Agenda item

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 to Pontardawe. Some Members expressed concern that this may reduce the footfall or that the public may find alternative parking, perhaps on street.  Officers advised that, in line with the National Guidelines, Pontardawe was deemed a town and that the same tariff was proposed as both Neath and Port Talbot.  It was also noted that vandals had damaged the machine in Pontardawe on several occasions, and that the Police would be investigating the incidents.  The proposals were subject to consultation and the final decision would be made by Members in the New Year.

·        Members discussed the implementation of digital/virtual residents’ parking permits and noted that there would be a £2.50 administration charge.  In order to ‘police’ this a Mobile Enforcement Van would scan number plates and Officers could issue penalty notices.  Clarification was also given on the issuing of holiday/ visitors’ permits.

·        Members noted that the charge for Staff and Member permits would be the subject of a separate report to the Personnel Committee.

·        Members were please at the proposed introduction of the mobile CCTV van and its use outside schools.  Officers advised that checks would be made to ensure that the correct Traffic Orders were in place and thereafter the mobile unit would patrol outside of schools to ensure compliance with the Orders.   This would generate income for the Authority which could be used to offset such things as the purchase and training associated with the new service and increases in NNDR in 2018.