This week, the North Tyneside Council held a significant Cabinet meeting on Monday, 24 June 2024. Key decisions were made regarding the council's strategic partnerships and the introduction of new charges for garden waste collection.

Strategic Partnership Update

The Cabinet discussed matters relating to the council's strategic partnerships in a private session, excluding the press and public under Section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972. This section allows councils to exclude the public from meetings if confidential information is likely to be disclosed.

Upon resuming the public session, the Cabinet approved several measures concerning these partnerships. Although the details were not disclosed, the resolution included authorising the Director of Resources to manage necessary arrangements and consultations, particularly regarding staff transfers under the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006.

Charges for the Collection of Garden Waste

A notable decision from the meeting was the approval of new charges for garden waste collection. The council conducted an equalities impact assessment and a public consultation, receiving 14,441 responses. Despite significant opposition—54% of respondents disagreed with the proposal—the Cabinet decided to introduce a charge of £30 per bin per year starting from 1 April 2025.

Councillor H Johnson inquired about the consultation feedback, to which an officer responded that the responses mirrored the council's budget consultation outcomes. The officer highlighted the high take-up of similar schemes in other local authorities.

Councillor McMullen raised concerns about the impact on residents with disabilities and mobility issues. In response, officers confirmed the availability of an assisted collection service for those who might struggle to move their bins.

The approval of these charges aligns with the council's ongoing efforts to manage resources effectively while addressing residents' needs through support services.

For further details on the meeting, you can access the full transcript here.