Agenda item

Report ES16005

Concerning future work, it was intended that the Committee’s Working Group on the new environmental services contract would meet in April 2016, prior to a gateway report being presented to Members in the summer. 

For the Committee’s next meeting on 15^th March 2016, it was intended to provide an opportunity for the Committee to scrutinise work of the Portfolio Holder. A report concerned with street lighting was also expected in addition to other items listed at Appendix 1 to Report ES16005. Should it not be possible report on street lighting in March, a report would be scheduled for the Committee’s meeting in June.  A brief update was also provided on the current position in adopting and making up Plawsfield Road, Beckenham.

The Portfolio Holder highlighted a particular concern for the poor performance of UK Power Networks in the borough when responding to requests for lamp column connections. These issues had delayed the progress of the street lighting invest to save project and delayed the realisation of some of the energy savings. The Portfolio Holder asked whether a report could be considered by the Committee which might also be used to highlight the company’s performance to London MPs and London Councils. If a full report to the Committee’s next meeting was not possible, the Chairman suggested a background note or a short report to Members which could be used to

follow-up the matter.

Members also considered the possibility of visits outside of Committee meetings and it was agreed to circulate a programme of possible events. Suggestions for visits included: (i) High Elms; (ii) a recycling separation plant (Members had previously been invited to a MURF); (iii) the SELCHIP Advanced Energy Recovery Facility, London SE14; and (iv) locations to view highway maintenance in action. An approach could also be made to Veolia to see if there was any possibility of a visit being arranged before their attendance at the Committee’s meeting on 15^th March 2016.

Noting that the Assistant Director, Transport and Highways, would be moving to a new position later this month, the Chairman took the opportunity to pass on the Committee’s best wishes for the future and thanks for support provided.

RESOLVED that:

(1)  the Committee’s work programme be agreed subject to the Committee’s next meeting on 15^th March 2016 providing an opportunity to scrutinise work of the Portfolio Holder and consideration of a possible report concerned with street lighting;

(2)  the Committee’s Working Group to consider design of the new environmental services contract be convened for a date in April 2016; 

(3)  a report be provided to the Committee’s next meeting on the performance of UK Power Networks in the borough when responding to requests for lamp column connections – should a full report not be possible, a background note or short briefing report be provided to Members instead;

(4)  a programme of possible visits be circulated to Members for consideration;

(5)  progress related to previous Committee requests be noted; and

(6)  a summary of contracts related to the Environment Portfolio be

noted.