Meeting documents

To agree the Minutes of the meeting held on 8 December 2016.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 8 December 2016 were agreed as a correct record.

There were no declarations of interest.

The Committee considered the report which provided an overview of the joint waste service for the period November 2016 to January 2017. It was noted that the overall programme status was now at green which was agreed to be a big achievement.

The key targets were reviewed and it was noted that the Deed of Variation had been provided to Serco for signing, although it had been delayed whilst other negotiations with Serco were concluded. Formal completion of the documentation was expected shortly. There had been three major IT projects and a strong focus on health and safety. It was noted that a training pack for new starters had been developed and the team building continued. A DCLG funded project ‘Fighting Food Waste’ was ongoing. It was acknowledged that the number of missed containers had improved and that complaints helped in focusing where further improvements could be made. 

Budget targets were reviewed and noted. The Joint Committee was reminded that it had, on 20 March 2015, deferred a decision whether to implement the negative indexation figure in respect of the period November 2014 to October 2015. The Committee decided that there was no reason not to apply the indexation as provided for in the contract and that it would, in practice, be off-set against increases in other payments under the contract to which Serco were entitled. 

It was reported that South Bucks would be attending the next meeting of the committee.

Presentation

The Joint Committee received an update on Headline Projects presentation and noted that the IT Project/Contender was completed as had the Migration of SBDC calls to Customer Services under the Phased Approach/Project Plan. The Waste Projects Team had worked hard to achieve this result.

Under Stage 1 Work Packages all work had happened to the expected timescale. Under Stage 2 Work Packages it was noted that the Budget Arrangements and Contract Monitoring Procedures needed more time as did the Review of Bin App Options and Mobile/Remote Working.  Under Stage 3 Work Packages, Chargeable Garden Waste Module also required more time for delivery.

It was particularly noted that information for flats was due to be refreshed as complaints had been received about non collection from flats. 

The subject of fly tipping was raised and agreed that a report would be prepared and brought back to the August meeting.

RESOLVED:

That the presentation be noted.

For information

The Joint Waste Committee received the report setting out, in detail, performance improvements being delivered by Serco in line with the agreed plans. Milestones were noted, particularly that of missed container levels although these had improved. However, Members expressed concern in relation to the missed collect and return numbers.

A key area for improvement was crew numbers and agency staff as the latter appeared to be a root cause of the current problems and ways were being investigated to improve rates of pay for drivers. It was noted that Serco were also committed to making improvements and that general morale and attitude was higher than previously.

The report contained some positive results following the improvements introduced by Serco and will be forwarded to senior Members of both Councils for information.

RESOLVED:

• That the report be noted; and
• That the report be circulated to Chiltern and Wycombe Members for information.

For information

The Joint Committee received a report on the review of bin charging policy and noted that bins had previously been replaced free of charge before 2015, but since 2015, a charge has been in place. The Joint Committee was asked to agree that a review of the current waste policy for charging residents for replacement waste containers when they moved into existing properties and how this applied to tenants of social housing should be carried out and, after a short discussion, this action was agreed.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted and a review of the current waste policy for charging residents for replacement waste containers when they move into existing properties, and how this applies to tenants of social housing be carried out.

To resolve that under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the public be excluded from the meeting for the following item(s) of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part I of Schedule 12A of the Act.

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

The Joint Committee received a report in relation to 360 degree cameras and noted that it set out the benefits of introducing 360 degree CCTV cameras to Serco waste and recycling vehicles. The Committee was also requested to support further work by officers to prepare a business case to support the installation of 360 degree CCTV cameras to Serco waste and recycling vehicles.

Following some discussion, it was agreed that there was general support but that more detailed work in terms of financial benefits and cost avoidance be carried out.  The Joint Committee agreed recommendations with an additional recommendation that a CCTV camera be installed into one vehicle for a trial period.

RESOLVED:

1) That the report be noted;

2) That officers carry out further work to prepare a business case for the installation of 360 degree CCTV cameras in the Serco waste and recycling vehicles; and

3) That a 360 degree CCTV camera be installed into one vehicle for a trial period to help inform the business case.

The date of the next meeting was scheduled for Tuesday 15 August 2017 to be held in the Large Committee Room, CDC Offices, King George V House, King George V Road, Amersham.