Agenda and minutes

As part of the public consultation on the budget proposals, Committee considered the report of the Director of Environment, as they related to the Streetscene and Engineering Scrutiny Committee.  Members then raised the following points:-

·        ENV 802 - Members asked for clarity around the proposed saving of £200k in relation to the tendering of the contractual arrangements for the MREC.  Officers advised that current arrangements were related in large part to the failed Private Finance Initiative Contract and at present involved a lump sum payment for treatment of residual waste.  The potential new contract would move to a cost per tonne basis, including defined income for recyclate, and the tendered rates being considered indicated the savings included in the FFP would be achieved.

·         Concern was expressed at the proposed 100% increase in the parking charges at the Gnoll Country Park, and would this result in less people visiting the Park or more on street parking?  Members also asked for details of the disabled concessions.  Officers advised that the proposed increase at the Gnoll Country Park was not aimed at making a profit but at reducing the subsidy at present paid by the Authority.  In addition Members noted that more accessible parking bays were designated for disabled blue badge holders.  With regard to the increase in off street parking, Members noted that a Traffic Regulation Order would be implemented prior to 31 March 2018 to address this.  

·        ENV 803 - Members asked whether there had been discussions with Powys County Council in relation to the proposals re the Pwllfawatkin Household Waste Recycling Centre and Powys’ facility at Lower Cwmtwch and were advised that negotiations were ongoing and that perhaps only one of the sites might be used going forward.

·        In relation to the £52 yearly pass which can be bought for each of the Country Park sites, Members asked whether payment could be made on a monthly basis.  Officers advised that the administration of this would be prohibitive.

·        Members suggested that there be 2 tiers of charges: one for the tourist areas (which would encourage tourism) and the other for all remaining areas?  Officers responded that this would be unmanageable.  Consistency was an issue throughout the County Borough, however in order to draw up the proposals the particular facilities were considered.

·        The cost of buses parking at the Country Parks was raised, wherein it was noted that all vehicles paid the same tariff (the cost at Margam Park would have to be verified after the meeting)  - this could be reviewed moving forward.

·        Members asked what posts the staff savings of £30k referred to and were advised that it was believed to be a post in the Planning Section, but all applications for ER/VR were being considered with respect to potential efficiencies.

·        In relation to the Seafront Strategy, it was noted that the relevant Ward Members were supportive of the proposals contained in the circulated report.

·        In relation to the increase in charges, Members noted that this also referred  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1.