Agenda and draft minutes

Councillor Platts substituted for Councillor Pascoe. Councillor Eves substituted for Councillor Brown.

Apologies were received from Councillor Pascoe and Councillor Brown.

Councillor Russell declared an interest regarding Item 6 as she is a West Sussex County Councillor.

The minutes of the meeting held on 12 July 2023 were agreed as a correct record and were signed by the Chairman.

None.

Simon Hughes, Director of People and Commercial Services introduced the report. A presentation was also provided by Rob Anderton, Assistant Director Commercial Services and Contracts and Jo Reid, Head of Contracts and Services. This set out the feedback from customers participating in the 1-2-3 collection trial and the data collected. It also provided context against legislative framework and national policy, and ways that the Council is working with West Sussex County Council to consider the next steps once the funding for the trial concludes in March 2024.

Members discussed the positive response to the trial and the learning outcomes that can be used to improve the service at the point that it is rolled out to the wider District. Discussion focused on the type food that can be recycled, the collection of absorbent hygiene products, the take-up of food waste collection from flats as opposed to houses, green waste collection and the potential to change the collection fleet to alternative fuels in the future.

Members were supportive of the trial, noting that it has instigated a change in attitudes towards food waste among those who have participated, and sets a positive example for other District and Boroughs to follow. Continued dialogue between the County Council and other District’s and Boroughs was requested, to ensure continuation of this project going forward.

The Leader acknowledged the constraints of expanding the trial, both regards to Government support and available funding but confirmed that there have been positive discussions on the subject with West Sussex County Council and other Local Authorities. The Deputy Leader also noted that consideration needs to be given to wider food distribution structures to reduce food waste at a national level as well as at the end user point.

The Chairman took Members to a vote on the recommendations contained in the report which were approved unanimously.

RESOLVED

The Committee:

(i)      Noted the context and background of the Act and the impact of delays and considering those delays;

(ii)      Agreed to recommend to Cabinet that Mid Sussex should continue to work in partnership with West Sussex County Council to identify options to secure the continuation (or expansion) of the 1-2-3 trial.

Louise Duffield, Director, Resources and Organisational Development introduced the report.

Members discussed the proposed Budget and Financial Planning working group including its remit and politically balanced membership. Discussion was also held on the need to prioritise items for consideration at Scrutiny meetings, especially where there is more than one item to discuss. The proposed item on GP and healthcare provision within the District was noted, with Members acknowledging that it would be a chance to position the Council as key influencing partner with the NHS and to raise resident’s concerns on the subject.

The Chairman took Members to a vote on the recommendations contained in the report which were approved unanimously.

RESOLVED

The Committee:

i.          Confirmed the work programme for the municipal year 2023/24 and beyond.

ii.         Noted the alternative approaches by which Scrutiny may receive information and consider matters.

iii.        Noted the process for Scrutiny Members requesting, via the Chairman, further topics to be considered by the committee.

iv.        Established a cross-party, politically balanced Members Working Group To support the People and Communities Scrutiny Committee in scrutinising the Budget and Financial planning process

v.         Agreed to the Terms of Reference and indicative timetable (Appendix B) for this Members Working Group.

None.