Agenda and minutes

Before the meeting commenced the Chair commented on the situation that had arisen at Sarah Robinson House which had impacted on the residents. They had been evacuated from their homes for 10 days due to a gas leak,but were moving back into their homes that morning. 

He paid tribute to all those involved in the emergency response and praised the excellent cross council working and the supportive response from opposition collegues.  Councillors Cal Corkery and Raymond Dent had both been down to Sarah Robinson house and the Chair advised he would be going down to help following the meeting.

The Chair also praised and gave thanks to the 300 residents for their patience and co-operation during this difficult period.

Apologies were received from Maria Cole, Resident Consortium Representative.

Apologies were received from Cllr Daniel Wemyss, and Cllr Cal Corkery.

There were no declarations of interest.

Purpose of Report

1.    To update the Cabinet Member for Housing and Tackling Homelessness on the work to prepare Portsmouth City Council (PCC) local authority housing properties (LAH) with communal collections for the implementation of twin stream recycling collections.

2.    The report sets out the bin store improvement works which will improve the waste and recycling opportunities for residents, reduce issues associated with misuse of bin stores, and prepare PCC communal properties for future collection system changes.

3.    To agree the strategy for the programme of works to ensure all LAH communal bin provision is ready once the collection system changes.

RECOMMENDATION

That the Cabinet Member for Housing and Tackling Homelessness approves the approach and indicative programme of improvement works to be able to improve the waste and recycling opportunities for residents, reduce issues associated with misuse of bin stores and prepare PCC communal properties for future collection system changes.

Ashleigh Moore, Project Manager presented the report, the purpose of which was to update the Cabinet Member for Housing and Tackling Homelessness on the work to prepare Portsmouth City Council (PCC) local authority housing properties (LAH) with communal collections for the implementation of twin stream recycling collections and to seek agreement on the strategy for the programme of works to ensure all LAH communal bin provision is ready once the collection system changes.

Members' questions

In response to Members' questions, officers clarified:

• The contamination of the recycling occurs because the bins are open and people place the wrong items in the bin.  There are 5 types of items that can be recycled but people also put in general refuse, food waste and plastic bags which can't be recycled.
• Officers will be working with residents carrying out door knocking exercises to ascertain whether there may be a need for alternative arrangements for some residents.  The chutes in the tower blocks will be retained. 
• The retention of bin chutes will be considered on a block-by-block basis with officers taking on board any feedback received.  During a recent trial a chute was left open and positive feedback was received with residents engaged with the increased chance for recycling.
• In relation to the external areas, Picton and Posonby Houses had their bins put back into a bin store with the provision being split, which freed up their courtyard space.  In Portsea, consideration was given to how residents use their external areas.  An example given included Ward House where the proposal impacted on the space at on block in particular, so the proposal is being reviewed in order to provide a different solution allowing residents to continue using their external space.
• Engagement was carried out with residents prior to the proposals and engagement will continue throughout the works.  After the changes the Estates Services team will be continuing engagement with residents and educating residents to encourage recycling and ensuring the correct items are put in the correct bins.

The Chair noted this proposal links into the wider issue of a transition to a green economy but will inevitably create some issues as things change.  Most of the housing blocks were built at a time when recycling was not considered.  Recycling rates are increasing but are still too low.  The Chair approved the project and noted progress reports will be provided as the project progresses.

Decision

The Cabinet Member:

·         Approved the approach and indicative programme of improvement works to be able to improve the waste and recycling opportunities for residents, reduce issues associated with misuse of bin stores and prepare PCC communal properties for future collection system changes.