Agenda and minutes

The Committee noted the evacuation and housekeeping procedure.

There were no declarations of interest.

To approve the minutes of the last meeting held on 9 October 2023

AGREED the minutes of the meeting held on 9 October 2023 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

The Select Committee considered a progress update including assessments of progress following implementation of the recommendations from the Scrutiny Review of Highways Asset Management (including Potholes and Flooding). The aim of the review was to evaluate the opportunities for maintaining the Highways Infrastructure Asset as efficiently as possible, both now and in the future. This was set within the context of increasing demands, financial pressures, and climate change issues.

This was the second time the update had been presented to the Committee. There was one outstanding recommendation.

AGREED that the Progress Update be noted and the assessments of progress be confirmed.

To receive a presentation from a representative from the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP). (To follow)

The Select Committee received a follow up presentation on waste and recycling in Stockton-on-Tees, from a Local Authority Technical Consultant from the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP), which included:

•         WRAP Support

•         Content (findings from the assessment of the alternative collection scenarios)

•         Scenario 1

•         Scenario 2

•         Scenario 3

•         Scenario 4

•         Summary of the Simpler Recycling reforms

•         What did we find?

•         Data - Projected tonnes of residual waste (including contamination from dry recycling) for each scenario

•         Data – Projected residual tonnage relative to the baseline for each scenario

•         Projected overall recycling rate for each scenario

•         Carbon impact (tonnes CO2e) for each scenario

•         Carbon impact (tonnes CO2e) by waste stream for each scenario

•         Projected number of staff relative to the baseline for each scenario

•         Evaluation

The main issues highlighted from the presentations and discussed were as follows:

•         A discussion on the collection of garden waste was held. It was explained that it was now a requirement for local authorities to collect garden waste separately and this service could be chargeable. Two-thirds of local authorities currently charged for the collection of green waste and Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council was included in the remaining third that did not currently charge. It was acknowledged that some residents would deposit their green waste in their residual bin. In general, those who currently paid for a garden waste service tended to have larger gardens or produced a higher amount of garden waste.

AGREED that the information be noted.

Consideration was given to the Work Programme.

Members were reminded that a site visit was due to take place on Thursday 30 November 2023. Members were asked to meet in the reception of Municipal Buildings at midday.

The next meeting would be held on Monday 11 December 2023. This would be an informal summary of evidence session held via Teams.

AGREED that the Work Programme be noted.

RECOMMENDED that under Section 100A of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, the press & public be excluded from the meeting on the grounds that it is likely to discuss exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of the Act.

AGREED that under Section 100A of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, the press & public be excluded from the meeting on the grounds that it is likely to discuss exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of the Act.