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The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
RESOLVED that the Place, Sustainability and Climate Change Scrutiny Committee Annual Report 2023/24 be received.
RESOLVED that the end of year Performance Report for 2023/24 be received.
RESOLVED:- 6.1 that the report be received; 6.2 to recommend to Cabinet that the recommended option to tackle Dog Related ASB issues within the report be approved.
RESOLVED that the progress made on the development of the Equestrian Strategy be noted.
RESOLVED: 8.1 that the Blueprint implementation plan be received; 8.2 to recommend to Cabinet that the recommendations provided in the report be adopted.
RESOLVED that the list of forthcoming items for the Committee meeting to be held on the 7th October 2024 be agreed.
Apologies for absence were received from Councillor P.Cooper and G.B.Thomas.
There were no declarations of interest. There were no declarations of any prohibited party whips.
The Chair advised that no public questions had been received.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the Place, Sustainability and Climate Change Scrutiny Committee Annual Report 2023/24 be received.
The Committee received its Annual Report on the work undertaken during the 2023/24 municipal year. It was noted that the report had been prepared in accordance with Article 6.2 of the Council’s Constitution and provided an overview of the work programme and key issues addressed, whilst also incorporating any issues referred to, or from, the Cabinet, Task and Finish reviews and development sessions. An expression of gratitude was provided to Committee members for their work and commitment throughout the year and to officers for their invaluable assistance and support. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the Place, Sustainability and Climate Change Scrutiny Committee Annual Report 2023/24 be received.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the end of year Performance Report for 2023/24 be received.
The Committee received the end of year performance report for 2023/24 for their consideration. The report showed the progress as at the end of 2023/24 of the deliverables (Actions and Measures) linked to the Corporate Strategy and the Well-being Objectives within the remit of the Scrutiny Committee. The following observations were raised in relation to the report:- • Reference was made to page 3 of the report. In response to a query regarding stage 2 complaints, the Business Improvement Manager explained that whilst the department strives to resolve matters within the 21 day target, the nature of some cases are complex and requires additional time to investigate/resolve. • Reference was made to the flood risk management plan on page 6 of the report where an update on the progress was requested. The Head of Place and Sustainability explained that the plan had been developed and was currently being finalised. • In reference to the action relating to the flytipping recommendations from the task and finish review on page 6 of the report, the Head of Head of Environmental Infrastructure explained that a number of the recommendations had been delivered however, work continued on the development of the Flytipping Strategy with a view to complete at the end of March 2025. It was reported that there had been a significant reduction in flytipping over the last 12 months since the completion of the actions. In addition, there had been an increase on social media regarding flytipping as well as reporting the Fixed Penalty Notices and the successes on the enforcement actions. Discussions were taking place with the Communities department in regard to the single point of contact/team for flytipping taking into consideration the resources and the staffing implications. Furthermore, work was progressing in the consideration of the single platform for the public to report flytipping. • An update was requested in relation to action on the development of a Community Transport Strategy, page 9 of the report. The Head of Environmental Infrastructure explained that work was ongoing in terms of the development of the strategy and was currently awaiting the outcomes of the public consultation on the Regional Transport Strategy. The implications of the Regional Transport Strategy would have an impact on the Community Transport Strategy. Members were informed that Carmarthenshire County Council would be undertaking a public engagement exercise in September October this year to help inform and refine the Community Transport Strategy. • In response to a query regarding the Towy Valley Cycle path, the Head of Environmental Infrastructure, updated the committee stating that the public inquiry had been received and which had concluded that the Compulsory Purchasing Orders (CPO’s) were able to proceed. Confirmation was provided that the funding was secure. • Reference was made to the % of Recycling contaminated on page 8 of the report. Concern was expressed that a large percentage of the recycling undertaken remained contaminated. The Waste Transformation Project Manager stated that there was an education enforcement process in place within the service which was managed by the operational crews. Fixed Penalty Notices would be given following a process of 3 education phases. A concern was raised in respect to the lack of waste management within rented accommodations which caused unpleasant waste and increase in rat problems, it was urged that waste be a consideration in respect of rented agreements. • Reference was made to the action – Work with Welsh Government to ensure electricity infrastructure is in place to allow us to develop ambitious renewable energy projects to reach net zero, on page 11 of the report. In acknowledging that it was on target, it was asked if there was continued progress on this action? In addition, it was asked if the change in MP help with the challenges faced in building renewable energy? The Head of Place and Sustainability highlighted that access to the grid, particularly along the South Wales corridor was constrained. Work had been taking place with the Welsh Government energy service and the grid enhancement work they were undertaking. Work on key proposals were being worked on with colleagues across the Authority and the Welsh Government Energy Service in developing the Strategic Asset Plan for pan Wales which would feed into the UK wide Asset Plan. An additional query was raised regarding the availability of grants for businesses in Carmarthenshire to develop energy efficiency in renewable energy? The Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability stated that he would make some enquiries to find out more and should there be monies available, it would be promoted to ensure that businesses could take advantage of the grants available. • Reference was made to the number of motorcyclists killed and seriously injured on roads and the number of young people killed and seriously injured on roads, page 20 of the report. Concern was expressed regarding the increase in percentages, it was asked what was being done to improve this? The Head of Environmental Infrastructure stated that as he did not have the relevant information to hand and that he would not want to speculate on such an important matter, he would circulate the information to members by e-mail. RESOLVED that the end of year Performance Report for 2023/24 be received.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED:- 6.1 that the report be received; 6.2 to recommend to Cabinet that the recommended option to tackle Dog Related ASB issues within the report be approved.
The Committee received for consideration an update for the consideration of Additional Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for Carmarthenshire Dog Orders. The Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability in presenting the report reminded the Committee that it was recommended at its meeting held on 24th November 2022, to introduce a County wide ban of dog’s entering a marked-up sports pitch and the introduction a Fixed Penalty Notice for the offence of not having the means of cleaning up after their dog. The report provided members with an update and the options available to the Authority based upon legal advice given The following comments and queries where raised in relation to the report:- • In respect of the proposal to give a Fixed Penalty Notice for the offence of not having the means to clean up after a dog, it was asked how it was intended to be enforced? The Cabinet Member stated that whilst the Police were the only means who were able to spot check and enforce, it was hoped that the dog walkers would comply with the additional PSPO and a promotion would remind dog owners of their responsibilities in connection with the existing current PSPO and this additional PSPO. In addition, there was a reliance on members of the public to report irresponsible dog owners accurately to the Council. • It was suggested that Officers work with Town and Community Councils to design standard signage for use across the County to inform the public about the PSPO areas and what is required. RESOLVED:- 6.1 that the report be received; 6.2 to recommend to Cabinet that the recommended option to tackle Dog Related ASB issues within the report be approved.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the progress made on the development of the Equestrian Strategy be noted.
The Committee considered the Carmarthen Equestrian Strategy which provided an update on the development of the forthcoming Equestrian Strategy and included a suite of proposed actions to be included in the final document. The Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability in presenting the report expressed his thanks to the team for providing the report and sought members comments. The following comments and queries were raised in relation to the report:- • It was acknowledged that the provisions for equestrianism was patchy throughout the County. There were very limited areas where horses could be ridden safely. There was an appreciation of the concerns raised by the horse riding community in terms of safe passage ways to ride horses. • Whilst recognising the reason and rational of the strategy, there was concern regarding the financial aspect in its implementation which would need to be considered and budgeted. The Head of Environmental Infrastructure explained that the Strategy was being developed with the consideration of financial resources. The actions within the report must be proportionate and demonstrate best value as well as being within the current budget within its portfolio. Furthermore, outcomes would be required to fall within the existing budgets if not, they would be subject to grant funding or additional funding being made available. • Reference was made to paragraph 7.5 of the report - 7.5 Access Reform in Wales in particular regard to the sentence which cited ‘One of the proposed reforms would see the extension of rights to ride a cycle or horse to public footpaths.’ Concern was expressed that the connection between paths would require a horse to travel on a public highway. The Countryside Access Manager confirmed that one of the proposals within the Access Reform Wales was to allow cycling and horse riding on public footpaths. As this was still in the very early stages of development it was not possible to determine the outcome. RESOLVED that the progress made on the development of the Equestrian Strategy be noted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: 8.1 that the Blueprint implementation plan be received; 8.2 to recommend to Cabinet that the recommendations provided in the report be adopted.
The Committee considered a report on the Carmarthenshire Waste Strategy - Blueprint Implementation Plan. The report, presented by the Cabinet Member for Transport, Waste and Infrastructure Services outlined the proposed transition of the Welsh Governments recycling blueprint collection methodology. It was reported that the Authority had narrowly met its 70% recycling target for 2024/2025. Reference was made to the significant financial penalties that would be imposed should the Authority fail to meet the statutory recycling targets. Furthermore, in considering the Authority’s moral obligations to reduce its carbon footprint, the efforts made thus far to move towards a system based upon the principles of a circular economy was highlighted. Accordingly, to achieve the anticipated 80% target by 2030, address contamination issues and provide a cost-effective service, the Council was required to implement the second phase of its Waste Strategy which would introduce a new collection system to increase recycling rates, reduce waste, and align with Welsh Government objectives. Consideration was given to the rationale and a suite of options detailed within the report. The following comments and queries were raised in relation to the report:- • The Head of Environmental Infrastructure responded to a number of queries raised on the report as follows:- • - Ongoing discussions were taking place with South Wales Trunk Road Agency to provide immediate safety improvements along the A48 in regard to the access and egress to the Nantycaws recycling plant. - This proposal does not impact upon the Household Waste Recycling sites. - Following the conclusion of Phase 1, a lot was learned particularly in terms of implementation, planning and the deliveries. It was acknowledged that there were challenges in respect of the glass boxes, therefore the planning of the delivery of new containers would be key. A full lessons learned report had been compiled together with the Transformation team which outlined what the challenges were and how to overcome them in future. In addition, the support from WRAP Cymru was invaluable in regard to the implementation, roll out of the crews and delivery. - A detailed financial risk register was in place which was continuously monitored. Any increase in costs would be communicated accordingly. - In terms of a 4-day working week, it was explained that a business case was currently being developed within the Waste Service for the new working pattern. • Clarification was sought in regards to the centralisation of service to Nantycaws. The Head of Environmental Infrastructure explained that currently, waste collected in Llanelli was delivered to a transfer station at Trostre which was then transferred to Nantycaws by way of bulk haulers. It has been proposed to transfer staff based at the Trostre depot, vehicles to be based at Nantycaws eliminating the process of the transfer of waste from Trostre to Nantycaws. It was confirmed that there the provision of the HWRC in Trostre would remain in situ. • Concern was raised that the proposed 4 weekly collection for black bags was a long time for a small flat / large families. The Head of Environmental Infrastructure explained that flat complexes have the provision of wheelie bins and that there would be not change to the waste collection. In response to the concern regarding black bags, should all households sort and separate food waste and use the nappy waste recycling scheme together with the other recycling methods, the black bag should contain very little other waste. A representative from WRAP Cymru was invited to address the Committee. WRAP Cymru have supported a number of Councils across Wales in the transition to blueprint collection methodology where recycling is collected in separate compartments on vehicles. In respect to contamination, the crews were able to identify foreign materials easily reducing the risk of contamination. In the event of an issue, crews would manage the matter by leaving the container and informing the householder of the reason. Members were informed that Conwy County Council had introduced the 4 weekly black bag collection 3-4 years ago finding that it had considerably improved their recycling rate by 11.5%. In response to a query, the Waste Transformation Project Manager explained that in order to provide assistance, educate and inform there was an A-Z for recycling available online for residents which provides a explanation of what can and cannot be placed in various receptacles. In addition, Community Recycling Advisors, as part of the education enforcement process, actively visits residents who may not have access to the internet or needs additional support. RESOLVED: 8.1 that the Blueprint implementation plan be received; 8.2 to recommend to Cabinet that the recommendations provided in the report be adopted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the list of forthcoming items for the Committee meeting to be held on the 7th October 2024 be agreed.
The Committee received a list of forthcoming items to be considered at its next meeting to be held on the 7th October, 2024. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the list of forthcoming items for the Committee meeting to be held on the 7th October 2024 be agreed.
RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on the 6th June, 2023 be signed as a correct record.
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