The Leader will inform the Council about his work and his plans for the Council, and will give an overview of decisions taken by the Cabinet (and Portfolio Holders) since the previous meeting of the Council
Minutes:
The Leader of the Council presented a Statement outlining his recent work and an overview of decisions taken by the Cabinet (and Portfolio Holders) since the previous meeting of the Council.
Replacement of Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) Contract Award and Site Leasing Arrangements
(Paragraph 2.1 of the Statement)
In response to a question by Mr Huckfield, Mr Winnington confirmed that under the new contract, all HWRCs in the County would offer enhanced “small trade waste disposal service” aimed at providing convenient waste disposal opportunities for small businesses in Staffordshire. Other key enhancements included:
· An additional 30 minutes opening (until 5pm) during Winter Months at all HWRCs (*Except at Biddulph, where winter opening hours would remain limited to 4.30pm due to the proximity of local residents) and 7 day opening at, Bilbrook, Cannock, Leek and Stafford sites (subject to appropriate planning permissions and agreement with SCC);
· Increased staffing levels on sites;
· Introduction of additional material streams for recycling, including carpets, hard plastics and mattresses;
· Reuse facilities on all sites;
· Use of the HWRCs for more effective and efficient handling of Waste Collection Authority (WCA) bulky and fly-tipped wastes;
· Initial site refurbishment works and refurbishment or replacement of plant and equipment where needed. All new mobile compacting equipment will be sourced from local firm JCB; and
· Provision of a Recycling and Education Officer, to undertake communication, education and promotional activities in conjunction with SCC and the WCAs.
Mr Winnington added that the new contract would also achieve annual savings of approximately £240,000.
In response to a question by Cooke concerning the possible provision of a HWRC in Tamworth, Mr Atkins indicated that the County Council looked at the location/relocation of sites as opportunities arose.
2012/13 Final Outturn Performance and Finance Report
(Paragraph 3.2 of the Statement)
Mr Atkins and Mr Parry referred to savings which had been secured over the past four years whilst protecting frontline services; how the County Council worked with partners to the benefit of Staffordshire’s communities; the growth of the national economy through Staffordshire based companies like JCB, Alstom, Steelite and Jaguar Landrover; how customer satisfaction in Staffordshire County Council had grown steadily over the past four years; and that Staffordshire had the lowest level of Council Tax in England.
Portfolio Holder Delegated Decisions – Superfast Broadband
(Paragraph 3.3 of the Statement)
Mr Sutton welcomed the progress being made on the roll-out of Superfast Broadband in Staffordshire and the benefits this would bring to local small businesses. Mr Winnington thanked Mr Sutton for his comments and explained that this £90m investment in infrastructure would result in 97% of Staffordshire households being able to access high speed broadband. The project would be rolled-out in eight phases and Members would be informed as each phase commenced. It was anticipated that the roll-out would be completed by 2016.
Powerhouse Central
(Paragraph 3.4 of the Statement)
Mr Edwards extended his appreciation of the hard work of those Members and Officers involved in the negotiations with Central Government on the City Deal and requested the Leader if he could update the Council on the progress to date. In response, Mr Atkins indicated that representatives from the partnership presented their case to Government Ministers on 17 July and that he would update members as soon as the results of that meeting were known.
LGA Conference
(Paragraph 3.5 of the Statement)
In response to a question from Ms Woodward concerning the under-utilisation of Lichfield and Burntwood Vocational Centre due schools being less willing to send pupils there as the Centre did not offer GCSE qualifications, Mr Adams spoke about the need to raise the profile of vocational courses/qualifications. He added that it was important that young people were equipped with the right skills to enable them to secure employment and, in so doing, help to further develop the local economy.
The 2013 Municipal Journal Achievement Awards
(Paragraph 3.5 of the Statement)
Ms Woodward referred to the 1,400 jobs that were to be created at the Jaguar Landrover (JLR) plant on the i54 in South Staffordshire and enquired as to how many of those jobs would go to Staffordshire residents. In response, Mr Adams indicated that the County Council was working closely with JLR with a view to equipping local people with the necessary skills to get jobs at the new engine plant.
RESOLVED – That the Statement of the Leader of the Council be received.
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