The Place Scrutiny Committee of Southend-on-Sea Council met on Monday, 17 June 2024, to discuss a range of issues including the management of urban trees, recycling strategies, and updates to licensing and gambling policies. Key decisions and discussions are summarised below.

Urban Tree Management

Tricia Cowdery raised a question regarding the implementation of the motion on urban tree management passed on 7 September 2023. The motion aimed to improve the council's tree management, particularly for declining trees, to maximise their benefits and lifespan. The portfolio holder for climate, environment, and waste clarified that the motion had been included in the business of the portfolio's working party on 19 March 2024. The decision was made not to form a new working party specifically for trees. However, the portfolio holder committed to holding quarterly meetings to discuss tree policy improvements and additional funding for street tree planting.

Recycling Strategies

Mr Webb inquired about the tonnage of various types of waste recycled over the past three years and the strategies employed to raise awareness about recycling. Councillor Hye provided detailed statistics and outlined several initiatives, including the distribution of leaflets, social media campaigns, and monthly recycling information stands. The council is also finalising a new waste contract set to commence in April 2025, aimed at increasing recycling rates and saving taxpayers money.

Licensing Policy Updates

The committee discussed updates to the licensing policy, focusing on measures to prevent drink spiking and the use of drug safes in licensed premises. Councillor Jones and Mr Payne explained that drug safes are secure boxes for confiscated drugs, accessible only by the police. The committee also discussed the importance of clear signage for CCTV and the need for licensees to be aware of alcohol exclusion zones. Recommendations were made to include these considerations in the policy.

Gambling Policy Review

The committee reviewed the gambling policy, which is due for renewal in 2025. Mr Penn explained that the council must re-adopt the current policy with minor updates until new guidance from the Gambling Commission is available. The committee agreed to proceed with a reduced consultation process for the interim policy.

Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs)

The committee considered the renewal of the Leigh-on-Sea and Chalkwell Seafront and Adjoining Areas PSPO and the Southend-on-Sea City Council (Dog Control) PSPO. Both renewals were welcomed, and minor corrections to the wording of the reports were noted. The Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Public Protection assured that these corrections would be made before submission to the Cabinet.

Stray Dog Service Contract

The committee discussed the procurement of the stray dog service contract. Questions were raised about the number of stray dogs re-united with their owners, re-housed, or euthanised over the past year. The Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services committed to providing this information after the meeting.

Outside Bodies Task and Finish Group

The final report and recommendations of the Outside Bodies Task and Finish Group were presented. The committee discussed the merits of appointing council representatives to the Airport Consultative Committee from wards primarily affected by the airport. It was suggested that representatives could be replaced for regular non-attendance without good reason. The report and recommendations were agreed upon, and Stephanie Cox was thanked for her hard work in producing the final report.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the Public reports pack and the Minutes of the meeting.