Meeting documents

Cabinet is asked to approve the recommendations as set out in the report to take effect from the 1^st April 2019, unless otherwise stated.

Mr B Chapple, Cabinet Member for Planning and Environment introduced the report and Mr M Dickman, Environment Services Director and Ms G Badhan, Head of Waste Management also attended the meeting to answer any questions from Cabinet. 

Mr Chapple gave a briefing to Cabinet, which was appended to the minutes.

Cabinet raised and discussed the following points:

• The decision was required due to budget constraints rather than the service provided, which was praised. 
• The options explored including charging for household waste by changing the status of the sites to community sites.  Mr Chapple stated that this had been explored, however this loophole would be filled in 2020 and a long term solution was required.
• The importance of publicity regarding the changes for residents and staff and in particular supporting staff in order for them to be able to answer questions from residents.  Mr Chapple stated that each of the sites had communications in place and there had been extensive media coverage.  Mr Chapple assured Cabinet that communication was a top priority.
• It was highlighted that the Burnham site numbers would be reviewed in 6 months’ time to ascertain if the site could remain open.  Mr Chapple stated that this was to ensure the expected income from all of the sites could be achieved.  It was also asked why Bledlow would close over Burnham and Mr Chapple stated that it was down to the numbers.
• Cabinet raised the concerns picked up in the consultation relating to the possible increase in fly tipping if the proposals were agreed.  Mr Chapple stated that fly tipping was rarely carried out by residents but by criminals.  It was discussed that residents needed to be more vigilant when paying a third party to take their waste to ensure they had the appropriate paperwork to be able to legally dispose it.
• Mr Chapple highlighted that he had written to central government on a number of occasions and met the Minister to discuss harder penalties on those prosecuted.
• Lin Hazel stated that she understood the financial pressures however could not agree to the closure of the Burnham site.
• Concerns about relationships with neighbouring authorities and service level agreements in place were also raised in relation to the capacity for them to provide ongoing income. 
• The importance of communication to residents was highlighted and in particular in the need to educate residents on doing things differently i.e. changing their habits and recycling.
• It was noted that even with the proposed reductions there was still a good provision across the county.
• The proposal put forward by Mr B Bendyshe-Brown was referred to and the hope that this could be explored in order to keep the Burnham site open.
• The cost of implementing out of county charging was discussed but it was stated it was hoped that this could be kept under review.
• Resident cards used in areas such as Hillingdon were put forward as a possible option going forward.

In summary Mr Chapple highlighted the following:

• Aspirations for higher recycling rates and stated that shops on waste sites were well used, with the Aston Clinton site having an 80% recycling rate.
• Future growth needed to be considered and the infrastructure required.
• Meetings had been held with neighbouring authorities
• Communication will be a priority and notices at sites to ensure residents know of alternative sites they can visit.
• Mr Chapple also stated the contract with FCC, providing he Energy from Waste contract ended in 2019, but there was the ability to extend for a further 3 years.

The recommendations were voted on as follows to take effect from the 1st April 2019, unless otherwise stated: