Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Nevin.

There were no declarations of interest at this meeting.

Report of Executive Director (Growth and Housing) to follow

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Growth and Housing) relating to the implementation of the Selective Licensing Scheme within neighbourhoods in the Milton, Kursaal, Victoria and Chalkwell Wards. The matter was referred back to Cabinet at full Council on 10 November 2021.

The Cabinet gave very serious consideration to the matter as it had been referred back.

Resolved:

1. That the resolutions made by Cabinet on 14 September 2021, as set out in Minute 333, be confirmed:

a) That the financial details of the Selective Licensing Scheme, as set out in the submitted report be noted.

b) That the proposed discounts for the Scheme including the early bird period of four months (December 2021 to March 2022) to promote early compliance as set out in the submitted report, be noted.

2. That for the avoidance of doubt, the designation date of 1 December 2021 be ratified.

3. That the Council complies with the obligations set out in section 3.13 of the submitted report, without delay.

Reasons for decision:

To provide a comprehensive financial assessment and clear recommendations on how the Selective Licensing Scheme can be delivered.

Other Options:

To seek to revoke the designation made on 18 March 2021.

Note: This is an Executive Function, but it is not eligible for call-in by virtue of Scrutiny Procedure Rule 15(e)(iii) as the matter has previously been the subject of call-in.

Cabinet Member: Cllr Gilbert

Report of Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment) attached

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment) presenting two options for securing the future service provision of the Recycling, Waste and Cleansing Contract, with the express aim of supporting the Council’s declared Climate Emergency, the Southend 2050 Ambition and meeting the changing requirements of environmental legislation and the growing environmental demands of the Borough’s residents.

Resolved:

1. That a Recycling, Waste and Cleansing Contract be procured for up to 20 years (Option B).

2. That the aims and parameters of any new Contract be to:

·            Recognise the Climate Emergency declared by the Council in 2019 and support the move to carbon neutrality by 2030;

·            Comply with the Environment Act 2021 and the need to improve recycling rates to achieve the anticipated Government requirement of 65% by 2035;

·            Follow the principles of the Waste Hierarchy and aim to reduce waste to landfill;

·            Maximise the use of sustainable fuels in the operation of the services;

·            Provide the best customer and digital experience for residents;

·            Consider whether the waste disposal contract should be included as part of the same procurement process;

·            Consider the inclusion of a commercial waste offering; and

·            Recognise the popularity with residents of the current scheme, and explore the viability of maintaining it, or something similar via market engagement.

3. That an indicative annual budget envelope for the Contract be established and forms part of the invitation to tender.

4. That authority be delegated to the Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment) and Executive Director (Finance & Resources), in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment, Culture, Tourism and Planning, to negotiate a short term extension to the Veolia Contract from October 2023 if required to enable the Council to maintain a waste collection service until the procurement process for a new Contract has concluded and that this is contained within the financial sums identified in the submitted report.

5. That the outcome of the tender process and its associated financial implications be reported to a future Cabinet meeting with a recommendation as to the award of the Contract. 

6. That up to £1.5m be allocated from the Waste Reserve to support the one-off costs of the procurement.

7. That it be noted that any additional financial costs for the extension of the current Waste Contract from October 2023 would be reflected in the budget setting for 2023/24.

8. To note that the current levels of recycling are significantly below the future targets set by the Government, and the significant environmental and economic benefits that reducing residual waste, and increasing recycling will bring to the Borough.  Action is therefore required to secure a future service provision that is capable of meeting the Council’s own targets and obligations.

9. That authority be delegated to the Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment), the Executive Director (Finance and Resources) and the Executive Director (Legal and Democratic Services), in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment, Culture, Tourism and Planning to:

a) Procure a public relations company at a one-off cost of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 629.

Resolved:-

That, under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the item of business set out below, on the grounds that it would involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act and that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

Report of Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment) to follow

The confidential report of the Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment) concerning the Waste Collection Contract was considered in conjunction with Minute 629 above.

Resolved:

That the confidential report, be noted.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Referred direct to Place Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Mulroney