The Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee met on 13 January 2021 to discuss the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on council services, approve a new joint contract for refuse and recycling containers, and consider proposed changes to government planning regulations. The committee also reviewed performance reports and noted updates on waste services and the forward plan.

Impact of Coronavirus Pandemic Restrictions

The committee received an update on the significant impact of the latest COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on services within its remit. While the use of parks and recycling levels remained high, other services, such as libraries and sports centres, have adapted their delivery. Libraries are offering click and collect services, and sports centres are providing online content. Face-to-face appointments in Registration Services have been reduced, but the cemeteries team continues to operate effectively. Managers are ensuring safe working practices, and assurances were given that refuse and recycling services would be prioritised for continuity. Councillor Julia Neden-Watts, Deputy Leader and Chair of the Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Services Committee, noted that members might need to manage public expectations regarding service delivery during these challenging times.

Refuse and Recycling Containers

The committee approved the approach to procuring a new joint contract with Wandsworth Council for refuse and recycling containers. This contract, initially for three years with an option to extend for up to two years, will commence on 1 June 2021. The procurement will be divided into lots to ensure resilience, a need highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The contract will factor in current steel and plastic prices, which are subject to market fluctuations. The Head of Waste and Street Cleansing confirmed that the contract would not be subject to an Office Journal of the European Union notice. Consideration could be given to local providers as part of the social value element, although most suppliers are located in the Shires. The council has sufficient stock, and there are no immediate plans to change the types of units used.

New Waste and Recycling Contract

Members were updated on the new waste and recycling contract, with acknowledgements that improvements have been made, but further progress is required. In-cab technology is being implemented to enhance data on contract delivery and real-time issue monitoring. The committee heard that while quarter two performance reports showed disappointing results, quarter three data indicated significant improvement, particularly in reducing missed collections. The normal London benchmark for missed collections is 60-80 per 100,000, and quarter three figures for food waste, garden waste, and recycling collections were below this benchmark, with general waste collections being above it. A risk register has been in place throughout the contract and will continue to be monitored, though it may not have accounted for the impact of the pandemic. The Director of Environment and Community Services noted that establishing new waste contracts is always challenging, and the pandemic further complicated matters. The committee noted the contents of the report.

Government Planning Consultation

The committee considered the government's proposed new planning arrangements, which would allow for conversions from Class E use to residential use without full planning permission, requiring only a prior approval process. The report also outlined proposals to expedite planning permission for infrastructure projects. Concerns were raised that these changes could damage high streets by reducing the critical mass of shops, as converting vacant premises to residential use is often more profitable for landlords. While controls for listed buildings would remain, the council might consider an Article 4 direction to protect non-listed buildings. The committee suggested that changes of use should be limited to circumstances where a period of marketing for the existing use has occurred, and that there could be a size limit to such proposals. Conservation areas should also be excluded to preserve the visual integrity of high streets. The committee expressed concern that the proposed £96 fee per dwelling created would be insufficient to cover the planning authority's costs and that reducing public consultation periods on certain developments would be unpopular with residents. The committee delegated authority to the Assistant Director (Planning & Transport Strategy), in liaison with the Chair of the Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee, to submit the council's formal response to the consultation.

Performance Report for Quarter Two 2020/21

The Director of Environment and Community Services highlighted improvements in 62% of performance indicators for quarter two, with some improvements attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as increased electronic access to libraries and improved recycling rates. The committee discussed the clarity of some indicators, with hopes for more detailed statistics in the next quarter. Further questions were raised regarding performance on fly-tipping, with expectations of improvement in quarter three data, partly due to the closure of the Townmead depot. The committee noted the performance against key indicators, progress on Richmond Corporate Plan actions, and that there were no key project and programme exceptions to report. They did not recommend any areas of performance for consideration by the Policy and Performance Review Board's workplan.

Forward Plan

The Forward Plan was noted, with two changes: the Rent Abatements for Voluntary Sector Organisations Occupying Council Premises will be reported to the Finance, Policy and Resources Committee, and the Review of Sports and Leisure Facilities will be reported to the June Committee.