Issue - meetings

1.            That the contract for the provision of waste collection services be awarded and let from 26^th September 2020 without the inclusion of a  food waste collection;

2.            That the contract for the provision of waste collection services be awarded to Bidder A in the sums tendered and on the terms set out in the procurement documents;

3.            That the Strategic Director – Services is authorised to issue notification of intention to award contracts to the bidder that received the highest score under the evaluation criteria and methodology used for the purposes of the tender evaluation and enter into the mandatory 10 day standstill period;

4.            That the Service Lead – Legal is authorised to finalise, prepare and enter into thecontract(s) for the provision of waste collection services to commence on 26^th September 2020 to give effect to the outcome of the tender process.

5.            That opportunities continue to be pursued for food waste collection at the earliest practical opportunity, including evaluation of collaboration with other local authorities.

Councillor Cutler introduced the report setting out that the report considered the Award of Contract for the council’s waste and recycling collection service. The decision included an Award of Contract on the same basis as the existing collection service. He emphasised that Cabinet remained committed to investigating further the option to introduce a sustainable food waste collection service, once more information was available regarding Government and County Council decisions regarding recycling in general. 

At the invitation of the Leader, the following Councillors addressed Cabinet and raised various questions and comments, as summarised below.

Councillor Lumby

·         As a ward councillor, mentioned specific difficulties under the current waste contract in relation to West Meon;

·         Emphasised the importance of proper enforcement measures under a new contract arrangements;

·         Considered that the contract should be awarded to a new provider with a new approach;

·         Believed that proposals to charge for garden waste collection were regressive, risked an increase in fly-tipping and were contrary to the declaration of a climate emergency;

·         Requested that the proposals be considered by a future Scrutiny Committee.

Councillor Godfrey

·         Emphasised the amount of work required prior to the commencement of a new contract;

·         Queried whether the new contractor would employ staff according to the living wage accreditation;

·         Reiterated concerns regarding any proposal to charge for garden waste and specifically queried what evidence was there to justify this and requested details of possible improvements to the service.

Councillor Horrill

·         Queried why food waste collection had not been included as she believed it was a missed opportunity to act on the climate emergency declaration;

·         What changes would need to take place before a decision to proceed with food waste collection would eventually be taken? She believed the consultation undertaken so far on this proposal was inadequate;

·         The report mentioned that Project Integra was under review but did not set out an alternative disposal strategy or refer to other local authorities proposals regarding the collection of food waste;

·         The report lacked detailed reference to proposals for the implementation of the new contract which was potentially worrying given the recent issues following the introduction of new waste collection calendars.

Councillor Brook

·         Queried what level of CO2 reduction would be offered by the new refuse collection vehicles?  In addition, what other carbon reduction measure would be offered?

·         Would further guidance be offered on means of disposing of plastics currently not collected?  Similarly, what about offering means for collecting fabric/cloth?

·         There was no mention of educating residents on what materials could be recycled and the costs to the Council of dealing with contaminated waste due to incorrect separation.

Councillor Read

·         Requested information on the impact of the recent introduction of kerbside glass collection.

·         Query regarding whether existing glass collection bring sites would be retained?

·         Believed that leaving glass collection boxes out on the kerbside overnight could be dangerous in some areas.

·         General comment that refuse bins were not being returned by the operatives to their original location.

Councillor Gemmell

·         Query regarding the proposed length of the contract  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5