Agenda and minutes

Apologies had been received from Cllr Michael White who was substituted by Councillor Josephine Barrett.

There were no declarations of interests notified.

It was confirmed that all items on the agenda marked as Part 1 would be considered in public.

The minutes of the meeting held on 6 December 2012 were agreed as an accurate record and there were the following matters arising:

Minute 58 (Agenda item 6) – Residents Services 2013/14 Budget Proposals

1)     The final comments submitted to Corporate Services POC were noted as follows:

 ‘“The Chairman of RESPOC is satisfied with the report and proposed figures.  The Committee welcome the further investment for roads, the continued refurbishment of Hillingdon libraries, the re-modernisation of Ruislip Lido and the provision of grounds maintenance vehicles at West Drayton Boys Club. 

            The Committee looks forward to seeing the yet to be decided figures in connection with cemetery charges to bring them more into line with other authorities.” 

2)     With regard to proposed fees and charges relating to Exclusive Rights of Burial (Lawn Section Graves), the Committee noted that Cabinet had approved an increase of 20% to non-residents at the meeting held on 24 January 2013.  Members indicate that whilst this minimal charge was welcomed, the Committee looked forward to a further increase in the near future.

The Chairman of the Committee welcomed Chris Troy, Environmental Protection Unit (EPU) Manager and Colin Edards, Pest Control Contractor to the Committee’s second Review of Local Pest Control Services and the Impact of Waste Management Processes on these.

Chris Troy advised that the Public Protection Service interacted with other teams within the Council and was mainly concerned with dealing with food and commercial premises.  He explained that charges were levied to non-Council tenants for dealing with issues relating to pest control, namely rats and mice.

It was explained that there was a great deal of interaction with Hillingdon Housing Services regarding this issue and when dealing with charges, the department would usually take account of people receiving benefits.

The Committee was informed that officers in Public Protection Services enforced Food Hygiene & Safety in food premises and had powers to take enforcement action where there were pest infestations. A key reason for voluntary/formal closure of food premises was the presence of cockroaches, mice & rats. There were also requirements for food operators to have management systems in place, to prevent insect or vermin, and this included the management of refuse (there was a duty to have regular waste collections & outside bins must have lids). These activities would have a knock on effect to residents living in the vicinity and poorly managed food businesses would attract vermin and increase their levels in an area.

The unit liaised with the Anti-Social Behaviour Investigations Team (ASBIT) on an on-going basis.

Members were informed that Public Protection Services provided a chargeable service for treating rats and mice in private residences.  Private contractors were sometimes employed to carry out treatment.

It was explained that if there were alternative food sources, rodents would often eat this rather than feed regularly on the poison bait. Where this happened, treatment would be less effective. Waste food from domestic or commercial premises attracted rats, mice, birds, squirrels, foxes and other vermin. Members were advised that   often, it was people’s behaviour which was the underlying cause of the problem, particularly when people put food out for wildlife or when residents leave out food in bags for long periods. The Committee was informed that this did not however, mean that Hillingdon was experiencing the problem of ‘super rats’, as had been highlighted in Hampshire. Hampshire had applied to the Health & Safety Executive for permission to use potent pesticides outdoors. Such so called ‘acute’ pesticides were more hazardous to the non-target species and the environment.

With regards to the issue of enforcement of poor waste management in neighbourhoods, it was noted that most of this task was carried out by ASBIT, and were found to be generally related to residents not controlling waste properly. Approximately a hundred notices had served annually and enforcement action was taken where rubbish was harbouring pest infestations.

The Committee was advised that the Pest Control Association had suggested that the key to addressing this issue was by using the educational approach, as the problems usually emanated from human behaviour  ...  view the full minutes text for item 65.

Resolved

The Committee agreed the work programme and discussed possible witnesses for the forthcoming witness sessions.

The Committee requested the report relating to ‘Beds in Sheds’, due to be reported to the Cabinet meeting on 21 March 2013.

Resolved

The Committee agreed the Forward Plan.