Agenda and minutes

To consider and approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on 13 December 2022 as a true and correct record of the proceedings.

The Chair noted that, pursuant to minute no. 42, recommendation 3, the Members Session had been scheduled for 15 February 2023.

Resolved:-

1.    That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 13 December 2023 be approved as a true and correct record of the proceedings.

To receive declarations of interest from Members in respect of items listed on the agenda.

Cllr Havard declared a personal interest in respect of Agenda Item 7 as a Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust participant.

To receive questions relating to items of business on the agenda from members of the public or press who are present at the meeting.

The Chair confirmed that no questions had been submitted.

To consider whether the press and public should be excluded from the meeting during consideration of any part of the agenda.

The Chair advised that there was no reason to exclude members of the press or public from observing discussion of any items on the agenda.

To receive an annual update in respect of the Council’s deterrent and enforcement activity in response to fly-tipping.

Consideration was given to an update report in respect of fly-tipping and enforcement activity in Rotherham. The report included an overview of the national and local position in relation to fly-tipping. The report was presented by the Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment and the Assistant Director Community Safety and Street Scene. The direction of travel was highlighted in reference to the prosecutions, and it was noted that, in Yorkshire and Humber, Rotherham is third highest of fifteen authorities for fixed penalty notices for fly-tipping. The Cabinet Member emphasised focus of the Service on ensuring Rotherham was the cleanest borough possible and ensuring that people who fly tip are held to account. The Assistant Director Community Safety and Street Scene highlighted the slight reduction in fly-tipping numbers from last year alongside a two-percent increase nationally. This was felt to be a positive sign that numbers were reducing. Rotherham fly tipping was proactively reported by officers. CCTV enforcement had been expanded to seven days a week. Consultation with Members had been undertaken in the development of the Enviro-Crime Plan, in accordance with a prior recommendation from scrutiny. The Service had also expanded its collaborations with local people to help unblock barriers and drive engagement.

In discussion, Members sought more information regarding the possibility of household waste recycling centres (HWRCs) accepting vans. The response from officers noted limitations associated with the permit type. To remain compliant with the permit for household waste, commercial waste could not be routinely brought to the site. However, following the Cabinet decision in January, the Council was embarking on a new pathway regarding household waste recycling which would give the local authority more control over what could be accepted. Challenges and limits from the sites themselves were also described. It was noted that larger vans take longer to unload, which can create long queues blocking traffic.

Members also sought further information regarding the potential impact of providing each ward with two skips. It was noted that the impact on community wasted could be cost effective. Some councillors currently contribute out of their Community Leadership Funds for wards to pay for community skips because of the impact these make.

The response from officers noted that many communities already benefit from skip days, which the service had not found to have an impact on fly-tipping. It was clarified that there was not flexibility to remobilise budget currently in place for enforcement, detection or clearance of fly tips because this would have an impact on cleanliness and safety for borough residents. Officers offered to produce a business case for skip days.

To promote wider compliance with “right thing, right bin,” Members requested that consideration be given to more accessible messaging, such as putting pictures on the bins of the kinds of things that are designated for the bin. The response from officers noted that the Service work hard to communicate “right thing right bin,” but further consideration could be given. It was noted that the calendar and app were now  ...  view the full minutes text for item 53.

To consider and endorse an updated outline of scrutiny work and to discuss an outline preliminary scope for a spring 2023 review in response to the nature crisis.

Consideration was given to an updated outline programme of scrutiny work for 2023/24. It was noted that the Environment Bill would be considered at the 9 May 2023 meeting. It was further noted that the Tenant Scrutiny Review on Communications with the associated action plan response would be submitted to the next meeting on 21 March 2023. The outcomes of the review of Selective Licensing would also be submitted to the 21 March 2023 meeting.

Consideration was given to initial scoping of a review of biodiversity planned for spring 2023. Objectives of the review were noted, including the need for clear focus within a far-ranging topic, and the need to add value by supporting the Council to meet its legal duties concerning Biodiversity Net Gain. Timescales associated with steps for the review process were noted, including a further scoping exercise in March followed by agreement of final scope at the 21 March 2023 meeting. Review meetings would be scheduled for April 2023 with outcomes to be submitted to the June 2023 meeting.

1.    That the updated schedule of work be noted.

2.    That authority be delegated to the Governance Advisor to make changes to the work programme between meetings in consultation with the Chair and Vice-chair, reporting any changes to the next meeting.

3.    That the preliminary scoping activities and timescales for the review of biodiversity be noted.

To consider any item which the Chair is of the opinion should be considered as a matter of urgency.

The Chair advised that there were no urgent items of business requiring consideration at the meeting.

The next meeting of the Improving Places Select Commission will take place on 21 March 2023, commencing at 1.30 pm in Rotherham Town Hall.

Resolved:-

1.    That the next meeting of Improving Places Select Commission will take place on 21 March, 2023, commencing at 1.30 pm in Rotherham Town Hall.