Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Brightman and Deville. Councillor Choubedar was present as Councillor Brightman’s substitute.

None.

It was confirmed that all items were listed as Part I and would therefore be considered in public.

Regarding minute 28, it was highlighted that the request for further information on affordable housing had been omitted. The clerk advised that this would be amended.

Regarding minute 29, it was noted that the requested information on wildflowers and Ombudsman cases had been received.

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 14 September 2021 be approved as a correct record, subject to the amendment to minute 28 as outlined above.

Rod Smith – Head of Housing & Tenancy Management, and Marion Finney – Regulation and Engagement Manager, addressed the Committee to provide information to aid the Committee’s review. External witness in attendance were Mr Alan Clark - clerk to the Leasehold Association, Mrs Ros Jorge - Tenant representative, and Ms Natalie Lindsay - Tenant representative.

Officers outlined the results of a sample survey of 100 tenants and leaseholders. Of those surveyed, 77% were tenants, with 23% leaseholders; and had covered a wide variety of age, location and length of engagement with the Council. The questions asked mirrored those included in the STAR survey, which would survey circa 50% of the entire 13k customer base. The survey was confirmed as currently underway,  and was expected to result in a return of 10%. The STAR survey, owing to its larger audience, would provide a greater level of detail from which further analysis could be undertaken, with a view to informing future strategy.

Feedback from the sample survey highlighted that the majority of respondents were broadly satisfied with the way in which Hillingdon was communicating with them. However, the data suggested there was room for improvement in all areas, and especially regarding how the service was liaising with residents prior to decisions being made, with officers suggesting that the service should prioritise ‘consulting’ with residents, rather than simply ‘informing’ them.

Some of the barriers preventing residents from becoming more involved in housing and other community activities within their local areas included a lack of time, disability or health, and a lack of awareness of how to become more involved. Overall, officers considered that the number of respondents who were willing to engage with the Council was positive.

Information was also provided by the external witnesses in attendance.

Mrs Jorge, a resident of Sutcliffe House, had been active in the community and with the Council through such bodies as the Better Neighbourhood team, Townfield Community Committee, among others, and who had undertaken a street/estate champion role.

Mr Clark, the clerk to the Leaseholders Association, was actively engaging with the Council on behalf of the Association’s 3k members.

Mrs Lindsay, a resident of Avondale Drive, had previously engaged with the Council through training initiatives to improve job prospects, as well as acting as secretary for her estate committee.

Feedback from the residents regarding their estates was that the estates were often in a state of disrepair or untidiness, with lifts often unusable or grounds suffering from a lack of maintenance. In addition, antisocial behaviour, including drug abuse, harassment, rough sleeping or entry by non-residents, was common. Additionally, it was felt that there was a lack of community sports and leisure activities provided, particularly for women and young people, which if in place, could foster stronger community ties, and promote mental and physical health.

In such instances, the witnesses would endeavour to contact the Council to report the issues on behalf of their community. However, where previously it had been easier to reach a specific officer directly,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 37.

Cathy Knubley – Head of Waste, provided the Committee with an update on the implementation of recommendations resulting from REESPOC’s review of littering and fly-tipping within Hillingdon.

All recommendations were confirmed to have either been fully implemented, or were in various stages of implementation, as set out within the report. Exceptions included actions that had been reviewed but that had been deemed unfeasible (such as reference numbers for individual bins), or actions that had been delayed due to the pandemic (such as liaising with schools).

The Committee was advised that litter picking activities were active in all wards, though resources were aligned to areas of greatest need. Members highlighted specific equipment available, such as brooms, that could be used. Officers advised that a review of equipment would be undertaken. The Committee also requested that officers work to build relationships between the ward teams and Ward Councillors.

Regarding prosecution of offenders, it was highlighted that this was lengthy process that required specific evidence to secure a successful prosecution, such as catching an offender ‘in the  act’. Waste officers were in regular contact with the Council’s Legal team on such matters. It was accepted that some residents were unwilling to identify offenders, possibly for fear of reprisals. The service was endeavouring to encourage such reporting through resident engagement at roadshows, social media, etc. to drive such behaviours.

Regarding littering and fly-tipping hotspots, these were plotted onto maps following repeated reports, and used to identify areas requiring action. Moving forward, street cleansing teams were to be fitted with real-time tracking software which would allow further analysis and actions.

The Committee requested that a copy of ASBET’s warning letter, and further information on the ‘name and shame’ actions, be provided following the meeting.

The Committee placed on record their thanks to officers for their work on this matter.

RESOLVED:  That the report be noted.

Cathy Knubley – Head of Waste, introduced a report detailing recycling within Hillingdon.

The report was summarised, with food waste recycling, recycling roadshows, recycling within flats, and partnership working with the NHS all highlighted. The Committee was informed that the service had recently won an award for its work to process clinical waste, such as used needles.

The processing of food waste was confirmed to result in electricity as well as fertilizer material, and the use of food waste bags was being promoted during all interactions with residents.  The changes to the processing of Dry Mixed recycling (DMR) to reduce waste contamination had resulted in significantly lower costs to the Council.

In terms of waste statistics, overall refuse being collected had risen, with a household recycling rate of circa 44%. This was felt to be a very positive number, though work remained to increase this further. As part of further promotion, a video on the subject of ‘what happens to your waste’ was being produced to help inform residents and promote good recycling behaviours.

The Committee requested that officers review the wording on food waste bags to signpost residents towards further recycling options, such as food waste caddies.

RESOLVED:  That the report be noted.

Consideration was given to the Cabinet Forward Plan, and it was:

RESOLVED:  That the Cabinet Forward Plan be noted.

Consideration was given to the Committee’s Work Programme, and it was:

RESOLVED:  That the Work Programme be noted.