Issue - meetings

The Head of Financial Services asked Members to be aware that due to the new appointments of Heads of Service, the Head of Street Scene and Community was unable to attend the meeting.  It was hoped that the new Head of Environmental Services would be in a position to take up some of his role over the next few weeks and the Head of Financial Services asked Members to bear with them during this transitional period.

The Board considered the updated Recommendation Tracker and although they appreciated the current situation, shared their concerns that several items in respect of the Refuse and Recycling Scrutiny Investigation continued to be outstanding after some 18 months, and in particular the item referring to NVQ training for all refuse and recycling staff.  Members were reminded of information previously provided by the Head of Street Scene and Community advising that this was due to commence in January 2010.   Members commented that the refuse and recycling staff had performed very well during the recent severe weather conditions and it was agreed that a letter of thanks should be sent, from the Board, to the relevant Head of Service, congratulating them on their hard work during this difficult period.

After discussion, the Board asked that the new Head of Environmental Services be invited to the Scrutiny Board meeting to be held on 23rd March 2010. 

Members agreed that it would be useful in future to have the following information in respect of items on the Recommendation Tracker:

• Has the recommendation been implemented?
• If not why not and when is it expected to be implemented?
• What outcomes have been achieved as a result of the recommendations?

Members were reminded that the Refuse and Recycling (including Value for Money) Task Group would be reconvened in July 2010 to formally review the progress made.

RESOLVED that the new Head of Environmental Services be invited to the Scrutiny Board meeting to be held on 23rd March 2010.