Decision details

The suspension of the collection of scheduled garden waste collections across the two council areas for up to four weeks commencing on 26 July 2021.

The Scheme of Delegations within the Constitution enables the Director of Change and Communities to discharge specific and non-executive duties and powers under section 111 of the Local Government Act 1972, the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Household Waste and Recycling Act 2003. As a non-executive function the decision is not subject to call-in.

RESOLVED – That scheduled garden waste collections across the two council areas be suspended for up to four weeks commencing on 26 July 2021.

The suspension was brought forward by the Council’s recycling and waste collection services contractor in light of staff shortages linked to a shortage in HGV drivers and Covid-19. The decision was made jointly with TMBC and in liaison with the Leaders/Cabinet Member(s) from each authority. In light of the decision, garden waste subscribers will all be granted an extension to their subscriptions equivalent to the period of the suspension. This will result in a net loss of income in 2020/21 of up to £77,345 as subscriptions are accrued for over 12 months.

The suspension will enable the contractor to focus on priority collections for refuse, recycling and clinical waste and address the current backlog of missed collections. Progress will be kept under constant review by partnership officers in consultation with the contractor.

The opportunity to use an alternative supplier was not possible as the service is subject to a tendered contract and this is a national problem facing all those in the market.

There were no conflicts of interest declared or dispensations granted by or to any Member who was consulted in respect of this decision.