Agenda item

The Sub-Committee considered the Corporate Performance Report for Quarter 3. 

The report identified where the Council was performing well (Green rating) and not so well (Red rating).  It was explained that there were no current direct financial implications arising from the report, but it should be noted that the waste tonnage performance indicator had potential future financial implications in that, as costs continue to rise year on year, without controls to restrict waste volumes, campaigning on its own would not be enough to mitigate the potential £10m rise in costs by 2017.  The plans to address this would be raised through the appropriate channels as necessary. 

There were two Performance Indicators that had been requested to be monitored by the Sub-Committee for 2017/18.  These indicators were:

·         The level of waste per head of population presented to East London Waste Authority (ELWA).  The indicator was currently rated Green as the average number of days taken to remove fly-tips was under the Quarter 3 target of one day.

·         Average number of days taken to investigate and remove fly-tips.  The indicator was currently rated Red.  The level of waste per head was slightly over target due to seasonal waste and an increase in tonnage over the winter months.  Officers were confident that this would reduce in Quarter 4.

The outturn for ‘The level of waste per head of population presented to East London Waste Authority’ was available annually and would be reported in Quarter 4.  .

It was explained that the number of reported fly tipping incidents were reported quarterly to DEFRA by type and size and it was estimated that the cost to Havering to clear reported fly-tips was at least £224,000 per annum.  Teams were encouraged to remove non-reported waste if seen.  Attempts were made to identify those responsible for fly tipping and enforcement action taken where possible. The Sub-Committee requested that data be presented on the types of fly-tip waste and enforcement action taken.

Members discussed the in-cab technology, during which it was explained that the system allowed for photographic imaging and recording of size of waste and geographical map locating.  The Love Clean Street App was used for reporting and assisted with the identification of hot spots.  Curb side sampling would be carried out in April and May 2018 to identify waste behaviours and would focus on the prominent mosaic groups of prestigious home owners, the elderly population, aspiring home makers and the social housing group.  

Members sought an update on Gubbins Lane and were advised that the road had been closed with a barrier.  Unfortunately, the barrier had been broken by individual(s) whom were determined to access the road and whom had disregarded the road closure.  The length of time to fix the barrier was questioned and the response would be provided to members.

Waste tonnages remained a high financial risk for the Council.  Members discussed the challenges of limiting black bags and the risk that this might lead to an increase in fly-tipping.

Members discussed the various activities taking place to encourage waste prevention and reuse, which included Love Food Hate Waste, Food Waste Challenge and Composting Workshops.  Concern was raised that the compost bins were not readily available and it was explained that there had been unprecedented demand and that a further order for bins had been requested and the offer to residents would be extended into the next financial year.  Members suggested that a guide to composing for residents would prove helpful. 

The Sub-Committee noted the contents of the report and presentation.