Purpose

To consider requirements linked to implementation of a food
waste collection service from April 2026.

Decision

That Cabinet:

 

1)   
NOTED the significant change in nation
waste policy and the impact and implications this would have on waste services
within Melton and corresponding Council resources.

 

2)   
DELEGATED AUTHORITY to the Director for Housing
and Communities in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Governance,
Environment and Regulatory Services (Deputy Leader) to initiate and implement a
contract variation to enable food waste collections to be included as part of
the existing Municipal Waste Contract with Biffa, ensuring the service is
operational by 1 April 2026, until the first contract review date in October
2028.

 

3)   
NOTED that the agreement to proceed with
implementation and operation of a food waste collection service is conditional
on receiving sufficient revenue funding from the Department for Environment,
Food and Rural Affairs and that the Council’s financial sustainability or other
legal obligation cannot be undermined in this process.

 

4)   
Having noted the extensive lead time for
delivery, DELEGATED AUTHORITY to the Director for Housing and
Communities, in consultation with the Director for Corporate Services, to
determine and implement the most appropriate contractual, funding and financing
mechanism and capital and/or revenue budget requirements to secure up to five
food waste collection vehicles to deliver the service. Any additional financing
requirements would be included within the Council’s budget reports to be
considered in February 2025.

 

5)   
Following a successful procurement exercise, NOTED
that an intention to award letter would be issued to the chosen supplier and a
contract is in the process of being award for the supply of food waste caddies.

 

6)   
As part of the Council’s ongoing discussions
with Biffa, APPROVED that a formal TEEP (technically, environmentally
and economically practicable) assessment be undertaken, to confirm the initial
assessment that the requirement to implement separate paper and card recycling
for the remainder of the existing Municipal Waste Contract period should be
deferred to at least October 2028.

 

7)   
DELEGATED AUTHORITY to the Director for
Housing and Communities to fully evaluate future collection options, resourcing
and procurement/contract requirements and to bring back a further report to
Cabinet, with a view to ensuring the Council provides a Municipal Wate Service
from October 2028 that balances Government requirements for Simpler Recycling
with the Councils financial stability and ongoing assessment of technical,
environmental and economic practicability.

 

8)    NOTED
that Council would be requested, as part of the budget, to delegate authority
to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Director for Corporate
Services, to access the reserves for up to £100k for project management and
specialist resources in support of the work requirements set out within the
recommendations.