Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed the Committee.

There were none.

For the Committee to approve the accuracy of the minutes of the meeting held on 20^th January 2023.

The minutes of the meeting held on 20th January 2023 were approved as an accurate record of proceedings.

Members received an overview of the report requesting that the Scrutiny Committee commend the recommendations within the Task and Finish group report to the Environment, regeneration, and Streetscene Services Cabinet Board.

The Scrutiny Committee also requested that the relevant Cabinet Member reports back to the Scrutiny committee on their response to the recommendations. The Chair thanked the members and officers for their efforts during the Task and Finish group.

Following Scrutiny, the Committee was supportive of the proposals to be considered by the Cabinet Board.

To select appropriate items from the Cabinet Board agenda for Pre-Decision Scrutiny (Cabinet Board reports included for Scrutiny Members)

Highways and Engineering - Works Programme 2023/2024

Members received information on the highway and engineering works to be undertaken in the financial year 2023/24 and were asked to approve the programme works as presented within the report circulated.

The Chair requested a report from officers to come back to the Scrutiny Committee that is scheduled for the26th of May detailing the criteria used to assess and prioritise the schemes in highways and engineering works programme as circulated within the report.

Following Scrutiny, the Committee was supportive of the proposals to be considered by the Cabinet Board.

Vehicle and Heavy Plant Fleet Procurement Programme 2023/24

Members were advised on the request to approve procurement of new and replacement vehicles and heavy plant in 2023/24. Along with approval of delegated authority for the relevant Head of Service to replace vehicles from future years 25/26 if any grants become available to assist with the purchase of vehicles, as presented within the report circulated.

Members requested that a report be brought to a future meeting detailing figures in relation to plant fleet procurement and how much the Council is committed to, this would provide an understanding for members on the costings of tenders when they become apparent. Officers agreed to bring a cost report back to members half yearly, however they advised that the vehicle market is currently difficult with costs being affected by supply and demand. Officers advised that the report would be dependent on going through specifications of vehicles and seeking tenders to provide costs received.

Members also wanted an update on charging infrastructure in line with having more electric vehicles and a report on this. Officers confirmed that a report would be brought forward and explained that there is currently limited charging infrastructure installed around Civic Buildings. However, in readiness of expanding low carbon vehicles in the fleet, a 1.6million contract has commenced to facilitate this issue and will predominately deal with the council fleet vehicles.  This is aimed to be completed by the end of the summer within this financial year. Officers also advised that Tregelles Court will also be receiving some electric vehicle infrastructure as the authority is due to receive electric vehicles to support council services.

Members also wanted to know why the report refers only to the possibility of electric vehicles for the refuse lorries. It was discussed that a transport review would be starting this financial year, with a 5-year plan on how the fleet will be developed and expanded. Officers explained that grants are available to help the difference of cost when switching from diesel to electric to help decarbonise waste fleets by 2030 and it is hoped by officers that should the council decide to move the refuse fleet to electric, that Welsh Government are able to support replacement of the fleet. If not, then the council will need to look at what is affordable. Officers have flagged up to Welsh Government that the Council is renewing most of the fleet so they can  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

Any urgent items (whether public or exempt) at the discretion of the Chairperson pursuant to Section 100B (4) (b) of the Local Government Act 1972.

There was none.

For the Committee to receive the Forward Work Programme of the Environment, Regeneration & Neighbourhood Services Scrutiny Committee for 2022-23.

The Members of the Committee noted the Forward Work Programme.

Access to Meetings to resolve to exclude the public for the following item(s) pursuant to Section 100A(4) and (5) of the Local Government Act 1972 and the relevant exempt paragraphs of Part 4 of Schedule 12A to the above Act.

To select appropriate private items from the Cabinet Board agenda for Pre-Decision Scrutiny (Cabinet Board reports enclosed for Scrutiny Members).

Home to School Transport

To discuss tendering process in relation to Home to School Transport, as detailed within the private circulated report.

Following scrutiny, the recommendation was supported to cabinet Board.