Purpose

The decision is to
close the Garden waste subscription form on the 06/08/2025, the
normal closing date of form is last Friday/Day in September
annually.

Decision

 

 

ROTHERHAM METROPOLITAN BOROUGH COUNCIL

 

RECORD OF OFFICER EXECUTIVE DECISION
 

Date of Decision:
 

06/08/2025

Title:

Garden waste – Ending the subscription
period early for new garden waste subscribers

Decision Maker:
(Including Job Title)

Andrew Bramidge – Strategic Director

Details of Specific Delegation
 
or
 
Delegation contained in the relevant
Sub-Scheme of Delegation.
 

The Strategic Director of Regeneration and
Environment is authorised in accordance with the Officer Delegation
Scheme to carry out functions on behalf of Council and the
Executive.
 
 

Decision:

The decision is to close the Garden waste
subscription form on the 06/08/2025, the normal closing date of
form is last Friday/Day in September annually.

Reasons for the Decision:

The decision has been made because the garden
waste service has been suspended from the 06/08/2025 with the aim
to reopen on the collection service from 1st September
2025.
By not closing the subscription page we
cause:
1.   
Lack of Transparency
Subscribers may not be aware the service is
suspended when signing up, leading to misinformed decisions.
It can create confusion and frustration,
especially if expectations are not managed clearly.
2. Value for Money
Residents are paying for a service they are
not receiving, which undermines trust and perceived fairness.
Even if the suspension is temporary, charging
during downtime can be seen as poor practice unless compensation is
offered.
3. Reputational Risk
Continuing to accept subscriptions during a
suspension may be viewed as exploitative or misleading, damaging
the council’s reputation.
It can lead to increased complaints, MP
letters, and casework, adding pressure to already stretched
services.
4. Operational Impact
New subscriptions during a suspension can
inflate demand and complicate planning for when the service
resumes.
It may also delay recovery efforts, as
resources are diverted to manage new subscribers rather than
stabilising the service.
5. Equity and Fairness
Existing subscribers may feel disadvantaged if
new subscribers are added without receiving the service, especially
if refunds or extensions are not offered.
It creates an imbalance in service delivery,
which can be difficult to justify publicly.
 

Conflicts of interest declared by the Decision
Maker if they sit as a Cabinet appointed representative to an
outside body which relates to the decision:

There are no conflicts of interest declared by
any Executive Members.

Dispensations Granted:
(If any)

None
 

Reports or parts of reports considered

N/A
 

 
I certify that this
is a true record of the decision to:
 
The decision is to close the Garden waste
subscription form on the 06/08/2025, the normal closing date of
form is last Friday/Day in September annually.
I confirm that in
making this decision, due regard was given to the seven principles
of public life.
 
Signed by the
Decision Maker:
 

Dated:         
06/08/2025
 
Name:         
Andrew Bramidge                        
Job Title:     Strategic
Director