Eastleigh Borough Council Policy and Performance Scrutiny Panel Meeting

There were no declarations of interest in relation to items of business on the agenda.

It was AGREED -

That the Minutes of the meeting of the Panel held on 15 February 2024 be confirmed and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

There was no public participation on this occasion.

The Chair thanked Members for their contribution to the Panel over the past year.

Housing Task and Finish Group

Councillor Asman reported that the Group met on 28 February 2024. It was agreed that Tranche 7 will come to Policy and Performance and Cabinet in June to allow the new Head of Housing time to review.

Councillor Gomer, Chair of the Task and Finish Group, introduced the report and highlighted the findings that the Group had identified since September 2023.

RESOLVED –

That the Policy and Performance Scrutiny Panel noted the report and recommendations, and made onward recommendations as set out below:

It is recommended that Cabinet:

i.  Develop a consolidated policy document covering timescales, process and fees for removal of graffiti on public and private land;

ii.  Note the progress on comms to encourage reporting of graffiti, notably changes to the website and stickers, and plan for additional communications to ensure that residents are aware of how to report graffiti;

iii.  Note the trial provision of graffiti-removal wipes to volunteers in West End, and consider similar responses to graffiti in other areas, when necessary; and

iv.  Arrange for reports of graffiti that are made to the council to be shared with the police on a monthly basis, so that police can better target their response to graffiti.

The Service Director for Neighbourhoods and Green Spaces provided a verbal update and explained that changes had been made to the grass cutting maintenance regime last year which had been effective. He stated that grass cutting across the Borough will start week commencing 18 March 2024, and that the Council’s website will be updated to highlight the benefits of the regime. Some areas have changed from fortnightly to monthly to encourage wildlife.

A new interactive map will be added to the website which will detail how often areas of grass will be cut and the date in which it was last cut.

A discussion took place with regards to the removal of grass cuttings. The impact on the environment and the cost was explained to the Committee. Councillors suggested that the information on grass cutting be shared with the Parish Councils.

RESOLVED –

That the Policy and Performance Scrutiny Panel noted the verbal report and made the following recommendation for consideration:

That the Policy and Performance Scrutiny Panel commend the trial of reduced grass cutting on Turnpike Way and recommend that options for collection of cuttings in such areas are explored as a means of reducing soil nitrogen levels and improving suitability for wildflowers.

[NOTE: A member of the public spoke and raised concerns regarding the grass verge on Turnpike Way, Hedge End. It was requested that the Council raise public awareness explaining the reasons why the verges are being left uncut and the benefits to the local biodiversity. The Council were also encouraged to consider alternative options that would allow grass curing to be collected and removed from the verges.]

The Planning Manager introduced the report and highlighted the key updates and changes following the Panel’s approval of the Development Management and Enforcement Improvement Plan in March 2023.

RESOLVED –

That the Policy and Performance Scrutiny Panel noted the content of this report and the updates to the improvement plan set out in Appendix 1.

The Climate Change Manager introduced the report and explained the progress made between June 2022 and January 2024.

A discussion took place with regards to the value of BNG credits.

RESOLVED –

That the Policy and Performance Scrutiny Panel:

(1)  noted the contents of this report and made the following recommendations;

That the Policy and Performance Scrutiny Panel recommend Eastleigh Borough Council: 

a.  Look to establish the value of BNG credits as soon as the market allows, with a view to bringing forward BNG-funded carbon sequestration schemes; and

2. Approve and implement a revised procurement policy with an objective of reducing scope 3 emissions as quickly as possible.

(2)  notes the contents of the appended Greenhouse Gas Emissions reports 2021-2022 and 2022-2023.

[NOTE: A member of the public raised concerns over the lack of reported progress in the actions securing the necessary carbon sequestration opportunities in the Borough, the high percentage of the Council’s current emissions and the need for a more proactive approach in addressing the core issues of carbon offsetting and procurement controls.]

The Customer Support Manager introduced the report.

RESOLVED –

That the Policy and Performance Scrutiny Panel considered and commented on the new Customer Behaviour Policy and associated protocols in appendices 1-6.

The Health and Communities Partnership Manager introduced the report and explained the current proposals made by the NHS. The impact of the proposals on Eastleigh Borough residents were highlighted and discussed.

RESOLVED –

That Policy and Performance Scrutiny Panel reviewed the consultation response in retrospect.

The Panel considered the Forward Plan of Key Decisions.

It was AGREED that the report be noted.

Panel members considered their Work Programme to March 2025.

It was AGREED that the Work Programme be noted.