Agenda and minutes

We received apologies from County Councillors A. Webb and S. White.

None received.

There were no members of the public present.

24^th November 2015 – Special

10^th December 2015

11^th January 2016 - Special

The Committee resolved to confirm and sign the minutes of the meetings of Strong

Communities Select Committee held on:

· 24^th November 2015 (Special meeting)

· 10^th December 2015

· 11^th January 2016 (Special meeting)

Context:

The Equality Act 2010 was introduced in April 2011 and within its specific duties is the requirement to publish the Council’s Equality Objectives within a Strategic Equality Plan (SEP). The Act’s principles and processes ensure that the Council remains true to its corporate values of Openness, Fairness, Flexibility and Teamwork. This is the Council’s second SEP replacing the version 2012 – 2016 on the 1st April 2016.

          Key Issues:

One of the Specific Duties in the Equality Act 2010 requires Public Bodies to publish their second SEP’s by 1st April 2016. In giving the Protected Characteristics due regard, it was necessary to consult on the Objectives and Plan and to take feedback into consideration in the development of the final Plan. The consultation ran from the 16th December 2015 to the 14th January 2016.

Member Scrutiny:

A Member asked since the reorganisation, was there was a dedicated point of contact. We were advised that there will be an internal network of individuals with a champion in each division acting as a vehicle encouraging effective communication.

A Member question if the officer was aware of the new Trade Union Equality reps, with there being an All Wales Equality rep network. The Officer advised that they may be useful to our network and would follow this up.

Questions were raised regarding funding for interpreters for Syrian Refugees entering the County & whether constructive tuition was being offered. We were told in response that The Home Office was providing funding per head and ESAW were setting up classes.

A Member commented that they were irritated by the reference to old people having a good life and said that the line should to be changed to ‘everyone’ is entitled to have a good life.

It was stressed by a Member the importance of diversity at an elected level and there need to be more onus on how we encourage that. The Officer advised that the report was at a draft stage and he would welcome any suggestions, comments and input from members.

The Officer was asked if support was being received from the communications team. In answer we were told that the Communication team provided excellent support ensuring that all projects receive massive coverage.

A Member raised concerns that the report needs to be exposed in a different environment, with more debate being needed.

Context:

To seek Select Committee’s views on the findings of the Recycling Review prior to a report being presented to Cabinet in March 2016.

          Key Issues:

Over the past 28 months, MCC has carried out a strategic review of the recycling and waste service in response to changes in EU and UK law and Welsh Government (WG) policy and guidance including WG’s preference for kerbside sort collections. The background to the review and the legislative issues was fully explained in the report to Cabinet of December 2014.

Member Scrutiny:

Members were not convinced about kerbside sorting returning, especially the health and safety implications of sorting glass and asked if a separate bag could be provided for glass.

Members agreed that option 4 was the least attractive option.

A Member asked how far away from anaerobic digestion we are, it was answered that the contract was due to start in 2017.

Members expressed concerns that changing the system so many times would lead to dissatisfaction among members of the public, with people less likely to engage in recycling if constant changes taking place. We were advised that this was one of the main reasons the review was important, with the choices of vehicles setting the path for the next 7 years of service.

The next meeting has been moved from the 10^th March 2016 to 25^th February 2016.

At the next meeting Drybridge House will be discussed and members are encouraged to visit the building prior to the next meeting.

Members considered and noted the Council & Cabinet Forward Work Planner. 

10^th March 2016 at 10am

·         Flood Risk Management

·         Public Protection

·         Month 9 Budget Monitoring 

28^th April 2016 at 10am

·         Grant Funded Partnerships

·         TBC 

Thursday 25^th February 2016 at 2pm.