Agenda and minutes

To receive apologies for absence from those Members who are unable to attend the meeting.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Will Simpson, Musarrat Khan and David Longstaff.

Kevin Evans was welcomed to the Panel’s membership as Co-optee to the Panel.

To approve the Minutes of the meeting of the Panel held on  the 13^th August 2025

The Panel considered the Minutes of the meeting of the Panel held on 13^th August 2025

RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the meeting held on 13^th August 2025 be approved.

Members will be asked to say if there are any items on the Agenda in which they have any disclosable pecuniary interests or any other interests, which may prevent them from participating in any discussion of the items or participating in any vote upon the items.

No interests were declared.

Most agenda items take place in public. This only changes where there is a need to consider exempt information, as contained at Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972. You will be informed at this point which items are to be recommended for exclusion and to be resolved by the Panel.

All agenda items were considered in public session.

The Panel will receive any petitions and/or deputations from members of the public. A deputation is where up to five people can attend the meeting and make a presentation on some particular issue of concern. A member of the public can also submit a petition at the meeting relating to a matter on which the body has powers and responsibilities.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10, Members of the Public must submit a deputation in writing, at least three clear working days in advance of the meeting and shall subsequently be notified if the deputation shall be heard. A maximum of four deputations shall be heard at any one meeting.

No deputations or petitions were received.       

To receive any public questions.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 11, the period for the asking and answering of public questions shall not exceed 15 minutes.

Any questions must be submitted in writing at least three clear working days in advance of the meeting.

No public questions were received.

The Panel will consider a presentation giving an update on the Snow Wardens Scheme.

Contact:

Nick Jenkin, Buisness Development Manager 

The Panel received a presentation from Nick Jenkin, Buisness Development Manager setting out an update on the Snow Wardens Scheme. The Panel were advised that:

• The Snow Warden Scheme was launched in winter 2021 as a two-year pilot to support community pavement clearing during winter conditions.
• Volunteers were equipped with a snow shovel, hand scoop, grit, and high-visibility clothing to assist local access to key facilities.
• The scheme experienced significant growth in 2024/25 due to multiple weather events and the involvement of community groups.
• Volunteer numbers increased from 12 in 2021/22 to 120 in 2024/25, with 37 individuals on the waiting list for 2025/26.
• Volunteer distribution across wards was recorded, with the highest numbers in Batley East (14), Holme Valley South (9), and Holme Valley North (6).
• Challenges during the 2024/25 season included:

o   Reduced management capacity due to competing demands on the waste and parks teams.

o   Delays in grit replenishment following the January weather event, as highways teams prioritised grit bin refills.

o   Delivery-only distribution led to delays in volunteers receiving full kits.

• Volunteer feedback indicated:

o   64% satisfaction with equipment.

o   Issues with shovels reported by four residents; three preferred grit sprinklers.

o   85% were willing to collect supplies from local points.

o   89% felt confident in knowing when to apply grit.

o   71% reported insufficient grit; 32% had storage difficulties.

• General feedback highlighted:

o   A need for centralised storage and coordination in areas with multiple wardens.

o   Suggestions for targeted communications to recruit more volunteers in covered areas.

o   Concerns about slow grit re-supply and delayed communications during severe weather.

• Updated guidance for 2025/26 included:

o   Clarification on grit usage (10kg covering approx. 250m of footpath).

o   Continued advice on effective clearing, safety, and reporting procedures.

• Planned changes for 2025/26 included:

o   Additional shovel stock to address equipment issues.

o   Option for volunteers to receive extra grit bags.

o   Introduction of a hybrid delivery and collection model, with scheduled slots at highway depots and new collection points.

o   The 2025/26 sign-up window was scheduled to open on 15 October via email.

o   A cap of 100 new volunteers was introduced to manage resources.

o   Schools and nurseries were invited to join the scheme.

o   30 delivery slots and up to 80 collection slots were made available for new kits, with additional grit collection for existing wardens.

o   Collection points would reopen after severe weather events if needed.

The Panel noted the presentation and, during the subsequent discussion, raised the following questions and points:

• In response to a question regarding the 64% of volunteers who reported being satisfied with their equipment, Nick Jenkin, Business Development Manager clarified that feedback from the remaining volunteers included comments about the grit, which was the main complaint. This had made it appear that more volunteers were dissatisfied. It was noted that future surveys would be amended to capture more accurate feedback.
• In response to a question about shovel breakage and the quality of replacements, it was confirmed that the Council had  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

The Panel will consider its Work Programme for 2025/26

Contact:

Jodie Harris, Principal Governance and Democratic Engagement Officer

The Panel reviewed its Work Programme for 2025/26 and the following items were put forward for inclusion:

·       Parking Enforcement

·       A review of the impact of car park charging

·       An update on the Huddersfield District Heat Network

·       White Rose Forrest Update

RESOLVED:  The Panel noted the Work Programme 2025/26 and it was agreed that Jodie Harris, Principal Governance Officer would liaise with officers with regards to the suggestions made by the Panel.