Agenda item

Report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection.

The Committee noted a report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection regarding the Waste and Street Cleansing Annual Report and Improvement Plan.

The Chairman thanked the Team for the fantastic service keeping the City clean. Members queried how dirty the City got during lockdown and if the stats provided gave the full picture as the City was worse than the national benchmark.  

Members were advised that whilst there was a lower footfall, there were less resources and the service still kept above the London benchmark. Officers were monitoring the situation closely following the new reductions to ensure standards were maintained and resources were in the right place as recovery and footfall would likely have an impact.

With regards to the questions regarding the use of electric vehicles and co2 savings, Officers required more time and data to make a proper comparison and agreed to bring this to a future Committee meeting.

A member enquired if there were particular areas in the City that were prone to graffiti noting the increase. Member were advised that the increase was likely due to there being less people in City so they were able to come unnoticed. This was being monitored by Officers who were reacting quickly and reporting these cases of ASB to the Police. It was noted that if could be difficult to engage with owners and rail owners to remove the graffiti when on private land.

A Member advocated for the introduction of reverse vending machines in the City which were popular in other countries. Officers confirmed none were in place yet but they were looking for Partners for suitable areas.

In response to a question, Officers confirmed that the City’s drinking fountains would return on 19 July 2021.

RESOLVED, that the report be noted.