax since the last review (Appendix 1 of the report submitted).

Resolved:-  That, subject to the comments of the Environment Scrutiny Panel, the proposed price changes be approved.

Resolved:-  That, under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 3 and 4 Part I of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (accommodation/services provided by the Council).

Resolved:-  That, under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in those paragraphs set out below of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.

(report attached)

The Head of Housing Services submitted a strategy for the management of sheltered housing in Rotherham based on a 4 tier classification of existing provision.

The report identified all the sheltered schemes and additional sheltered units within the Borough.  It had established that there was considerable demand, both actual and potential, for sheltered housing.  However, it was also clear that existing provision was failing to meet the needs and aspirations of many applicants.

The tiered structure would cater for the range of needs, focus investment on sustainable schemes and re-designate or decommission those schemes no longer considered future proof.  Sustainability studies were proposed for all Category 4 schemes.

It was noted that the report was to be considered by the Cabinet at its meeting on 22^nd March, 2005.

Resolved:-  That the Cabinet be asked to recommend to Council that:-

(1)  local standards be introduced for sheltered housing with a target to achieve these by 2010;

(2)  a 3 tier system for sheltered and aged persons’ housing be developed;

(3)  schemes be categorised in accordance with Appendices 1-6 of the report submitted;

(4)  an assessment framework be set up for Category 1, 2  and 3 schemes;

(5)  sustainability studies be carried out on category 4 schemes;

(6)  immediate consultation take place with tenants in category 4 schemes and

(7)  the Council develop a joint housing strategy for older people.

(Exempt under Paragraphs 3 and 4 of the Act – accommodation/services provided by the Council)

(The Chair authorised consideration of the following item to enable work to be progressed.)

The Acting Principal Grants Officer submitted a report proposing the extension of the above contract for 12 months.

The initial contract document had been varied in order to accommodate the Social Services BVPI56.  The variations had called for overall enhanced response times from the contractor and inclusion of bank holidays within the working period.  The contractor had agreed to hold the rate but an enhanced rate for more than 3 fixings had been agreed.  There was also a clause written into the contract for agreeing a review if bank holiday working became an abnormal workload.

Discussion took place in relation to contract clause 1.07.  The contractor would have a cause for claim against the Council if evidence could be produced of loss of income or increased expenditure as a result of the Council or their agent not providing the necessary equipment required by the contractor within 48 hours of placing the order.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the agreed negotiated extension for minor fixings annual contract for 2005/06 be awarded to the existing contractor.

(2)  That negotiations take place with Social Services on the contract clause 1.07 (programme time limits for minor fixings) with a further report being submitted to a future meeting to which the Cabinet Member for Social Services should be invited.

(Exempt under Paragraphs 7 and 8 of the Act – financial affairs of someone other than the Council/provision of goods/services).