Purpose

To receive and consider the recommendations of the report.

Decision

It was RESOLVED that the Shareholders Sub Committee:

a)              Authorised East Hampshire Norse Ltd. (as a Reserved Matter under Schedule 1 of the Shareholders’ Agreement), to vary the Service Agreement to include a Food Waste Collection Service to commence in October 2026. The service to be provided on the basis set out in exempt appendix A.

b)              Authorised East Hampshire Norse Ltd (as a Reserved Matter under Article 6.3(l) and (m) of the Articles of Association and Schedule 1 paragraphs (l), (m) and (n) of the Shareholders’ Agreement), to  enter into the lease of Unit 78 Woolmer Way, Bordon, on the principal commercial terms set out in exempt appendix B  and exempt appendix C.

c)              Noted: the cost-recovery framework, funding position and affordability outlook at section 5. and in exempt appendix A.

Reasons for the Decision:

To consider, in the Council's capacity as shareholder in East Hampshire Norse Limited (EHN), two interlinked Reserved Matter decisions arising from the parallel papers submitted by EHN's Partnership Director: the mobilisation and delivery of the Food Waste Collection Service from October 2026, and the entry by EHN into a lease of Unit 78 Woolmer Way, Bordon to serve as the operational depot for that service.

Alternative Options Considered:

The Shareholder Sub Committee was asked to make two linked decisions. The food waste mobilisation requires additional facilities to operate the expanded service. Refusal of either recommendation jeopardises the delivery of the new service.

The Government's Simpler Recycling requirements impose a statutory duty on

waste collection authorities in England to provide weekly household food waste collections. As such, EHDC must arrange for the delivery of this service or risk fines and government intervention. EHDC has engaged with EHN to deliver the service as a variation to the Council's existing Service Agreement.