Decision details

RESOLVED

KEY DECISION

That the Executive:

a)      Recognised and accepted the grant from DEFRA for the capital infrastructure relating to introducing a food waste service of £2,495,563in line with the grant conditions. The approval of the capital project forms part of the Capital Updates report elsewhere on the Executive agenda;

b)      In line with the approval of the capital project, approved commencement of procurement of vehicles, containers and other items associated with the mobilisation of the new food waste collection service;

c)      Delegated authority to the Executive Member for Highways, Travel and Assets, in consultation with Executive Director for Place & Economy, Executive Director for Finance and Performance and the Executive Member for Finance, the authority to take any further decisions and actions required to implement the new service including the procurement process and award of the contracts, without the need to return to the Executive. This will include updating the North Northamptonshire Waste and Recycling Policy to reflect the new services.

Reasons for Recommendations:

·        The proposed option ensures compliance with Government requirements to collect food waste from residential properties from 1^st April 2026.

·        The recommended course of action will allow the Council to secure the most cost-effective solution for North Northamptonshire residents.

This approach ensures the Council has legally procured and has a compliant contract in place for the provision of services that provide a direct benefit to residents by collecting their waste.

Alternative Options Considered:

·        Contract out the collection service, requiring the supplier to manage the procurement of infrastructure items. This option is not recommended as it does not reflect the operational in-house arrangements in place and is anticipated to be more expensive given the overheads an external provider will place on the procurement of infrastructure items.

·        Take no action. This option is not recommended as it will mean that the Council does not meet its statutory obligations in respect of its duties as a Waste Collection Authority.