Cabinet received a summary of the issues covered at the most recent meetings of the Overview and Scrutiny and Select Committees including:
· Overview and Scrutiny Committee – including the Civil Penalties Policy, Renters Rights Act and the implications of Local Government Reorganisation;
· Environment and Economy Select Committee – The committee confirmed that the principal review for the year would focus on fly tipping, alongside updates on cycling, skills and employment, the cost of living agenda, food bank usage, and transport affordability.
Members welcomed the focus being placed on tackling fly?tipping, recognising it as a significant issue affecting communities both locally and nationally. It was noted that many councils were exploring enhanced enforcement measures and opportunities to work with local communities to reduce incidents of fly?tipping, and support was expressed for the Council’s ongoing efforts in this area.
It was RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Environment and Economy Select Committee meetings be noted.
Cabinet received a summary of the issues covered at the most recent meetings of the Overview and Scrutiny and Select Committees including:
· Overview and Scrutiny Committee – Biodiversity Duty Monitoring, Indoor Market relocation and implications of Local Government Reorganisation;
· Environment and Economy Select Committee – Draft Climate Change Action Plan, progress in response to the scrutiny review of recycling in flat blocks, work programme for 2026/27 which had identified fly-tipping as a priority area;
· Community Select Committee – Annual Crime and Disorder report, the Cabinet Member response to the Committee’s Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion scrutiny review, work programme which had identified damp and mould as a key area for further scrutiny.
The Portfolio Holder for Environment expressed his appreciation for the work undertaken in relation to biodiversity. The Member welcomed the continued progress and development of the discussion in this area.
Members were pleased to note the inclusion of fly?tipping in the work plan which was a growing issue not only in Stevenage but nationally.
The progress being made in relation to recycling was welcomed, including the introduction of food waste recycling and wider changes to the Council’s waste services. Appreciation was expressed to officers for their work in delivering these improvements. The Portfolio Holder also advised that a review of progress would be requested at the end of the month.
The Leader thanked the Scrutiny Committee Chairs and Members for their continued commitment and the valuable role they played in strengthening governance and decision-making.
It was RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Environment and Economy Select Committee and Community Select Committee meetings be noted.