Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from the following member(s) of the panel:

Cllr Christopher Haynes

There were no declarations of interest reported.

[To approve the minutes of the previous meeting as a correct record]

That the minutes of the meeting held on 1 December 2016 be approved, and signed by the Chair.

[To consider any matter arising from the minutes]

There were no matters arising from the minutes.

[Andy Jervis, Head of Regulatory Services, and Steve Woodward,Head of Environmental Services to give joint presentation]

Steve Woodward, Head of Environmental Services, gave a detailed presentation on the range of services and the performance against key standards.  Andy Jervis, Head of Public Protection, explained that the current contract with Kingdom Security is out for tender and the expectations of the Council in terms of quality and performance expected from the successful bidder. The Head of Public Protection explained the reasons for appointing Kingdom Security and the range of work they currently undertake.

The Head of Environmental Services commented on the reduction in the number of complaints about fly-tipping.

The panel commented on the use of mechanical sweeper street cleaners and litter pickers. The Head of Environmental Services explained that it is difficult to use sweeper machines because of parked vehicles which limit the space to operate the machine effectively. The current arrangement is that a mechanical sweeper is used every 12 weeks, but the service will respond to requests from the public.

The panel queried the policy of dealing with litter on orphan land or areas next to land managed by Wolverhampton Homes. The Head of Environmental Services explained that fly-tipping on orphan land is an issue in determining ownership. The Head of Environmental Services reassured the panel that the Council is working together well with Wolverhampton Homes to deal with issues relating to maintenance and grass cutting issues in areas next to each other, which make best use of the available resources and benefit both organisations.

Steve Evans, Cabinet Member for City Environment, commented on work being done to improve the systems to allow the public to report issues and for them to be dealt with more effectively.

The panel wanted to formally record their thanks to employees working in Bereavement Services for the high standard of excellent service they offer relatives.

The panel welcomed the report.

Resolved:

            The panel agreed to note the presentation.

[Colin Parr, Head of Governance, to request that the Panel contribute towards the consultation on proposals to introduce a Public Space Protection Order to tackle alcohol-related anti-social behaviour in the city.]

Colin Parr, Head of Governance, gave a brief overview of the consultation on a proposal to introduce a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO). The aim of the change is to tackle issues that have a negative environmental impact on the appearance in St Peter’s and Park wards of the city.  The Head of Governance explained that the report was presented to Adults and Safer City Scrutiny Panel but considered that the issues covered by the PSPO that it would be appropiate to get comments of the panel.

The panel queried the additional benefits that the proposal would provide above existing legislation available to tackle the issues detailed in the report. The Head of Governance commented that a PSPO would give the police greater discretionary powers to prohibit behaviours in response to local concerns about anti-social behaviour, such as drinking alcohol. The introduction of a PSPO would also support the achievement of objectives in the Council Corporate Plan. The PSPO also requires a lower evidential threshold.

The panel queried if the introduction of a PSPO would have the effect dispersing the problem to areas outside the designated ward areas suggested. The Head of Governance explained that the issue of displacement had been discussed and the service will monitor feedback from the public and take appropiate action. The Head of Governance added that there is existing DPPO in use that covers the whole city, which authorises the police to require a person to stop drinking and surrender alcohol where ASB is an issue.

The panel queried how the scheme would be policed and the number of conviction. The Head of Governance commented that he was aware of only one conviction for a breach of the order and based on past experience most people will stop drinking in public when asked. The panel agreed on the need for effective enforcement on the policy to reassure the public and performance monitoring.

The panel discussed the reluctance of the public to report incidents of ASB to the police and what can be done to encourage them to do so.

The panel welcomed the report and supported the proposal to introduce a PSPO.

Resolved:

            The panel comments on the proposal to introduce a PSPO for use within St Peter’s and Park ward areas to be included in the consultation response that will be presented to Cabinet.

[Colin Parr, Head of Governance, to give presentation on the city centre market]

Colin Parr, Head of Governance, gave a brief presentation on proposed market relocation site and the advantages that the site would offer to both traders and the public. The Head of Governance explained that the work is part of a wider £55 million redevelopment of the site and the developers have been very positive about the choice of location and its future potential. The Head of Governance commented that the initial feedback about the new site from traders has been very positive

The panel welcomed the proposed changes to the location of the market, but commented on the importance of engaging with the traders about the plans.

The Head of Governance commented on the plans to consult with traders and outlined the different development phases. The Head of Governance commented that the timetable may change once building work starts on the site – but the work will be done to ensure that traders can continue to operate during the Christmas period, if there are any delays in the building work timetable.

The Head of Governance commented on new ideas for promoting the markets to the public and work being done to develop a more diverse product offer that is more attractive to larger number of people.  The Head of Governance commented on the expected benefits of the increased investment in developing the site and the view that this will attract a wider range of traders.

Cllr Steve Evans, Cabinet Member for City Environment, commented the investment in the markets and the redevelopment of the site is part of a wider transformation work and the reasons for choosing the area. The Cabinet Member for City Environment commented on the importance of having a city centre market and its heritage. The Cabinet Member for City Environment commented on the need to provide modern facilities that will increase footfall and make it more attractive offer.

The panel welcomed the proposal and supported the plans for the site.

The meeting closed at 7.30pm