NORTH YORKSHIRE COUNCIL
18 MARCH 2026
STATEMENT OF THE CHAIR OF TRANSPORT, ECONOMY, ENVIRONMENT AND ENTERPRISE OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE
The latest meeting of the Transport, Economy, Environment &
Enterprise Overview and Scrutiny Committee took place on Thursday
28 January 2026. The reports covered at that meeting were as
follows:
Allerton Waste Recovery Park (AWRP) – 2024/25
Performance
The Committee received the annual performance update for AWRP and
heard directly from Paco Hevia, the Chief Executive of the
operating contractor. This enabled Members to directly
examine the reasons behind a challenging period for the
facility. The report
explained that during 2024/25 the availability of the Energy
from Waste (EfW)
facility reduced to 77%, due to a combination of planned and
unplanned downtime. This resulted in a short‑term increase in
landfill diversion, but despite these events, operator
still managed to divert 87.3% of the contract waste from landfill,
well in excess of contractual targets. It was
also noted that EfW performance from the first half of the current
year (from April to November 2025), has been similar to the
previous year.
Mechanical Treatment throughput was reduced, despite improved availability, due largely to the need to carefully manage bunker levels. The Anaerobic Digestion plant also experienced its lowest throughput to date, attributed both to mechanical issues and to reduced food waste content in the residual stream.
We examined in depth the causes of
these operational difficulties, including boiler fouling,
ash-handling issues, plant blockages and the impact of
non-compliant materials such as vapes, gas canisters and lithium
batteries entering the waste stream. An
action plan to improve performance was also discussed, with
engineering upgrades, capital works in the Mechanical Treatment
Plant, new artificial vision technology in the bunkers and
the replacement of the superheaters, which is a major
investment to stabilise performance and has led to reported
improvements since it was completed. Environmental exceedances were
also reviewed and explained, with almost all classed as having no
impact, and one minor dioxin exceedance requiring no further action
following external assessment.
The Committee also explored the implications of the forthcoming UK Emissions Trading Scheme and emphasised the need for continued resident education around correct waste disposal.
It was
requested that the 2025/26 annual performance report be sent to
committee members as soon as it is finalised, to avoid any
unnecessary delays prior to the committee considering the report
later in 2026.
NY Highways – Annual Performance Report
The Committee considered a new style, consolidated Annual
Performance Report for NY Highways. Performance highlights
included: £31m of capital works delivered (88% of programme),
12,179 maintenance orders completed with £2.45m efficiency
savings returned to the Council, full completion of the gully
programme (97%), and significant winter service delivery.
Members acknowledged the strong delivery across routine
maintenance, capital works, fleet services and winter operations,
but also highlighted several areas requiring continued attention,
such as improved asset data and LGR integration, where Members
expressed concern about inherited inconsistencies in
street‑lighting, drainage and gullies asset information from
legacy councils, leading to missed or unclear asset records.
Officers confirmed ongoing work to validate and correct the asset
register, which was supported by operational teams increasingly
reporting missing assets during onsite work.
While Members praised high‑quality work on major
schemes such as Ripon Market Place, concerns were raised about the
quality and longevity of some smaller patching works. Members
emphasised the need for consistent use of inlay over temporary
cold‑lay repairs wherever practicable and for stronger onsite
inspections.
Members noted improvements in gully performance but stressed the
need for robust follow‑up where access restrictions or stuck
lids prevent cleaning. Members also commented on the increasing
prevalence of water pooling and vegetation growth, particularly in
Ripon and other urban centres.
On highway verges, committee members raised concerns about leaf
accumulation, weeds and debris in gutters, particularly following
the transition to the unitary authority. Officers advised that
additional funding had been secured to target the
worst‑affected areas during the remainder of the year.
Committee members also highlighted the difficulties caused when
road space or parking suspensions are advertised for several days
but works occur on only one of them. The need for clearer forward
planning and communication was stressed, especially in densely
parked streets.
The recent severe winter weather event was also raised,
particularly on the response to this in the east of the county.
Questions were asked about resource allocation, potential for
cross‑area deployment, footway gritting options and
continuing to highlight the community involvement opportunities
through notifying the council of grit bins requiring replenishing
and the benefits to local communities of setting up community
gritting partnerships.
It was a productive session that both officers and members took away information on. We look forward to receiving the 2025/26 annual report in due course.
Harbours Strategy
Members
discussed the draft Harbours Strategy as part of the consultation
process with stakeholders and the public. The Committee noted the
strategic importance of the Council’s harbours to local
economies and tourism. Members emphasised the need for clarity
around future investment planning, dredging requirements, the
condition of assets, revenue sustainability and ensuring effective
engagement with harbour users. Concerns were expressed regarding
the need for transparency around fees, charges and long‑term
capital planning.
The
feedback from committee members will be taken into account when
finalising the Harbours Strategy document over the coming
months.
Public Conveniences Working Group – Final
Report
The Committee considered the final report of the Public
Conveniences Working Group. Members reiterated the importance of
maintaining high‑quality public conveniences, particularly in
areas with high visitor numbers. The Committee discussed the
financial pressures associated with operating these facilities, the
varying conditions of inherited assets, and the need for a
consistent countywide standard while retaining flexibility for
local partnership models. Members raised questions about the
proposed charging policy, alternative delivery models, and the
opportunities for community or town council involvement. Whilst
there was support for the contents of the report and the work
undertaken, a number of amendments to the initial
recommendations put forward by the working group were agreed at the
meeting, and these are planned to go to the Executive for
consideration in April.
Due to time constraints, unfortunately other non-urgent items on the agenda were deferred and will be considered initially at our next Mid-Cycle Briefing later this month to decide on next steps.
The next meeting of the committee will take place on Wednesday 29 April 2026 at County Hall, starting at 10am.
COUNCILLOR DAVID STAVELEY