Meeting documents

To agree the Minutes of the meeting held on 11 February 2016.

Sally Gordon confirmed that her previous role as Waste Policy and Performance Manager  was not being back filled whilst she was acting Senior Waste Officer ; this had been reported incorrectly in the previous minutes.

In noting this correction, the Minutes of the Meeting held on 11 February 2016 were agreed as a correct record.

The Committee received a report providing an update and overview of the joint waste service. 

The Committee noted the current tasks, milestones, and outcomes for the period covered from January to February 2016.  It was reported that the simple sites in phase 3 were expected to be completed by the end of April 2016 and the review of customer lists would continue on an annual basis.  It was noted that refuse crews were generally helpful to members of the public in informing them of the correct recyclables for recycling bins.

During the next period, March to April 2016, it was reported that work was being undertaken on the Contender/Street Smart integration and data alignment.  The planned completion date was expected at the end of April 2016 and would help with providing information on the correct collect and return queries. Work was due to start on the chargeable Contender garden waste module and options app.  Also alternative payment options were being considered to reduce the amount of administration required to process payments.

Regarding budgets for the current year Nisar Visram, Finance Services Manager WDC, reported that figures were £250k under the reported WDC budget forecast.  Sally Gordon confirmed that the figures would be checked and discussions would take place with WDC finance team to resolve the issue.

The Committee noted the key waste targets.  It was reported that the recycling rate was at 52.39% for quarter 3.  This slightly lower figure than the annual target of 56% could be due to seasonal fluctuations in tonnage and it was noted that future targets would be profiled for 2016/17. There were issues with bins on streets and it was reported that properties had been identified and stickers had been put on bins.  It was suggested that a letter be sent to the Principal at Bucks New University to request a meeting to discuss issues regarding recycling for student accommodation and landlords. 

It was noted that figures regarding missed containers had improved and Serco had introduced a new process to target repeated missed collections.  Work was being undertaken on accident reporting and written figures had been requested from Serco. 

Formal complaints had improved and it was reported that there was currently only one formal complaint being investigated.  Information regarding the types of complaint would be brought to the next meeting.  

The Committee noted that Serco had significantly improved processes and congratulated Serco on this progress.

RESOLVED:

1             That the report be noted.

2             That the Senior Waste Officer liaises with the Finance Services Manager, WDC, regarding the budget figures.

3             That a letter be sent to the Principal at Bucks New University to request a meeting.

4             That information regarding types of complaint be brought to the next meeting.

The Committee received a presentation on enhancing recycling facilities for flats.   Over 800 developments in WDC and over 250 developments in CDC had been reviewed and the aim was to be able to collect the same range of recyclables as low rise properties.  

A complicated range of bin stores had been surveyed and different solutions were provided such as stickers on bulk bins and new containers. Further reviews were to be undertaken on more difficult locations and work would take place with private and public sector landlords to resolve issues.  Work on WDC sites had progressed well with 727 developments completed.  The CDC sites were progressing with 156 developments already completed and 43 sites due to be completed by the end of April. 

Further work would include revisiting problem sites, further engagement with landlords, dealing with incorrectly placed items and improving communications with residents.

The Chairman reported that a disabled Wycombe resident was having issues with bins being put directly outside their house; this was causing hygiene and pest problems.  Red Kite Housing had been contacted on numerous occasions to help resolve the issue but no response had been received.  Sally Gordon confirmed that she would look into the issue and contact Red Kite directly.

It was suggested that the provision for bin stores should be considered when building new flat developments.  In response, it was reported that guidance was provided to developers and should be considered in plans; however this was mainly in relation to new builds and not conversions of existing properties.  The Chairman confirmed that this would be brought to the attention of the Cabinet Member for Planning at WDC.

Note: the relevant paragraph number and description is indicated under the Minute heading.

Paragraph 3 - Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)

Paragraph 3 - Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)

The Committee received an update on Serco’s proposed corporate restructure.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

Paragraph 1 - Information relating to any individual

Paragraph 3 - Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)

Paragraph 4 - Information relating to any consultations or negotiations, or contemplated consultations or negotiations, in connection with any labour relations matter arising between the authority or a Minister of the Crown and employees of, or office holders under, the authority

Paragraph 1 - Information relating to any individual

Paragraph 3 - Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)

Paragraph 4 - Information relating to any consultations or negotiations, or contemplated consultations or negotiations, in connection with any labour relations matter arising between the authority or a Minister of the Crown and employees of, or office holders under, the authority

The Committee received a report providing information on the waste service review.  Clarification was provided on point 4 (4) in the Executive Summary on the team location. The report had been considered and agreed at all the relevant Chiltern and South Bucks Committees. Caroline Hughes provided feedback on the consideration of the report at WDC. A discussion took place on reporting matters of the Committee to the respective Cabinets

RESOLVED:

1          That the outcome of discussion undertaken at meetings outlined in the report be noted.

2          That the summary points outlined in the report, previously considered by the Joint Waste Committee on 11 February 2016, be agreed.