The Environment Select Committee of Wiltshire Council was scheduled to discuss updates on the Streetscene and Grounds Maintenance contract and progress on the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) project. The committee was also set to receive updates from various task groups, including those focused on Waste Transformation and the Climate Emergency.

Streetscene and Grounds Maintenance Contract Update

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the Streetscene and Grounds Maintenance contract, which covers services such as grounds maintenance, grass cutting, street cleansing, and play area provision. The report was expected to provide further information on annual carbon emissions and reductions, as well as details on service delegation savings. The contract, awarded to idVerde, is primarily outcome-based, with Wiltshire Council setting the standards and the contractor determining the most effective delivery methods. The report indicated that in the 2024/25 financial year, savings of £1.137 million were delivered. The performance of idVerde was rated as good, achieving a score of 7.8 out of 10, which resulted in a nine-month extension to the contract. The report also highlighted that idVerde achieved its carbon requirements by using Hydronated Vegetable Oil (HVO) and funded 183 community events under the Social Value element of the contract.

Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Project

A report was scheduled to be presented on the progress of projects aimed at delivering public residential electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across Wiltshire. This initiative is part of the council's commitment to achieving net zero by 2030, with the transport sector being a significant contributor to Wiltshire's greenhouse gas emissions. The report detailed the UK's legally binding commitment to Net Zero under the Climate Change Act 2008 and the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate, which will cease the sale of new internal combustion engine vehicles by 2030.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has provided Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) funding to address market failures in public EV infrastructure, particularly for residents without off-street parking. Wiltshire Council was allocated £3.889 million in capital and £480,000 in capability funds. The report outlined the development of an updated EV Infrastructure (EVI) Strategy, with a draft expected in December 2025. The LEVI project aims to deliver public on-street residential EV charging through a concession contract, split into Urban and Rural lots, with an estimated output of over 2,000 public chargers and a capital investment of over £10 million.

A trial deployment of cable channels, such as the Kerbo Charge system, was also scheduled to be discussed. These channels are designed to allow residents to charge their EVs safely by capturing the charging cable below the surface of the footway. The trial, funded by the DfT Pavement Channel Grant, aims to assess the utility of cable channels, develop operational procedures, and inform future deployment criteria.

Task Group Updates

The committee was scheduled to receive updates from two task groups:

• Waste Transformation Task Group: This group was established to scrutinise the decision-making process and progress of the Waste Transformation Programme (WTP), which aims to make waste services efficient and effective while complying with legislative changes like the Environment Act 2021 and Simpler Recycling guidelines. The task group's first meeting had taken place on 26 September 2025, where Cllr Dominic Muns was elected as Chairman. However, due to restrictions on member access to information following a leak of confidential material, further meetings of the task group were cancelled. The forward work plan for this group included discussions on contract awards for collections, waste budget, landfill diversion contracts, and capital investment updates.

• Climate Emergency Task Group: This standing task group, reporting to the Environment Select Committee, aims to influence the development of Wiltshire Council's programme to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 and net zero for the county. The task group's terms of reference focus on scrutinising the delivery of the Climate Strategy, key plans, and policies, and providing recommendations on decarbonising the county. The group's first meeting was on 3 October 2025, with Cllr Graham Wright elected as Chairman. The task group discussed an update report on the council's response to the climate emergency, noting that while the council is on track for carbon neutrality by 2030, county-wide emissions are reducing slowly. Questions were raised regarding challenges in achieving the 2030 target, offsetting, supporting the wider county in emission reduction, and adaptation to climate change. The forward work plan included items such as climate delivery plans for 2026, enhanced biodiversity duty, and updates on the Local Transport Plan.

Cabinet Member Update and Forward Work Programme

The committee was also scheduled to receive a brief verbal update from attending Cabinet Members on news, successes, or milestones in their respective areas. Finally, the committee was to note and receive updates on the progress of items on its forward work programme.

Public Participation

The agenda indicated that members of the public could submit statements or questions regarding items on the agenda. A specific question from Cllr Nigel White to Cllr Martin Smith, Cabinet Member for Highways, Streetscene and Flooding, was included, seeking clarification on the status of the Speed Limit Assessment Task Group's recommendations and the council's community-centred approach to road safety. The response indicated that a revised speed limit policy was being prepared for formal approval within the next six weeks.