Agenda item

The Director for Operational & Commercial Service introduced the report providing an update on the current position regarding operational services fleet and seeking a capital investment in two new vehicles. It was explained that there had been a significant increase in the amount of waste collected over the last few years for a number of reasons including Covid, popularity of the garden waste service and the rapid growth within the district.

To date there had not been an uplift in the number of new vehicles to collect this additional waste and therefore there had been an increased reliance on using old spare vehicles and this has brought about a sharp rise in maintenance costs as the spare vehicles require more maintenance when in regular use. The costs of maintenance and increases in staffing costs were outlined.

The current vehicle replacement strategy did not account for the need for increased demands so a further capital investment was proposed. The financial, operational and environmental implications were clarified.

A councillor referred to the challenges in terms of the government requirements on local authorities fulfilling their obligation around collection of waste. It was emphasised there were financial challenges and  a lot of unknowns in terms of

future requirements around food waste collections. The excellent services provided across the district were outlined but it was about having assurance moving forward, that the right decisions are being made.

In response officers acknowledged the ongoing discussions around the uncertainty in the waste industry and the lack of clarity coming from the government on what would be required particularly with regard to environmental issues.  The supply of food waste vehicles and lack of disposal facilities were highlighted. In regard to financial implications it was suggested hat the government might be suggesting extended producer responsibility would fund new waste collections but others indicated that producers would find different ways to do packaging and reduce their need to pay.

The potential introduction of free garden waste collections for all would also have a massive impact on a lot of authorities. These matters were on the agenda for the Lincolnshire Waste Partnership and other forums and they would continue to press government around the urgency of these decisions.

A member in welcoming the report suggested there needed to be a balance struck between the provision of electric vehicles and more traditional fuels and expressed support for the phased approach proposed in the report as, particularly in rural areas charging points could be difficult to access.

A councillor referred to the new vehicles and food waste collections and asked if they would need to be retro fitted for such collections.  In response it was clarified that these vehicles would be for residual waste, recycling and garden waste. Food waste vehicles would need to be commissioned separately. It was acknowledged that some  authorities did have vehicles pods for food but  this would not work in the district as the pods were small. Discussion ensued regarding potential financial implications if proposed changes were introduced by government.

A member highlighted that the waste was a flagship service and one of the most high-profile. It was suggested that affordability was key and the fact it was an in-house service meant that given the uncertainty of what policy will be in the future it was important to take decisions now, based on the information available.

A councillor highlighted the good work of the service and that it was appreciated by residents and that the latest technology should be provided within financial limits. The importance of reducing the carbon footprint was emphasised. It was asked about the replacement of other vehicles in the future. In response it was greed that there was  a gradually ageing fleet so there was never the burden of having to buy a whole

fleet at one time. The maintenance requirements for vehicles was outlined and it was confirmed that  there was a vehicle replacement programme and budget.

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It was asked what happened to vehicles at the end of their time with the council. In response it was confirmed they were broken up and dispersed or exported abroad.

A member referred to street cleansing and fly-tipping services and the important work being undertaken in that regard. Clarification was sought regarding any clawback costs involved with the vehicles and solar panel fitted to them. The officer clarified that that this wasn't included in this report because it was specifically about the purchase of two new vehicles rather than solar panels. The cost of solar panels was around £5k pounds per vehicle and with current performance based on just over the first month of them being fitted to the vehicles that will get paid back in just over five years. In the future it was likely they would come already fitted with solar panels and be included in the purchase price of the vehicle.

Members asked that their thanks to all staff involved in the waste service be conveyed.

The recommendations were proposed and seconded and on being put to the vote were carried.

RESOLVED to approve a capital investment of £440k be added to the Vehicle Replacement Reserve, to fund two new vehicles from 2024 and this capital investment be funded from the estimated balance in the vehicle replacement reserve at the end of 2024/25 of £270k, along with internal borrowing of £170k.