Minutes:
The Work Programme was discussed.
Cllr Casey-Hulme put the following questions forward on the recovery of costs incurred by the Council in relation to Walleys Quarry:
- why the cost order awarded against Walleys Quarry was not enforced;
- if consideration was given to pursuing recovery of those costs;
- whether legal advice was obtained regarding enforcement;
- whether the Council intended to seek recovery of any outstanding costs in the future;
- if the Council got any part of the costs awarded.
Cllr Casey-Hulme also asked about the capping and restoration of the site:
- if the Council could provide an update from the multi-agency working group regarding progress on the capping and restoration of Walley's Quarry, in particular with regard to the depth of soil in the capped area;
- if the Council could clarify whether the capping was progressing in accordance with degree specifications;
- what monitoring or independent verification was being undertaken to ensure the capping was adequate;
- whether the council was satisfied that sufficient material had been placed across the capped areas to ensure long-term effectiveness and environmental protection.
The Service Director for Sustainable Environment said that an email copy of the questions relating to recovery costs would be helpful and that answers would be sought from officers.
Regarding the management of the facilities, this was under the control of the Environment Agency and was progressing according to plan with a drastic reduction of both odours and complaints. A full report would be provided at the next Cabinet meeting and brought to the next Committee meeting.
The Chair advised that the Work Programme would include the following items:
- Walleys Quarry;
- Environmental Stewardship;
- Park Investment Developing Methodology;
- Local Nature Recovery Strategy including partnerships;
- Waste Litter and Deposit Return Scheme including NOX canisters’ impact on communities, waste and street scene services as well as mitigation controls;
- Refresh and Renew Update on Activity leading to Investment;
- PSPOS – developing new and amending current PSPO provision;
- Police Data Reporting – to receive an Update from the Borough Commander on Crime and Partnership Activity
- PFCC and SFRS Update – to receive an update from the Chief Fire Officer on Service Provision in Newcastle;
- Review of Gambling Policy – pencilled for November;
- Community Safety Partnership;
- Borough and District Health Activity Update from Staffordshire County Council;
- ICB changes – annual item to look at changes to the ICB's Geography and Focus Premises Enforcement;
- ENTP Crossover Article 4.
Cllr Heesom asked that the Navigation House topic be considered.
Cllr Hutchison said that the Civic Pride Investment Fund would likewise be of interest as well as the Grassland Cutting, Grassland Management and Sustainable Environment Strategies.
Cllr Heesom wondered why the Work Programme hadn’t been included in the agenda.
The Service Director for Sustainable Environment responded that this was down to time constraints and provided more details on the list of items. The Environmental Stewardship would be replacing the Sustainable Environment Strategy that Cllr Hutchison referred to.
Members discussed further about the opportunity to bring the Navigation House into the work programme, agreeing it was desirable.
Cllr Bailey enquired about the provision for homeless veterans.
Cllr Heesom responded that it was the same as for other homeless people, adding that she was not aware of any homeless veterans having reached out to the Council over the last few years and that there was an Armed Forces Covenant at the Council.
Cllr Casey-Hulme suggested that the expected Climate Emergency Declaration motion be brought to the Committee before going to Full Council.
The Chair supported the suggestion which he had also intended to put forward.
The Cabinet Member for Waste, Recycling and Green Spaces advised that the motion would be discussed at Full Council which all available members would be attending and that prior scrutiny may therefore not be necessary.
The County Council Representative Cllr Adam Griffiths highlighted the importance for the Work Programme to remain a fluid document as scrutiny would be required as and when relevant reports would be brought to Cabinet.
The Chair concluded by sharing the list of items to be discussed at the September meeting i.e.:
- Walleys Quarry;
- Local Nature Recovery Strategy;
- Waste Litter and Deposit Return Scheme;
- Police Data Reporting – update from the Borough Commander on Crime and Partnership Activity.
Cllr Hutchison wondered if the County Council Representative could make notes of members’ questions rather than awaiting an email to provide responses. Recordings of the meetings were available in case of doubts.
Cllr Griffiths commented that as questions were to be passed on to the appropriate person at the County Council it made sense to have members sending a copy rather than himself drafting an email with his interpretation of the questions.
Resolved: That the Work Programme be discussed and noted.
Supporting documents: