Agenda item

(To receive a report by Samantha Harrison, Head of Economic Development, David Hickman, Head of Environment, Chris Miller, Deputy Head of Environment, and Mike Reed, Head of Waste, which enables the Committee to comment on the performance of the Tier 2 Service Level Performance measures for 2021/22 Quarter 3 for Economy, Flooding and Waste)

Consideration was given to a report which set out the performance of the Tier 2 Service Level Performance measures for 2021/22 Quarter 3 for Economy, Flooding and Waste which were within the remit of this Committee.

The Assistant Director for Growth reported that 899 businesses across Lincolnshire had received business assistance grants, 150 commercial tenants had received further aid, and digital provisions for educational needs had been successfully met. It was projected that external funding targets would be met and that the grants constituted an investment in the future of the county’s economy.

The Head of Environment reported that Section 19 investigations were triggered by internal flooding of one or more domestic properties or where there was significant impact on the highway network and/or community amenities. The team awaited full details of impacts from the recent storms but so far impacts appeared to have been relatively limited in comparison with previous events.  18 new section 19 investigations were initiated during the last quarter.

The Head of Waste reported that household recycling had increased but remained below target, overall recycling had decreased, and the amount of household waste had increased. Changes in performance had been due, in part, to fewer visitors to recycling centres, which had been reflected nationally throughout the pandemic. The further rollout of separate collection schemes was anticipated to improve recycling performance.

Members considered the report and during the discussion the following comments were noted:

·   Concerning businesses that received grants, a robust process was undertaken to ensure the appropriate procedural management throughout. Trained accountants provided assurance on the viability of businesses and clarified trading ambitions and growth potentials with owners and whilst acknowledging that some may not stand the economic hardships efforts were made to ensure effective use of funds and guard against fraud.

·   A report regarding the tracked employment prospects and outcomes of those in receipt of qualification support was due to be considered by this Committee in July 2022.

·   Economic development of large sector businesses remained important, whilst acknowledging that small and micro businesses were equally important, therefore information was sought through the Business Recovery Fund Program to facilitate shaping provision in the future.

·   Flooding near misses were a concern and despite not being significant enough to be investigated under Section 19, they still merited a need for Members’ oversight. A request was made that Anglian Water shared a list of near misses with Members.

·   Fines were not used in the enforcement of recycling noncompliance. Instead, education and engagement proved to be a more efficient use of resources.

·   Waste that could be processed locally was only exported outside the county in emergencies.

·   The recent rollout of a separate paper and card collection scheme in North Kesteven had proven successful – with a 99.5% recyclate purity. A robust sampling regime had been introduced  a specialist sampling officer was recruited offering a detailed breakdown allowing to develop on the experience of the paper and card roll out and use knowledge and evidence to improve other recycling operations and continue good practices.

·   Further information on a timeframe for further rollout of separate card and paper collection across the county was sought; Officers agreed to report back on this and combine with some additional data from the existing rollout, at a future Committee Meeting.

·   Officers explained that targets concerning waste and recycling were based on historical trends   previously established as benchmarks to track progress a review of those targets was required to ensure that they remained realistic and meaningful.

·   Increases in fly-tipping had been recorded and were linked to activities of a small number of unscrupulous businesses. The Environmental Crime Partnership was set up to create stronger penalties to deter people from fly-tipping. It was further clarified that where people have paid for a business to dispose materials and the latter tipped that in the countryside, the former remained liable for prosecution for.

·   Generic comments and feedback were offered by Members in terms of presentation of performance indicators to ensure scientific accuracy. Officers agreed to raise this with Corporate Leads. Increases in fly tipping had been recorded and was linked to activities of a small number of unscrupulous businesses.

RESOLVED:

1. That the report and comments made be noted.

2. That a scrutiny review of the effectiveness of waste and recycling targets be considered.