Agenda and minutes

Members are asked to declare any interests in the items under consideration and in doing so state:

(1) the type of interest concerned either a

(a)   personal interest

(b)   prejudicial interest

(c)    disclosable pecuniary interest (DPI)

and

(2) the nature of the interest concerned

If any member requires advice on declarations of interests, they are advised to contact the Head of Democratic Governance in advance of the meeting.

There were no declarations of interest on this occasion.

The Shareholder Committee agreed that under Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of Item 3 ‘Minutes of the last meeting held on 20 January 2023’ (restricted minutes only), Item 4 ‘Shareholder Committee Action Tracker’, Item 5 ‘Shareholder Committee Update’, Item 6 ‘Wholly-Owned Company Financial Performance as at Month 9 2022/23’, Item 7 ‘Blackpool Waste Services Limited Key Performance Indicators’, Item 8 ‘Blackpool Waste Services Limited Financial Performance and Forecast Outturn’ and Item 9 ‘Blackpool Waste Services Limited Business Plan’ on the grounds that they would involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

To agree the minutes of the last meeting held on 20 January 2023 as a true and correct record.

(This item contains commercially sensitive information which is exempt from publication by virtue of Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972).

(The press and public were excluded from the consideration of the restricted minute part of this item as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972).

The Committee considered the minutes of the last meeting held on 20 January 2023, noting that there was a public and restricted version.

The Committee agreed the minutes of the meeting as a true and correct record.

To consider the Committee’s updated action tracker.

(This item contains commercially sensitive information which is exempt from publication by virtue of Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972).

(The press and public were excluded from the consideration of this item as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972).

The Committee considered its action tracker and noted that the Wholly-Owned Companies had been requested to consider the application of the Council’s policies in relation to Community Engagement and Modern Slavery. It was noted that Companies would be expected to provide an update on the implementation of these policies in approximately 12 months.

To receive a verbal update on the Council’s wholly-owned companies provided by the Shareholder representatives.

(This item contains commercially sensitive information which is exempt from publication by virtue of Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972).

(The press and public were excluded prior to the consideration of this item as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972).

Mr John Blackledge, Director of Community and Environmental Services and Mr Steve Thompson, Director of Resources were invited to provide an update on the Council Wholly-Owned Companies on behalf of the Shareholder.

The Committee noted the updates provided.

To report detailed information on the financial performance of each of the Council wholly-owned companies to the Shareholder Committee in line with decision EX26/2021.

(This item contains commercially sensitive information which is exempt from publication by virtue of Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972).

(The press and public were excluded prior to the consideration of this item as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972).

Mr Steve Thompson, Director of Resources provided an overview of the financial performance of the Council’s Wholly-Owned Companies as at Month 9 2022/2023.

The Committee noted the update provided.

To provide an update on the development and reporting of Key Performance Indicators relating to Blackpool Waste Services Ltd (BWS).

(This item contains commercially sensitive information which is exempt from publication by virtue of Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972).

Mr John Hawkin, Managing Director, Blackpool Waste Services Limited and Mr Paul Whitehead, Director of Finance, Blackpool Waste Services Limited joined the meeting from this item.

(The press and public were excluded prior to the consideration of this item as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972).

Mr Paul Whitehead Finance Director, Blackpool Waste Services Limited presented the key performance indicator data to the Committee and highlighted the areas where targets had not been met. He noted that recycling collection of paper and card was not currently meeting target, however, he expected improvements before the end of year due to seasonal changes in levels of recycling. He added that the Company had set a challenging target in this area and that performance overall was similar to the previous year.

He also highlighted the high level of fuel costs, a reduction in customer complaints and a reduction in levels of fly-tipping since the previous meeting with the Committee.

In response to a question, it was noted that some residents were dissatisfied with using a bag for recycling rather than a bin and that the Company was considering the feasibility of providing bins. In relation to food recycling it was noted that a trial in Lancaster had started with 85% take-up which had reduced to 50% over time. This was in line with typical take-up elsewhere. The issue of collection of food waste required further exploration.

The Committee noted the update provided.

To provide an update on the financial performance and forecast year end outturn of Blackpool Waste Services Ltd (BWS).

(This item contains commercially sensitive information which is exempt from publication by virtue of Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972).

(The press and public were excluded prior to the consideration of this item as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972).

Mr Paul Whitehead, Finance Director, Blackpool Waste Services Limited (BWS) presented the report to advise on the Company’s financial performance and forecast outturn.

The Committee agreed to note the update.

To present the updated Blackpool Waste Services Limited (BWS) business plan for the period 2022-2025.

(This item contains commercially sensitive information which is exempt from publication by virtue of Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972).

(The press and public were excluded prior to the consideration of this item as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972).

Mr John Hawkin, Managing Director, Blackpool Waste Services Limited presented the Company’s Business Plan to the Committee advising that it had been developed aligned to the Council Plan with the aim of delivering a high quality, responsible environmental service.

Shareholder Committee decision:

To endorse the Business Plan of Blackpool Waste Services Limited.

Reason for decision:

Within the recommendations of the governance review of the wholly-owned companies it was agreed that the Shareholder Committee should receive and consider the Business Plan of each Company.

Other options considered:

The Committee could have not endorsed the Business Plan, however, it was considered that the Business Plan was fit for purpose.

Date of decision:

3 February 2023.

To note the date and time of the next meeting as Monday 20 February 2023, commencing at 9.30am.

The date of the next meeting was noted as Monday, 20 February 2023 commencing at 9.30am.