The West London Waste Authority meeting scheduled for 20 January 2026 was set to discuss the proposed budget for the upcoming financial year, alongside updates on strategic partnerships, people and culture initiatives, and contracts and operations. The meeting's agenda also included the minutes from the previous meeting held on 2 December 2025.

2026-27 Budget

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the proposed budget for the 2026-27 financial year. The report pack outlined that the budget aimed to focus on core operations and ensure the Authority could fulfil its statutory role. Key elements included a new staffing structure with a flat number of permanent full-time equivalents (FTEs), though with an increase in interim support to provide stability during a period of change management and to address audit recommendations. The report highlighted that residual waste was showing year-on-year growth, identified as a key driver for expenditure and levies, and therefore a strategic focus for reduction. The budget also proposed disbursing any excess reserves to constituent boroughs by the end of March 2026, demonstrating an understanding of the financial challenges faced by local authorities. The report recommended approving the 2026-27 budget, the Ealing circular economy hub, Pay As You Throw (PAYT) rates and levy, the Fixed Cost Levy (FCL), potential increases in trade and construction prices, new and rolled-over capital budgets, and the target level of reserves. It also recommended noting the Medium- and Long-Term Financial Plan.

Strategic Partnership Update

An update was scheduled regarding the development of a new Strategic Partnership Board. This board, intended to foster a collaborative approach to upcoming legislative requirements such as Simpler Recycling and Emissions Trading Schemes, was due to hold its first meeting on 29 January 2026. The report outlined key principles for the partnership, including a shared vision, mutual respect, transparency, adaptability, wider engagement with stakeholders, and a long-term perspective. Membership of the board was to include nominated attendees from each of the six boroughs, alongside key West London Waste Authority (WLWA) staff. The report proposed three key areas of focus for the board: future legislative requirements and investment, including the utilisation of £6 million of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) funding; the collective approach to Household Reuse and Recycling Centres (HRRCs), with an initial £2.4 million allocated for investment across boroughs; and new technologies and future opportunities in waste management.

People and Culture Update

The People and Culture update was set to detail progress in implementing organisational changes. This included leadership restructuring aimed at better supporting the Authority's priorities in people, resources, and organisational effectiveness, as outlined in a previous report. The update was expected to cover the ongoing transition phase, with a focus on realigning the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and the recruitment of a new Managing Director. The report indicated that challenges faced in the past year, including limited resources and staff absences, had highlighted the need for targeted recruitment, staff development, and culture change initiatives. The update was also to note actions already commenced to address recommendations from KPMG's Value for Money (VfM) audit report and the proposed development of an Organisational Excellence Framework.

Contracts and Operations Update

This report was scheduled to provide an update on the Authority's waste treatment arrangements. Key points included the planned phased re-opening of the Abbey Road transfer station to trade waste customers from 2 February 2026, with options appraisals for reconstruction works ongoing. Additionally, the procurement for the Dry Recyclables contract was underway, with a new contract expected to commence on 6 June 2026. The report recommended delegating authority to the Managing Director, in consultation with the Clerk, Treasurer, and Chief Technical Advisor, to award the Dry Recyclables contract. It also provided an overview of the performance of key operational contracts, including the Residual Waste Services Contract with WLERL and the Waste Processing contract with Viridor, as well as contracts for food waste, green waste, dry mixed recycling, mattress processing, and e-waste. The report noted that residual waste tonnage up to the end of November 2025 was marginally lower than the previous year, which was seen as a positive indicator.