Decision details

The Committee considered the Executive and Cabinet Member decisions, within its remit, taken since the last meeting of the Committee on 13 December 2017.

Members referred to decision PH1/2018 ‘Domestic Waste Service Delivery’ and queried why it was felt that future provision (from April 2018) would be better delivered in-house rather than continuing with the contracted service. It was added that the current service had been running for numerous years without issues but that the previous in-house service had various operational issues. Residents were happy with the current provider but the proposal offered limited savings and potential risks. Members were particularly adamant that there should be no service reductions. They also queried what percentage savings would be achieved and the ‘pay-back’ period for returning ‘profits’ taking into account significant investment required for new waste collection vehicles.

Councillor Fred Jackson, Cabinet Member for Highways and Environmental Services explained that the current contract expired at the end of March 2019 so it was a good time to review the service provided and secure cost savings. It was believed that substantial savings could be made but precise figures were unavailable at the time of the meeting. He added that a better service would be provided using in-house managerial expertise and that there had been complaints about the current service such as when bins had been missed. He added that Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations) would apply to contracted staff who moved to an in-house service.

Councillor Gillian Campbell, Deputy Leader of the Council (Tourism, Economic Growth and Jobs) added that both Councillor Jackson and herself would be on the Corporate Project Board which would be developing the options, so could ensure the best outcomes. She added that bringing the service in-house would allow better linkages with other services such as street cleaning and clarified that the delivery options were an in-house service or creating an arms-length company. The company option would allow for greater cost savings as different terms and conditions would be offered. She added that John Blackledge, Director of Community and Environmental Services would be requested to provide a written breakdown of projected costs and savings for the Committee.

The Committee agreed that the Director of Community and Environmental Services be requested to provide a written breakdown of projected costs and savings for the proposed Domestic Waste Service Delivery options (in-house service and arms-length company) against the current service.