The Western Riverside Waste Authority met on Tuesday 22 November 2016 to discuss budget forecasts, audit reports, and operational matters. Key decisions included the approval of the 2015/16 audited accounts and the appointment of KPMG LLP as the external auditor for the upcoming two years.

Budget Forecast 2016/17 - 2017/18

The Authority reviewed the budget forecast for the financial years 2016/17 and 2017/18. While the open agenda item provided a general overview, a more detailed, restricted version of the budget forecast (Paper No. WRWA 816A) was also considered by members and appropriate officers.

2015/16 External Audit Letter

The Authority received and noted the report from Ernst & Young LLP (EY) regarding the audit of the Authority's accounts for the financial year 2015/16. The meeting resolved to note EY's auditor opinion, authorise the Treasurer to sign the Letter of Representation, and approve the Authority's Statement of Accounts for that year.

Senior Staffs' Terms and Conditions

This item, along with other matters related to the Authority's Waste Management Services Agreement (WMSA) and its transfer station at Cringle Dock, was discussed in a part of the meeting from which the press and public were excluded. This was due to the likely disclosure of exempt information under the Local Government Act 1972.

General Manager's Report

The Deputy General Manager provided an update on operations since the previous meeting. This included reporting on two unrelated fires that occurred within a four-day period in July, which caused significant disruption to the Material Recycling Facility but no major disruption to the main Transfer Station operation. No injuries were sustained during these incidents, and investigations into their cause were ongoing.

The report also highlighted an application by RRRL to Bexley Council to amend a condition of their planning permission. RRRL sought to increase the amount of waste delivered by road from 85,000 tonnes to 195,000 tonnes per year, with a decision anticipated in early 2017.

Additionally, the Authority noted that the SJWDA had produced a position paper, endorsed at the last meeting, which was circulated to DEFRA officials. Following the UK's decision to leave the European Union, an adapted version of this paper was sent to the All-Party Parliamentary Sustainable Resource Group (APSRG) to inform their briefing note for Parliamentarians and others on waste, resources, and the circular economy in light of the referendum result. The Authority resolved to receive this report for information.

Appointment of External Auditor

The Authority resolved to approve the use of KPMG LLP to audit the accounts for the 2016/17 and 2017/18 financial years. Furthermore, the Treasurer was authorised to appoint the Authority's External Auditor for 2018/19 onwards through Public Sector Audit Appointments Limited, using the most appropriate method.

Minutes of Previous Meeting

The minutes of the Authority's meeting held on 28th June 2016 were confirmed and signed as a correct record, with Version B being confirmed as the open summary.

Dates of Future Meetings

The date of the next meeting was confirmed as Tuesday, 22nd November 2016.