Agenda and minutes

There were no questions from members of the public or the press.

There were no Declarations of Interest made.

The Chairman welcomed Adrian Gabriel, Waste Strategy Manager, and the consultants from ENVIROS who would be giving the presentation on the Draft Municipal Waste Management Strategy and Initial Options Appraisal.

The presentation formed part of the first stage of development for the long term Waste Strategy from 2004 – 2020 taking account of Government and European directives which required local authorities to divert significant quantities of waste away from landfill.  This would require the Council to consider options for the treatment of waste to meet stringent landfill targets.

The presentation drew attention specifically to:-

·              Why a Waste Strategy Management Strategy was required.

·              The plan for the next sixteen years.

·              Compliance with European and U.K. legislation.

·              The short term strategy.

·              Extension of current infrastructure.

·              Improvement of participation in collection systems.

·              Achievement of a 21% target by 2006 and further increases in recycling rates beyond this date.

·              Long term strategy for waste management.

·              Reduction of biodegradable waste sent to landfill.

·              Assessment and underpinning of six options:-

1.            High Recycling.

2.            Mechanical Biological Treatment.

3.            Anaerobic Digestion.

4.            Incineration.

5.            Gasification and Pyrolysis.

6.            Combination.

·              Targets to reduce biodegradable waste sent to landfill as a consequence of the Landfill Allowance Trading Scheme.

·              £ million (Net Present Value) of all six options.

·              Generic overview of the risks.

·              A summary of costs and risks associated with each option.

·              Next steps to include public consultation, workshops, analysis, completion of the Full Waste Strategy and Government Office and Council approval.

A question and answer session ensued and the following issues were raised by Members:-

-                 How could the public get involved in the development of the Strategy?

A leaflet would be distributed to each household in Rotherham and feedback welcomed.  There would also be alternative methods of consultation undertaken through the Area Assemblies, specific Focus Groups and staff would be available at the Rotherham Show to answer questions.

-                 Was it the best option for Rotherham and whether there was an expectation for households to become more involved?

There would be a series of criterias on which Rotherham would be scored using a process called the Best Practical Environment Option.  This assessment used generic/local criteria to determine what would be the best option for future waste management in Rotherham.  The requirement to divert biodegradable waste away from landfill would need increased participation from households to meet future recycling and waste diversion targets.  This could include the need to separate kitchen waste for collection, although this would be dependent upon the final strategic option chosen.  There was also a need to consider an alternate week collection system for residual waste to stem the current growth in household waste within the Borough.  This would be the subject of a report to the Cabinet Member on the evaluation of the current kerbside green waste collection pilot scheme.

-                 How much would the implementation of the options cost?

A full detailed cost analysis of all the options would be undertaken as part of the consultation and development on the best  ...  view the full minutes text for item 21.

Consideration was given to a report by the Scrutiny Adviser regarding representatives of external organisations being co-opted onto Scrutiny Panels for the 2004/05 Municipal Year.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the nominations for tenant representation be endorsed.

(2)  That the organisations represented last year be asked to nominate representatives to be co-opted for the 2004/05 Municipal Year.

(3)  That all new co-optees be provided with an information pack, as recommended in the co-option review, and be invited to attend this Scrutiny Panel’s meetings from 26^th August, 2004.

- nomination of representative to the above Group.

Consideration was given to the nomination of a Member to sit on the Corporate Consultation Group to be Chaired by Councillor Wyatt.

Resolved:-  That Councillor Atkin be this Scrutiny Panel’s representative.

The Head of Housing Services presented a report launching the Energy Savings Company (ESCo) formerly the Authorities Managing Power (AMP) project.

Rotherham was now part of a large group of authorities in the north of England participating in the scheme to provide gas and electricity to their tenants.  Scottish Power agreed to support the scheme, an “affinitive deal” was explored and could now be implemented.

A summary why Rotherham should have an ESCo, the advantages to the occupants and advantages/disadvantages to the “affinitive deal” was provided.

Members were informed that void properties were signed over to the ESCo and once a new tenant entered the property they were informed that the ESCo was the provider of the heat and power.  Tenants were under no obligation to remain with the scheme and could opt for a different supplier at any time.

The scheme was only currently available to void properties, but further consideration would be given to the inclusion of existing tenants at some stage,

Resolved:-  That the progress report be received and support for the introduction of the scheme be reconfirmed.

Pursuant to Minute No. 6 of the meeting held on 1^st July, 2004, the Head of Housing Services provided a report on the findings of the Audit Commission following their re-inspection of the Repairs and Maintenance Service in February, 2004 and the response of Housing Services to the overall report and the inspection experience.

Resolved:-  That the contents of the report be noted.

Pursuant to Minute No. 146 of the meeting held on 20^th May, 2004, Tim Hawkins, Policy Officer – Crime and Disorder, presented a report on the Draft Anti-Social Behaviour Strategy, which was required to tackle anti-social behaviour throughout the Borough of Rotherham.

Resolved:-  That the report and the proposals for sustainable actions on tackling anti-social behaviour in Rotherham be noted.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by David Abbott, Housing Manager, relating to Rotherham’s Extra Care Housing Strategy.

The Extra Care Housing Strategy was a joint strategy between Social Services, Housing Services and the Primary Care Trust and set out the vision for the future delivery of high support sheltered accommodation in Rotherham.

The key aims of the strategy were outlined, as indicated in the report submitted, and would bring together a restructured sheltered housing and modernised residential provision.

Within the scheme, accommodation would be set aside for Black and Minority Ethnic Elders and people leaving hospital and residential care.

Members were informed that this form of accommodation would be highly sought after and there was little chance of the dwellings being void.

There were many advantages to this scheme, which included the redevelopment of an existing scheme within communities and small core and cluster units,

Criteria had also been established for a scheme specifically for people with physical and mental disabilities, which included those with problems with early stage dementia.  The criteria exempted people who demonstrated violent tendencies.

Resolved:-  That the Extra Care Housing Strategy be supported.

The Panel noted the decisions made under delegated powers by the Cabinet Member for Housing and Environmental Services held on 19^th July, 2004.

Members noted the new measures coming into force with the new Anti-Social Behaviour Act which would be reported to the Performance and Scrutiny Overview Committee, in addition to an information sharing Members’ Seminar.

Members noted that the Tenant’s Insurance Scheme was out to tender and an update report would be provided for the next meeting.

The minutes of the meeting of the Members’ Sustainable Development Group held on 19^th July, 2004 were noted.

The minutes of the meeting of the Panel held on 1^st July, 2004 were noted.

The Panel noted the minutes of the meeting of the Asylum Seekers Working Party held on 30^th June, 2004, attended by Councillors Sharman (in the Chair), Ellis, Boyes and Robinson.

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 Paragraph 7 of Part I of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (financial or business affairs of someone except the Council).

(Exempt under Paragraph 7 of the Act – relates to financial or business affairs of someone except the Council)

Pursuant to Minute No. 18 of this Panel held on 1^st July, 2004 the Head of Streetpride presented an update report on the investigations and remedial works which had been undertaken following the exceptional flooding that occurred in the Borough during November, 2000.  Discussions on this issue remained tenuous due to the suffering experienced by some residents.

The report detailed the reasons for the flooding together with details of remedial action taken in the areas of:-

·              Catcliffe and Treeton.

·              Sheffield Road, Templeborough.

·              Swinton/Morphy Richards Premises.

·              Rotherham Town Centre.

·              River Regulators.

The risks that remained were mainly associated with Catcliffe and Sheffield Road, Templeborough.  In the case of Sheffield Road, the timing of future works would depend on the programming of possible partnership schemes with the Environment Agency and other stakeholders whereby funding sources could be found.

Members were advised that the flooding that occurred in November, 2000 was exceptional and the investigation into the causes of the flooding had been undertaken in conjunction with the Environment Agency and Yorkshire Water.

Whilst no guarantee could be given to say that areas indicated would not flood in the future, the risks have since been significantly reduced.

In response to a question, the Head of Streetpride explained how the automatic penstock would work at high river levels and gave the reasons for its installation.

Members of the Panel noted the nearly completed plans by Yorkshire Water to adopt the private pumping station at California Drive.

An Action Plan had since been adopted which would bring into force the Council’s Emergency Plan should problems occur in the future.  Yorkshire Water now had an undertaking to provide a generator at the pumping station on Treeton Lane in the event that the power supply was disconnected.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the results of the investigation, progress with remedial works and proposals to develop areas situation within the flood risk areas be noted.

(2)  That the Council inform the residents of Catcliffe of the above.