At the Environment Committee on 16^th September 2014 it was resolved that the Council will inform all charity shops of the collection scheme to be introduced, and seek their views before the final implementation of the scheme.

Officers have now visited the following shops, and their feedback is noted in Appendix A of the report:

·         Saint Francis Hospice

·         Cancer Research

·         Sue Ryder

·         British Heart Foundation

·         Save the Children

·         Barnardo’s

It was evident from the discussions with the charity shops that they are opposed to the introduction of a free collection by the Council.  However, they provided no evidence that this has impacted their shops in other areas of the Country, where Council’s currently provide a household collection.

Other Essex Council’s were also contacted, which included; Uttlesford, Castle Point and Rochford, all of whom have run a service for a number of years through Essex Textiles with no adverse impact on charity shops.  Both Southend and Colchester also provide a service, either through their contractor of through a single charity.

After a full discussion, a motion was MOVED by Cllr Lloyd and SECONDED by Cllr Sapwell to receive the recommendations set out in the report.

Voting took place by a show of hands and in accordance with Rule 9.2 of the Council Procedure Rules, the Chair exercised his casting vote and the Motion was CARRIED.

RESOLVED:

2.1      Agree that the Council introduces a monthly Kerbside collection           service through Essex Textiles for a trial period of 12 months.

2.2      Agree that Officers work with local charity shops to enhance      income through recycling credits.

2.3      Agree that the results of the trial are reported back to the Environment Committee in order to approve the long term            strategy for textile recycling.