Council secures improved value for its environmental service

At a Special Executive meeting on Monday 21st September 2015, the council accepted a revised contract which will see FCC Environment continue to run the service – which includes bin collections, recycling, street cleaning and grounds maintenance – until March 2023.

The new offer represents a significant improvement on the offer considered by the Executive on 7th September 2015 and is expected to lead to an additional £0.7million of savings throughout the period of the contract.

The additional savings mean the council will no longer need to begin a procurement process to seek a new contractor.

The service, from 2016, will see a fortnightly alternate collection of the black bin and blue lidded recycling bin (with the removal of the separate paper caddy) and the introduction of a seasonal chargeable green waste service. Details of how this work and amount to be charged will be decided by Full Council later in 2015.

The Council’s partner FCC Environment Services has also committed to investing in new vehicles which are more environmentally friendly.

Councillor Phil King, deputy leader of the council, said: “Recent changes in the funding available for waste collection meant that the council needs to balance the desire to continue the current service, highly regarded by the public, and an £8 million budget pressure by 2022/23. Working with our current partner, FCC Environment, we have secured a significantly improved offer that clearly demonstrates value for money.”