The Corporate, Assets, Transport and Environmental Services Policy and Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to consider updates on the Library Service Transformation Programme, transport devolution and highways transformation, and the Environment, Assets and Transport Services Directorate's finance and performance. The committee was also scheduled to review the progress of the 3-weekly waste collection service.

Library Service Transformation Programme

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the implementation of the Library Service Transformation Programme, which was approved by Full Council in February 2026. This programme was scheduled to aim to deliver £433,000 of savings by 2028 while maintaining a comprehensive and efficient library service. The report was scheduled to detail progress on revised library operating arrangements, community-based service delivery models, enhanced outreach services, digital library provision, and service efficiencies. Specific points scheduled for discussion included the retention of Pill Library, the exploration of a community-supported model for Winscombe Library, the closure of Worle Library and mitigation measures, and the reduction in staffed opening hours across council-operated libraries. The report was also scheduled to outline the development of outreach services, including the recruitment of an additional Libraries Outreach Officer and the operationalisation of a new outreach support vehicle. Digital library provision, including access to eBooks, eAudiobooks, and online resources through the LibrariesWest partnership, was also on the agenda. The report was scheduled to provide an update on savings delivered to date and the current budget position, as well as details on monitoring and review processes, including library usage trends, digital service usage, customer feedback, equality monitoring, and financial performance. Finally, the report was scheduled to set out strategic direction and future priorities for the Library Service, focusing on embedding the revised operating model, expanding outreach, increasing participation in reading and cultural activities, and supporting digital inclusion.

Transport Devolution and Highways Transformation

The committee was scheduled to discuss the transfer of Local Transport Authority (LTA) functions from North Somerset Council (NSC) to the West of England Combined Authority (WECA). This transfer was scheduled to be subject to government approval of NSC's membership of WECA and was intended to integrate North Somerset into regional transport planning, decision-making, and funding arrangements. The report was scheduled to outline the functions expected to transfer, including bus policy, rail planning, and transport strategy, while noting that NSC was scheduled to retain local highway authority responsibilities, highway maintenance, traffic management, and other related functions. A phased approach to transition was proposed, acknowledging that transport funding was already scheduled to be allocated to NSC until 2029/30 and WECA until 2031/32, creating a potential two-year funding gap. The report was also scheduled to detail the proposed development of a Highways Service Transformation Programme, aiming to create a modern, customer-responsive, and place-focused highways service. This programme was intended to balance immediate improvements with long-term changes, with a focus on data and AI for resource targeting, customer experience, and collaboration with local stakeholders. The committee was asked to agree in principle to establish a time-limited Highways Member Working Group to provide insight, challenge, and scrutiny to this transformation programme.

Environment, Assets and Transport Services Directorate Finance and Performance Update

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the financial position and performance of the Environment, Assets and Transport Services Directorate (EATs) for the 2026/27 financial year. The report was scheduled to provide financial information up to month 5 (August), including year-end forecasts, and corporate performance reporting for Quarter 1. Performance by service area was also to be presented, with appendices detailing performance for Quarter 2. The report was to outline progress against key actions within the Annual Directorate Statement, which was scheduled to support the Council's Corporate Plan. Specific attention was to be given to Cabinet priorities, including budget delivery, WECA membership, major project delivery, waste depot progress, flood risk management, electric vehicle charging, highway maintenance, road and pavement cleanliness, town centre improvements, the North Somerset Council mobile app, customer experience, and the council's transformation and asset management work. The financial summary was to highlight variances by service area, with a particular focus on the Environmental Services overspend, driven by pressures within the NSEC waste collection contract, increased clinical waste demand, and higher waste disposal costs. The report was also to detail the performance of Highways & Parking Operations, Open Space, Natural Environment & Leisure, Transport Planning, and Property, Assets & Projects.

3-Weekly Waste Collection Update

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the progress and performance of the recycling and waste service since the commencement of 3-weekly waste collections on 9 June 2026, alongside the introduction of kerbside soft plastics collection. The report was expected to summarise positive outcomes, including reductions in residual waste and increases in recycling rates, and highlight national recognition received by the service. The update was also scheduled to cover suggested improvements to the waste app, the financial aspects of the soft plastics collection, the scope for further recycling expansion, and unintended impacts such as fly-tipping. Seasonal variations in recycling performance and community involvement were also to be discussed, along with the increasing cardboard waste associated with online shopping.

The committee was also scheduled to consider matters referred by the Council, the Cabinet, or other Committees, if any.