Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors A. Speake, J.S. Phillips and H.A.L. Evans (Executive Board Member for Environment)

No questions were received.

The Committee received an Annual Report for its work during the 2018/19 municipal year which had been prepared in accordance with Article 6.2 of the County Council’s Constitution. The report provided an overview of the work programme and the key issues considered by the Committee.  It also detailed the development sessions held for members as well as their attendance at committee meetings.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the report be received.

The Committee received the Corporate Strategy’s 2019/20 Well-being Objectives Performance Monitoring Report for Quarter 1. The report included actions and measures in relation to the Corporate Strategy 2018-2023, to deliver the 2019/20 Well-being Objectives relevant to the Committee’s remit.

The following questions/issues were raised on the report:-

It was noted that of the 64 actions and measures within the report, seven had been moved forward up to two years without any explanation. Members queried how decisions to move targets were made and whether the decision was made by the Executive Board. The Senior Performance Management Officer advised that some actions had been reviewed in line with the Corporate Strategy. Members also raised a concern with regards to the lack of focus of some targets, noting that targets in relation to waste seemed very specific, whereas targets set to reduce energy consumption seemed vague in comparison. The Executive Board Member present advised that he would feedback concerns to the Executive Board. 

In response to a question on area specific strategies in relation to action 10486, members were advised by the Waste Services Manager that a breakdown of each area was not available but an update could be provided on future plans in local areas.

Members referenced Action 14088 which referred in part to dog fouling, and were advised that this matter was still under review. It was noted by the Chair that a meeting to discuss future controls in relation to the Public Space Protection Order had been agreed by the committee at their meeting in May (Environment and Public Protection Scrutiny Committee 17^th May 21019 - Minute 6.3) and dog fouling/control measures would be considered at that meeting. The Executive Board Member present advised that he would be willing to attend the meeting.

In response to a query on Action 14093 in relation to the Invest to Save programme, which offered loans to Town and Community Councils to convert street lamps to LED lighting, the Highways and Transportation Manager advised that the loan was between Welsh Government and the County Council and that a separate loan agreement would then be set up between the County Council and the respective Community Council.

Members asked for further information on the location of the 26 new charging points referenced in Action 13270. Members were keen to see this points placed in rural areas as set out in the target. The Highways and Transportation Manager advised that a Welsh Government Grant of £220k is beeing used to install 26 public charging points across the county, mostly in towns and villages where there are carparks. It was noted that in subsequent years charging points will be placed rural areas.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that –

5.1     the report be received;

5.2     any future targets which are moved should be presented with an

adequate explanation;

5.3     the Executive Board review the scope of targets set.

The Committee considered the Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring Report as at 30^th June in respect of the 2019/20 financial year. The report stated that Services within the Environment & Public Protection Scrutiny remit are forecasting a £508k overspend.

The following questions/issues were raised on the report:-

Members asked for clarification on the £82k underachievement in income from Animal Welfare. The Head of Homes and Safer Communities advised that this was likely due to out of date financial validations used when setting the budget. He further advised that future validations would be more realistic.

In response to a request for clarification on whether the green waste collection was close to being self-financing, Members were advised that take up of the service had been less than predicted and projections would be pushed back to year four or year five.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the report be received

The Committee considered the Highway Asset Management Plan (HAMP) Annual Statement Report 2019.

The following questions/issues were raised on the report:-

In noting that Carmarthenshire was ranked 21^st out of 22 authorities in Wales for A roads in poor condition, members asked whether this was a considerable concern. The Highways and Transportation Manager advised that the performance graph on page 82 of the report provides an interesting indication of our performance in relation to other local authorities, however it did not take in to consideration the spend per mile. Following from the reply received Members asked for further information on new or alternative methods to repairing potholes. The Highways and Transportation Manager advised that the department was continuously interested in alternative methods, but stressed that durability, surface friction and weatherproofing were the main requirements of any treatment. Members drew attention to issues with pot holes locally, and were advised that they would be addressed with individual members outside the committee process.

Members were given a verbal update on the arrangements to replace the role of Road Safety and Traffic Manager.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the report be received.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the report be received.

The Committee considered the list of forthcoming items for the meeting scheduled to take place on the 15^th November, 2019 and was afforded the opportunity to request for information to be placed in to the reports.

Members referenced a recent seminar on Ash Dieback and requested an update in relation to the issue. Particular concerns were raised with regards to the cost of treating the fungal disease.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that:

9.1     the list of forthcoming items be received;

9.2     the Business and Consumer Affairs Annual Report should be circulated outside of the committee process;

9.3     an update on the Ash Dieback programme be circulated to Members outside of the committee process.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Environment and Public Protection Scrutiny Committee held on the 5^th July, 2019 be signed as a correct record.