Agenda item

Members gave consideration to a report which sought agreement to the scope for a review of waste collections in the South West Ward of Gainsborough.  The report further sought approval of an engagement and assessment process, which would form part of the review and the setting up of a member steering group to oversee the process.

Debate ensued and the Committee as a whole welcomed the approach being proposed. Several members commented on the importance of any consultation undertaken being meaningful.  It was considered that the review provided a great opportunity to engage with the community and to make improvements.  Some were of the view that the current approach posed reputational risks and did not create an appealing gateway to the town.   Community buy-in was an important factor in delivering change and ensuring residents were part of the solution.  Several Members commented that a range of solutions may need to be identified as every street within the area was different. 

In responding to a request to condense the proposed timeline, Officers indicated that this had been a matter of much debate, but in order to ensure consultation and engagement was meaningful and in order to allow proper analysis of all the information gathered through the review, Officers were of the belief the timescale indicated was the most appropriate.  Members indicated their satisfaction with this response.

RESOLVED that: -

1)      the proposed process for reviewing the waste collection methodology in the South West Ward of Gainsborough be approved, namely:

a)      a steering group consisting of Councillors, including ward Members and representatives from Prosperous Communities Committee, supported by officers be established;

b)      engagement with all sections of the community in the South West Ward be undertaken;

c)      Communications with the community to support this engagement including delivering newsletters, drop-in sessions and door to door sample surveys be undertaken;

d)      a Satisfaction survey with residents and all other stakeholders including Councillors, businesses, landlords, the town council, residents groups, Lincolnshire Highways and any other relevant bodies be undertaken;

e)      Environmental Assessment Surveys be undertaken;

f)       Consultation with national forums such as APSE and LARAC regarding best waste collection practice in this area be undertaken;

g)      an initial options analysis of alternative collection methods and regimes, considering those undertaken by other authorities, both locally and nationally be carried out;

h)      a financial analysis of identified options be undertaken;

i)       potential methods and areas to carry out pilots of alternative collection methods be identified

j)        a risk register for these activities be maintained.

k)      an equalities impact assessment for identified options be produced.

Having been supportive of recommendation 1a) (the establishment of a Member Steering Group), nominations were sought and received for Members to serve on the Group.

On that basis it was further RESOLVED that

2)      In connection with resolution 1a above, the following Members be appointed to serve on the Members Steering group to oversee the delivery of the work as specified in the report.: -

Councillor Sheila Bibb

Councillor Chris Darcel

Councillor Pat Mewis

Councillor Lesley Rollings

Councillor Trevor Young

and the draft Terms of Reference for the Members Steering Group, as set out in Appendix 2 of the report be approved.

Note:              given the significance of this work, it was also emphasised that the Group would accept additional Members should they wish to serve on this Group.