Agenda item

The Chair suggested that the committee undertake reviews as follows:

-        Community Energy – It was proposed that this be a substantive review which could include the models Islington could use to promote the use of community energy, switching schemes, purchasing schemes, energy reduction, energy generation, working with key partners, metering options, funding options and the Green Deal.

-        Fuel Poverty – It was proposed that this be a substantive review to consider how the council could do better and protect residents better and look at best practice.

-        Communal Heating – It was proposed that this be a shorter review lasting for 3-4 months and could look at various schemes across the borough. Concern was raised that some residents paid almost twice the national average for their heating. The review could look at how vulnerable and at risk residents could be helped.

Topics suggested by other members of the committee were:

-        Making the borough more cycling friendly, in particular at Highbury Corner.

-        Review of 20mph speed limit on main roads

-        Active travel to make the streets inclusive to all

-        Recycling, particularly of large electrical items

In the discussion the following points were made:

·        It was anticipated that evidence gathering would consist of presentations, visits and written submissions.

·        A number of proposals and plans regarding transport were due to be published within the next few months. Once these had been considered, it might be appropriate to consider conducting a transport based review.

·        The council was looking at recycling and a Recycling Waste Management Plan was being produced. Once this had been considered, it might be appropriate to consider conducting a review into this area.

·        Concern was raised about the speed of the traffic and pedestrian safety on Euston Road and Pentonville Road. It was suggested that if the review of the 20mph limit could be shown to have been a success, a recommendation could be made to the Mayor of London that a 20mph limit be set on the TfL roads in the borough.

·        It was suggested that co-optees could be appointed at future meetings.

·        A member requested information on expected disruption around Highbury Corner while works were taking place. The Corporate Director Environment and Regeneration stated that a briefing could be arranged for members outside of the Committee.

RESOLVED:

1)     That Community Energy, Communal Heating and Fuel Poverty reviews be undertaken subject to approval by the Policy and Performance Committee.

2)     That the 12 month report back on Air Quality takes place along with a further report back on the 20mph limit.

3)     That Active Travel and Recycling be considered for scrutiny reviews once relevant proposals and plans had been published by the council.

4)     That scrutiny initiation documents be drawn up and agreed in principle by the chair and vice-chair of the Committee and then formally agreed at the next meeting to enable. This would enable witnesses to be invited to attend the next meeting.

5)     That consideration be given to the process by which co-optees could be appointed.