The Environment Select Committee met on Thursday 15 January 2026 to discuss a range of environmental and operational matters. Key decisions included the approval of a new Parking Plan and revised parking tariffs, and the closure of two Household Recycling Centres at Lower Compton and Purton. The committee also received updates on the Waste Transformation Programme, Highways Winter Resilience, and the Housing Management Service's compliance with Awaab's Law.

Waste Transformation Programme and Household Recycling Centre Closures

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Waste Transformation Programme, which aims to modernise Wiltshire Council's waste and recycling services. Cabinet had previously approved proposals to enter into a Deed of Variation for the Mechanical Biological Treatment Contract, form Local Authority Trading Company partnerships for kerbside waste and recycling collection services, and award contract extensions for several waste management services.

Crucially, Cabinet also approved Proposal 5: to not take up the extension option with Hills Waste Services Ltd for the provision and operation of two provider-owned Household Recycling Centres and to close the two sites, Lower Compton and Purton, from August 2026 at the end of the current contract period. This decision was made as part of a broader strategy to achieve optimal best value outcomes for waste services beyond 2026 and adapt to legislative changes. The council will be gathering public feedback on the closure of these centres and the implementation of an online booking system for other Household Recycling Centres.

The committee also noted the Waste Transformation Task Group's forward work plan, which includes monitoring the implementation of the programme, scrutinising decisions, and reviewing outcomes.

Parking Plan and Tariffs

The committee received reports on the proposed Wiltshire Council Parking Plan 2026-2030 and revised parking tariffs. The Parking Plan aims to deliver a modern, sustainable, and customer-focused parking service that supports the county's economy, communities, and environmental objectives, while also meeting the Mid-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS). Key initiatives include improving accessibility and customer experience, leveraging technology and innovation, enhancing signage, managing parking for events, introducing zone-based resident permits, optimising parking assets, and reviewing tariffs.

The proposed parking tariff changes, which will be subject to statutory consultation, include aligning charges with demand and community needs, extending charging hours to 07:00–19:00, aligning Sunday charges with weekday rates, and introducing parking charges in staff car parks outside of work hours. These changes are intended to secure funding for transport services, support environmental goals, and maintain regional competitiveness while considering local economic needs.

A question was raised by Dr Philip Richter regarding the potential need for a Park & Ride service on Sundays in Salisbury if Sunday parking charges were aligned with weekday rates. A verbal response was to be provided at the meeting.

Highways Winter Resilience Update

The committee received an update on the Highways Winter Resilience for 2025/26. Wiltshire Council's winter readiness includes updated policies, robust resources, and comprehensive planning. The gritting and snow policy was reviewed and approved in November 2025, and all contract provisions have been competitively procured with multi-year arrangements. Operational capacity includes 48 contractor drivers for 24-hour coverage, supported by duty engineers. Infrastructure improvements include five new salt stores, with an additional store under construction, ensuring a two-hour response time across the county. The council holds 12,500 tonnes of salt and has 24 new large gritters and 17 new 4x4 vehicles. Monitoring and coordination remain strong, with all ten weather stations operational and forecasting systems performing well. The allocated budget for winter maintenance for 2024/25 was £2.3 million, with an additional £0.38 million for other emergencies.

Housing Management Service - Landlord Compliance and Awaab's Law

The committee received an update on the Housing Management Service's compliance performance, including the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Annual Landlord Compliance Report and preparedness for Awaab's Law. The report highlighted strong performance across core compliance areas, with detailed data on asbestos management, electrical safety, fire safety, gas safety, solid fuel and oil heating systems, carbon monoxide alarms, passenger lifts, water safety, and Air Source Heat Pumps.

A significant focus was placed on damp and mould case management and the council's readiness for Awaab's Law, which came into effect on 27 October 2025. The service has strengthened its processes for hazard reporting, inspection, and repairs, with emergency repairs consistently delivered within 24 hours. While the service is broadly compliant with the 2025 requirements, minor operational enhancements are underway, particularly concerning contractor performance and surge capacity. The report also outlined forward planning for expanded hazard categories from 2026-2028, including excess cold/heat, falls, structural collapse, fire/electrical hazards, and domestic hygiene/food safety.

Other Matters

The committee also received updates from the Waste Transformation Task Group and the Climate Emergency Task Group, noting their forward work plans. A Cabinet Member update was provided, covering activities related to Environment, Climate, and Waste, and Highways, Streetscene, and Flooding. The committee approved the Forward Work Programme and noted the date of the next meeting.