The West London Waste Authority met on Friday 22 March 2024 to discuss waste composition analysis, food recycling projects, contract operations, procurement plans, financial updates, and the IT strategy. Key decisions included approving the Annual Procurement Plan for 2024/25 and the IT Strategy, and agreeing to carry forward unspent Household Reuse and Recycling Centre (HRRC) funding and programme budget reserves.

Waste Composition Analysis Report

Members received an update on the Authority's residual waste composition analysis and the potential impacts of upcoming legislative changes, including Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), Deposit Return Scheme Systems, Simpler Recycling, and the Emissions Trading Scheme. Peter Tilston, Projects Director, explained that the analysis, conducted every 15 months, helps identify fluctuations in waste composition throughout the year and assess recycling capture rates.

Emma Beal, Managing Director, provided an update on EPR timelines, stating that the Authority would learn about payment amounts in November 2024 for April 2025, with flexible plastics collection requirements due in 2027. This was identified as a significant change for the Authority. Discussions also touched upon the financial implications of the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), with it being noted that only carbon from fossil fuels would be taxed. Textiles were highlighted as a significant issue due to their plastic content. The report was noted by the members.

Food Recycling Projects Update

An update was provided on the Authority's food waste investment in Borough Business Cases, approved in September 2020. Peter Tilston reported that the Authority is looking to expand food waste services across boroughs, with overall performance showing a mixed picture. A concern was raised about residents not using the food waste service correctly, with food being placed in residual waste bins. The Managing Director mentioned attending a meeting with waste disposal authority counterparts to address this on a London-wide scale, with the aim of creating a food waste recycling culture. The report was noted by the members.

Contracts Operations Update

Tom Beagan, Assistant Director of Operations, presented an update on waste treatment arrangements and procurements, focusing on transfer stations and the HRRC improvement project. He confirmed that contingency arrangements for hauling waste via road due to HS2 works at Victoria Road had been successful. The report also detailed the HRRC improvement programme, which aims to invest £1.2 million to enhance performance across west London sites. While spending on improvements by boroughs had been slow, diversion rates had improved. A best practice study has been commissioned to define a model for HRRC performance. The members resolved to note the report and approve the remaining HRRC improvement funds for ringfencing by each Borough to implement improvements identified by the best practice report.

Annual Procurement Plan 2024/25

Beth Bayley, Contracts and Procurement Manager, presented the Authority's Annual Procurement Strategy for 2024/25. It was noted that two procurements were expected to exceed £1 million, requiring approval from Chief Officers and Members. The report also covered strategic procurements and anticipated challenges. A question was raised about improvements to the booking system for residents, with officers indicating they would work with boroughs to address issues where residents could only see available timeslots after completing all their details. The Annual Procurement Plan for 2024/25 was approved.

Finance Update January 2024

Sapna Dhanani, Finance Manager, provided an update on financial and operational matters. The report highlighted a day-to-day financial performance deficit, largely due to higher than budgeted contracted rates for waste disposal, increased business rates, and SERC insurance costs. Key recommendations included approving a reserve to carry forward unspent HRRC funding and programme budget from PPP income for use in 2024/25. The Treasury Management Plan for 2024/25 was also approved. The current financial position and forecast for 2023/24 were noted, along with the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to date.

IT Strategy Update

Members received an update on the Authority's IT Strategy, which has been revised to incorporate current technology for a connected, secure, and inclusive workplace. The strategy aims to ensure data collection and sharing with boroughs and stakeholders are not compromised, with Artificial Intelligence (AI) to be considered after thorough research. Cyber security was highlighted as a pivotal element due to increasingly sophisticated attacks. The Authority committed to providing staff training and creating policies for proper IT use. The IT Strategy was approved.