To receive a brief verbal update from attending Cabinet Members (or Portfolio Holders on their behalf) highlighting any news, successes or milestones in their respective areas since the last meeting of the Committee that are not covered elsewhere on the agenda.
Minutes:
Verbal updates were provided by Councillor Nick Holder, Cabinet Member for Highways, Street Scene, and Flooding, Councillor Tamara Reay, Transport and Assets, and Councillor Dominic Muns, Cabinet Member for Waste and Environment.
Highways, Street Scene, and Flooding
Cllr Holder provided brief updates on winter preparations, Local Highways and Footpath Group (LHFIGs) requests, and pavement conditions.
It was explained that preparations were being undertaken for the winter season with a significant amount of information distributed to Members who were encouraged to share with their residents, Town and Parish Councils. Furthermore, it was highlighted that there was a high level of requests coming through the LHFIGs, with officers tackling a significant backlog, leading to longer processing times for projects. As such, the Portfolio Holder for Highways was working with officers to consider different approaches for best utilising LHFIGs and removing the current backlog of requests. It was further noted that once the additional investment allocated into the road network and further understanding on future Government settlements had been realised, officers would identify priority areas and consider how best to improve pavement conditions across the County.
Members concurred with the aim of re-evaluating the LHFIG system and clearing the backlog of requests to ensure that new schemes could be delivered in a timely manner. Furthermore, it was highlighted that there were funds available to fix pavements where any defects were identified as a safety concern, however this did not include general repairs
Transport and Assets
Cllr Reay informed Members that the Draft Local Transport Plan for the period 2025-2038 was part of the agenda for the 19 November 2024 Cabinet meeting and it was highlighted that the draft plan aligned with the Local Plan, Business Plan, Climate Strategy, the drive for decarbonisation, and set out the strategic direction of travel for Wiltshire, recognising that one size did not fit all, particularly when considering the mix of urban and rural areas across the County. It was confirmed that there would be a two-month period of consultation, following which officers would assess all of the responses received to work on focused delivery plans to move forward towards the adoption of the plan.
It was further highlighted that a full briefing would be taken to the Climate Emergency Task Group, that the plan would be considered by the Committee in their January 2025 meeting.
Members raised increasing bus prices, and it was noted that discussions were being undertaken with bus operators through the Enhanced Partnership to see if there was any scope to further reduce fares.
Waste and Environment
Cllr Muns provided further information with regard to incinerating residual waste and associated emissions, and updated Members on the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for Devizes where officers, Local Members, Town Councillors, residents, and Wiltshire Police were thanked for their work in coordinating the project. It was highlighted that anti-social behaviour was taken seriously by the Council and the importance of protecting residents, communities, and spaces was emphasised.
The Waste Transformation Strategy was noted as seeking to tackle and further understand associated emissions with incinerating residual waste while continuing to improve recycling rates. Members thanked Cllr Muns for his update and work on the PSPOs.
Resolved:
The Committee noted the Cabinet Member updates.