Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Deputy John Bennett, Tijs Broeke, Deputy Wendy Hyde, Deputy Elizabeth Rogula, Sophie Anne Fernandes and Alderman Gregory Jones QC.

The Committee observed a moment of silence in respect of Mr. William John Brewster OBE, Past Chairman of the Port Health and Environmental Services Committee.

There were no declarations.

To agree the public minutes and summary of the meeting held on Tuesday, 24 September 2019.

RESOLVED, that the Public Minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday, 24 September 2019 be approved as a correct record such to the following changes:

Matters Arising:

Beech Street (page 3/4)

It was reported that the Moor Lane Ultra Low Emission Vehicle only pilot (Low Emission Neighbourhood project) had been closed and the remaining funds reallocated to Beech Street. A Gateway 4/5 report for the Beech Street zero-emission street will be tabled to the Committee in 2020.

Flush washing (Page 7)

In the last meeting Committee was informed that the new contract does have power washes included in its terms and conditions, but flush washing takes place but less frequently. Officer agreed to look into the matter in the hope to address the concern raised. It was reported at the City of London will be using more of the flushing from 2020 onwards

Report of the Town Clerk.

The Transportation and Public Realm Director informed the Committee that his team are working closely with Transport for London to install 10 charging points in Baynard House. It was also noted that following advice from the London Fire Brigade, the completion date may need to be reviewed to ensure that the City of London is following health and safety regulations. It is anticipated that the work can start in June 2020. The Committee will be kept updated with the progress.

Water Refill Points

The City of London has written to the CEO of Thames Water. There is now positive engagement with Thames Water now agreeing to progress the work.

Officers from the City of London held a meeting with St Botolph without Bishopsgate Church with reference to their request for water refill points. Further to the meeting, the City of London awaits a decision from church officials.

Garden Waste

An update to be provided to the Committee in March 2020.  Moving forward the Garden Waste can now be removed from the outstanding actions. 

Garden Waste can now be removed from the outstanding tasks.

Measurement and mitigation options for operational rail noise from London Underground affecting the Barbican Estate

The Temporary Speed Restriction (TSR) trial was carried out under Brandon Mews on the 8^th November 2019.  The Committee was informed that the outer trains which during normal hours of operation are the loudest and showed a 7dB noise reduction on average during the speed restriction. There was a noticeable reduction, but a significant noise impact would remain on trains passing over the outer rail.  

The current advice from LUL is that a TSR at this location would be extremely difficult to put in place, especially for set times, as it requires a manual application and removal for each day of

Report of the Director of Consumer Protection and Markets Operations.

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

The Committee was advised that this is the 6^th report to the Committee. The Department continues to function as business as usual and has made all reasonable Brexit preparations, including for a ‘no deal’ scenario. Members were informed that the Food Standards Agency has provided the Department with further funding of £116,500 to cover additional resources that are part of its Brexit preparations.

Due to the Purdah Period, the level of communications with the Government is kept to a minimum, but the Department will reengage fully once the elections are over.

RESOLVED – Members to note the report.

Report of the Director of the Built Environment. 

The Committee received a report of the Director of the Built Environment on the Department of the Built Environment: ‘Brexit’ Update. It was note that due to a decision taken at the Brexit Group that unless there are significant shift in policies this will no longer be a standing item on the agenda.

RESOLVED – Members to note the report.

a)            Annual progress review – Local Government Declaration on Sugar Reduction and Healthier Food

Item 11 was moved to 6A.

The Committee received a report of the Director of Community & Children’s Services on annual progress review on the City Corporation’s Declaration on Sugar Reduction and Healthier Food.

The Committee was informed on the progress of the implementation of pledges made by the City Corporation under the Local Government Declaration on Sugar Reduction and Healthier Food, which draw together and recognise work being done across the Corporation. Members were further informed that specific actions of interest to the Port Health and Environmental Services Committee were those relating to the installation and promotion of additional public water fountains throughout the City and supporting more local employers to achieve the London Healthy Workplace Award, as well as other specific projects.

RESOLVED – Members asked to;

·         Note the report, and

·         Support ongoing efforts to ensure the Square Mile is an environment that is conducive to healthier choices.

Report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection

The Committee considered a report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection on the 47th City of London Thames Fishery Research

Experiment.

The Committee was informed of the outcome of the 47th City of London Thames Fishery Research Experiment which took place on Saturday 12 October 2019 along the foreshore of the River Thames, downriver from the Port Health Lower Thames Office in Denton, Gravesend.

The purpose of the Fishery Research Experiment was to understand the conditions of the river. This year the Fishery Research Experiment experienced better conditions in comparison to the previous years. The report also sought a grant of £5,460 from City’s Cash to partially fund the Fishery Research Experiment for 2020.

A Member asked if the grant is being sought from the Local Risks fund, the Committee was assured that the budget would be coming from the City’s Cash.  

The Committee was further informed that 375 fish of 7 species were caught this year. This is 320 more than the previous year’s total catch of 55 fish. The number of species represented in the catch was also higher than last year’s 6 species. A Member asked the reasons behind the high number of catches. Officers informed the Committee that the weather and sea temperatures being on the positive side has had helped immensely. There was a discussion amongst Members on the positive impact of the Fishery Research Experiment to the City of London. Members noted that this can also help promote Tourism within London too.

Following on, another Member noted that City of London Schools were invited and asked if the academies were invited too. Members were informed that the City of London invites a range of schools, but there is not always positive uptake from schools. The Department encourages Schools to take part in

Report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection.

The Committee considered a report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection on the Walbrook Wharf offices 78 – 83 Upper Thames Street – 4th & 5th floors to be declared surplus.

Members were informed that as part of the Asset Management Plan, Port Heath and the Public Protection Department have been working with the City Surveyor to make a transition and make generate income for the City of London.

Members were further advised that Coroner’s Office for the City of London have now moved to theOld Bailey too.  In addition, the 1^st floor meeting/office spaces at Walbrook Wharf will be retained to allow the service to continue to engage with its stakeholders. 

RESOLVED – Members are asked to;

·         Declare that the 4th & 5th floor offices at Walbrook Wharf, Upper Thames Street will be surplus to operational requirements when M&CP staff have vacated these floors to take effect from the date of vacation. This is subject to all the necessary alternative facilities being provided and refurbishment and associated works being completed at Guildhall and the Central Criminal Courts.

Report of the Director of the Built Environment.

The Committee received a report of theDirector of the Built Environment on the update on Cleansing and Waste Electric Vehicles.

The Committee was informed that the mobilisation of the contract has been a success. The Department is now working with the contractor to get the approval and ensure the fitness of the new electric vehicles. Previously Members were advised on the delay with the delivery of electric large refuse and sweeper vehicles with the contract but was further assured that there will no financial implication to the City of London as a result of the delay. Furthermore, Members were told that the new Electric Vehicles are being financed by the contractor as part of the Service Level Agreement with the City of London. Interim vehicles are being hired until the Electric Vehicles become available at no additional charge to the City of London.

Members were advised that the first of the Electric Vehicles would arrive on the 12 December 2019, with the rest following in January 2020.  The Committee asked the Communications Team to ensure that once the Electric Vehicles arrive there is both internal and external publicities to be carried out.

A Member asked if the City of London has charging infrastructure in place. Members were told that charging infrastructure was installed and signed off by City Surveyors in September 2019 and additional charging points will be commissioned once the vehicles are delivered.

RESOLVED – Members are asked to note the report.

The Air Quality Manager to be heard.

The Committee received a verbal update of the Air Quality Manager on the initial impact on air pollution of the Ultra-Low Emission Zone.  The Committee was told that currently 77% compliance with the ULEZ.  Additionally, Transport for London has reported a 29% reduction in roadside levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in July and August 2019 compared to the same months during 2018. The City of London monitor at the Walbrook Wharf has recorded an 18% reduction from 2018 to 2019 and Beech Street a 13% reduction over the same time period. There has been no change at the monitor at Sir John Cass Foundation Primary. There are now 2,500 LEVC electric (range extender) taxis now on the road in London. The new all electric taxi by Nissan was launched in October.

Members were told that senior representatives from Barts Health NHS Trust attended Health and Social Care Scrutiny Committee to reinforce their commitment to reducing pollution generated by the energy centre. City of London officers have installed a continuous nitrogen dioxide analyser in the courtyard.

The Emission Reduction (Local Authorities in London) Bill was introduced in the House of Lords by Lord Tope, Co-President of London Councils, on Tuesday 22 October 2019. Following the dissolution of Parliament, the Bill, along with all other legislations which failed to gain Royal Assent, has fallen. Lord Tope has agreed to re-introduce the Bill in the House of Lords Private Members’ Bill Ballot, which will take place following the Queen’s Speech.

The Air Quality Manager further reported that air quality monitoring at City schools had revealed positive results with nitrogen dioxide levels meeting the health based standard apart from adjacent to New Change at St Pauls Cathedral Choir School.

Work is underway to assess the 5 area of the City that meets the nitrogen

Report of the Director of Community & Children’s Services.

Item seen at 6A.

Joint report of the Director of Innovation & Growth and the Director of the Built Environment.

The Committee received a joint report of the Director of Innovation & Growth

and the Director of the Built Environment on the Climate Action Briefing Implementation.

The Committee noted that the report had made its passage through a number of Committees before being sighted by the Port Health and Environmental Services Committee.  A Member commented that the objectives mentioned on the report are also parts of the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, which addresses the global challenges we face, including those related to poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice.  The work of the City of London covers 4 out of the 17 goals which are all interconnected. Officers agreed to explore the possibilities of the adoption of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

There was a discussion amongst the Members in terms of declaring a climate emergency, which had been done by several local authorities and countries. The aim of declaring a climate emergency is to declare that measures taken up to this point are not enough to limit the changes brought by it. The decision mandates the government and administration to devise measures that try and stop human-caused global warming. It was agreed that the City of London, should not declare a climate emergency without a policy and adequate date in place. The Committee expressed the opinion of not declaring a climate emergency but rather lead the way forward with tackling the impacts of global warming. The City of London wants to take an evidence-based approach.

The Committee spoke of the joint venture between the City of London Corporation and the Government, which funds the Green Finance Institute to champion sustainable finance in the United Kingdom and abroad.  A Member of Port Health and Environmental Committee, Alderman Sir Roger Gifford happens to be the

Report of the Director of the Built Environment.

The Committee received a report of the Director of the Built Environment on the Electric Vehicle Charging Plan – Interim update.

The Committee was informed that that the Department for the Built Environment had made a commitment to investigate EV charging requirements as part of the Transport Strategy so that City of London can start to plan ahead, both for the City of London’s provision and the private sector.  The current pace of introducing new charging points is to an extent hampered by the amount of work that needs to go on in the background, with the power network – in two locations the City is having to install new electricity substations to facilitate EV chargers.

The plan is now looking to 2025 to tie in with TfL’s wider London forecast requirements.  The City of London has commissioned the Energy Savings Trust to get to some detailed numbers and propose locations to be published in the final report in March 2020.

In the meantime, the Department is making progress, with its own fleet sites, taxi rapids and have started working on resident requirements.

RESOLVED – Members are asked to note the report.

Report of the Head of Community Safety.

The Committee received a report of the Head of Community Safety on seeking a Public Space Protection Order – London Marathon Related Disorder.

RESOLVED – Members are asked to note the report.

The Assistant Director Public Protection to be heard.

The Committee received a verbal update from the Assistant Director Public Protection on the street trading and enforcement.

Members were informed that Section 101 agreements enable City officers to tackle illegal street traders on the City of London’s Bridges and environs have been put in place with the London Borough of Tower Hamlets and the London Borough of Southwark whereby Enforcement Officers have been actively engaged in enforcement

The Committee was told that one of the offenders whose hearing was held on 9October 2019 at the Hendon Magistrates Court concerning three illegal street trading offences on and around Tower Bridge.

After finally sending through a guilty plea letter to the courts, his sentence was as follows:

·         1^st Offence - £400

·         2^nd offence - £600

·         3^rd offence - £800

The full costs were £3765.50 with a surcharge of £80. This totals at £5,645.50. The Court has now issued a collection order with the offender required to pay £250 per month to cover his fines.

The Committee was further informed of the following activities from the Department:

·         Two verbal warnings given to ice cream vans. Not seen in the City before hence the warnings only.

·         Two ice cream vans were seized.

·          Tower Hamlets Council was assisted in the seizure of an ice cream van and stored the vehicle for a few days.

·         Assisted Better Bankside/Southwark with the seizure of a receptacle and are currently storing item.

·         One receptacle seized (pancakes) on St Katherines Way/Tower Bridge.

·         Two Hot dog receptacles seized on Bishopsgate.

·         Two peanut receptacles seized on the Millennium Bridge.

·         Eight offences listed for 27November 2019 in relation to four traders for offences in both Tower Hamlets and Southwark at City Magistrates.

·         Further six offences (pancakes, ice cream, hot dogs and peanuts) are being processed.

A Member

Report of the Director of the Built Environment.

The Committee received a report of the Director of the Built Environment on the cleansing contactors performance at the Lord Mayor’s Show.

The Committee was informed that the event was a success, with 5 out of the 18 cleaning vehicles being electric vehicles.

RESOLVED – Members are asked to note the report.

A Member mentioned that they had witnessed the rats and infestation problems behind the Blackfriars Pub. The Member stated that he was informed that the management of the Blackfriars Pub had been in touch with the City of London but was not able to come to a solution on the matter. The Member wanted to know what the City of London is doing to tackle the rats and infestation issues.

The Committee was told that as this was occurring in a private property, officers will engage with the landlord and offer appropriate advice in terms of how to tackle the issue. It was noted that that it is up to the cleaning contractors of the Blackfriars Pub to ensure that they pick up the rubbish bags within a timeframe, in order to prevent further escalation of the issue.

Officers will activate a conversation with the landlord.

The Chairman took the opportunity to remind the Committee of the visit to Veolia’s Integrated Waste Management Facility in Southwark. Members were asked to register their interest.

The Committee was further informed of two recent awards:

·         International Pet Animal Transport Association – Partner Industry Award On 5 November 2019, the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre (HARC) was awarded the partner industry award at the International Pet Animal Transport Association (IPATA) Annual Conference, held in Chicago, USA.

·         John Connell Local Authority Award

On 23 October 2019, the City Corporation’s Pollution Control Team was the proud winner of the 2019 John Connell Local Authority Award. The award recognises services, campaigns and programmes that are shining examples of community cooperation, education and creative solutions to solving noise pollution problems.

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.

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, 24 September 2019.

RESOLVED,that the Non Public Minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday, 24 September 2019 be approved as a correct record.

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

There were no items of urgent business.