Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Keith Bottomley, Peter Dunphy, Deputy Bill Fraser, Graeme Harrower, Andrew McMurtrie, Hugh Morris, Deputy Richard Regan, Delis Regis, Deputy James Thomson, Michael Welbank (Chief Commoner), and Mark Wheatley.

There were none.

To agree the public minutes and summary of the meeting held on 19 July 2016.

RESOLVED – That the public minutes and summary of the meeting held on 19 July 2016 be approved.

Matters Arising

Responsible Procurement

The Committee was advised that Officers had met with the only processor in the UK that was currently capable of recycling plastic lined cardboard coffee cups. A proposal was being drawn up for a campaign in late Autumn to encourage businesses to provide collection points in City of London offices for coffee cups to be collected for processing. The campaign would also seek support and funding from the major coffee retailers to promote the scheme and provide some infrastructure. Several large coffee retailers had already expressed a positive initial interest in supporting such a campaign. Conversations were also being held with Keep Britain Tidy and other national environmental charities to gain their support and advice.

To note the current list of Outstanding Actions.

The Committee received the current list of Outstanding Actions and were advised by the Director of Port Health and Public Protection that a further meeting with Transport for London (TfL) regarding noise complaints from the London Underground was taking place after the Committee meeting. Details about the outcome of this meeting would be provided at the next Committee meeting.

In response to Members’ questions, the Director of Transportation and Public Realm advised that charge points for electric vehicles would be installed in car parks from early 2017 through TfL funding. The provision of rapid charge points at taxi ranks was currently being investigated but there were currently no plans for on-street facilities across the City due to concerns about the increasing traffic congestion. The Deputy Chairman added that the electricity supply for charge points should not be provided using emergency generator power as this would cause an increase in air pollution emitted from those generators. The Director would provide further details about the proposals for charge points across the City at a future Committee meeting.

RESOLVED – That the Outstanding Actions be noted.

To consider the appointment of a representative to an Outside Body.

The Committee considered an outside body appointment to Thames21, a charity who aimed to deliver tangible and measurable improvements to London’s rivers by working alongside communities and stakeholders. Members agreed to appoint Ann Pembroke as the Committee’s representative, subject to confirmation from the Town Clerk whether the Court of Common Council were required to appoint the representative.

Report of the Director of Open Spaces.

The Committee received a report of the Director of Open Spaces that provided an update regarding the performance of the Cemetery and Crematorium from April – July 2016. Members noted that the Cemetery and Crematorium continued to perform well and was meeting or exceeding its targets, with income currently 6% ahead of target. The Chairman added her thanks to the Superintendent and his staff for a recent successful Committee visit to the Cemetery and Crematorium.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

Report of the Director of the Built Environment.

The Committee received a report of the Director of the Built Environment that provided details of the progress made during Period 1 (April – July 2016) against the 2016-19 Departmental Business Plan for Public Conveniences, Waste Collection, Street Cleansing, and Waste Disposal. Members noted that deductions had been made from the Street Cleansing and Refuse Collection contract as the contractor’s performance had failed to reach a satisfactory level. The outcome of meetings with the contractor would be provided at the next Committee meeting.

In response to a Member’s question, the Assistant Director of Cleansing Operations advised that the City Corporation’s waste collection contractor, along with the other top six collection companies operating with the City, had been contacted to encourage them to collect any loose litter on top of bags out for collection as well as the bags themselves. There 29 collection companies in total operating within the City so it would be difficult to enforce but the Assistant Director would continue to target as many collectors as possible to ensure loose litter on top of bags out for collection was also removed. The Chairman added that Fixed Penalty Notices could be issued to collection companies for moving and not removing the loose letter in extreme cases. A Member also noted that City businesses should take responsibility for the cleanliness of their waste collection areas and ensure loose litter was also collected alongside bags.

In response to a Member’s question regarding food waste, the Director of Port Health & Public Protection advised that City business’ food waste within its use by date was sent to food banks to be re-used. The Chairman added that the Evening Standard were starting a Food For London campaign to collect food waste from businesses and give it to the hungry.

RESOLVED – That he report

Report of the Director of the Built Environment.

The Committee received a report of the Director of the Built Environment regarding the risk management procedures in place within the Department relative to the work of the Committee.

RESOLVED – That the report and the actions taken in the Department of the Built Environment to monitor and manage effectively risks arising from the Department’s operations, be noted.

Report of the Director of the Built Environment.

The Committee considered a report of the Director of the Built Environment that sought approval to the novation of the Hazardous Waste Collection and Disposal Service contract to Biffa Waste Services Limited following its acquisition of PHS Chemical Waste Ltd (formerly PHS Waste Management).

In response to Member’s question regarding the original change of the contractor’s company name, the Assistant Director of Cleansing Operations undertook to provide the Member with clarification about any changes to the original contract.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the contract originally let to PHS Waste Management Ltd being novated to Biffa Waste Services Ltd.

Report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection.

The Committee received a report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection that provided an update regarding the progress made against the key performance indicators and improvement objectives outlined in Port Health and Public Protection Division’s Business Plan for Period 1 (April – July 2016). The Director of Port Health and Public Protection advised that a leaflet promoting the Food Standards Agency’s National Food Safety Week would be circulated to Members after the meeting. He added that Operation Broadway had been implemented more widely across London and that the consultation period for the 2016-2026 Noise Strategy was ending on 17 October 2016, so comments from Members would be welcomed before that date.

In response to a Member’s question regarding air pollution caused by increase traffic congestion, the Director of Transportation and Public Realm advised that congestion, particularly within the Eastern City, was currently being taken seriously by the Planning and Transportation Committee and Streets and Walkways Sub-Committee. He added that discussions were ongoing with TfL regarding a reduction in bus movements and other measures to reduce traffic congestion.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

Report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection.

The Committee received a report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection that provided Members with assurance that risk management procedures in place within the Department were satisfactory and that they met the requirements of the risk management framework. Members noted that the departmental risks relevant to the work of this Committee included air quality, IT systems failures, traffic management, and any risks relating to the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre (HARC). He added that the City Surveyor’s Department had recently visited the HARC to consider required maintenance to equipment and facilities due to be carried out under the corporate repair and maintenance contract. The Director of Port Health and Public Protection added that progress with the repairs and maintenance would be reported at Committee meetings where possible.

RESOLVED – Thatthe report and the actions taken in the Department of Markets and Consumer Protection to monitor and manage effectively risks arising from our operations, be noted.

Report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection.

The Committee received a report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection that advised Members of the award of £990,000 in funding over three years from the Mayor of London’s Air Quality Fund to implement a Low Emission Neighbourhood (LEN). Members noted that the 17 measures included in the bid document, which had been circulated electronically by the Town Clerk, outlined what actions the funding was being spent on.

In response to a Member’s question regarding the LEN being implemented in the Barbican area, the Director of Port Health and Public Protection advised that substantial consultation had taken place and the outcome was to include Beech Street (one of the most highly polluted areas within the City of London), Barts Hospital and Guildhall. There was positive engagement and interest from local residents within the proposed LEN area. The Chairman added that the success of the LEN could be used as a model for future proposals to create a clean air zone across the City of London. The Member who asked the initial question then requested that air pollution should be monitored around the Aldgate roadworks as they had been causing increased traffic congestion. Other Members noted their concerns that local residents in the Beech Street area should still be able to access taxis and buses during those hours dedicated to limited traffic.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

In response to Members’ concerns regarding the recent noise at weekends caused by police and camera-crew helicopters above City residences, the Director of Port Health and Public Protection advised that enquiries could be directed towards the Civil Aviation Authority and National Air Traffic Control Service, who were responsible for allowing air travel over London. The City Corporation’s film unit were responsible for liaising with the CAA regarding helicopter’s filming above the City, so their contact details would be circulated to Members for further information.

In response to a Member’s question regarding recent permission given for a large diesel liner to moor at a new terminal in Greenwich, the Director of Port Health and Public Protection advised that planning permission was granted by the London Borough of Greenwich and it was the responsibility of the Thames Maritime Service to continue to monitor emissions levels from vessels on the river. In response to further questions, he added that the Port of London Authority had included the reduction of emissions as a top priority in its recent 20 year strategy and that the City Corporation could report any concerns about particularly polluting vessels.

Any items of business that the Chairman may decide are urgent.

The Director of Transportation and Public Realm advised Members of a proposal to vary the existing lease arrangements to the City Corporation’s Refuse Collection Vehicle contract. It was RESOLVED that: authority be delegated to the Town Clerk, in consultation with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman, to consider the lease variation.

MOTION – That under Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part I of the Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act.

RESOLVED – That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act.

To agree the non-public minutes of the meeting held on 19 July 2016.

RESOLVED – That the non-public minutes of the meeting held on 19 July 2016 be approved.

To note the current Non-Public list of Outstanding Actions.

The Committee received the current non-public list of Outstanding Actions.

RESOLVED – That the Outstanding Actions be noted.

Report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection.

The Committee received a report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection regarding a waiver in relation to the appointment of a contractor to assist in delivering the Low Emission Neighbourhood project.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

Joint report of the Director of Open Spaces, the Director of the Built Environment, and the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection.

The Committee received a joint report of the Director of the Built Environment, the Director of Open Spaces, and the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection regarding the arrears of invoiced income.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

Report of the Town Clerk.

The Committee received a report of the Town Clerk that advised Members of a decision taken under Urgency procedures by the Town Clerk, in consultation with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman, since the last meeting of the Committee.

RESOLVED – That the action taken by the Town Clerk, in consultation with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Committee, in accordance with Standing Order No. 41(a), be noted.

There were none.

The Chairman advised the Committee of the following upcoming event dates:-

·         Saturday 15 October 2016 – Thames Fishery Experiment

·         Tuesday 10 January 2017 – Committee Dinner (venue to be confirmed)

·         Friday 30 June 2017 – Annual River Inspection