Issue - meetings

To receive a report from the Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport and the Head of Commercial Management and Waste Services detailing a proposed agreement between Kent County Council (KCC) and Gravesham Borough Council (GBC) which commits both parties to the most economically advantageous position for the collection and disposal of waste services within the administrative area of Gravesham.

1. The Head of Commercial Management and Waste Services, Mr Beaver, introduced a report on the collection and disposal of waste services within the administration area of Gravesham.  He explained that Gravesham Borough Council (GBC) had direct service operation which allowed it to design a new scheme of waste collection to significantly increase its recycling and composting rate by including wheeled bin collection of dry recyclables and separate weekly food waste collections.  This scheme put joint risk on both Kent County Council (KCC) and GBC which was a favourable arrangement.  The financial agreement took account of the price rises and the changes in government legislation.  This arrangement protected KCC if GBC did not reach their targets. KCC could recoup the costs from GBC.

2. Mr Beaver and Mr Balfour responded to questions by Members as follows:

a)    A comment was made that GBC welcomed the agreement and considered that it demonstrated that GBC had made significant investment.  When local authorities worked together to have a direct service they could influence their own future.  This could be the future for other district and borough councils.

b)    A comment was made that the wording in paragraph 5.1, “This IAA rewards GBC..”, could be considered patronising as this was a partnership.  Alternative wording was suggested as follows “The IAA is in recognition of GBC..”.  Mr Balfour agreed to the suggested revised wording and stated that there was no intention to patronise GBC or any Borough or District Councils as the local authorities needed to work closely together.

3. RESOLVED that:-

(a)   the  responses to questions by Members be noted; and

(b)  the Cabinet Committee endorse the proposed decision to be taken by  the Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport  for KCC to enter into an Inter Authority Agreement with GBC to increase levels of recycling and reduce disposal costs for KCC as detailed in Appendix A of the report.