Decision details

The Environment Portfolio Holder presented a further report upon the transfer of private sector sewers to the Water and Sewerage, and the impact on the Council’s Private Sector Drainage Team.

Following on from the report considered earlier in the meeting, the Portfolio Holder stated that there were drains and sewers that would not transfer or would transfer later. It was currently unknown how much private sector drainage work would remain and what the demand for drainage assistance from residents would be, following the transfer. Given the nature of the District and its associated drainage problems it was considered prudent to retain one of the two Officers currently working on private sector drainage for at least another year and then review the situation with a further report to the Cabinet.

The Portfolio Holder added that depending on whether the post was retained after the additional year, there could be a financial impact on the Council due to a potential redundancy situation. An assessment had been made of the scenario where the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations (TUPE) did not apply and the potential costs to the Council were noted by the Cabinet. The Cabinet was assured that the new arrangements would be advised to residents, complete with contact numbers.

Decision:

(1)        That, following the transfer of most private sector sewers to the Water and Sewerage Companies on 1 October 2011, the post of Drainage Co-ordinator (ETD/02) be retained until 1 October 2012; 

(2)        That a further report be received by the Cabinet when the Council was able to quantify the residual private sector drainage work and the demand for assistance from the public; and

(3)        That the potential costs to the Council be noted if the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations (TUPE) do not apply to the post of Drainage Co-ordinator (ETD/02).

Reasons for Decision:

Regulations to affect the transfer of most private sewers and lateral drains to the water and sewerage companies had come into force on 1 July 2011. Not all private sewers would transfer and given the nature of the District and the its history of drainage problems, there was likely to be a need, in the short to medium term, for a Drainage Officer.

Other Options Considered and Rejected:

To delete post ETD/02. However, there would not be a resource to deal with the residual private sector drainage work and to assist the residents with other drainage problems.

To retain post ETD/02 (career grade 7/8) on a permanent basis on existing terms and conditions.   However, it was felt that the existing job description did not properly reflect the revised nature of the role.

To create a new Engineering, Drainage and Water Technician post, whose duties would include liaising with Thames Water, and invite the current holder of post ETD/02 to apply.