Agenda item

This annual report provides an account of the role of the Portfolio Holder for Climate Change and Strategic Regeneration. It details their ambitions for their areas of responsibility, how they have and will undertake political challenge and leadership and what their priorities and ambitions are for the year ahead.

Estimated time: 60 minutes

Discussion:

The Committee received an overview of progress made on the areas within the scope of the Portfolio Holder for Climate Change and Regeneration, Councillor Curry, which fell within the remit of this committee.

The Portfolio Holder and officers responded to Members’ questions and comments as follows:   

Developer contributions – The Committee were advised that viability assessments were often based on developer profit expectations and that the housing market remained predominantly private sector-led. Medway's housing requirement of 24,500 homes by 2041 remained unchanged and had been carried forward from the previous Government. The Local Plan process had identified capacity for approximately 36,000 homes across Medway, with site allocations carefully balanced against environmental, agricultural and infrastructure constraints. With regard to Section 106 contributions, the updated Developer Contributions Guide aligned with the emerging Local Plan and reflected current costs and valuations. It had not been updated since 2018. Affordable housing requirements remained linked to site viability, with differing targets for urban and greenfield developments.

Recycling, waste collection, and waste disposal – Whilst recycling rates remained lower than desired, Medway performed strongly in relation to landfill diversion, sending a comparatively small proportion of waste to landfill thanks to the energy-from-waste facility. However future regulations would increase costs associated with energy-from-waste disposal, which reinforced the need to improve recycling rates. Behavioural change was needed to encourage greater participation in recycling schemes. Promotional and awareness campaigns were being undertaken to improve resident engagement and increase recycling levels.

With regard to garden waste and the second brown bin scheme, the Portfolio Holder advised that he would need to report back on the target number of bins the 88% represented.

Climate resilienceand carbon reduction initiatives – It was confirmed that air conditioning would be included as part of the Gun Wharf refurbishment and the sustainability of such systems depended on the energy source used to power them. The Climate Change Action Plan contained 5 priorities relating to carbon reduction and resilience measures, including flood management, adaptation to higher temperatures and community education. The need to balance between resilience and retrofitting with contributing to

reducing the temperature of the atmosphere was important. Members were encouraged to attend a forthcoming climate action film screening and subsequent discussion and debate, at Mid Kent College on 14 October 226.

Green spaces – In response to concern over additional green spaces against a background of cutting back on maintenance budgets, the Committee was advised that, whilst remembering that s106 funding was a Planning Committee function, a small proportion supported green space provision and assisted with things like the refurbishment of play areas.

The Committee were advised that a number of services had recently been brought back in-house, enabling a more coordinated approach to green space management. Park maintenance was now undertaken on a site-by-site basis, with some areas receiving a reduced mowing regime. Allowing the grass to grow helped to sequester carbon and enhance biodiversity – all objectives within the One Medway Council Plan.

With reference to dogs needing to be treated for contact with ‘Hordeum murinum’ commonly known as wall barley or false barley, it was not possible to cut only one species of grass and there had to be a balance between a natural problem and a pet owner’s responsibility.

Buses – The Portfolio Holder advised that he would need to answer outside of the meeting the question on specific supported bus routes that might be identified at high risk of reduction or cancellation if funding was not secured. 

The Council was working closely with bus operators, particularly Arriva under its new management, to review routes, journey times and reliability. Journeys were still below pre-pandemic and fell with increased bus fares. It was hoped that free travel initiatives during August and other schemes funded through Bus Improvement Plan funding, would help increase usage. Infrastructure improvements were being funded by central government such as new bus shelters with green roofs.

Improved bus services supported congestion reduction and air pollution, whilst helping young people and older residents stay connected to services and their communities. Buses needed to be available and easier to use, and where possible, free. There were challenges and opportunities associated with electric bus charging infrastructure and the wider rollout of electric vehicle charging facilities across Medway.

The Committee were advised that there was currently no specific work linking transport provision to access youth services, but this could be considered through the Enhanced Partnership, Active Travel Group and the development of the new Local Transport Plan.

With regard to concerns about bus provision on the Hoo Peninsula and in areas earmarked for future housing growth, bus operators and developers were actively engaged in planning discussions and that provision for improved bus infrastructure was included within the Local Plan.

Emergency planning  - The Committee were advised that with regard to the difficulties recruiting to the post of permanent Senior Emergency Planning Officer, it was a question of quality of applicant rather than quantity. 

Medway Norse – It was noted that the new contract had taken some time but was now in place with some services removed.

The Committee were advised that the libraries would soon be restocked with clear recycling sacks. It was unclear why stock had run so low but understood that it had been on order. With regard to cleansing schedules it was unclear as to why these had stopped being sent to Councillors but this would be looked into and followed up.

There were a number of issues Councillors wished to raise and it was suggested that a ‘round table’ meeting be arranged to discuss.

Park bins, fly tipping, litter picking – The Committee were advised that a change to the style of the bins, whether larger (to allow for more wate to be collected) or fox proof, may affect the current contract and would need to be investigated. Park bins had been fuller due to the weather and increased footfall.

It was noted that there was a fly tipping reporting page on the website and this would be shared.

It was noted that a voluntary litter picking support package through libraries was coming out soon. It was important residents checked that private waste operatives were licensed.

Decision:

a)            The Committee noted the report, and that the Portfolio Holder would respond outside of the meeting on specific supported bus routes that might be identified at high risk of reduction or cancellation if funding was not secured, and data on the second brown bin scheme.

b)             The Committee requested the following information be circulated to Members: provision of cleansing and collection schedules; and information on reporting fly-tipping.

c)             The Committee requested that larger bin provision for parks be investigated; and that a review meeting regarding Medway Norse service concerns be held.