The Environment and Community Services Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday 12 June 2024 to discuss a range of issues including performance, portfolio plans, and contract awards. Key decisions included the endorsement of the 2023/24 financial outturn for the Environment and Community Services Portfolio, and the approval of recommendations for new arboricultural service suppliers.

ECS Performance Overview

The committee reviewed the Environment and Community Services (ECS) Portfolio Plan for 2023/24, noting areas of RED performance. Specifically, the percentage of monthly tasks completed on time by the Arboricultural Services contractor was at 54%, significantly below the 75% target. The commentary attributed this to ongoing performance concerns, exacerbated by storm damage in January and February, and a focus on recruitment following staff losses. To mitigate this, three additional contractors have been appointed via a Neutral Vendor Framework.

Highway maintenance also showed RED performance, with only 32% of 10-day tasks and 50% of 35-day tasks completed within the required timescale. An improvement plan has been agreed with the contractor, Riney.

Under the Improve Travel, Transport and Parking priority, the number of people killed or seriously injured (KSI) in road traffic collisions was RED, with 122 recorded between January and December, against a target of less than 79. Despite a long-term downward trend, the first part of 2023 saw a concerning number of serious collisions. The council highlighted that Bromley is performing well compared to other London boroughs in this regard, but will continue to seek funding for casualty reduction schemes.

Environment and Community Service Portfolio Plan

The committee reviewed the draft Environment and Community Services Portfolio Plan for 2024/25. Discussions touched upon school recycling facilities, with the response indicating that while some schools have paper collections, general recycling is not widespread as schools are classified as commercial entities. However, talks are ongoing with Veolia to potentially implement this in the future. The plan also noted the success of the EV gulley charging scheme trial and the ongoing complexities of autonomous vehicle integration. A member raised a concern about the term net zero being potentially misleading, as the Council has only committed to pursuing net zero on direct emissions, and requested this be clarified. The plan also outlined proposals for cycling schemes, with a view to them being demand-led.

Appointments to Panels

The committee recommended that the Portfolio Holder for Environment agree the appointments to the Countryside Consultative Panel and the Leisure Gardens and Allotments Panel for 2024/25.

Final Outturn 2023/24

The committee endorsed the 2023/24 outturn position for the Environment and Community Services Portfolio. It was noted that there was a small net overspend of £10k, a significant reduction from the previously reported £552k overspend. The Portfolio Holder for Transport, Highways and Road Safety highlighted that the budget had been overspent by £257k and that the Council faced a potential £39 million deficit by 2027/2028.

Parking Services: Collaboration Agreement and Contract Procurement Strategy

The committee agreed the recommendations of the report concerning the Parking Services collaboration agreement with the London Borough of Bexley. It was clarified that the vehicles used for parking enforcement are owned by APCOA. Members were assured that there would be ample opportunity to provide input into the finer details and scope of the new contract, which is not expected to be operational until 2027. The Shared Services Collaboration Agreement for parking services with Bexley was highlighted as a success, having delivered considerable cost savings.

Contract Awards for Additional Arboricultural Services Suppliers

Members were informed that the Council now has four tree officers, with an Arboricultural Services Support Officer in the process of becoming fully qualified. The committee resolved to recommend that the Executive approve the recommendations proposed in the report for awarding contracts for additional arboricultural services suppliers.

Platinum Jubilee Parks Fund Update

The committee noted the progress made on the delivery of the Platinum Jubilee Parks Fund during its second year of implementation and also noted the change in the decision-maker for applications.

ECS Contracts Register

The committee noted the ECS Contracts Register report.

ECS Risk Register

The committee reviewed and discussed the ECS Risk Register and resolved to note the report.

Written Questions from the Public

• Elmers End Green Public Space: In response to a question about funding for a new public space at Elmers End Green, it was stated that this proposal had become a lower priority since the withdrawal of funding for Liveable Neighbourhood Schemes.
• Controlled Parking Zone W: Regarding concerns about the displacement effects of Controlled Parking Zone W, the Council stated that its evaluation indicated that current parking congestion is primarily due to residential parking, and therefore extending the permit parking zone is not planned.
• Flood Risk Areas: In response to a question about flood risk areas, it was stated that no new flood risk areas had been identified since 2021, and that a small number of localised flooding incidents had been managed within existing policies.

Oral Questions from Councillors

• Parking Bay Suspensions for Filming: Councillor Alisa Igoe raised concerns about the appropriateness of suspending parking bays for filming, particularly impacting residents with special needs. The Portfolio Holder for Transport, Highways and Road Safety stated that while filming is encouraged, the Council reserves the right to suspend parking bays as required.
• Pothole Repairs: Councillor Alison Stammers questioned the Council's approach to fixing potholes, particularly those marked as closed on FMS without a repair date. The Portfolio Holder acknowledged the issue and stated that a meeting had been held with Riney to discuss working practices. A discussion under Part 2 was requested to delve into the sensitivities of the matter.
• Utility Company Road Resurfacing: Councillor Alisa Igoe enquired about charges for utility company road inspections and the amount collected. It was stated that the cost per inspection is £50, and £88,350 was collected in 2023/24, equating to 1,767 routine inspections. A supplementary question about grit removal after pothole repairs was also addressed, with the contractor being responsible for sweeping.
• Increase in PCNs: Councillor Alison Stammers asked about the increase in Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) issued by Civil Enforcement Officers (CEOs) and whether it was linked to issues with RingGo payments. It was clarified that the increase in PCNs is due to more CEOs being employed and a rise in non-parking offences, with no evidence linking it to RingGo issues.

Environment Portfolio Holder Update

Councillor Will Rowlands provided an update on tree planting achievements, noting that the target of 5000 new trees over four years was on track to be met ahead of schedule. He also updated on the Platinum Jubilee Parks Fund, stating that almost all the money had been allocated, with several projects nearing completion or delivered. The Big Bromley Brush Up campaign was highlighted, encouraging community involvement in keeping the borough clean.

Transport, Highways and Road Safety Portfolio Holder Update

Councillor Nicholas Bennett JP provided an update on various transport-related matters. He mentioned a meeting with Riney regarding performance concerns, a sinkhole incident in Yester Drive, Bickley, and the success of the 'Driven by Consequences' road safety presentations. He also shared correspondence with Seb Dance, the Deputy Mayor for Transport, regarding bus routes and funding for the principal road network, and his letter to the Secretary of State for Transport concerning surplus funds from traffic contraventions. A joint letter to Bromley Magistrates regarding Blue Badge fraud prosecutions was also mentioned. Updates were provided on flooding issues on the B258 at Crockenhill, the planned double-decking of bus route SL5, and the ongoing Dr Bike sessions.

The meeting also noted the minutes of the previous meeting, declarations of interest, and reviewed the ECS Contracts Register and ECS Risk Register. Part 2 confidential items concerning the Contracts Database Extract and Contract Awards for Additional Arboricultural Services Suppliers were also noted.