Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and noted that the Members of the Scrutiny Committee had agreed to scrutinise item 4(a) from the Cabinet Forward Work Programme and private items Item 9a and 9b.

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and noted that the Members of the Scrutiny Committee had agreed to scrutinise item 4(a) from the Cabinet Forward Work Programme and private items Item 9a and 9b.

Cllr G. Rice declared a personal interest in Item 4a. Changes in Access Approach to Formal Parks and Gardens. He is a trustee of Friends of Jersey Park.

Cllr G. Rice declared a personal interest in Item 4a. Changes in Access Approach to Formal Parks and Gardens. He is a trustee of Friends of Jersey Park.

For the Committee to approve the accuracy of the minutes of the meeting held on the 04/11/24, 08/11/2024, 17/01/25 and14/02/25.

The minutes of the meeting held on held on the 04/11/24, 08/11/2024, 17/01/25 and14/02/25 were approved as an accurate record of proceedings.

The minutes of the meeting held on held on the 04/11/24, 08/11/2024, 17/01/25 and14/02/25 was approved as an accurate record of proceedings.

Members considered item 4(a) from the Cabinet Forward Work Programme.

Members considered item 4(a) from the Cabinet Forward Work Programme.

Following scrutiny, the recommendation was supported to Cabinet.

James M. Davies, Neighbourhood Services Manager explained that this report follows up on the initial report from late 2024, which initiated a four-month trial period. Members were advised that the report presents feedback from stakeholders, staff, and community safety partnership meetings held at the start and end of the trial. Members were advised that the next step is to proceed with a full consultation process, expected to last 6 to 8 weeks, starting in a few weeks.

The chair thanked officers and cabinet members for considering the feedback from the first report. He noted that members had suggested including a consultation process during the trial but agreed that conducting a proper consultation now is a better option. He felt members appreciated this approach.

Members asked if the cost of repairing damage to parks would outweigh the savings from locking them? If parks are being damaged, is locking them the best solution?

Officers clarified that the initiative wasn't intended as a cost-saving measure, despite identifying a £5000 saving. The main reason for the initiative was the frequent failure of lock-in operations due to the nature of the role and difficulties encountered with people staying in the parks overnight. This prompted the consideration of the initiative.

Officers advised that they received feedback indicating that locking the parks wasn't beneficial. Officers plan to address issues in parks by implementing mitigation measures rather than locking gates. This will allow officers to reallocate resources to improve playground maintenance and inspections during regular working hours. Any savings could be offset by the cost of additional measures like bollards.

Members inquired whether reassigning mobile rangers to play areas represents a reduction in staff. They also asked if, in case of vandalism issues would there be other personnel available to lock gates if the mobile ranger positions are eliminated.

Officers clarified that there is no reduction in staff. The goal is to reallocate resources to improve playground inspections and maintenance, providing better value for money. The mobile ranger is not currently on call to handle vandalism or similar issues, and this will not change if the decision is made permanent following the consultation.

Members were advised that supervisors manage the different zones across the borough, and this will continue. There is also an on-call rota to address safety issues during weekends and evenings.

Members asked if there will still be personnel available to lock parks in the future if needed.

Officers explained that they need to understand the necessity of locking parks. During the four-month trial, over 50% of feedback concerned Victoria Gardens, which has unique challenges due to its proximity to the town centre and evening activities. The police noted an impact when gates were previously installed. Unlike most parks, Victoria Gardens is manned during the day.

Members were advised that currently, there is no impact on staffing as staff are already working during the gate closing hours. The consultation may lead to a recommendation to exclude Victoria Gardens from the initiative due to its unique circumstances.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4a

There were no items selected from the Scrutiny Forward Work Programme.

There were no items selected from the Scrutiny Forward Work Programme.

There were no performance monitoring items.

There were no performance monitoring items.

Any urgent items at the discretion of the Chairperson pursuant to Section 100BA(6)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

There was none.

Mike Roberts Head of Streetcare acknowledged that the committee has spent a lot of attention to the waste strategy, under the stewardship of Cabinet member Scott Jones and have been very diligent in supporting the strategy and making it right. Mike Roberts on behalf of himself, Chris Roberts the service manager and Mike Jones the active waste manager had the pleasure to advise the committee that the council has achieved the 70% performance target set by Welsh government. The figure is 71.4% subject to the usual validation by Natural Resources Wales.

Members were informed that since Mike Roberts became head of the service 21 years ago, waste management has improved from under 10% to 70%, thanks to the efforts of residents and staff. He acknowledged these significant changes and expressed optimism for further improvements. A formal performance report will be provided soon.

Mike Roberts emphasized the significant changes in waste management over the past 20 years, thanking the recycling and refuse crews for their adaptability and hard work. He noted the introduction of new vehicles and collection methods, as well as staff job evaluations. He commended their efforts in achieving the current success.

The chair expressed gratitude to officers and members for their efforts and welcomed the progress made. He acknowledged the extensive debates and the committee's broad remit, covering issues like parking, home-to-school transport as a joint committee, and regeneration proposals. He highlighted how busy the committee had been over the years and noted that the upcoming changes post-Annual General Meeting of council, will mean that two new committees will take over the current committee's work. He reiterated his thanks to everyone involved.

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.

That pursuant to Section 100A(4) and (5) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded for the following items of business which involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 14 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A to the above Act.

That pursuant to Section 100A(4) and (5) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded for the following items of business which involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 14 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A to the above Act.

Members considered item 9(a) and 9 (b).

Members considered item 9(a) and 9 (b).

9a) Following scrutiny, members noted the presentation.

9a) Following scrutiny, members noted the presentation.

9b) Following scrutiny, members noted the update.

9b) Following scrutiny, members noted the update.