Issue - meetings

To receive and consider the report of the Director of Customer and Digital.

1.    That the report be noted, and the new strategy is approved.

2.    That following initial engagement and feedback from parish councils on the Streetscene Strategy, the approval of the strategy is delegated to Executive Member Decision.

Councillor Adrian Lowe, Executive Member (Customer, Streetscene and Environment) presented the report of the Director of Customer and Digital which presents the new Streetscene Strategy for 2022-2025.

The strategy builds on the previous Streetscene Modernisation Strategy from 2017- 2020, which focused on improving processes and dealing with specific operational challenges as outlined in the report. The previous strategy has delivered several successful outcomes for the council and has improved performance and productivity. Steady progress was made across the three-year period of the strategy which means that a review of service indicators in July 2021 increased the service targets from 80% to 85%.

The proposed strategy presents the core principles for the Streetscene Strategy alongside a draft action plan which sets out the expected service delivery work over the next three years. This is an evolving strategy and will be reviewed annually in line with the business planning process to ensure that service delivery remains in line with council priorities and aspirations. Ongoing dialogue with local parish councils will also contribute to the delivery of the strategy as it evolves.

Members welcomed the survey and discussed the wildflower planting and biodiversity programme which has reduced the resources required for scheduled maintenance and grass cutting. It was agreed that Members would be provided with specific information on how much the resources required have been reduced and where the savings generated from this have fallen. Members also discussed the consultation extension for Parish Councils and expressed concerns regarding an increase in the number of weeds.

Decision:

1.    That the report be noted, and the new strategy is approved.

2.    That following initial engagement and feedback from parish councils on the Streetscene Strategy, the approval of the strategy is delegated to Executive Member Decision.

Reasons for recommendations:

To ensure that the Streetscene service is fit for purpose, making best use of resources, and managing and meeting customer expectations.

Other options considered and rejected:

To extend the timeline of the existing strategy and continue its delivery. As the modernisation of the service has delivered significant transformation to the service, and the council’s aspirations for Streetscene have now changed, it is considered that a new strategy is required in order to continue to develop and improve the service.