Agenda and minutes

(a)    To approve as an accurate record, and the Chairman to sign, the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 5 April 2011 as set out at Appendix A.

(b)    To monitor the acceptance and implementation of recommendations as set out at Appendix B.

Councillor Robert Iggulden expressed concern that he was still not receiving invitations from the Police to attend Safer Neighbourhood Ward Panel meetings as had been requested in November 2010. Officers would follow the matter up once more.

RESOLVED that;

a)      the minutes of the meeting of the Environment and Residents Services Select Committee held on 5 April 2011 be confirmed and signed as a correct record; and

b)      progress with the acceptance and implementation of recommendations be noted

Apologies were received from Councillor Wesley Harcourt.

If a Councillor has any prejudicial or personal interest in a particular item they should declare the existence and nature of the interest at the commencement of the consideration of that item or as soon as it becomes apparent.

At meetings where members of the public are allowed to be in attendance and speak, any Councillor with a prejudicial interest may also make representations, give evidence or answer questions about the matter.  The Councillor must then withdraw immediately from the meeting before the matter is discussed and any vote taken unless a dispensation has been obtained from the Standards Committee. 

Where Members of the public are not allowed to be in attendance, then the Councillor with a prejudicial interest should withdraw from the meeting whilst the matter is under consideration unless the disability has been removed by the Standards Committee.

There were no declarations of interest.

This report sets out the new membership of the Committee and its terms of reference, as agreed at the Annual Council Meeting held on 25 May 2011.

The Committee noted details of its membership and terms of reference for the new Municipal Year, as approved at the Annual Council Meeting held on 25 May 2011. The Chairman took the opportunity to thank her predecessor, Councillor Robert Iggulden, for his contribution to the work of the Committee from the Chair and welcomed Councillor Gavin Donovan, who had joined the Committee in place of Councillor Peter Tobias.

The Committee is asked to elect a Vice-Chairman from amongst its membership for the 2011/12 Municipal Year.

RESOLVED that;

Councillor Wesley Harcourt be appointed to serve as Vice Chairman of the Committee for the 2011/12 Municipal Year.

The Committee is asked to comment on the content of the statutory Strategic Assessment of crime and anti social behaviour which will be used to help inform the priorities of the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership. Representatives of the Metropolitan Police will be in attendance to introduce the document and respond to questions from Members.

The Committee was asked to comment on the Hammersmith and Fulham Strategic Assessment 2011/12. The document formed a statutory assessment of the situation with respect to crime and anti-social behaviour which would be used to help form the priorities of the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership. It was the first occasion that the Police, as the authors of the report, had shared its content in the public domain. Detective Superintendent Bob Lyle and Inspector Bob Glynn of the Metropolitan Police attended the meeting to introduce the report and respond to questions from Members. Inspector Glynn apologised to the Committee for the short notice at which the report had been circulated.

Members noted that following a series of year on year reductions there had been a 5% increase in crime rates over the past 12 months. Acquisitive crime, such as burglary and car theft, had risen at the start of the financial year before subsequent improvement while incidents of violent crime had fallen by 17.2% onalready low numbers. Knife crime had, however, increased by 1.6% to 309 offences with the numbers of occasions when knives were used to cause injury falling by 1.9% to 106. In total violence, including criminal damage, accounted for over 40% of the crime figures

Anti-social behaviour remained one of the main issues affecting communities in respect of quality of life with rowdy nuisance behaviour of youths giving the greatest cause for concern. Youth gangs were an emerging issue which, although not new, had taken on a greater importance following media coverage in relation to stabbings and shootings in the borough.

The report noted that policing methods for tackling violence and anti-social behaviour were resource and labour intensive and unlikely to deal with the causative issues behind them. Key drivers of crime included alcohol, in respect of which problems of underage and binge drinking were reported, and issues around deprivation, health and the specific socio demographics of an area. Education of young people was seen as vital to help improve understanding of the criminal justice system and the consequences of certain behaviours as well as the provision of information on topics such as health, alcohol and drugs.  The report therefore acknowledged that a multi agency approach was required. It concluded that increased pressure on public service resources, combined with the Olympics and the potential for industrial unrest were risk factors in the borough’s attempts to reduce crime.

Members were informed that the recommended priorities had been reduced from previous years in order to help maintain focus. Anti-terrorism had been removed from the list since it was not managed from within the borough whilst local issues such as Status Dogs and theft from shops (largely at Westfield) had been deleted as the former was of diminishing concern and the latter relatively stable. The top priorities were to reduce crime in line with Metropolitan Police targets, reduce the fear of crime, reduce all aspects of anti social behaviour, reduce harm done by alcohol and drugs and to reduce the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

This report sets out for comment the detailed business case for the integration of the library services of Hammersmith & Fulham, Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster as agreed at the Cabinet meeting on 20 June 2011.

The Committee received and considered the detailed business case for the integration of the Council’s library service with those of Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster.

Chris Bunting, Head of Parks and Recreation, informed the Committee that the proposals, approved at Cabinet on 20 June 2011, would help sustain frontline services, enhance resilience, provide greater staff development opportunities and improve the customer experience through the offering of a wider range of books and specialist collections and a consistency of service standards across the thee boroughs. The shared service would be delivered in four phases as set out below;

Phase 1; creation and approval of detailed business case

Phase 2; implementation of single management structure and design of single operational structure

Phase 3; implementation of single operational structure

Phase 4; consideration of alternatives for new delivery or trading options

Total savings were forecast at £1.107m, of which £270,493 was attributable to Hammersmith and Fulham.

Councillor Robert Iggulden enquired whether the opportunity had been taken to fundamentally review not only staffing structures but also the purpose of library provision in the 21^st century, in particular the balance of traditional reading and book lending with digital media and new forms of engagement. He further asked whether it was felt that libraries or schools should be responsible for childrens’ reading opportunities.

Mr Bunting confirmed that all three Authorities had re-examined their core principles during the course of the exercise. The pattern of library usage was changing with the number of visitors remaining constant but book lending in decline. Childrens activities in the libraries were highly popular and quickly filled to capacity. Shared services provided the chance to develop more innovative community events which would attract further visitors to the libraries.

Councillor Lisa Homan expressed concern at the proposal’s lack of focus on the customer. Mr Bunting responded that the changes should be seamless from the customer perspective but acknowledged that there needed to be an exercise to communicate the positive service aspects to residents. In response to a further question from Councillor Homan he confirmed that books would be available for lending across all three Borough’s stocks. The respective Boroughs all had different IT systems but it was possible that Hammersmith and Fulham’s would be adopted as the common platform. Councillor Greg Smith, Cabinet Member for Residents Services, commented that local levels of service would be maintained with each Authority’s libraries continuing to reflect existing differences in approach to provision. Back office structures and processes would not be noticed by customers.

Councillor Homan also asked about the extent to which staff had been involved in the development of the proposals and, in particular, the implications of salary harmonisation. The Committee was informed that engagement had taken place with staff at some levels but a wider programme was now being rolled out. For example over 100 library staff from across the three boroughs were due to attend a joint event at Westminster on 18^th July. The impact of salary harmonisation was not yet known.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

This report sets out for comment proposals to combine the management of Environment Services provided by Hammersmith & Fulham and Kensington & Chelsea as agreed at the Cabinet meeting on 20 June 2011.

The Committee gave consideration to proposals to combine the management of Environment Services with those of Kensington & Chelsea.

Members noted that the Cabinet, at its meeting on 20 June 2011, had agreed the development of a bi borough approach with a new joint senior management structure in place by June 2012 and the introduction of combined services by March 2014. The intention was to reduce costs through the merger of management teams rather than reductions to frontline services. While there was no direct departmental fit with regard to provision of services in the two Boroughs, the scope broadly encompassed the majority of the Environment and Residents Services departments in Hammersmith & Fulham and Kensington & Chelsea’s Transport and Leisure Department.

Nigel Pallace, Director of Environment, set out details of the proposed services, structures, principles, implementation and delivery vehicles, programme governance, estimated savings and timelines.

It was reported that there would be a 48% reduction in the three top tiers of management across the two authorities with the 29.5 senior management staff in scope reduced over three years to 15.5, resulting in a saving of approximately £1.33m less £175,000 attributed to capital and other sources in the tier three transport and highways posts at Hammersmith & Fulham. Two Directors would be appointed. Subject to the due process it was anticipated that these would be Nigel Pallace and Lyn Carpenter with Mr Pallace managing shared services half the time and sole Hammersmith and Fulham services for the remainder, whilst Ms Carpenter worked whole time in a shared capacity.

Mr Pallace emphasised that for the moment this was merely a headline integration of senior management and not a combination of services. Indicative figures suggested, however, the potential for a further £1.970m in savings through the merger of services and support by 2014/15. It was anticipated that the move towards shared services would be incremental.

The Committee was informed that although it had not proved possible to include Westminster City Council in the arrangements due to its operating models and contractual commitments, there was scope for it to participate at a later date.

In response to a question from Councillor Lisa Homan, Nigel Pallace confirmed that Planning services were out of scope of the new arrangements. There had been a desire to ensure they continued to be provided locally due to their sensitivity to place. Licensing services were subject to similar considerations and, although part of the joint management structure, would continue to operate independently.

Councillor Homan sought reassurances that the proposals would not give rise to potential conflicts of interest for Officers with dual reporting responsibilities. Mr Pallace emphasised that no participating authority would be denied access to independent advice if required. The problem had not arisen in the five years during which the two Councils had shared an Assistant Director of Highways and Engineering.

Councillor Homan further enquired as to the compatibility of IT systems. Nigel Pallace acknowledged that the integration of systems was a major challenge. In the long term the intention was to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

The Committee will receive an update on the Residents Services Department’s progress against objectives in the last 12 months and an outline of the significant policy and service changes and challenges going in to 2011/12 in respect of the main service areas within its remit.

The Committee received an update on the Residents Services Department’s progress against objectives in the previous 12 months and an outline of the significant policy and service changes and challenges in 2011/12 in respect of the main services within its remit.

Chris Bunting, Head of Parks and Recreation, outlined the Department’s plans for the delivery of £3.6m of savings in the current financial year as a result of restructuring, enhanced income generation, the provision of shared library services, contractor savings and the release of assets.

Mr Bunting reported that Cleaner Greener and Cultural Services achievements in 2010/11 had included the award of four Green Flags for parks – a fifth had been gained on the day of the meeting – a 2% increase to 78% in residents satisfaction with parks, the provision of external funding to increase recycling rates in flats and the development of the ‘More than a Library’ brand. Plans for 2011/12 included a senior restructure as part of libraries tri borough arrangements, a fleet management review, a move towards risk and reward based monitoring of the Serco and Quadrant contracts and an increase in the recycling rate through a new waste plant.

Safer Neighbourhoods, meanwhile, had launched a new neighbourhood warden team, achieved two silver awards in the Mayor of London’s Safer Parks initiative and delivered the second highest reduction in re-offending rates in the UK as a result of the integrated offender management programme. Looking forward, phase two of the ‘Eyes and Ears’ programme was due to bring about further rationalisation of street and parks based enforcement teams, the Community Safety team would be reorganised so as to realign with the localities focus of other partner agencies and the sale of Council assets would enable a reduction in the size of the security team.

Finally, the Committee learnt that the Commercial Division had achieved a 10% growth in external income in 2010/11, established the creation of a consultancy model to other local authorities and was a finalist in the Barclaycard Customer Experience Excellence Awards. The standing of the Authority in terms of customer excellence had also been confirmed by an invitation to speak at the European Customer Experience World Conference. A further 6% growth in external income was projected for 2011/12.

The Committee will receive an update on the Environment Department’s progress against objectives in the last 12 months and an outline of the significant policy and service changes and challenges going in to 2011/12 in respect of the main service areas within its remit.

The Committee received a presentation which set out details of progress against high level objectives for the Environment Services department in 2010/11.

Members noted that significant progress had been made in enhancing the local street scene and environment through the substantial completion of the Decent Homes Standard, the renovation of major longstanding eyesores such as 80 North End Road, a reduction in streetworks and increased collaborative working to keep traffic moving and reduce network disruption. The Licensing policy had been refreshed and a new Sex Establishment Policy established while four additional areas of the borough had been designated in order to reduce clutter from estate agents boards.

With respect to planning and transportation, the Local Development Framework Core Strategy had been progressed to examination by the Secretary of State and Planning Frameworks had been prepared for the Opportunity Areas. In addition to the Council’s own regeneration programme there had also been an intensification of activity from developers seeking to bring proposals forward prior to introduction of the Crossrail levy. The highway capital programme had been delivered in full and £8m of funding had been secured from TfL for integrated transport projects between 2010/11 and 2011/12.

The Department had also delivered Medium Term Financial Strategy efficiency savings through improved asset management, including a significant reduction in the department’s office footprint, active workforce management and the introduction of new fee charging structures.

The Committee is asked to review its draft work programme for the current municipal year. Details of forthcoming Key Decisions which are due to be taken by the Cabinet are provided in order to enable the Committee to identify those items where it may wish to request reports.

The Committee gave consideration to its work programme for the 2011/12 Municipal Year. The list of items had been drawn up in consultation with the Chairman having regard to previous decisions of the Committee and relevant items within the Forward Plan.

Members were of the view that two Task Group enquiries should be conducted during the course of the year. The first would meet during August and September to examine the concept of a lane rental scheme for public utility roadworks and establish whether there was any merit in the development of a pilot within the borough in order to reduce traffic congestion and the consequent loss to the local economy. The second, to be commissioned following a wider report on flooding to the September meeting, would focus on sustainable urban drainage and the surface water management plan.

Members also requested that the Committee be given the opportunity to examine some of the large regeneration schemes around the borough, such as those at Earls Court and South Fulham, in more detail, possibly in single issue meetings. It was noted that further consultation on the schemes would take place in the autumn and the outcome of this could usefully be reported to the Committee together with the proposed next steps for comment.

The Committee also noted details of forthcoming relevant key decisions which were due to be taken by the Cabinet and would be open to scrutiny by the Committee.

RESOLVED that;

i) the Overview and Scrutiny Board be requested to commission a Member Task Group in order to undertake an investigation into the concept of a lane rental scheme for public utilities and the desirability of pilot arrangements in Hammersmith and Fulham; and

ii) the work programme be approved, subject to updates at subsequent meetings

The Committee is asked to note the date of the next meeting, which is to be held on Tuesday 6^th September 2011 at 7pm.

The Committee noted that the next meeting was scheduled to be held  on Tuesday 6^th September 2011.