Agenda item

The report of the Director of Commercial & Operational Services in respect of the performance of the Garden Waste Service during the 2023 season and, through the refreshed Business Plan, making recommendations for a service standard for the 2024 season was received.

The Director of Commercial & Operational Services introduced the report

and advised that it reflected on the current and previous years performance of the garden waste service and made recommendations about the service level for the 2024 season. It was noted that the service remained popular despite a slight decline in uptake due to the cost of living crisis and the implementation of the purple lidded bin scheme.

The improved efficiencies both in the service provided resulting from the introduction of digital devices for crews and the implementation of the new customer relationship management system was emphasised.

A number of risks were identified including an as yet unconfirmed government

proposal to make garden waste collections free for all, the continuing cost of living crisis and changing environmental conditions.

This was balanced against opportunities such as the predicted housing growth in the district, the low subscription levels and number of collections. It was noted that th service operated on a cost recovery basis so as not to burden the wider Council taxpayer who did not subscribe to the service. The financial impact of cost increases relating to staff, fuel and vehicle maintenance were outlined and therefore an increase in the subscription to £44 was being recommended.

It was anticipated that the service could achieve full cost recovery and other options were outlined in the business plan. The community engagement exercise to accompany the scheme was highlighted and it was noted that the survey would be bought to members in due course and the results would be included in the 2024 garden waste business plan.

A member welcomed the report and emphasised that the service was highly valued by residents. It was noted that it was not statutory service but had a positive environmental impact and supported the need to get feedback from residents. The increase in fees was supported.

A councillor concurred and expressed the hope that the service provided value for money and could be extended in the future.

Clarification regarding the increase in costs was sought by a councillor. The concern was acknowledged and options were explained and could form part of the consultation process. It was explained that the current collection frequency and costs were in place following precious surveys.

A member referred to smaller households who may not want as many collections and whether this had been considered. In response it was confirmed that residents could choose to share bin space with neighbours, smaller bins were not offered at the moment and, a standard service was the easiest and most efficient to deliver and any deviation from that would increase costs. However technology was improving and there may be the ability moving forward to implement some deviations from the standard service.

A member highlighted the flexibility of the service and that it adapted to conditions to ensure collections were made at the right times. A councillor asked if any discount could be offered to residents with more than one bin. It was explained that this had been considered previously and when a vehicle was full it would have to go the tip and return again so it was not any cheaper. It was indicated that this approach could be reviewed.

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

            RESOLVED:

1)    That the subscription for the Garden waste Service be increased to £44 for eighteen collections in 2023/24; and

2)    That a draft community engagement proposal be presented to the Prosperous Communities Committee in June 2024 for approval