Agenda item

Members of both the Service Delivery, Performance and Customers and Climate Change, Environment and Growth Executive Advisory Panels received a presentation that detailed the results of the public survey undertaken between March 2022 and April 2022 in relation to the future service provision of garden waste in North Northamptonshire. It was noted that a decision on future service arrangements was due to be considered by Executive at its meeting on 14^th July 2022.

The meeting heard that as a result of previous arrangements implemented by the former local authorities, the current garden waste service differed across North Northamptonshire. The Executive was therefore seeking to harmonise the service so that all residents received the same level of service, and the service was funded in the same way. The current services provided in each area were outlined as below:

The panel noted that a consultation relating to future service provision had been heavily promoted and involved elected members, town and parish councils, partner organisations and local businesses. In addition, views had been sought from the Council’s resident’s panel and from those on the council’s consultation register. The Communications Team had also been in contact with 38 local newsrooms, reporters and news sites as well as publicising the consultation via the Council’s website and social media channels.

It was heard that approximately 9600 responses had been received, with 9447 online questionnaire responses received and 140 written responses. Comments made had been mirrored by both online and physical submissions.

The meeting considered that whilst the consultation results were informative, they did not necessarily represent the views of all residents because the vast majority (99.5%) of respondents had a garden. If more residents without a garden had responded, the panel believed the responses to the questions regarding how the service should be funded may have been different.

The meeting also noted that 73% of respondents wished for a harmonised green waste service, with 79% considering that wider taxation from all residents should bear the cost of the service.

Data was provided in relation to the following aspects of a garden waste service:

·         Propensity to subscribe to a subscription-based collection service

·         Propensity to subscribe based on specific service price brackets

·         Demand for additional green waste bins

·         Payment methods

·         Current and planned green waste disposal methods

·         Collection periods

·         Any additional comments

A high proportion of respondents raised concerns regarding additional fly-tipping of green waste and potential misuse of black bins should any subscription service be introduced for all North Northamptonshire residents. In addition, concerns were raised regarding affordability and the belief that the service should already be covered as part of existing Council Tax payments.

Finally, the panel received details regarding the tonnage of garden waste currently collected, noting a high yield in the first half of the year, with a drop off from August and a spike in autumn followed by low collection rates during the winter period.

Members asked questions and made comments in relation to the following aspects of the garden waste service and proposals:

·         The collection service should operate across the whole 12-month calendar

·         The “break-even” point of service operation under a subscription scheme

·         The potential impact on household waste centres should a subscription model be introduced

·         Christmas tree collection under an 8-month collection system

·         Potential rebates for East Northamptonshire residents currently paying for green waste collection

·         How collection crews would know who subscribers were if a subscription model was introduced

·         Safeguards for those residents on low income

In response to member’s interest in the waste treatment process and the end destination of the garden waste, it was explained that material was sent for composting and the majority of the resultant compost was used as soil conditioner on agricultural land.

Following debate, it was

RESOLVED: That the Service Delivery, Performance and Customers Executive Advisory Panel made the following recommendations to the Executive:

·         The Panel supported the proposal to harmonise the garden waste service, so all residents received the same service and for the service to be funded in the same way across North Northamptonshire.

·         The panel also supported the introduction of a 12-month service rather than an eight month one.

·         In light of the cost-of-living pressures experienced at present, the panel noted that a subscription service could put further pressure on some households, and this should be considered when making any decision.