Steve Shew introduced the report explaining that the council’s street lighting contract expired in September 2016 and sought the Panels view on procurement of this contract. Councillor Russell Makin asked what street lighting reductions had ben agreed. Steve Shaw explained that there would be some reductions but that this would be done so in a safe fashion to reduce the risk of crime and accidents.

Councillor Russell Makin asked what consultation had taken place with the police and CCTV on this. Steve Shew explained that the reductions won’t affect CCTV. The reduction in lighting would not make any difference. Councillor Stan Anderson asked in which areas this would apply. Steve Shew explained that this would be borough wide.

Councillor Ross Garrod asked when all lights that are not energy efficient would be replaced. Steve Shew explained that the council do not intend to bring in certain types of lighting and that some are already energy efficient. All lights could take 14 years to replace to LED lights and the council would need to undertake retrofitting. The council are looking to increase the capital to convert existing steel columns and replace just the lanterns. This is more cost efficient.

Councillor Imran Uddin asked if solar panel lighting had been considered. Steve Shew explained that a joint procurement process with other boroughs has been investigated to determine if there were options for shared services with other councils to achieve greater savings. He added that some of the lights are solar powered but not entirely efficient. This may become an option in the future.

Steve Shew explained that the council could look to jointly procure the contract with Sutton and are looking at options and could possibly tender together. This would need to go through the political process. The existing contracts of respective boroughs also end at different times. Outside consultants will be engaged on this to look at how costs might be shared.

Steve Shew explained that the figures listed in the report do not reflect maintenance and that savings could be realised once work has been done on energy efficiency. ML – 4000 columns could be converted to LED but at a cost of £2 million which would therefore require significant capital investment.  The cost of retrofit would be £400,000 and payback on this would be expected over 2-3 years. The £2 million investment would see a return over a longer payback period of 15 years. There would be savings in both maintenance costs and in energy costs.

James McGinlay explained that these figures are based on projections and the budget line would be adjusted in subsequent years.

Councillor David Dean questioned how much dimming lights would save. Steve Shaw explained that dimming lights [ adaptive lighting  ] makes quite a significant saving. Adaptive lighting operates at various times of the night.

James McGinlay explained that this decision would be taken through the scrutiny process in due course.

RESOLVED: Panel noted the report and agreed to receive the street lighting contract when available for pre decision scrutiny.