Issue - meetings

Consideration was given to report of the Head of Community Services.

The Team Leader Waste & Fleet Management presented the report which provided an update on the Street Lighting Review, which was requested following a Members’ Briefing in February 2019.  The review consisted of three overarching priorities:

·        Priority 1 – Financial diligence

·        Priority 2 – Stock management and assets; and

·        Priority 3 – Legislative drivers and performance of the service.

The Officer went through the report and highlighted points contained therein.

A Member referred to section 2.4 of the report which outlined the outputs against Priority 2, and asked whether the remaining stock could be used to undertake in-house repairs etc.

In response the Officer explained that the Engineering Team had significantly reduced over the years, and the type of work undertaken had changed to more reactive minor repairs, and with major works being contracted out.  However, he confirmed that redundant stock was used where possible, if it was not obsolete.

A Member referred to insurance claims and asked what process was undertaken previously, and whether the Council had any outstanding claims.

The Officer said there was no system in place previously.  The issue was raised at a Members’ briefing session, so the Team looked at the system used by Cardiff City Council, and mirrored that approach.  The first test case was successful, with almost full cost recovery, and other cases would be looked at.

A Member referred to the Solar LED lanterns introduced in Newtown, Ebbw Vale and the Officer reported that unfortunately the amount of sunlight in the Borough was insufficient to power the lanterns, but alternative technology was being considered.

A discussion ensued regarding capacity within the Team, and the Refit Programme, when the Officer confirmed that moving to LED lanterns would reduce maintenance requirements, and enable the Team to respond to other work. 

A Member pointed out that the reduction in maintenance may impact on future staffing levels.  He also stated that changing to LED lanterns should impact significantly on the budget. 

In response the Head of Community Services said in theory it should, but energy prices were increasing at a faster rate than the return of implementing energy saving initiatives.  However, the cost of not undertaking these works would prove more expensive in the future.

A further brief discussion ensued when the Officer clarified points raised by Members.

The Committee AGREED to recommend that the report be accepted and the information contained therein be noted (Option 1).