Service Update Report
Renfrewshire Council · 6 November 2024
Back to Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board — 6 November 2024 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
Page 1
To: Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board On: 6 November 2024 Report by: Director of Environment, Housing & Infrastructure Heading: Service Update Report 1. Summary 1.1 This report provides an overview of key service activities since the last Policy Board report on 28 August 2024 and an update on the services and key projects delivered during this period. 2. Recommendations It is recommended that the Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board: 2.1 Notes the content of this report 2.2 Approve the introduction of the policy dealing with persistent offenders of unpaid Penalty Charge Notices (PCN) as detailed in section 6.5.5 of this report. 3. Background 3.1 Environment, Housing & Infrastructure provides essential services to every household in Renfrewshire and works in partnership with the local community, other service areas and Community Planning Partners, to deliver key Council priorities and initiatives. A progress update on the main activities delivered by the services in respect of the areas of activity delegated to this Policy Board, is detailed below. Updates for Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board 4. Climate Change 4.1 Energy Management District Heating Network feasibilities 4.1.1 Feasibility reports are now complete looking at the options surrounding the introduction of a District Heating Scheme in Central Paisley and an extension to the current District Heating Network at AMIDS. Central Paisley has 49 main anchor loads with an additional 2,552 properties that could connect to the network. 4.1.2 Renfrewshire have been successful in securing matched grant funding from the Scottish
Page 2
Governments Heat Network Support Unit to undertake an Outline Business Case for both AMIDS and Paisley Central. Local Heat & Energy Efficiency Strategy Delivery Plan 4.1.3 Renfrewshire’s LHEES Delivery Plan was approved at Board in January 2024. The delivery plan is a document setting out how a local authority proposes to support implementation of its local heat and energy efficiency strategy. ECO4 Flex 4.1.4 ECO4 Flex will allow the Council to approve funding to Renfrewshire’s private sector, fuel poor households that do not meet criteria for other schemes, as well as low- income households that are vulnerable to the effects of the cold. The scheme is part of the UK Government Energy Company Obligation and is managed by Ofgem. 4.1.5 The qualifying criteria for ECO-Flex, as set by Ofgem, is published on our website in a document called a Statement of Intent. Renfrewshire’s Statement of Intent can be found here: https://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/media/15354/ECO4-flex-statement-of- intent/pdf/Renfrewshire_Council_Statement_of_Intent_for_ECO4_flex.pdf?m=167568 7584337ECO-flex. ECO-flex does not apply to Council Housing or Registered Social Landlords. 4.1.6 The energy efficiency measures being installed within Renfrewshire include boilers, loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, air source heat pumps, solar panels, heating controls, first time central heating etc. The table below highlights the savings ECO4 Flex has achieved to date based on annually recurring savings: Financial Year Value of Grant Funding Requested (£) Total Annual Consumption Saving (kW) Total Annual CO2 Saving in Kg Total Annual Cost Saving (£) 2023/24 £3,583,940 1,310,162 648,617 £231,789 2024/25 £1,645,263 719,225 225,984 £87,358 Total £5,229,203 2,029,387 874,601 £319,147 4.2 Carbon Literacy Training 4.2.1 Local Authority Leadership and Management in Carbon Literacy training is being rolled out across the Council. This training is delivered in-house and is primarily based at Managers and Team Leaders. The training uses a toolkit produced by the Carbon Literacy Project specifically for Local Authorities and is part of large-scale certified education programme with nearly 97,000 individuals having undergone the training across various sectors in total. 4.2.2 The training covers a basic overview on the climate emergency, causes and impacts and explores why local authorities should act and the Council’s levers of influence; providing leadership in the climate emergency; how climate action can be integrated into decision making; co-benefits of climate action; and examples of how we can fund climate action. 4.2.3 To date, 70 Council Officers have undertaken the training from across all Services, with further training sessions planned to the end of 2025 and 23 officers confirmed to attend during October. 5 Team Up to Clean Up 5.1.1 Spotless September 2024 was delivered with a focus on schools, educating young people
Page 3
on the values of civic pride for their communities, local wildlife and biodiversity. 5.1.2 Secondary schools are each receiving visited to promote participation in “Bin to Win.” Pupils are being encouraged to take part, reducing the impact of lunch time litter and improving the appearance of local neighbourhoods 5.2 Environmental Taskforce 5.2.1 The Environmental Taskforce continues to deliver intervention to reduce instances of fly tipping. Key statistics for the most recent period are: Action May-July 2024 August – September 2024 Proactive visits to identified hotspot areas 520 312 Number of reports investigated 378 381 Tonnes of fly tipping removed 49 52 Number of sites secured to prevent further fly tipping 3 1 Letters to private landowners re fly tipping 12 11 Visits to businesses to ensure Waste Disposal Arrangements in place 20 14 Fixed Penalty Notices Issued 22 6 5.2.2 Partnership working with SEPA resulted in the delivery of a Day of Action on 23 October. The joint working event was delivered by Officers from the Environmental Taskforce, Police Scotland and SEPA and saw transit van type vehicles being stopped and a check caried out on their load, as well as the intended destination. Education was a key part of this activity ensuring relevant licenses and paperwork were in place and waste carriers were aware of the obligations. 5.2.3 The Environmental Taskforce will continue their work to reduce fly tipping in Renfrewshire however will be relocated into Environment and Infrastructure’s Public Protection Team. The Taskforce will benefit from the support of Public Health who are well-experienced in many related issues. 6 Fleet, Roads and Transportation 6.1 Fleet Services 6.1.1 The service has now joined the DVLA Fleet Scheme, this is a programme for organisations or companies with 50 or more vehicles that helps reduce the administrative burden of managing a large fleet. The scheme is fully digitalised and provides services like bulk reminders, taxing of vehicles and dispatch of documentation and, electronic storage of V5’s etc. This brings an additional layer of governance and compliance around the management of the council’s fleet. 6.1.2 The service has taken delivery of 7 electric vans and 12 electric cars in October, increasing our electric vehicle fleet to 104 vehicles across the core operational fleet. In addition, 3 new Scania Refuse Collection Vehicles with the latest Euro 6 engines fitted were received in September. These vehicles have lower emissions and can use HVO fuel if required. 6.1.3 The Fleet Service has coordinated one year HGV apprenticeships for 15 members of staff
Page 4
across operational services. This provides valuable up-skilling opportunities for staff and improves service resilience. Roads & Transportation 6.2 Roads Capital Investment Programme 6.2.1 There continues to be a focus on maintaining the strategic road network in Renfrewshire, and the department will not shy away from schemes due to challenges relating to onerous traffic management or engineering difficulties. This year we have completed a number of high-profile resurfacing schemes including Neilston Road, Old Sneddon Street, Greenock Road Paisley, Beith Road, Main Street Elderslie, A726 spectacles roundabout Erskine, Causeyside Street, and Inchinnan Road Paisley. 6.2.2 To date we have resurfaced 36 carriageways, with 6 roads remaining to be completed by the end of November (Mill Street, New Street, Avondale Drive, Bargarran Road, Newton of Barr and Balgonie Avenue). 6.2.3 In addition, there are 4 locations due for resurfacing, where coal tar was detected during testing (Bonar Crescent, Montrose Road, Floorsburn Crescent and Ivanhoe Road). These locations will be treated using a re-tread method where the existing surface is broken down and mixed with retread emulsion, prior to compaction. These schemes will be completed in March 2024. 6.2.4 The footway resurfacing programme will commence in November 2024 and will run to March 2025. There are 12 footways included in the programme (Lochfield Drive, Lochfiled Road, Rowan Street, Netherhill Way, Ben Ledi Avenue, Bruce Road, Lansbury Gardens, Corseford Drive, Endrick Drive, Ballater Drive and Thornly Park Drive). Winter Resilience Update 6.2.5 The service commenced winter resilience arrangements on the 1st October 2024, and this will run through until May 2025. Our winter gritting network routes have been reviewed during Autumn 2024 using route management software to deliver a number of benefits including route optimisation and in-cab satnav technology. This has allowed us to rationalise our routes, reducing fuel consumption and associated carbon emissions. Our 540 grit bins have been re-filled for the start of the season and will continue to be replenished as and when required 6.2.6 In addition, the Road Operations team are responsible for ensuring that the requirements of The Flood Operation Plan are met. This includes the maintenance of over 32,000 road gullies, inspecting and maintaining our flood prevention schemes and pumping stations, clearing priority grids, and monitoring river levels. Road Operations take the lead role in our proactive and reactive maintenance approach to dealing with drainage issues, flooding incidents and pothole repairs. 6.3 Active Travel & Infrastructure Improvement Update 6.3.1 Work to introduce pedestrian safety traffic calming measures in Renfrewshire’s villages continues. Consultation with Kilbarchan Community Council and local residents, following implementation of gateway measures, has flagged up a number of issues, which we are currently working to resolve. Gateway features have also been implemented in Howwood. 6.3.2 The second phase of the project has commenced its engagement with the Community Councils and residents, and we are working on concept designs for Lochwinnoch, Bishopton, Elderslie and Bridge of Weir. An online survey and workshops have gathered information to inform of the issues being experienced in these villages, assisting with the design of potential measures. The draft designs will be shared with the Community Councils for comment prior to progression to final design. 6.3.3 The new Active Travel route from Barnsford Road to Inchinnan Drive, which links residential areas such as Bishopton and Erskine to Glasgow Airport, is now complete. The next phase of our Active Travel network is anticipated to be the link between Barnsford
Page 5
Road and Greenock via Inchinnan Drive. However, progress on this phase will be dependent on the award of Transport Scotland’s Active Travel Infrastructure Fund, which is currently delayed. Wider aspirations include an extension of the current Active Travel network out to Erskine. 6.3.4 The construction phase of a bus turning circle at Linburn Road in Erskine commenced on the 16 September 2024, with works anticipated to last for 12 weeks. The project involves the construction of a retaining wall, to facilitate a bus turning loop and footway. This will significantly improve the turnaround for bus services in this area, resulting in greater public transport efficiencies for the community. Public utility diversionary works associated with this project have previously been completed 6.3.5 SPT Capital funding, announced for 2024/25, has allocated £165,000 for this Category 1 project, seen by SPT as operationally essential. 6.3.6 The Paisley to Renfrew active travel route, including upgraded shared footways and carriageway improvements at Wright Street, is now complete. Discussions with the housing developer on the final surfacing of the ramp connecting Turner Drive and Wright Street are ongoing and should conclude in the coming weeks. 6.3.7 We are undertaking feasibility work at Maxwellton Road, with the aim to encourage more active trips to school in the future, by combining use of the national cycle route 75 with the possibility of a safe pedestrian/cycle crossing. Options are currently being examined. 6.3.8 Our programme to upgrade existing Traffic Signal junctions to energy efficient technologies continues with an upgrade to the Inchinnan Rd/North Lodge Rd, Renfrew, pedestrian crossing. Further upgrades are planned for Barrochan Road/A737, Johnstone and Paisley Road/Oxford Road, Renfrew. A right turn arrow has been installed at Hawkhead Road/Glasgow Road to assist with peak hour traffic. 6.3.9 Road safety improvements to the Glebe Street/ Hairst Street, Renfrew junction are programmed for the coming months. 6.3.10 Design work on the Bishopton to West Ferry shared cycle/foot path will shortly be issued for consultation, with stakeholders inputting to the finalised design prior to completion of the tender package. This will be issued to market next financial year, funding permitting. 6.3.11 Works have now completed on the replacement of the dilapidated steps at Locherburn Water in Houston. This will ensure that the pedestrian link from the Fulton Drive area of Houston to Houston Village is maintained. 6.4 Elderslie for Everyone Project 6.4.1 The Elderslie for Everyone Project provides an opportunity to re-imagine Main Road, making it a more vibrant, accessible and welcoming place for people to spend time in and travel through. We are working in partnership with Sustrans and the local community to put the people who use the space at the heart of designing the solution. 6.4.2 The public event on August 15th saw strong attendance with 60 members of the public, plus senior leadership from Sustrans and Renfrewshire Council. Project information and a copy of the survey was available on the project website for those unable to attend the in-person events (Paper copies and return post envelopes were also available). 6.4.3 To date, design objectives have been defined, with input from the community and Renfrewshire Council, which will inform the concept design. The project team is collaborating with the Renfrewshire Villages Safe Walking Initiative to ensure alignment and avoid duplication. Stakeholder engagement focused on businesses and people with protected characteristics is ongoing. 6.4.4 Draft concept designs will be completed by December, and this will be followed by approval from Renfrewshire Council, elected members, community advisory group, and stakeholders. Public consultation on the concept designs is scheduled for February 2025.
Page 6
6.4.5 The project is on-track to have full concept designs completed by March 2025, with additional collaborative design sessions and community consultations held along the way. 6.5 Parking Strategy 6.5.1 As part of our ongoing commitment to the Parking Strategy, we have developed a Season Ticket scheme for those who visit Paisley town centre for employment purposes who have no option but to bring their private car. This will offer the chance to buy a season ticket in any of Paisley’s car parks for a reduced annual fee. A scheme which allows for discounted season passes will be introduced at a cost of £15 per week (equating to £3 per day). The passes will be available on a monthly, 3 monthly, 6 monthly and annual basis. 6.5.2 Work continues on the Pavement Parking ban, and the Exemption Order identifying where parking will be allowed on the footway has undergone its consultation process. Objections have been received and accommodations have been made. A report will subsequently be submitted to board to decide on the making of the order. An additional proposed order to accommodate the additional requests for exemptions from the consultation will follow. 6.5.3 Parking restrictions in Renfrewshire keep road users and pedestrians safe, prevent danger on our roads and disruption to public transport and emergency vehicles. It is vital that drivers comply with the road regulations to help reduce congestion and ensure limited road space is shared as equitably as possible. The vast majority of people see the sense in sticking to these rules, but there is a minority that believe they can do as they please on the public road network. 6.5.4 Since January 2020, Renfrewshire Council has recorded over 1,500 vehicles with three or more unpaid penalty charges notices for breaching parking rules that support the efficiency of the road network and promote road safety. 6.5.5 The council would like to address this, and is seeking approval to introduce a policy and associated charge which will see vehicles with three or more penalty charge notices outstanding be removed from the road network if parked in one of our on street or off-street locations. The owner will have to pay a £175 release fee and a £20 daily storage charge (to cover costs to Renfrewshire Council) along with all outstanding fines before the vehicle will be released. 6.6 Street lighting Capital Investment Programme 6.6.1 New lighting installations for Prieston Road, Bridge of Weir and Bridge of Weir Road, Linwood have completed, and works are due to commence this month to replace all the bespoke lighting units in Renfrew Town Centre 6.6.2 A procurement tender exercise for a new street lighting installation on Easwald Bank, Kilbarchan has been completed with works expected to commence on site in early 2025. 6.7 Festive Parking 6.7.1 To support visitors and festive arrangements in Paisley Town Centre, a temporary traffic regulation order will be put in place from the 1st of December 2024 to the 3rd of January 2025 to extend the period of free parking from 1 hour to 2 hours in Renfrewshire Council Car parks only. This initiative being undertaken to support and encourage visitors in to Paisley over the festive period, and evaluation will take place of this initiative to consider festive arrangements for future years. 7. Neighbourhood Services 7.1 Biodiversity 7.1.1 In September 2024, biodiversity officers conducted a comprehensive review of all
Page 7
biodiversity sites. The assessment covered species diversity, accessibility, safety, site maintenance, aesthetics, integration with the surrounding environment, educational value, and overall resilience, including contributions to local biodiversity. This review has been instrumental in shaping the strategy for the upcoming 2025 season, with a focus on enhancing and developing existing sites where possible. Additionally, the annual autumn "cut and lift" process for biodiversity areas began in October and is underway across Renfrewshire. 7.1.2 The annual Autumn cut and lift across all biodiversity areas was successfully completed. Weed Management 7.2 Winter Maintenance Programme 7.2.1 The service has revised its winter maintenance programme and adopted a 14-day cycle similar to the summer grass-cutting schedule. This new approach ensures that every community in Renfrewshire is visited over a two-week period, focusing on crucial winter preparation tasks such as hedge cutting, tree maintenance, vegetation removal, and targeted interventions for parks and open spaces. 7.2.2 A key priority will be weed removal and control, including detritus removal, which will set the groundwork for a smoother summer season in 2025. Additionally, the programme will place a strong emphasis on sweeping arterial routes and roundabouts, alongside continued commitment to sweeping in town centres and communities. Increased sweeping efforts during the winter months will help manage leaf fall and support weed reduction strategies. 7.2.3 In addition, the service has invested in mechanical weed control equipment, including new tools for both the Multi Hog and pedestrian-operated weed brushes. These machines are specifically designed to tackle weeds along paths, kerb edges, and other problematic areas, providing a more efficient alternative to the traditional, labour-intensive manual scraping. By shifting towards mechanical weed control, the service aims to improve coverage, deliver a higher standard of work and increase efficiency. 7.2.4 The winter maintenance programme will run until the start of the grass-cutting schedule in April 2025 ensuring continuous and proactive management of Renfrewshire’s outdoor spaces throughout the year. 7.3 Street Litter Bin Programme and Service Review 7.3.1 Neighbourhood Services has recently completed the renewal of over 330 street litter bins, marking a significant improvement in the area's litter management infrastructure to enhancing both the safety and appearance of public spaces in local communities. 7.3.2 In addition, the service will conduct a review of our street litter bin estate utilising both internal and external resources. The review aims to reduce littering, ensure fairness and accessibility, improve operational efficiencies and modernise asset management through digital solutions. 7.4 LTA Tennis Court Launch 7.4.1 On 12 September, ‘Celebration of Tennis’ events were held at both Robertson Park, Renfrew and Park Road, Johnstone to officially launch the refurbished courts. Elected Members and guests from the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) were welcomed along with approximately 30 Primary 6/ 7 pupils from local schools. The weather conditions on the day were good and the school children enjoyed a professional coaching session led by guest coach, Luke Quigley. 7.4.2 All of the refurbished courts are fully operational and available to book through the LTA’s Club Spark online booking system. 7.4.3 Participation across all sites has been good. Total number of bookings made across all three sites since opening (excluding cancellations) is 1,494. With the total hours booked across all three sites since opening of 1,837 hours.
Page 8
7.5 Tree and Woodlands Management 7.5.1 Neighbourhood Services began tree works to comply with the Statutory Plant Health Notice Larch works order at Gleniffer Braes. This work commenced in October and will take approximately 4-6 weeks to complete and will include the removal of SPHN-identified larch trees, with the service implementing a more sustainable approach of selective thinning rather than clear felling. This method, supported by Scottish Forestry, targeted specific species for removal while preserving the existing and surrounding spruce woodland. 7.5.2 In addition, the Trees & Woodlands team will now conduct annual inspections of educational facilities starting in November. This rolling programme of inspections will result in a healthier tree stock by identifying and treating issues earlier. 7.5.3 Renfrewshire Council is also taking steps to align with industry best practices through its membership with the Forestry Industry Safety Accord (FISA). This partnership will bring expert guidance to improve the council's approach to safety in tree management, an area identified by FISA as needing further support within local authorities. 7.6 Clyde Muirshiel 7.6.1 Castle Semple and Clyde Muirshiel centres had a successful summer period with both day visitors and organised groups taking part in outdoor activity and learning. The autumn period has also been busy so far with school groups and care services. 7.6.2 The countryside ranger and estate teams are working on ongoing path and grounds maintenance, working with regular volunteer groups who assist with this work. 7.6.3 A new programme of the successful Dark Sky Viewing Nights is being planned for Winter 2024/25 and will be advertised soon. 7.7 Fly Tipping 7.7.1 In collaboration with Digital Services and the Customer Contact Centre, the service has developed a new, streamlined system for reporting fly-tipping across Renfrewshire. Designed internally, this process-driven platform enhances the way customers can report incidents of fly-tipping, making the system more interactive, user-friendly, and customer- centric. The goal is to simplify the reporting process while ensuring that customers have an efficient and intuitive way to engage with the service. 7.7.2 The system was launched in early October and rates of reported cases have been steady and further information will be shared at a future board. 7.8 Renewal of Play Areas 7.8.1 Reports were previously submitted to the Infrastructure, Land & Environment Board in 2021 and 2023 setting out the planned investment programme to the improvements of play areas. As part of the Scottish Government’s 2024/25 capital allocation for renewal of playparks, the service is currently working through the tendering process for the following three playparks: Barshaw Park, Laura’s Playpark, Paisley; Braids Road, Paisley; and Elm Drive/Maple Drive, Johnstone. 7.8.2 This investment will involve a full renewal of each play area, including new surfacing and play equipment. We anticipate all three play area renewals to be completed early in 2025. 8 Memorial Safety and Cemetery Management 8.1.1 The first pass of Memorial Safety inspections has now been completed across all 9 operational cemeteries and 12 churchyards in Renfrewshire. To ensure staff knowledge is kept updated and current with best industry practices, a full update and refresher training programme for all staff involved in memorial safety will be completed by the end of the year.
Page 9
8.1.2 Staff continue to send advisory letters to lair holders, where addresses are available, and have also been working with colleagues in Communications to improve the Memorial Safety information available on the Council website. This information will be replicated on cemetery signage to ensure consistent messaging across the service. 8.1.3 Minor road repairs have been completed in recent months in Arkleston, Kilbarchan, Bishopton and Inchinnan cemeteries. 8.1.4 Following feedback and review of our Cemetery and Memorial Safety operating procedures the service has refreshed the Cemetery Management Policy in line with Scottish Government guidance. The policy is currently being reviewed in line with the Councils policy review procedures and the service aims to bring the policy to a future board for approval 9. Waste Services 9.1 Waste Collection Method Update 9.1.1 Phase 1 of decoupling the grey bins from the recycling bins for all areas with a Saturday collection begun on the 5 October 2024. 9.1.2 Communications were issued to ward elected members and those households affected within this phase. 9.1.3 Phase 1 is being implemented in 3 stages Stage 1 Alignment of recycling collections so that the same recycling stream is collected on the same day. Residents will receive a new collection calendar informing them which colour recycling bins to present on collection day. The grey bin collections will remain on Saturday at this stage – This is now complete (5th October 2024) Stage 2 Align the difficult to service properties with the standard collection frequencies and expanding recycling provision by providing them with a brown bin. Stage 3 Decouple the grey bins so that they are collected on a different day from recycling bins. E.g. recycling will be collected on a Saturday and residual grey bins collected on a Monday. 9.1.4 The waste service is currently planning for delivery of Stage 2 of the bin decoupling. It is anticipated roll out will commence early in 2025 and further updates will be provided at a future board. 9.2 Recycling Improvement Fund Update 9.2.1 Phase 1 of the Recycling Improvement Fund (RIF) aims to increase participation and recycling of food waste by applying a ‘no food waste’ sticker to grey bins and delivery of an annual supply of food waste liners. Roll out of phase 1 to 80,468 households began on Monday 21 October and is planned to be completed by December. 9.2.2 Households were provided with an instructional leaflet on week commencing Monday 21 October highlighting how to use their food waste service and how to order an indoor caddy free of charge online if one is required. 9.2.3 Planning for RIF project phase 2 and 3 is on track with projects beginning from late January 2025. Further updates will be provided at a future board. information becomes available. 9.3 Route Optimisation Software and In-Cab Technology 9.3.1 Procurement of Waste Services route management system is in progress. The Invitation To Tender (ITT) for the new system was issued in September to potential suppliers. These were
Page 10
returned and evaluated during October, with demonstrations being held to validate the submissions on 10 and 11 October. We remain on-track to submit the recommendation to appoint the preferred supplier at the Finance, Resources and Customer Services Policy Board to be held on 21st November 9.4 Scottish Government - Consultation on Charging for Single-Use Disposable Cups 9.4.1 The Scottish Government have launched a consultation on Charging for Single-use Disposable Cups. 9.4.2 The consultation is asking for feedback on the proposals that a minimum charge of 25p will apply to all single-use beverage cups when purchased with hot and cold beverages. Exemptions to the charge are expected to apply in some circumstances. From a Local Authority perspective, this should lead to a reduction in disposable cups being fly tipped and being disposed of in on-street bins. 9.4.3 It is also proposed that Local Authorities will be responsible for enforcement, issuing Fixed Penalty Notices to suppliers and premises not complying with the scheme. 9.4.4 Waste Services have responded to the consultation document and will continue to engage with the Scottish Government, industry, and other partners as this progresses. Further updates will be provided following the publication of the consultation results when it closes later this month. 9.5 Defra Waste Compositional Analysis Study 9.5.1 Renfrewshire Council were selected to take part in a composition analysis for waste ‘as received’ at local authority-associated waste management facilities, commissioned by The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). 9.5.2 The purpose of this project is to provide up-to-date quantitative data on the composition of Local Authority derived household municipal waste at the major points of treatment, transfer, and disposal across the United Kingdom (including England and the Devolved Administrations). The findings will be used as a baseline for packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) modelling. 9.5.3 Renfrewshire Council refuse and recycling loads were sampled from our contracted waste facilities between 2 September and 13 September. It is anticipated that DEFRA will be in a position to share the waste compositional analysis data in December. 9.6 Festive Working Arrangements 9.6.1 The festive collection arrangements are in place for the forthcoming year, these will be set out in the annual recycling & waste collection calendars which will be arriving with households in November. The Councils five Household Waste Recycling Centres will close at 4pm on Christmas Eve & New Years Eve, reopening at 8am on 26 December and 2 January 2025. 9.7 Small Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Recycling 9.7.1 In 2023, Waste Services successfully applied for funding from Material Focus to install several Recycling Banks to increase the recycling of Small Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) across Renfrewshire. Material Focus is an independent not-for-profit organisation whose funding comes from UK WEEE Regulations Compliance Fees. 9.7.2 Funding of £10,823 was received to deliver the project which will launch on 31 October 2024 within the Council’s 12 library locations, with support of colleagues from OneRen and our compliance scheme partner, REPIC. 9.7.3 The aim of this project is to expand the access of Small WEEE Recycling from our Household Waste Recycling Centre’s, and to divert these materials from household general waste bins.
Page 11
10 #YouDecide 10.1.1 Forty four out of the 50 successful #YD Projects are now complete. Most recently Wallace monument has been illuminated and wheeled sport areas for Kintyre Park, Linwood has been completed. Works for wheeled sports area have started at Moss Road Park, Bridge of Weir. 11 Educational Achievements 11.1.1 As part of our approach to workforce development, we support staff who wish to undertake further education courses which will enhance the service areas they work in and also form part of their own professional development. These courses require a significant study commitment from staff in their own time and the service supports this by providing reasonable time for employees to attend classes and complete the study. 11.1.2 Recently, three members of the service successfully completed their Graduate Apprenticeship in BA (Hons) Business Management and to provide additional support, employees were supported by a workplace mentor throughout the duration of their studies. The graduation ceremony will take place later in November. Implications of the Report 1. Financial – Any financial elements referenced in this report will be progressed through the Council’s financial & budget planning process. 2. HR & Organisational Development – None. 3. Community/Council Planning – The report details a range of activities which reflect local community and council planning themes. 4. Legal – None 5. Property/Assets – None 6. Information Technology –None 7. Equality & Human Rights - The recommendations contained within this report have been assessed in relation to their impact on equalities and human rights. No negative impacts on equality groups or potential for infringement of individuals’ human rights have been identified arising from the recommendations contained in the report. If required following implementation, the actual impact of the recommendations and the mitigating actions will be reviewed and monitored, and the results of the assessment will be published on the Council’s website. 8. Health & Safety – None 9. Procurement – None 10. Risk – None 11. Privacy Impact – None 12. COSLA Policy Position – None 13. Children’s Rights - None 14. Climate Change – there are a range of actions and activities throughout the Service Update Report which support the Council’s Plan for Net Zero.
Page 12
List of Background Papers: None Author: Gordon McNeil, Director of Environment, Housing & Infrastructure