Priority 4: To provide a cleaner, greener more sustainable Borough

Link to definition and rationale

This priority is concerned with ensuring the Borough offers a quality living environment for everyone, with access to good facilities including clean and attractive open spaces. It will be achieved wherever possible by maximising the potential to recycle in the most environmentally friendly manner. Whilst the priority is concerned with the 'now' for cleanliness and the green agenda it is also paramount that it is achieved through sustainable processes that will not adversely effect the environment for future generations.

Performance and Financial Information

We are exceeding Government targets on recycling with performance being in the top quartile for metropolitan authorities and all England authorities. Recent public feedback on wheelie bin trials show 80% of people are satisfied with the Council's green waste scheme, 88% consider it to be good value for money and 77% want more facilities and schemes.

63% of the Boroughs population are provided with kerbside recycling, which is in the bottom quartile. The pilot scheme currently operating will increase this temporarily but funding remains a barrier to further progress.

Overall satisfaction rates for cleanliness (75%), recycling (64%) and waste collection service (85%) are all high and compare well with other metropolitan authorities.

Over the last three years there has been additional allocated funding as part of the SCIP programme.

Links to Nationally Agreed Shared Priorities

This links to the Transforming Our Local Environment priority with the emphasis on providing the quality, cleanliness and safety of our public spaces.

Consultation / Feedback

Members:

• This issue was ranked as second most important behind crime and disorder by Members. Public:
• The public want more recycling opportunities
• Clean streets ranked amongst most important and in need for improvement, (ranked 2nd most important in focus group).
• Major issues - chewing gum, graffiti, dropped litter.

Staff:

• Need to do better in this area

State of the Borough:

• Reducing climate change e.g. recycling, carbon emissions etc.

Link to Community Strategy

There are 2 Community Strategy linked to this priority with 4 aims identified:

Making Solihull a place that's good to live in for everyone

• Reduce waste and increase how much we recycle and compost
• Preserve the existing green belt and maintain a balance between open green space and urban land in the Borough
• Conserve and enhance biodiversity
• Improve the air quality.

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