Decision

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet Member for Housing:

1. Approved the final award of the waste contract to the preferred bidder Veolia ES (UK) Ltd for the sum of £230,358,134 commencing from 17 April 2027 for an initial period of 8 years with an option to extend for a further period(s) of 8 years in aggregate, having taken full account of the observations about the housing external cleaning element of the overall contract made by leaseholders, and the Council’s comments and responses.

Reasons for decision

The council had an obligation to consult with leaseholders under Section 20 of Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 where it intends to award a contract which exceeds 12 months with costs over £100 per year.

Cabinet approved the provisional award of a contract for recycling & waste collection and street cleansing services in March 2026 which contains external cleansing on housing estates as part of the contract award. The decision was subject to the completion of the required Section 20 leasehold consultation and review any observations made. 

The council had completed its review of the observations received and reports on the observation received for the Cabinet Member to take into account in making the final award.

Alternative options considered

The council could do nothing. However, this would leave the council unable to award the Contract and therefore would not be able to deliver statutory services from April 2027.

The council could decide not to proceed with the award of the contract, however none of the observations received have provided a reason for the council to do so. Not awarding the contract would again leave the council unable to deliver statutory services from April 2027.