Decision details

The proposed contracts are required to prevent extension of existing contracts which would be in breach of Procurement Regulations.

A transparent and accountable procurement process has been used to select providers.

KCC has a statutory responsibility as the Waste Disposal Authority for the disposal of household waste and as such the contracts subject to this report are a fundamental requirement to ensure waste can be managed cost-effectively and via environmentally sound methods.

Equality Impact Assessments (EqIAs) have been undertaken to inform the contract specification and assess the impacts of the procurement process. Resulting action plans have been implemented to ensure equitable access for Kent householders with regard to Protected Characteristics. The EqIAs informed the inclusion of equality related mandatory requirements within the tender documents including:

•        Designated staff as ‘equality champions’ for customer care at each facility.

•        Ensuring facility signage is clear and appropriate for customers where language and literacy may present as barrier to using the service

•        All HWRCs are managed in line with KCC’s policies including the Disability Access Scheme.

HWRC and TS facilities will be leased/licenced to the selected providers through KCC Property.

As Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport for the Council, I agree for Kent County Council to proceed to award contracts to the preferred tenderers following completion of the procurement process for the provision of the Management and Operation of Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRC) and Transfer Stations (TS) to ensure service continuity:

a)  Lot 2: Mid Kent facilities- 5 HWRCs; 2 TS

b)  Lot 3: East Kent facilities- 7 HWRCs; 1 TS