The Council is facing an unprecedented set of challenges.  The cuts in funding and the need to reduce expenditure increases the need to review the way in which we deliver our services, and how these can be done more efficiently, but still meet customer expectations.

Waste services is one of the largest services delivered, both by Essex County Council (ECC) as the disposal Authority, and by the Borough Council with responsibility for collection of waste.

A review of waste has been taking place with ECC since September 2014, which is to Improve the Waste Management Partnership for Essex so that there is a shared understanding of the whole partnership (including the Waste Partnership Board) which:

1.            has a clear vision to reflect changing circumstances and risks

2.            has a financial framework and three year financial plan (including all partners)

3.            has a capital investment programme that enables innovative operational models of delivery to be developed

4.            has a new model for partnership working (including commissioning and procurement)

5.            explores a best practice collection model designed by housing type and/or urban/rural area, cost-effectiveness and customer feedback on ease of use and achieved performance 

The Council’s current Waste Plan was approved at the Environment Panel on 30^th January 2013.  This now needs to be reviewed in line with the work that is being undertaken with ECC, but it is felt that this needs to be done to enable Members to consider the current financial challenges that this, and all other Council’s now face.

A Motion was MOVED by Cllr Lloyd and SECONDED by Cllr Sapwell to receive the recommendations set out in the report.

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY to:

2.1         That Members establish a cross party working group to develop a Waste Strategy for the Council, in line with the work being undertaken through the Essex Waste Management Partnership.

2.2         That Members approve the Terms of Reference as detailed in Appendix A.

2.3    That the working group report back to the Environment Committee in June 2015 with key recommendations for the future of waste collection.

2.4      That an interim report is brought to the Environment Committee on 18^th March for discussion.