The Environment Committee of Stroud Council met on Thursday 5 December 2024 to discuss a range of environmental and budgetary matters. Key discussions included the collection of vapes, e-cigarettes, and household batteries at the kerbside, the endorsement of the UK Repair and Reuse Declaration, and the allocation of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funds for feasibility studies into new health facilities in Cam.

Collection of Additional Recyclate at the Kerbside

The committee discussed the potential collection of household batteries and vapes/e-cigarettes at the kerbside. This initiative aims to improve recycling rates, reduce the risk of fires in collection vehicles, and provide residents with a more convenient disposal method. Gemma Webb, Waste and Recycling Contracts Manager, stated that the introduction of this service would have negligible financial impact, as existing collection rounds would be utilised and recycling would be managed through REPIC, funded by producers. The committee also discussed giving delegated authority to the Community Services Environment Manager to make further alterations to improve the variety of recyclate collected at the kerbside, with a view to potentially collecting small electrical items in the future, pending the outcome of government consultations on Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) regulations.

UK Repair and Reuse Declaration

The committee discussed endorsing the UK Repair and Reuse Declaration. This declaration, launched by The Restart Project, advocates for making repair more affordable, expanding the right to repair regulations, introducing a repair index, and prioritising reuse and repair over recycling. Councillor Chloe Turner, Leader of Council and Chair of the Strategy and Resources Committee, noted that the principles of the declaration align with the council's wider strategy to move waste up the hierarchy from recycling to reuse and repair. While there are no direct financial implications at this stage, future investment to support the declaration would be brought back to the committee.

Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) - Spending Allocations for 2025/2026

The committee discussed recommending to the Strategy & Resources Committee that CIL funding be allocated to two feasibility studies in Cam. A sum of £5,880 was discussed for a feasibility study for a new Cam Doctors’ Practice, which is currently operating at 40% over capacity and requires expansion to serve an increasing local population. Additionally, £15,000 was discussed for a feasibility study for a Cam Health Hub, which could potentially co-locate the doctors' surgery with other health-related services. Krista Harris, Senior Community Infrastructure Officer, explained that these projects align with the council's Local Plan and address the demand placed on local services by new housing growth. The committee also discussed two other bids, for a car park improvement on the Nailsworth to Stroud Cycle Track and preliminary designs for the Rodborough Cycle Link, which were not recommended for funding due to not aligning well with the strategic planning needs created by development growth or demonstrating a clear pathway to delivery.

Open Spaces and Amenities in New Residential Developments: Follow-up Report

The committee discussed continuing with the current policy approach to the management of open spaces in new developments and noting the refreshed operational guidance for developers. Councillor Tricia Watson, Vice-Chair of the Environment Committee, highlighted that the current policy framework, secured by Section 106 agreements, already allows for spaces to be designed to adoptable standards and for commuted sums to be provided for maintenance. However, the council cannot currently insist on a specific management model, such as transfer to a parish council or the use of a management company, without risking legal challenges. The report noted that the government is considering reforms to private estate management, making it premature to introduce local policy changes at this time. The updated guidance for developers, attached as Appendix A, encourages early engagement between developers, the council, and local town or parish councils to ascertain interest in managing open spaces and community facilities.

Environment Committee Revenue Estimates – Revised 2024/25 and Original 2025/26

The committee discussed recommending to the Strategy & Resources Committee the approval of the revised Environment revenue budget for 2024/25 and the original 2025/26 revenue budget, along with the proposed Fees and Charges list. Adele Rudkin, Accountant, presented the revised estimates for 2024/25, showing a projected net revenue underspend of £96,000. The original estimate for 2025/26 is £7.235 million, an increase of £310,000 on the base budget, largely due to contract increases, pay increases, and proposed budget adjustments. The report detailed pressures and savings across various services, including increased costs for the Ubico contract and additional local plan consultant fees, offset by savings from improved recycling income and the garden waste service. The proposed fees and charges for 2025/26 were also presented, with most increasing by a minimum of 2.5%.

Environment Committee Budget Monitoring Q2 2024-25

The committee noted the outturn forecast for the General Fund Revenue budget and the Capital Programme for the Environment Committee. Adele Rudkin, Accountant, reported a projected net revenue underspend of £96,000 against the latest budget for 2024/25. The capital programme showed a forecast spend of £9.361 million against a revised budget of £9.049 million. Significant variances in the revenue budget included an underspend in Waste and Recycling due to positive recyclate values, and overspends in Environmental Health due to contractor engagement. The capital programme highlighted increased costs for the Canal Restoration Project due to revised design solutions and land purchase.

Member / Officer Reports

Several member/officer reports were presented, providing updates on various environmental initiatives and projects:

• Stroud Valleys Project: Councillor Martin Brown reported on the project's recent CPRE Gloucestershire award for its eel pass at Arundel Mill Pond, ongoing canal restoration, the Fromebridge wetland project, and the Sensory Garden in Stratford Park. Funding remains a concern for the project.
• Cotswold National Landscape Board: Councillor Martin Brown provided an update on the appointment of a new Chief Executive, Rebecca Waite, and the ongoing work of the Climate Change Working Group. Projects include Glorious Grasslands, Farming in Protected Landscapes, and the Regenerative Agriculture Accelerator Programme.
• Litter and Clean Environment Champion Member Report: Councillor Gill Thomas presented a comprehensive report on her activities as Member Champion. This included developing a Litter Champion Hub Scheme, engaging with local businesses and community groups, and working on educational initiatives for schools. She highlighted the importance of partnership working and consistent action to tackle litter and anti-social behaviour.
• Walking and Cycling Annual Report: An information sheet detailed progress on walking and cycling initiatives, including funding for local and strategic projects, the completion of feasibility studies, and the launch of a new dedicated Walking and Cycling webpage.
• Stroud Valleys Project (again): Councillor Martin Brown provided a further update on the Stroud Valleys Project, highlighting their recent award and ongoing projects.
• Stroud Town Council Regeneration Working Group: Councillor Katy Hofmann reported on the Merrywalks interchange hub, King's Street resurfacing, town centre cleanliness, toilet renovations, and the installation of bike lockers. Tourism footfall was noted as being down across the district and the South West.
• Environment Performance Monitoring Report Q2 2024/25: Hannah Barton presented the performance monitoring report, highlighting progress on various Council Plan actions related to the environment. Some actions were noted as being overdue or dependent on other bodies.
• Work Programme: The committee reviewed the work programme for 2024/2025, with upcoming topics including the Local Plan Modifications, Air Quality Strategy, and Budget Monitoring.