The Place and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to consider a call-in on a Cabinet decision regarding changes to waste collection services. The committee ultimately decided to take no further action on the call-in, allowing the Cabinet's decision to proceed.

Waste Collection and Street Cleansing Services

The committee discussed the Cabinet's decision to change the residual waste collection frequency for households with individual wheeled bins in the former South Northamptonshire and Northampton areas from fortnightly to every three weeks by Spring 2027. This change aims to harmonise services across West Northamptonshire and is part of a broader plan to bring waste collection and street cleansing services in-house from June 2028.

Councillor Daniel Lister, as the originator of the call-in, argued that the decision was flawed. He stated that the Cabinet report did not adequately consider the differences between the urban environment of Northampton and the more rural Daventry area, where three-weekly collections had already been implemented. Councillor Lister raised concerns about the adequacy of the consultation process, arguing that it did not genuinely seek residents' views but rather presented a predetermined outcome. He also highlighted potential issues with increased fly-tipping and the impact on vulnerable residents. Councillor Lister proposed referring the decision back to Cabinet for further area-specific risk assessments, targeted consultation, and a review of the implementation timetable.

James Hill, representing over 2,700 residents who had signed a petition against the change, echoed these concerns. He emphasised the impact on densely populated urban areas with limited storage space and the potential public health risks associated with storing waste for longer periods.

Fiona Unett, Assistant Director for Waste, presented the council's case, explaining that the move to three-weekly collections was part of a comprehensive strategy to harmonise services, increase recycling rates, and achieve cost efficiencies. She provided examples from other local authorities that had implemented similar changes, arguing that these had not led to significant increases in fly-tipping or pest control issues. Ms. Unett also detailed the council's plans for resident engagement and the measures in place to support vulnerable households.

During the debate, councillors raised various points. Councillor Keith Holland-Delamere expressed concerns about the council's track record with communications and service rollouts, questioning the confidence in delivering the proposed changes effectively. Councillor Julie Davenport, in a statement read to the committee, acknowledged that the change might work for her personally but stressed the potential negative impact on families with young children, the elderly, and those with specific medical needs. Councillor Jonathan Harris questioned the evidence base for the decision and the comparison with other areas, while Councillor Scott Packer highlighted the long history of discussions around waste service changes and questioned why some members were now opposing a direction they had previously supported. Councillor Dave Stansfield defended the decision, citing the success of three-weekly collections in Daventry and arguing that the proposed changes were necessary for fairness and to encourage greater recycling.

Ultimately, the committee voted on two propositions. The first, to refer the decision back to Cabinet, was defeated. The second proposition, to take no further action, was approved, meaning the Cabinet's decision to proceed with the three-weekly residual waste collection and the in-house service delivery model will stand.