Apologies were received from Councillor David Dean and Simon Williams.

Councillor Russell Makin declared an interest in the Mitcham Common Conservators and the Wandle Trust savings proposals.

Councillor Ross Garrod declared an interest in one saving within the budget report (item 6) which related to the saving of 1FTE which was a family member employed by the council (ENV11).

Panel agreed the Minutes as a true record of the meeting with the amendment to apologies for absence regarding Cllr Imran Uddin who was in attendance at that meeting.

Councillor John Sargeant enquired about the email sent by Chris Lee regarding the health of HGV drivers and asked if the medial questionnaire that is completed by staff was a reliable measure of fitness for work. Chris Lee explained that HR had been consulted on the possibility of including a requirement to request information from GP’s. Cormac Stokes added that the department are waiting for a response on this. However, if any issues are identified then occupational health will refer the individual for a medical check. Conversations are also on-going about seeking more information upfront from agency staff about their health.

The Panel agreed to reorder the agenda to consider the wheeled bins item after the Morden Leisure Centre Update.

RESOLVED:  Panel noted the report. 

Christine Parsloe provided the Panel with an update on the Morden Leisure Centre development.  A newsletter had been shared with Members on progress. Christine Parsloe informed the Panel that:

• The design team (GT Architects) and technical team (BTP Environ) have been appointed;
• quantity surveyors (Theobald) have been appointed;
• Principal designer (health and safety) appointed;
• All are working together with the project manager reviewing plans, designs and iterations;
• Meetings between council and partners held regarding traffic and sustainability;
• First concept design to be considered in a few weeks;
• Wider consultation with Morden Park Playing Fields Community Trust scheduled;
• Main contractor will be procured shortly.

RESOLVED:  Panel noted the update.

Caroline Holland introduced the report which included the updated MTFS and Capital Programme. There is a £15.1 million budget gap and proposals have been made to seek to address part of this within the E&R and C&H budgets.

The Chair invited Lyla Adwan-Kamara from Merton CIL to speak on this item. Lyla Adwan-Kamara highlighted the need to consider equalities around the proposals being made and to consider the cumulative impact of the agreed savings across all divisions, and across a wide range of services, on residents. She added that the reductions to the housing team needed to be reconsidered given the need and demand for housing by residents. Consultation was also noted as needing to be more inclusive and engaging a wider audience.

ER10: Shared Service – Revised saving (p38)

Councillor John Sargeant asked about retaining existing capacity within the service. John Hill explained that changes were being made to shift patterns as part of this which will be carefully negotiated with staff. Consultation is underway on this already. This will enable the most effective deployment of staff.

E&R Leisure & Culture Services:

ENV11 – outsource leisure and sports activities

Councillor John Sargeant enquired about outsourcing services and what scope there was for this within culture and leisure services. Councillor Abigail Jones noted that the recently established scrutiny task group looking at commercial services would explore this further. Chris Lee added that this was further complicated by Phase C procurement concerning parks and leisure. The council are looking to make best use of assets and exploring opportunities for income generation.

E&R Traffic & Highways:

ENV17 – reduce reactive works budget

Councillor John Sargeant asked if it was worth making these savings. Chris Lee explained that the proposal was in line with the Capital Programme budget for footways which has not changed. Additionally, there are no significant insurance claims to indicate a problem in highways or that there would be an increase in these claims.

E&R Greenspaces:

ENV21 – reduce grant to Wandle Valley Parks Trust

Councillor John Sargeant enquired about the percentage of the trusts total income that the proposed reduction accounted for. Councillor Andrew Judge explained that it was not insignificant and that 4 boroughs currently contribute. The council will scale back their contribution to the same level as other boroughs.

ENV22 – reduce grant to Mitcham Common Conservators

Councillor John Sargeant asked if this was solely funded by Merton Council. Councillor Andrew Judge confirmed that it was partly funded with Sutton and Croydon.

Councillor Janice Howard asked if wheeled bins could be various sizes to allow residents more choice. Chris Lee confirmed that the height of available bins would all be the same.

Councillor John Sargeant expressed concerns regarding:

·         Not being consulted during the pilot scheme;

·         The disbenefits of the increase in the volume of waste as a result of the use of wheeled bins during the pilot;

·         If the ward selected for the pilot was representative;

·         Lack of consultation of residents

Chris Lee apologised that the Panel had not been engaged in the Pilot sooner if this is what they had hoped to do. Cormac Stokes added that the department will engage throughout the process should the scheme be taken forward. He added that no one ward is typical of Merton as a whole and that the pilot was purposely focused in this area. The report outlined indicative costs at this stage and more detailed analysis would need to be undertaken.

Councillor Ross Garrod thanked officers and the Cabinet Member for carrying out this pilot in his ward and noted the positive response he  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

RESOLVED:

·                     Panel agreed the work programme

·                     Panel agreed to hold a separate briefing on Crossrail 2 to feed into the consultation

·                     Panel agreed to comment on the Draft Heritage Strategy, ahead of Cabinet consideration, via email.