Agenda item

To consider a report by the Head of Operations detailing options for charging for a second recycling bin.

that the matter be deferred to the next meeting of the Cabinet to able the report of the Head of Operations to be considered by the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Economic Well-Being).

(Councillor I C Bates, Member of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel) (Environmental Well-Being) was in attendance and spoke on this item).

Consideration was given to a report by the Head of Operations (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) setting out a case for reducing the cost of the refuse and recycling service by introducing an annual charge of £40 for an additional green waste bin.  The document had been considered by the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Environmental Well-Being) whose comments were relayed to the Cabinet. The Panel were of the opinion that the Council should not introduce a charge.

The Executive Councillor for Environment reported that the Operations Team was looking at ways to reduce its costs while maintaining service standards and raising revenue.  He explained that the free collection of the first green bin for all residents would remain but the collection of additional green bins would be regarded as a premium service and therefore should attract a charge.  This would be fairer to all residents and would provide a significant return for the Council.

Having regard to the practicalities of the proposals and the set up costs, the Executive Councillor for Environment expressed a view that it would be more cost effective to remove unwanted additional bins from those households not wishing to take up the premium service rather than changing the colour of the bin lid.

At the invitation of the Chairman, Councillor I C Bates, Member of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Environmental Well Being) addressed the Cabinet.  Councillor Bates explained that the waste collection service was a highly valued service and any charge for an additional bin would damage the public perception of the Council.  He stressed that the proposal could impact on the level of green waste collected at a time when the Council should be looking to increase performance by promoting recycling. He argued that the implementation of the proposal would lead to an increase in fly-tipping. Councillor Bates acknowledged that the Council needed to make further savings but was of the opinion that these should be focused on non-statutory services such as leisure.  In response to which, the Executive Leader reiterated that the Council was constantly reviewing all services to identify savings as part of the budget process. He also reported that the proposal would impact on a very small percentage of the district’s population.  With regard to alternative saving streams, the Executive Councillor for Healthy and Active Communities reminded Members that a Business Plan for the future of the One Leisure Service would be considered at the December Cabinet meeting. Finally, the Executive Councillor for Environment assured Members that as fly-tipping was a criminal offence enforcement action would be undertaken where necessary.

Having received a request from the Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Economic Well-Being) that the Panel be given an opportunity to consider details of the proposal, the Cabinet

RESOLVED

  that the matter be deferred to the next meeting of the Cabinet to able the report of the Head of Operations to be considered by the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Economic Well-Being).