The Environment and Community Services Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday 12 June 2024 to discuss a range of issues including performance overviews, portfolio plans, and contract awards. Key decisions included the endorsement of the 2023/24 financial outturn for the Environment and Community Services Portfolio and the approval of contract awards for additional arboricultural services.

ECS Performance Overview

The committee reviewed the Environment and Community Services Portfolio Plan indicators for 2023/24. Several areas were highlighted as performing below expectation (RAG status RED). These included the percentage of monthly tasks completed on time by the Arboricultural Services contractor (54% against a target of 75%), and the timescale for completing 10-day and 35-day highway maintenance tasks, which stood at 32% and 50% respectively against a target of 90%. The number of people killed or seriously injured in road traffic collisions also remained a concern, with 122 recorded against a target of less than 79. The committee noted that performance in these areas was impacted by factors such as storm damage and ongoing recruitment challenges for contractors.

Environment and Community Service Portfolio Plan

The committee reviewed the draft Portfolio Plan for 2024/25, which outlines six priority areas: keeping streets clean, minimising waste and maximising recycling, enhancing parks and green spaces, maintaining transport infrastructure and the public realm, improving travel, transport, and parking, and overarching themes of Net Zero Carbon and Air Quality Action Plans. Members provided comments on the proposed plan, with a particular focus on clarifying the Council's commitment to net zero emissions, ensuring cycling schemes are demand-led, and addressing the interconnectedness of crossovers and gullies.

Appointments to Consultative Panels

The committee recommended that the Portfolio Holder for Environment agree the appointments to the Countryside Consultative Panel and the Leisure Gardens and Allotments Panel for 2024/25. The nominated councillors for the Countryside Consultative Panel are Councillors Simon Fawthrop, Kate Lymer, Alexa Michael, Will Rowlands, and Chris Price. For the Leisure Gardens and Allotments Panel, the nominated councillors are Josh King, Alexa Michael, Will Rowlands, Diane Smith, and Harry Stranger.

Final Outturn 2023/24

The committee reviewed the final outturn position for the Environment and Community Services Portfolio for 2023/24. The report indicated a small net overspend of £10,000, a significant reduction from the previously reported £552,000 overspend at the end of December 2023. The Portfolio Holder for Transport, Highways and Road Safety highlighted that the budget had been overspent by £257,000, and noted the Council's projected £39 million deficit by 2027/2028, emphasising the need to operate within budget.

Parking Services: Collaboration Agreement and Contract Procurement Strategy

The committee noted the report seeking approval to renew the Shared Services Collaboration Agreement for Parking Services with the London Borough of Bexley. This agreement, in place since 2013, has facilitated joint procurement and management of parking services, leading to cost savings. The committee agreed to the recommendations, which included approving the renewal of the agreement and, in principle, proceeding with a joint procurement for a new Parking Services contract to commence in April 2027.

Contract Awards for Additional Arboricultural Services Suppliers

Members were informed about the outcome of the tender process for additional arboricultural services suppliers. The committee resolved to recommend that the Executive approve the award of four area-based contracts and the establishment of a framework for these services. These contracts will commence on 1st September 2024 for an initial period of three years, with an option to extend for a further year.

Platinum Jubilee Parks Fund Update

The committee noted the progress made on the delivery of the £1 million Platinum Jubilee Parks Fund during its second year of implementation. As of May 2024, 59 applications had been received, with 52 approved, totalling £757,977. Of the approved projects, 27 have been fully delivered, with a further 25 programmed for completion by March 2025. The report also highlighted that funds have been fully allocated in most wards, with targeted engagement planned for wards where funds remain.

ECS Contracts Register

The committee reviewed an extract from the Contracts Register as of 22nd April 2024, which details contracts with a whole life value of £50,000 or higher. The Environment and Community Services Portfolio has 20 active contracts within this category. The committee noted that the register contains additional, potentially commercially sensitive, information in its Part 2 commentary.

ECS Risk Register

The committee reviewed and discussed the Environment and Community Services Risk Register. Two risks were highlighted as having a 'Current Risk Rating' of RED: Risk 5 (Highways Maintenance) with a rating of 16, and Risk 14 (Supplier Failure) with a rating of 15. Mitigation measures for these risks include seeking additional funding for planned works and developing contingency plans for supplier failure. No new risks were added, and no risks were removed from the register since the previous meeting.

Written Questions from the Public

Three written questions were received from members of the public. The first, from Jen McArthur, enquired about funding applications for a new public space at Elmers End Green, to which the response indicated it had become a lower priority due to the withdrawal of Liveable Neighbourhoods funding. The second, from Daniel Bentley, questioned the assessment and remedy of displacement effects from Controlled Parking Zone W, with the Council stating that extending the zone would not address the underlying issue of residential parking. The third question, from Sue Sulis, asked for details on identified flood risk areas, mitigation measures, costs, and programmes, to which the response stated that no new flood risk areas had been identified since 2021 and localised incidents were managed within existing policies.

Oral Questions from Councillors

Four oral questions were received from councillors. Councillor Alisa Igoe raised concerns about the disruption caused by film crews suspending parking bays. Councillor Alison Stammers questioned the Council's approach to pothole repairs and the closure of FMS reports. Councillor Igoe also enquired about charges for utility company inspections and the removal of grit after pothole repairs. Councillor Stammers also asked about the increase in PCNs issued by Civil Enforcement Officers and whether this was linked to issues with the RingGo payment system.

Update from the Environment Portfolio Holder

Councillor Will Rowlands provided an update on various environmental initiatives. He highlighted the progress of the 'Treemendous' tree planting programme, with over 1286 trees planted to date. He also provided an update on the Platinum Jubilee Parks Fund, noting that almost all the money had been allocated and that projects were nearing completion or in delivery. The 'Big Bromley Brush Up' campaign was also mentioned, encouraging community involvement in keeping the borough clean.

Update from the Portfolio Holder for Transport, Highways and Road Safety

Councillor Nicholas Bennett JP provided an update on transport and highways matters. He reported on a meeting with Riney regarding their performance, the ongoing work to address a sinkhole in Yester Drive, Bickley, and the success of the 'Driven by Consequences' road safety presentations. He also shared correspondence with Seb Dance, the Deputy Mayor for Transport, regarding bus routes and funding for the principal road network, and his letter to the Secretary of State for Transport concerning surplus funds from traffic contraventions. Other updates included a joint letter to Bromley Magistrates regarding Blue Badge fraud prosecutions, the upcoming London Road Safety Council AGM, and progress on addressing flooding on the B258 at Crockenhill. He also mentioned the planned double-decking of bus route SL5 and the ongoing Dr Bike sessions.

The meeting also discussed the ECS Contracts Register and the ECS Risk Register, both of which were noted by the committee.