Cabinet received a summary of the issues covered at the most recent meetings of the Select Committees including implementation of the Cycle Strategy at Environment and Economy Select and a focussed meeting on Public Health at Community Select.
Members thanked the officers involved in the arrangement of these meetings, as well as the Director and Assistant Director of Public Health for their attendance and input and acknowledged the strength of partnerships in these areas.
The Leader of the Council thanked the Chairs of the two Select Committees for their work which highlighted the positive initiatives undertaken by the Council.
It was RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Environment and Economy Select and Community Select Committee meetings be noted.
Cabinet received a summary of the issues covered at the most recent meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee including the Resident Survey and an urgent item related to the Submission to the Secretary of State regarding the request to delay the May 2026 local elections. The Committee then moved on to a scheduled work programme item examining the Council’s Workforce.
Cabinet were pleased to note that over half the workforce lived locally and were aware of the Council’s issues and aspirations. Members also welcomed the closing of the agenda pay gap.
It was RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting be noted.
Cabinet received a summary of the issues covered at the most recent meeting of the Environment and Economy Select Committee including the draft recommendations and report on the review into recycling in flat blocks. It was noted that a final report would be circulated to Members for sign off before circulating to the Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Environment.
Members expressed their thanks to the Scrutiny Members in particular relating to their work on the changes around food waste collections which was due to start on 2 February. It was also agreed that the proposal for labelling individual bins would be helpful to ensure that recycling was disposed of correctly. Members were also pleased to report that Stevenage Borough Council would not be charging for recycling, encouraging residents to be engaged as much as possible.
Members agreed the importance of the recycling champions initiative and the Portfolio Holder for Equalities and Young people advised that increasing recycling was a priority for all schools in Stevenage.
It was RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Environment and Economy Select Committee meeting be noted.