Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillors Payne and Allen with Councillor Sansapuri substituting for Councillor Allen.

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting dated 17 October 2013 were agreed as an accurate record.

Witnesses

To assist Members with the review Emma Grigson, Head of Corporate Affairs, Affinity Water; Nicolas Gilbert, Environment and Education Services Manager, Affinity Water; and David Haygarth, Energy Manager were present to provide evidence.

A summary of the evidence provided to the Committee is set out below.

Affinity Water

Witnesses advised that Affinity Water was currently producing its Water Resource Management Plan for consideration by Ofwat – the industry’s economic regulator. The plan sought to ensure there were enough supplies of water over a 25 year planning horizon and set out how the challenges of increasing demand and reduced water extraction would be addressed. Members were informed that water companies had a statutory duty to promote the efficient use of water under the Water Industry Act 1991.

As the Council’s water supplier, Affinity was eager to engage the Council and residents in water saving and increasing efficiency across the Borough. Witnesses welcomed the opportunity to attend this event and provide evidence and practical advice on how to achieve savings.

Witnesses advised that the most effective way to realise water efficiencies was through water saving products and behavioural changes. Examples of possible measures were noted as below:

• Gray water could be captured and used as an alternative water supply. However, it was advised that retrofitting buildings for this purpose was an expensive option.
• Depending on the age of toilet facilities, Hippos or Save-a-Flush could be used in cisterns to reduce the amount of water used by 1 litre per flush.
• Taps could be fitted with aerators to reduce flow especially where they were being fed by a high pressured system.
• Conducting a water audit to ascertain water usage where there were no meters in place.
• Where buildings were being built or upgraded, new and more efficient water-using facilities could be introduced.

Witnesses noted that a cheap and effective way to begin to improve water efficiency was through measuring current water usage. The Council had a large and diverse building stock and so it was important to get comprehensive data on which buildings were using the most water and address the most inefficient areas.

Witnesses advised that another way to increase water efficiency was through educating water users on how to reduce their usage. It was noted that there was training provided by the Horticultural Trades Association that may be useful for ground staff in green spaces. The training focused on how to design and maintain gardens and lawns in a water efficient manner. Information on this would be circulated to Members in due course.

Affinity also provided training in schools and at events that gave information on how efficiencies could be made.

Members asked whether Affinity Water was a statutory consultee on proposed housing developments within the Borough.

Witnesses advised that the company was a statutory provider but not a statutory consultee.

Energy Manager

The Energy Manager advised that the Council’s estimated current usage was 225,000 cubic metres per year. Water was used in all general fund  ...  view the full minutes text for item 29.

RESOLVED: That the Annual Safety at Sports Grounds report be noted.

Following discussion, it was agreed that the wording of the letter would be agreed outside of the meeting between officers and the Chairman. Once a final draft was agreed this would need to be approved by considered by the Cabinet Member for Planning, Transportation & Recycling.

RESOLVED: That:

1.      the Chairman agree final wording of the roadside memorial letter with officers; and

2.      the letter be provided to the Cabinet Member for Planning, Transportation & Recycling for consideration.

RESOLVED: That the Forward Plan be noted.

RESOLVED: That:

1.      the Work Programme be noted; and

2.      the date for the forthcoming site visit be confirmed with Members in due course.