Agenda and minutes

Members are requested to declare the existence and nature of any disclosable pecuniary interest and/or other interest in any item on the agenda.

There were no declarations of interest.

To approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on 1 October 2019.

The minutes of the meeting held on 1 October 2019 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

To update members on the provision of allotments in Broxtowe.

The Council was responsible for eight allotment sites in the Attenborough, Beeston and Chilwell areas of Broxtowe. The Committee noted an update report on the sites in addition to related costs. The use of compost toilets at allotments was considered and information on the subject would be submitted to a future meeting.

To update members on the various roles and responsibilities relating to flood risk from water pathways in Broxtowe.

The Committee noted a report on the various roles and responsibilities which related to flood risk from water pathways in Broxtowe. Members requested that the emergency flooding response contact details be updated and it was suggested that visits to the relevant areas be undertaken during Spring.

To update members on the initiative to provide 500 fruit trees free to Broxtowe Residents.

The Committee noted a report which gave information on the target to plant 2,000 trees each year across the Borough. Members were informed that there was now limited land available following the target to plant 100,000 trees. It was stated that pocket orchards could be planted on unused or suitable allotment space.

To seek approval for the 2020/21 garden waste subscription fees.

Members were informed that 20,042 properties had subscribed to the 2019/20 service, as of October 2019, generating an income of £699,986. An income target of £680,000 had been set for the 2019/20 subscription period. The Council had increased the subscription fee for 2019/20 by £1 on the main subscription fee and £2 for each additional bin. The number of subscribers in 2019/20 had increased from those in 2018/19 suggesting that the service represented good value for money.

An amendment was proposed by Councillor L Fletcher and seconded by Councillor R I Jackson that the money raised by the increased subscription be ring-fenced for use on greening the fleet of vehicles.

On being put to the meeting, the proposal was defeated.

RESOLVED that:

1.         The price for the first bin for 2020/21 be increased to £34

2.         The price for additional bins for 2020/21 be increased to £18.

RECOMMENDED that the resolution be submitted to the Finance and Resources Committee for approval.

To provide an update for Councillors on the approach to Green Futures and Climate Change Programme in Broxtowe.

The Committee noted a report which provided information on the approach to the Green Futures and Climate Change Programme in Broxtowe. Members queried a number of areas in the report and were informed that the Council was on course to meet the targets stated and a number of factors, such as the rationalisation of assets and the benefits of environmental impact assessments in relation to procurement would be taken into account.

To report progress against outcome targets identified in the Environment Business Plan, linked to Corporate Plan priorities and objectives, and to provide an update as to the latest key performance indicators therein.

Member considered a report which noted progress against outcome targets identified in the Environment Business Plan, linked to Corporate Plan priorities and objectives and received an update as to the latest key performance indicators.

To consider items for inclusion in the Work Programme for future meetings.

Members agreed that information on ‘Bring Days’ and Free Waste Collection be added to the Work Programme.

RESOLVED that the Work Programme, as amended, be approved.