Council’s environmental service – views on future needed

With major challenges on public finances, Harborough District Council is reviewing the cost of its contract for waste and recycling collections within the district and seeking feedback on the way forward.

The council says it wants to maintain a high quality service for residents, whilst reducing costs and running the service more efficiently. However, if this is going to be achieved, the way the service is run “will need to change”.

The environmental services contract is, by far, the council’s biggest contract financially, and includes costs for the district’s bin collections, recycling, street cleaning and grounds maintenance.

In July, every home in the Harborough district will receive a copy of a questionnaire about the future of the service which can be filled in and returned to the council. The survey can also be completed online at www.harborough.gov.uk/ECconsultation

Cllr Phil King, Harborough District Council’s deputy leader, said: “It is important every resident in the district has the opportunity to respond to the survey so we can take views on board. Our environmental contract is one of the council’s biggest outgoings, in terms of costs, and puts mounting pressures on our budget. It is important we maintain a high-quality service for our residents, but if costs are to be reduced, how the service is currently provided will need to change.”

The questionnaire can also be completed online on the computers provided in the foyer of The Symington Building in Adam and Eve Street, Market Harborough. 

Originally the consultation was due to end on 1 August 2015, but it has been extended to 15th August 2015 to allow more time for residents to share their views.