Issue - meetings

Report of Head of Environmental Services

Purpose of report

To update the Executive on the pressures on the Waste & Recycling service arising from the large housing growth and to review the waste policies with the view of bringing the policies of Cherwell District Council (CDC) and South Northamptonshire Council (SNC) closer together.

Recommendations

The meeting is recommended to:

1.1      Note the pressures on the waste service resulting from the rapid housing growth and the actions being taken to deal with these demands.

1.2     Note the increased revenue pressures from operating additional crews in future years.

1.3     Approve the revised waste policies as set out in Appendix 1  

Resolved

(1)          That the pressures on the waste service resulting from the rapid housing growth and the actions being taken to deal with these demands be noted.

(2)          That the increased revenue pressures from operating additional crews in future years be noted.

(3)          That  the revised waste policies (annex to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be approved.  

The Head of Environmental Services submitted a report to update the Executive on the pressures on the Waste & Recycling service arising from the large housing growth and to review the waste policies with the view of bringing the policies of Cherwell District Council (CDC) and South Northamptonshire Council (SNC) closer together.

Resolved

(1)          That the pressures on the waste service resulting from the rapid housing growth and the actions being taken to deal with these demands be noted.

(2)          That the increased revenue pressures from operating additional crews in future years be noted.

(3)          That the revised waste policies (annex to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be approved. 

Reasons

The district is rapidly growing from a growth rate of less than 1%/year in recent years to more than 3%/year this year and 4%/year next year. This rapid growth has meant the collection rounds are now full. The productivity of the collection rounds is very good and there are few opportunities to increase this further. Consequently, additional rounds will be required in future years. The next round will be required in April 2017 with further rounds needed by April 2019 and April 2021. Each additional round will increase revenue costs by around £150k/year.

One of the major constraints to additional rounds is capacity at Bicester depot. The depot is full and unable to accommodate a growth in vehicle numbers and staff. A project is underway to locate a new depot in the Bicester area.

The waste policies of this Council and SNC have been reviewed with a view to bringing them closer together wherever possible. This should make it easier for a shared Customer Service Centre and for Environmental Services to manage the shared Waste & Recycling service. 

Alternative options

Option 1:  To reject the proposed changes

Option 2:  To ask officers to consider alternative improvements