Agenda and minutes

Agenda and minutes

Neighbourhoods and Environment Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday, 24th June, 2020 2.00 pm

Venue: Virtual meeting - Webcast at https://manchester.public-i.tv/core/portal/webcast_interactive/485362

Contact: Lee Walker 

Media

Items
No. Item

25.

Tribute to former Councillor Sue Murphy

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Chair paid tribute to the important contribution Sue Murphy had made to the city and to the Council. Members and all those present observed a minute’s silence in remembrance of Councillor Sue Murphy.

 

26.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 247 KB

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 4 March 2020.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Decisions

 

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 4 March 2020 as a correct record.

 

27.

Update on COVID19 activity pdf icon PDF 675 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Committee considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive and City Treasurer that provided a brief summary of the current situation in the city in relation to COVID-19 and an update on the work progressing in Manchester in relation to areas within the remit of this committee. 

 

The main points and themes within the report which included: -

 

·         Describing the Public Health response to the pandemic;

·         Information on the financial implications and the additional costs incurred;

·         Response and planning ahead for the recovery including a reset of the Our Manchester Strategy; and

·         Specific updates on activities relating to the work of Neighbourhood Teams; Compliance and Enforcement; Waste, Recycling and Street Cleansing; Highways; Housing and Residential Growth; Homelessness; Climate Emergency / Zero Carbon.

 

Some of the key points that arose from the Committee’s discussions were: -

 

·         Paying tribute and appreciation to all staff and those working with partner organisations for responding effectively and professionally during this unprecedented period;

·         What was being done to support rough sleepers who had been accommodated in hotels during the pandemic to prevent them returning to the streets;

·         What was being done to ensure appropriate levels of funding would be allocated to Local Authorities;

·         What were the number of homeless presentations during the period of lockdown;

·         What was the approach to promoting active travel and clarification was sought on the rationale not to introduce ‘pop up’ cycle lanes and a call for discussions on this area to be open and transparent;

·         Communication with both residents and local business was essential when planning and developing active travel schemes;

·         Noting the reduction in emissions and improved air quality during this period what work was being done to build on these improvements and could data be provided for different areas of the city;

·         What analysis had been undertaken of the measures introduced, such as the temporary closure of roads on social distancing;

·         How could residents suggest other areas for consideration for the introduction of similar measures to support social distancing and what would be the associated time frame for delivering any scheme;

·         Noting the bid to the National Lottery’s Climate Action Fund with the Manchester Climate Change Partnership was unsuccessful, what feedback and learning had been obtained that may inform future bids;

·         How would the Highways Department and the Licensing Unit work with licensed premises to ensure they were managing their premises safely and in line with guidance as the lockdown began to ease;

·         Recognising the important role of all staff who worked for Registered Social Landlords for their dedication in identifying and supporting vulnerable residents;

·         What work was being done with landlords, particularly those with student properties to manage waste generated at the end of term;

·         An update on the Private Rented Sector Licensing Policy and HMO (house in multiple occupation) Standards was sought;

·         When would the green bin collection revert back to a weekly collection;

·         Thanking the Biffa crews for their work, however noting that reports had been received regarding the inconsistency in the service provided by  ...  view the full minutes text for item 27.

28.

Overview Report pdf icon PDF 234 KB

Report of the Governance and Scrutiny Support Unit

 

This report includes details of the key decisions due to be taken that are relevant to the Committee’s remit as well as an update on actions resulting from the Committee’s recommendations.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The report of the Governance and Scrutiny Support Unit which contained key decisions within the Committee’s remit and responses to previous recommendations was submitted for comment.

 

In response to a question regarding the Climate Change Subgroup, the Chair reminded the Committee that at the 25 March 2020 meeting of Council the report ‘Constitutional Amendments and Other Matters for Council Business Continuity’ was considered and approved. The Committee were reminded that within that report it recommended that Scrutiny Subgroup meetings should be suspended for the time being. The Chair stated that consideration would be given to scheduling an update report on climate change at an appropriate time.

 

Decision

 

To note the report.