To receive declarations of personal and prejudicial interest (if any) from Members/Officers in accordance with the provisions of the Members Code of Conduct adopted by Council from 1 September 2008 (including whipping declarations)

None

To receive for approval the minutes of the meeting of the 19/04/2018 and 12/06/2018

RESOLVED:              That the minutes of the meetings of Subject Overview 

                                   and Scrutiny Committee 3 dated 19^th April 2018 and 

                                   12^th June 2018 be approved as a true and accurate

                                   record.     

The Scrutiny Officer presented the feedback from previous meetings of the Subject Overview and Scrutiny Committee 3 and the list of responses including those still outstanding.

A Member explained that he had submitted a question for Council

regarding Waste Services, but he had missed the deadline. He asked if when this item was next considered the report could cover the contract and what sanctions were in place for non- delivery in the first period. He wanted to know what actions had been taken for not hitting the key deadlines, the additional costs relating to issues at the start of the contract and the number of member referrals. The Scrutiny Officer reminded Members that as previously explained, the financial aspects of the contract could be considered by the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

A Member asked for the report to include an update on enforcement and the outcome of the review particularly in relation to the Wildmill area.

The Scrutiny Officer asked the Committee if they wanted further information on any items or if they wanted to prioritise any items.

A Member referred to ALN Reform and private members legislation regarding autism and asked for more detail on what information was being fed into the process.

Members requested that Parks and Fields, the revised CAT process and Empty Properties be prioritised.

RESOLVED:                  That the report and the comments made, be noted.

Invitees:

Zak Shell, Head of Neighbourhood Services

Andrew Hobbs, Group Manager Streetworks

Paul Thomas, Principal Surveyor – Property & Facilities Management

Cllr Richard, Young Cabinet Member Communities

The Head of Neighbourhood Services presented a report advising the Committee on the topic of plastic waste pollution and the proposal for a “Plastic Free Bridgend County”.

A Member expressed his disappointment because the report presented a negative view giving reasons why actions could not be taken rather than proposals for what could be done. The Chairperson agreed that the general feeling of the Committee was that this was a light report. The Head of Neighbourhood Services replied that this was a complex topic and he had not intended to be negative. He was keen to ensure that due consideration was given to the issues and actions taken for the right reasons. He explained that originally the motion was presented to Council but then it was withdrawn for a Scrutiny Committee to consider. The report was intended to inform debate and discussion with regards to single use plastics rather than assume that the authority would move forwards with discontinuing their use. The Head of Neighbourhood Services gave an example comparing a currently authority wide purchased disposable plastic pen and a refillable parker pen. One was significantly more expensive than the other, but did not need to be thrown away. He highlighted how just for this one small area of regular purchase, a relatively complex business case weighing cost versus environmental benefit would need to be carefully considered for the Authority to make the best decision as to which to purchase. The report was designed to highlight these complexities to avoid a knee jerk decision to implement policy change without understanding the consequence.

The Head of Neighbourhood Services referred to the “Blue Planet” BBC television series and how you could not fail to be moved by the way plastics were irresponsibly used and disposed of. He explained that there had been significant activity in plastic recycling at the kerbside and in the collection of absorbent waste products. Whilst positive action had already been taken, the impact and definition of a “Plastic Free Bridgend” was complex and the benefits were not clear. There was still room for more changes largely in offices where single use plastics could be replaced. The changes could be far reaching and affect every part of the Authority including business support and procurement. He added that to truly understand the full impact then a further study would be required to look at what it would cost to discontinue use and the impact it would have and what the long term savings would be. The Authority had to be aware of the business case and all the issues involved.  He explained that it would be possible to change from biodegradable food waste sacks to single use plastic bags which could then be pulled out of the process. It took too long for biodegradable bags to break down in the current process. He added that this was a complex topic and that reuse should be encouraged wherever possible.

Members discussed the need for a market for plastic to create demand  ...  view the full minutes text for item 50.

To consider any item(s) of business in respect of which notice has been given in accordance with Part 4 (paragraph 4) of the Council Procedure Rules and which the person presiding at the meeting is of the opinion should by reason of special circumstances be transacted at the meeting as a matter of urgency.

None.