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RESOLVED: .1. To scrutinise the Cabinet Member for Environment & Leisure in respect of matters considered and agreed by Cabinet, and any key decisions taken, during the period as set out.
RESOLVED: 1. To note the Council’s Recycling performance for the year 2024/25; 2. To continue to receive updates in respect of the Council’s progress in achieving the Welsh Government 70% recycling target; and, 3. To undertake a site visit to Bryn Pica Recycling and Education Centre as part of Members’ ongoing development
The Chair welcomed Members and Officers to the meeting. The Chair welcomed Cabinet Member for Environment and Leisure, Councillor A Crimmings to the meeting. Additionally, the Chair welcomed Councillor Rogers to the Committee as a new Member, who is replacing Councillor P Evans, The Chair thanked Councillor Evans for her valued contribution to the Committee.
The Scrutiny Officer referenced the research facilities that were available to Members within the Council Business Unit. Members were advised that if they have any specific queries to email them to the Council’s scrutiny team who would accommodate their requests. The Chair also reminded Members that a questionnaire has bee sent out from Members Services and reminded Members to complete and return this as soon as possible.
In accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct, there were no declarations of interest pertaining to the agenda.
The minutes of the hybrid meeting held on the 18th December 2024 were approved as an accurate record.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: .1. To scrutinise the Cabinet Member for Environment & Leisure in respect of matters considered and agreed by Cabinet, and any key decisions taken, during the period as set out.
The Chair introduced Councillor A Crimmings, the Cabinet Member for Environment and Leisure, and welcomed her to the meeting. Councillor Crimmings thanked Members for the opportunity to be here this evening and welcomed any scrutiny questions from Members. A Member queried whether the implementation of black bags waste collection has resulted in the increase of fly tipping and queried what proportion of fly tipping has resulted in action being taken. The Cabinet Member advised Members that in respect of fly tipping, the black bag collection has not resulted in an increase, however there has been evidence of fly tipping. The department are pro active in dealing with it and the Council relies on residents to report it, which can be reported via the Council website. The Cabinet Member advised Members that any data that is not included in the next agenda item in respect of fly tipping can be reported to Members following the meeting. Another ember noted that the black bag collection has been successful in her area and noted that residents are reporting that the black bins are not being collected. The Member also queried if there was anything the Council could do to promote bin collection and if there is anything positive that can be recycled from them when they are sent back. The Cabinet Member asvised Members that the Council has taken back almost 2000 bins and that these are re used for a variety of things and that taking the bins back hs improved the positive image of our streets in RCT. Members were advised that residents were given plenty of notice that they could keep the bins for storage or swap it for a smaller bins and that the Council has been doing a lot to promote this. Another Member praised the success of the implementation from bins o black bags and praised the Cabinet Member for her hard work in this area. The Cabinet Member wished to put on record her thanks to all residents and to all staff who have all worked hard to make this implementation a success. Members were advised that since the implantation, the Council has also given out 17,000 food waste bins, which demonstrates the success of the switch. A Member commented that he felt that communication to the resdents could have been more clear when making the implementation and that if residents had understodd the reasons behind the bin to bags roll out then it would have helped the Council to get residents on board quicker. The Chair suggested that in the future whenever a big change is being made which will effect the public that it would be worth holding a briefing session with all Councillors prior to implementation so that Councillors can be armed with the right information to pass on to the public. Another Member commented that since moving to a bag collection, it is harder for the staff to pick up the bags as they can be heavier than the previous method of pulling a wheelie bin. The Member therefore queried if the Cabinet Member would support an anonymous staff survey to see how staff feel about the changes. The Member also noted that Conwy County Council has better recycling rates than RCTCBC and that they have implemented a four weekly bin collection. The Member queried if this is something the Cabinet Member would consider in the future. The Cabinet Member advised Members that at the moment there are no plans to implement a four weekly bin collection and that the focus now is to concentrate on the bn to bags collection. In respect of picking up the bags, Members were advised that there shouldn’t really be anything heavy in the black bags and that prior to the implantation all staff received the correct manhandling training so there should not be any issues with the weight of the black bags. Members were also advised that if a bag is too heavy for them to pick up then they can leave the bag and report it and it can be picked up separately. The Member queried if the Cabinet would support an anonymous staff survey and also queried if more enforcement action can be taken against those residents who flout the 3 bag limit and are making conditions worse for their neighbours. The Cabinet Member advised that she would be happy for a staff survey to be rolled out, however, it was also emphasised that staff and managers are very open and that staff already have many channels available to them where they can air their views. In respect of the three bag limit, the Cabinet Member advised that there are problem areas, particularly in communal areas, however, it was emphasised that the Council does work closely with housing providers and that education has a key role to play in this. In respect of neighbours, the Cabinet Member explained that residents have got channels to report neighbours who are putting out their bags early etc. Another Member raised concerns regarding increased pressire being put onto Streetcare Services and noted the increase in dog waste bins and general street littering since the move over to bin collection. The Member also raised concerns as to whether the Council is responding quick enough to requests for black bags and referenced the delays from her own personal experience. The Cabinet Member praised the work of all staff and advised the Member that any delays she has experienced will be followed up by Officers following the meeting and advised that Officers are very quick in responding to any requests and that she is not aware of any reported delays. In respect of Streetcare, Members were advised that the Service is aware of problems whereby residents are filling dog waste bins with general litter and there are ongoing discussions as to how to tackle this problem including suggestions of changing the top of the dog waste bins to deter this behaviour. The Member commented that she is constantly reporting an overflow of dog waste bins and tha residents have even been putting nappy waste in dog bins. The Cabinet Member advised that education is key to deterring this behaviour and that the Council offers a free weekly collection of nappy waste and recycling and that the Council relies on Councillors to report any issues and promote the services available. Discussions continued and a Member questioned whether, in respect of the bins to bags implementation, the Council’s actions to support the elderly and vulnerable in our communities has been a success. The Cabinet Member noted that this was a concern for many residents and Councillors and noted that it’s been well received and a success as to date 500 residents have been in touch to request assisted lifts. Discussions continued and a Member commented that there has been an increase in fly tipping and black bag waste being left in alleyways and that this has led to an increase in rats being reported. The Member queried whether the Council had resouced moe on this basis to Streetcare and Pest Control prior to the implantation of bins to black bags collection. The Cabinet Member advised Members that at the very beginning the Council resourced extra personnel to help support the Streetcare and Frontline Services teams and emphasised that the teams are very pro active. The Cabinet Member explained that if, after the Council Streetcare team has come out, the problem still persists then Public Health teams will be called out. The Cabinet Member pleaded with Councillors and residents to report any issues via the Council website so that it can be actioned as soon as possible. Discussions continued and another Member agreed that increases in dog fouling, littering and general waste has become apparent in our streets and queried what the Council class as fly tipping. The Member also highlighted a breakdown in communication between Streetcare and Refuse Collections and explained that black bags that are contaminated have a yellow sticker put on and are not removed by the refuse collector, however this then isnt passed on to Streetcare and the bag will stay out on the streets for a while. The Member queried what action can be taken over this and also queried who does the street inspections and who decides on what action should be taken. In respect of split black bags on the streets, the Member queried if it would be possible for Streetcare teams to follow the refuse collectors so that the streets ae cleaned that day. The Chair noted that in the recommendations, Scrutiny are being asked to identify any areas the Committee wishes to scrutinise as part of the Committee’s published Work Programme. The Chair advised the Member that inter-departmental working is something that the Scrutiny Committee can recommend to be look into at a future Committee date. The Cabinet Member also advised that in relation to the yellow stickers, there is also a tag placed on the bags, and following that someone should come in to check on the bags and that there are supervisors who go round their patches. It was emphasised that unless there is a huge spillage then it all should be picked up as the supervisors are going about their rounds. Discussions ensued and a Member raised a query in respect of the Heritage Strategy and asked how the Council is promoting the Heritage Strategy in RCT and also in a wider national context. The Cabinet Member praised RCT’s Heritage Strategy and emphasised its promotion on the RCT website. The Cabinet ,Member praised the work of the Heritage team and noted that many residents are engaged in the strategy and that this is due to the hard work and enthusiasm of the team. The Chair also questioned how the effectiveness and the success of the Strategy is being measured. The Cabinet Member advised that measuring comes from the number of people using forums and using the website. The Chair also referenced the previous trails within the Heritage Strategy and queried if we are looking to re bring thse into the Strategy and refresh the trails. The Cabinet Member advised that in respect of the trails , the Council are engaging with people of all ages in a number of different events and reminded Members of the QR Codes for residents to use. The Cabinet Member also praised Officers in obtaining funding in respect of a number of different projects. Discussions continued and another Member queried whether there were any plans going forward for School Educational visits in respect of RCT’s Heritage. The Member also raised concern regarding our Heritage buildings and the connection with RCT’s Miners heritage, The Member commented that there should be a stronger connection between the two. The Cabinet Member advised that the links with the miners heritage will be raised with the Officers and in respect of Schools, Members were advised that there has been an increase in the number of educational visits to Rhondda Heritage Park and also advised that the Council is working with teachers to pt together a package that will facilitate the curriculum. Another Member referred to the altered images project, which was awarded the National Lottery Funding Grant in August 2021, and queried the future funding plans for this project. The Cabinet Member advised that Officers have recently secured Arts Fund UK funding to develop our collects and artifacts and paised Officers for securing this funding and noted that Officers are always looking for new ways to fund different projects. Another Member questioned how buildings of disrepair in RCT fit into the RCT Heritage Strategy. The Chair noted that this is a matter that could come back to Committee at a future date so that Members can scrutinise a map of RCT and to see what buildings they are not prepared to accept as falling into disrepair. The Cabinet Member referred to page 9 and 10 of the Strategy and referenced that these pages refer to buildings in disrepair and to the secure action plans in place. Another Member referred to the Eisteddfod last year and referred to it being held in the War Memorial Park and noted that the Eisteddfod exacerbated problems in the Cricket and Football grounds. The Member queried if any plans were in place to repair this area of the Park. The Cabinet Member confirmed that the team are aware of the problem and confirmed that work in this area is progressing. Following discussions, the Chair thanked the Cabinet Member for attending and Members RESOLVED: .1. To scrutinise the Cabinet Member for Environment & Leisure in respect of matters considered and agreed by Cabinet, and any key decisions taken, during the period as set out.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: 1. To note the Council’s Recycling performance for the year 2024/25; 2. To continue to receive updates in respect of the Council’s progress in achieving the Welsh Government 70% recycling target; and, 3. To undertake a site visit to Bryn Pica Recycling and Education Centre as part of Members’ ongoing development
The Service Director, Streetcare Services presented the report to Members and informed Members that the purpose of the report is to update Members of the Committee on the Council’s Recycling Performance for 2024/25. Discussions ensued and a Member noted that recycling textiles is a huge problem and queried if there is anything the Council can do to re-use them. The Member also raised concerns about the pressure being put on Streetcare Services and felt that further investment was needed by te Council in this department together with further investment in educational awareness in the community. The Chair voiced his agreement that further needs to be done in respect of educating our communities about recycling and street cleanliness. The Service Director advised that in respect of textiles it is a national issue and agreed that, at the moment, there is simply no quantitative value there. In respect of Streetcare teams, the Service Director agreed that this is a vitally important service area and noted that the Council will be investing in that area. In respect of educational awareness, Members were advised that the team is currently exploring a new PR Campaign to raise awareness with the public and acknowledged that changing society’s culture in this area is a massive challenge. The Director, Highways, Streetcare & Transportation emphasised that there is a responsibility on residents to take on a personal responsibility for themselves in terms of Street Care. The Chair queried if we still consult with staff in terms of their suggestions for efficiency savings. He praised the cleanliness of RCT’s street compared to other neighbouring Authorities and questioned if moving over to the bags has made it more efficient for staff compared to the bin system. The Director Highways, Streetcare and Transportation confirmed that it has been far more efficient and that RCT has the most advanced recycling facilities in the Country. Another Member questioned whether it would be better if the Welsh Government passed legislation forcing every household to recycle. The Service Director noted his agreement that an approach of ‘one size fits all’ doesn’t work and that recycling in terraced streets is a lot different compared to other areas. A Member commented that residents would welcome more assistance when it comes to glass recycling and noted that a lot of bottle banks have been taken away and there has not been fresh replacements. The Member also questioned if we should go back to having house numbers on the bags as this would help the Council to tackle those illegal acts by some residents. The Service Director advised that in respect of glass bottles the issues arise in terms of processing that waste but acknowledged that bottle bank usage has increased. In terms of giving glass bottles back to the Council, the Servies Director advised that the Welsh Government are trialling a scheme called ‘Extend it to Reduce It’ and looks at how residents can be rewarded for taking back bottles and that the Council will monitor its implementation. In respect of putting house numbers on black bags, the Service Director advised Members that there have been schemes working with Social Landlords where different colour bags are issued to tenants to help identify which properties are having difficulties reaching their recycling targets and that these schemes have been successful so this is something the Council may consider. The Service Director emphasised that changing cultures is a challenge. The Director, Highways, Sreetcare & Transportation advised Members that the idea of numbering bags will be taken on board, however, the issue is whether residents would comply with it. Discussions continued and a Member commented that there are still lots of residents that are against the implementation of bins to bags and tat communication with the public needs to improve to get the message over as to what the Council is trying to achieve in line with Welsh Government targets. The Chair emphasised that it’s about education and engagement with Local Members. The Director, Highways, Streetcare & Transportation acknowledged that there are still issues outstanding and reassured Members that the Service is still doing what it can to address those issues. The Service Director Streetcare advised Members advised Members that the Welsh Government Waste Consultancy have asked RCT Council to be treated as a case study as to how to collect effuse and household waste efficiently, however, the Service Director acknowledged that issues still remain and acknowledged that there is always room for improvement. Another Member queried what the furthest distance is from the collection to the recycling centre and would the Council consider engaging in a regional system. The Member also questioned whether the Council would consider investing in more supervisors and inspectors so that they have smaller patches to inspect on their rounds. Furthermore, the Member questioned the efficiency in allowing a vehicle to enter the recycling centre three times a week but not twice in one day. In respect of education, the Member queried whether the Council would consier using similar systems to South Australia and Swansea and Cardiff whereby deposit charges are put on bottles and cans and the resident would then return them to a designated point and get money back for them. The Member also emphasised that a change in culture is needed to deter people from littering on the streets. The Chair agreed that education is something that needs to come back to the Scrutiny Committee at a future date and also acknowledged that Members would like to arrange a site visit to Bryn Pica or to any other sites of relevance. The Service Director confirmed that a further site visit can be arranged for Members. In terms of a previous comment made on yellow contamination stickers, the Member was advised to report any issues director and these will be actioned. In terms of internal communication, the Service Director pointed out that this is a massive Service area but reassured Members that internal communications will be tightened up where possible. In terms of the recycling centre, the Service Director advised that there are steps that can be taken to tighten up the efficiency of the centres and this is something the team will monitor. In respect of the PR Campaign, the Service Director noted Members comments and assured Members these comments will be taken on board in future campagns but also highlighted the personal responsibility on residents. Another Member pointed out the littering and fly tipping being left in takeaway areas such as McDonalds Car Prks and queried whether identification such as Car Registration numbers on takeaway carton would deter this behaviour. The Member also queried whether heavier fines would prevent illegal behaviour such as burnng rubbish. In respect of takeaway cartons, the Service Director acknowledged that this is a good suggestion but pointed out the practical difficulties of enforcing this and in respect of fines, the Service Director noted that burning rubbish is a pollution issue so may fall in a different enforcement area. The Director, Highways, Streetcare & Transportation noted that the level of fines is a legislative issue and agreed that some fines are not enough to deter this behaviour. Another Member agreed that car registration numbers on takeaway cartons is something worth considering by the UK Government/Welsh Government however the Member agreed that the practicalities are challenging. The Member also agreed that with glass bottles the ‘deposit return scheme’ would be an excellent idea to bring down the numbers of littering in our communities. The Member also agreed that education is key and emphasised that this should include children and parents. In respect of recycling centres, the Member suggested a PR Campaign that shows residents the process taken from the rubbish leaving their homes and actually going through a recycling centre and suggested that this would be really motivational to the public. The Member also pointed out that a PR Campaig that links in with a local celebrity would be beneficial and would encourage residents to recycle more. Following discussion, Members RESOLVED: 1. To note the Council’s Recycling performance for the year 2024/25; 2. To continue to receive updates in respect of the Council’s progress in achieving the Welsh Government 70% recycling target; and, 3. To undertake a site visit to Bryn Pica Recycling and Education Centre as part of Members’ ongoing development
There was no urgent business to report.
The Chair thanked Members and Officers for attending and praised Members for a productive and constructive discussion. The Chair noted that this was the last meeting of the Municipal Year and thanked Members and Officers for all their hard work.
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