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Weekly updates
Waverley Council Approves Key Service Programmes and Reviews Waste Management
This week, the Waverley Council held several important meetings, resulting in key decisions that will impact our community. Here’s a breakdown of what was discussed and decided:
Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Services
Services Work Programme 2023-2024
The committee reviewed and approved the Services Work Programme for 2023-2024. This programme outlines the council’s focus areas for the upcoming year, such as housing, environmental sustainability, and community health services. The programme aims to align with the council's manifesto pledges, particularly in improving local housing conditions and enhancing green spaces.
Q4 Corporate Performance Report
The Q4 Corporate Performance Report was discussed, covering the final quarter of the 2023-2024 financial year. While the council met or exceeded targets in public health initiatives and educational outreach programmes, areas needing improvement included waste management and recycling rates.
Councillor Paul Convery stressed the need for a strategic approach to address these issues:
We must adopt a more integrated waste management strategy that not only meets our current needs but also anticipates future challenges.
The committee agreed to develop an action plan to address these issues, to be reviewed in the next meeting.
Waste Management Services
Concerns were raised about declining recycling rates and increasing complaints about waste collection. Measures proposed included public awareness campaigns and more efficient waste collection routes. Councillor Jane Smith stated:
Our residents deserve a reliable and efficient waste management service. We need to ensure that our strategies are both effective and sustainable in the long term.
A comprehensive review of the current waste management system was commissioned, with findings to be presented at a future meeting.
Public Participation
Local residents voiced concerns about the maintenance of public parks and support for local businesses. The committee assured that these issues would be considered in future planning and policy-making.
For more details, refer to the public reports pack and the agenda frontsheet.
Landlord Services Advisory Board (Executive Working Group)
Annual Self-Assessment Against the Housing Ombudsman’s Complaint Handling Code
The board reviewed the Annual self-assessment against the Housing Ombudsman’s Complaint Handling Code and Appendix 2. The self-assessment identified areas where the council’s complaint handling met the Ombudsman’s standards and areas for improvement.
A councillor noted:
“It is crucial that we not only meet but exceed the standards set by the Housing Ombudsman to build trust with our residents”1.
Housing Services Compensation Policy Review
The Housing Services Compensation Policy Review and the Housing Service Compensation Policy were examined to ensure fairness and transparency. Discussions focused on compensation eligibility and the claims process, balancing generous compensation with fiscal responsibility.
Waverley Homes Standard Update
An update on the Waverley Homes Standard highlighted progress in maintaining and improving housing standards. This includes refurbishments, energy efficiency improvements, and future housing developments. A councillor remarked:
“The Waverley Homes Standard is a testament to our commitment to providing safe, comfortable, and sustainable homes for our residents.”
Summary of Complaints and Service Improvements
The board reviewed the Summary of complaints and service improvements for year 2023-24, discussing trends in complaints and the effectiveness of measures taken to address them. Continuous improvement and proactive engagement with residents were emphasized.
Guildford & Waverley Joint Senior Staff Committee
Tuesday 25 June 2024 This meeting occurred, but no video or detailed transcript was provided.
Stay informed about your local council’s activities and decisions that impact your community.
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The Housing Ombudsman’s Complaint Handling Code sets out good practices for landlords to respond to complaints effectively and fairly. ↩
Recent meetings
Executive Co-Portfolio Holder for Housing Decisions - Thursday, 26th September, 2024 11.00 am
We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
Simultaneous meeting with Guildford Borough Council's Corporate Governance and Standards Committee, Standards and General Purposes Committee - Thursday, 26th September, 2024 6.00 pm
We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
Landlord Services Advisory Board (Executive Working Group) - Thursday, 26th September, 2024 10.00 am
We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Services - Tuesday, 24th September, 2024 7.00 pm
We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
Guildford and Waverley Joint Constitutions Review Group - Thursday, 19th September, 2024 5.00 pm
We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
Guildford & Waverley Joint Senior Staff Committee - Thursday, 19th September, 2024 2.30 pm
The notes from this meeting have not yet been summarised.
Planning Committee - Wednesday, 18th September, 2024 6.00 pm
We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Resources - Tuesday, 17th September, 2024 7.00 pm
We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
Council - Monday, 16th September, 2024 7.00 pm
We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
Simultaneous with Resources O&S, Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Services - Tuesday, 10th September, 2024 7.00 pm
We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
Upcoming meetings
No meetings found.