Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Rehana Ameer, Deputy John Bennett, Tijs Broeke, Deputy Wendy Hyde, Henrika Priest, Deputy Elizabeth Rogula and Mark Wheatley.

There were no declarations.

To agree the public minutes and summary of the meeting held on Tuesday, 14 January 2020.

RESOLVED– The Committee considered and approved the public minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 14 January 2020, subject to noting that Peter Dunphy was present in the last meeting.

Matters arising:

Items 2 and 5 on the outstanding action list for the Committee will now be led by the Department by the Built Environmental and not by not the Transportation and Public Realm as previously mentioned.

To appoint a Representative to the Thames Estuary Partnership.

The Committee proceeded toappoint a Representative on the Thames Estuary Partnership in accordance with Standing Order No. 30.As there were no Members expressing their willingness to serve, the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection offered to be the point of contact, should a Member need further information on the Thames Estuary Partnership with the intention of joining the Thames Estuary Partnership as representative of the Committee.  

The Committee considered the Committee’s Terms of Reference and proposed the deletion of Item 4(h) following upon the closure of the Signor Pasquale Favale Bequest (registered charity no. 206949).

The Committee made no change to the frequency of its meetings.

The Committee the Chairman prepare, on behalf of the committee and without officer assistance, a response to Lord Lisvane’s Initial Call for Evidence. The Chairman agreed and requested that members provide him with their thoughts.

RESOLVED – That the change to the Terms of Reference be delegated to the Town Clerk, in consultation with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman. And that the Chairman on behalf of the Committee responds to Lord Lisvane’s Initial Call for Evidence.

The Committee received a report of the Town Clerk setting out their current list of outstanding actions.

Updates were provided as follows:

London Underground Noise

Following the meeting at the end of January 2020 with the Chairman, Deputy Chairman, Vernon Cole, Duncan Weir and Officers, LUL has confirmed that their  operations colleagues are still reviewing and modelling the data, however there may be scope for them to introduce a Temporary Speed Restriction (TSR) at 30kph (18mph) in both directions. Should the TSR be implemented, it would be in place from 23:00 to 06:00 and would be trialled for a three-month period. If the TSR is approved, then it would come into effect later this summer after the introduction of the new timetable.

In addition, the track team are also looking into obtaining a full possession of the line after the completion of the signalling works to assess what additional noise mitigation measures may be viable, including replacing this part of the track with resilient ballast mat and a longer switch turn out.

This update will be given to attendees at this month’s TfL and CoL Stakeholder Transport Forum meeting on 19 March 2020. Officers agreed to provide an interim report following the meeting on 19 March 2020.

Report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection.

The Committee received the report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection on the update on the impact of the UK leaving the EU (Brexit) on Port Health & Public Protection.

The Committee was informed that the United Kingdom is in its transition period of Brexit until the end of 2020. During the transition period, arrangements and controls at the UK border will not change. The City continues to monitor the situation as it develops.

RESOLVED – Members noted the update.

Report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection.

The Committee considered the report of the Director of Markets and

Consumer Protection on the Massage & Special Treatment Licence Fees 2020/21. The Committee was informed that this was an annual report which sought the Committee’s approval.

RESOLVED – That the Committee agreed the proposed fees for 2020/21 as set out in Appendix 2 (column two).

Report of the Director Open Spaces.

The Committee considered the report of the Director Open Spaces on theCemetery & Crematorium Risk Management.

The Committee was provided with an update on the management of risks faced by the Cemetery & Crematorium. Furthermore, the Committee was made aware that the tender for the new cremators had now been signed off. By the end of the year the Department plans to have three fully functioning cremators.

A Member asked in light of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), how the Department’s Risks are being managed. The Committee was assured that at present the City had no cases of the Coronavirus but continues to monitor the situation and will respond appropriately.

RESOLVED – That the Committee:

·         Noted the risk scoring grid at Appendix 1,

·         approved the divisional risk register outlined in this report and at Appendix 2, and

·         noted the risk matrix at Appendix 3.

Report of the Director of Built Environment.

The Committee received the report of the Department of the Built Environment on the Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure - Action Plan.

The Committee was informed that the City of London Transport Strategy plans includes a commitment to produce an Electric Vehicle Charging Action Plan, that identifies how many charge points, including charging hubs, are required up to 2022.

Members were assured that the Department of the Built Environment is working closely with colleagues from the procurement team to come up with a value for money package, including provision for City residents.

Another Member spoke of the delay with the installation of Electric Vehicle Charging Points. The Member mentioned that if the City intends to encourage people to change to more green and efficient ways, then the City should put in place the infrastructure required.

For the Baynard House charging hub, the Committee was informed that considerable work has been required by UKPN to install a new electricity substation, this work is due to complete at the end of March 2020. The City of London now have to undertake work to bring the ventilation system up to the required standard. This work is due to complete in August 2020

A third Member noted a recent report estimating that toxic air is taking away 3 years of an average person’s life. Officers assured the Committee that the City continues to work with the Mayor of London to reduce the toxic effects of air pollution.

Another Member asked if the City is looking at battery storage and smart grid management options as well as new charging points. The Committee was informed that the City is working with the GLA in encouraging this as an appropriate development.  The infrastructure task force with UKPN and other District Network Operators are looking at how to develop

Report of the Director of the Built Environment.

The Committee received the report of the Department of the Built Environment on proposed Charges for Street Cleansing, Waste Collection and Public Conveniences 2020-21.

A Member asked how the City charges offenders of fly tipping, if they are not known to the City.  The Committee was informed that operatives from the City of London usually check through bags of bins and look for evidences. At times, it can be difficult, but Officers are looking at ways to readdress this.

Another Member noted that fly tippers from outside of the City are coming into residential areas at night time and are fly tipping both with liters and bulky items. Officers agreed to look into specific cases and work closely with Estate Offices.   

Officers are exploring this through the lens ofpublic convenience and a report will be provided to the Committee in its future seating’s.

RESOLVED – That the Committee:

·         approved that with effect from 1 April 2020:

-       charges for Street Cleansing services to external clients are increased by 2.3% in line with RPI;

-       charges for special events and other ad-hoc works provided to third parties

continue to be made at full cost plus 30% to cover the City’s management and administration costs;

-       the charge for the collection of bulky waste is increased to £34 from £33;

-       bulky waste collection continues to be offered free of charge on request to those who are in receipt of means tested benefits and to those who are infirm or disabled receiving assisted collections;

-       the general waste charges for educational establishments are increased by 2.3% and food and recycling collection charges should be maintained at the current level;

-       charges for the removal of highway obstructions to remain at the existing £60 plus VAT and for the removal of uncollected

Report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection.

The Committee received the report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection on the Port Health's Role and Responsibilities in Relation to Infectious Disease Control. The Committee was informed that the City of London had kept in frequent contact with the Public Health England with regards to medical advice. The Committee was further advised that the City of London as Port Health Authority has the necessary powers in this area.

The Committee was further advised that people are taking the Public Notices which are issued by the City more seriously and the City is undertaking necessary protocols. Members were assured that the City is fully resourced at present to deal with any concerns.

Members were further advised that the Port Health Office in Denton had at one time served as a quarantine station in order to restrict the movement of people and goods to prevent the spread of cholera. 

RESOLVED – That the Committee noted the report.

Report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection.

The Committee received the report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection on the Deep Dive: CR21 Air Quality.

The Committee was informed that the Health and Social Care Scrutiny had noted the report. Officers believe there are up to 16 sites that are operating diesel generators. Resources have been put in place to ensure that the City is tackling the issues which are raised from the use of the generators.

A Member asked if PM2.5 was being discharged from the generators and what was being done to prevent the use of the generators. It was noted that the City is working with various businesses to discourage the use of generators. This was followed by another Member who asked how the City measures emissions from boats. Officers advised that monitoring takes place on various parts of the river.

Members also questioned about the City of London’s own back-up generators and the need to explore its own resilience. Officers agreed to look further into this and work with the City Surveyor on the matter.

RESOLVED – That the Committee noted the report. 

Report of the Director of Built Environment.

The Committee received the report of the Director of Built Environment on the Garden waste recycling trial on the Barbican and Golden Lane estates. The Committee was informed that this was the second time such pilot scheme was carried out in the Barbican Estates.

Officers also took on the feedbacks from the residents and reassured the Committee that the Department will carry out a longer trial run from 16 March 16 October 2020 with two different location points within the Estate.

RESOLVED – That the Committee noted the report. 

Report of the Director of Built Environment.

To read in conjunction with item 19.

The Committee received the report of the Director of Built Environment on the new approach to address vehicle idling.

The Committee was informed that the report proposed a Citywide Traffic Management Order. A Member asked for the times of day when enforcement is carried out by the Civil Enforcement Officers.  Officers from the Department did not have the information readily available and agreed to provide the information to the Committee in writing after the meeting. It was noted that Option 3 in the report had the unanimous support of the Committee.

RESOLVED – That the Committeenoted that the Planning and Transportation Committee, as the decision-making committee, would be considering the report later in the same week and that Officers should inform that committee of the Committee’s unanimous support for Option 3.

The Chairman informed the Committee of the Port Health & Environmental Services Committee visit to the City of London Cemetery and Crematorium on the Monday 14 September 2020, 3.30pm-8pm. Further information will follow in due course.

The Chairman noted that this will be his last meeting as Chair of the Port Health & Environmental Services Committee as his term of Office comes to an end. He thanked all the Members and Officers for their engagement and participation. 

The Assistant Director Cleansing and Streetscene informed the Committee of the roll-out of the new electric street sweepers. The City has now acquired the first small truck for street sweeping. Additionally, the Committee was told that the electric refuse collection vehicles are now being tested and will be delivered once the testing phase is completed.

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.

To agree the non-public minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday, 14 January 2020.

RESOLVED– The Committee considered and approved the non public minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 14 January 2020.

Report of the Director of Built Environment.

To read in conjunction with item 14.

The Committee received the report of the Director of Built Environment on the new approach to address vehicle idling.

The Committee noted this along with item 14 of the agenda.

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

The Committee received the joint report of the Director of the Built Environment, the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection and the Director of Open Spaces.

To agree the confidential minutes and summary of the meeting held on Tuesday, 14 January 2020.

RESOLVED– The Committee considered and approved the Confidential minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 14 January 2020