Agenda item

Purpose:

This report seeks Members’ views on the procurement activity in relation to the management of our Household Waste & Recycling Centres HWRC, future

provision of the sites and the introduction of a permit scheme for Monmouthshire residents.

Key Issues:

·         Council budgets are under increasing pressure and services must look to innovative and new ways to achieve savings or deliver services with reduced funding. Monmouthshire has an excellent recycling rate record but we must be aware of changes in markets, public perception and the political landscape as well as innovation and legislative context when considering service changes.

            This is an opportunity for the Strong Communities Select Committee to      scrutinise proposals to:

1.    Introduce of a resident permit scheme for use at the Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRC) sites;

2.    Introduce day closures as set out in report:

3.    Continue procurement and related activities in relation to the

HWRC sites and to present the options to Council for decision following full analysis.

4.    Consider options for full closure of HWRC sites (in particular the Usk HWRC given operational issues and usage),acknowledging that the authority is legally required to only offer one site within the county, and to agree what proposals to recommend to the Cabinet Member for Operations.

Member Scrutiny:

The Head of Waste and Street Scene introduced the report, welcoming the scrutiny of the Select Committee before consideration by full Council.  Questions and comments were invited, as follows:

Introduction of a resident permit scheme:

1.    Members were in agreement with a measure to reduce non-resident use of HWRC sites and the consequent savings to keep sites open for residents.

2.    Members were in favour of a visible resident permit displayed on a vehicle dashboard or hooked over the rear view mirror on entry to a site and suggested that the permit was distributed in the most cost effective manner e.g. via Council Tax demands.  In response to a question, it was confirmed that a resident could present alternative photo identification if the permit was lost or unavailable.

3.    Members suggested that out of county border residents could be offered the option to buy an annual or single use permit for economic, convenience and environmental reasons. It was agreed that handling money on site was not feasible.

4.    A Member requested clear signage to explain the sites are for the use of Monmouthshire residents only, opening times and rules.  It was confirmed that the changed arrangements would be publicised through a marketing strategy, signage and the availability of site attendants to provide advice.

Upon being put to the vote, the recommendation to introduce a resident permit scheme for use at the Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRC) sites was unanimously supported by the Select Committee.

Day/full closure of sites/Procurement:

1.    A Member was not in favour of the closure of Usk or Mitchel Troy HWRC sites and was concerned, in particular, that all three options included the closure of the Usk site which is a valued and well-used facility. The Local Member agreed with the points made, referred to the town and outlying area’s future needs and suggested a closure of two days a week (Sunday, Monday) to make savings.

2.    The Chair noted that legally the Council only has to provide one facility and commented that if this were to be the site at Llanfoist, there would be a considerable travelling time from the south of the county.  The cost of bringing the Usk site up to standard was requested.  It was responded by the Officer that there is investment each year into the Usk Site and it is maintained to be kept open and compliant.  The site is limited by lack of space, however. Other work such as resurfacing and fencing is required and an estimate of costs was provided. 

3.    A Member did not agree that the Usk site should be closed, and suggested looking at Mitchel Troy and Usk together offset by Five Lanes and Llanfoist sites.  It was commented that Sundays are a busy day for residents and the site should be open whilst accepting that businesses would not use the facility on a Sunday.

4.    A Member was in favour of the matter being debated by full Council and also put forward a suggestion of residents paying towards use of a HWRC facility. A Member requested more detailed costs to bring the Usk site up to standard.

5.    A Member stated that Monmouth residents would not be in favour of closures at Mitchel Troy site.

6.    A Member commented that day closures would be confusing for residents and suggested shortened hours instead.  The Member added the opinion that usage at Usk is low and it is expensive to run, coupled with safety issues, loss of car parking places and the large lorries transporting skips through the town.  The Member also asked about progress with the recyclable goods shop in Llanfoist and was informed that building is under way and discussions well progressed with Homemakers.  It is hoped to open the shop in April for two days a week. 

7.    The Head of Operations explained that a fund is to be created to strategically explore issues around the future development of Usk Town in terms of future prosperity and traffic etc.

8.    Referring to a possible future strategy of a one large central HWRC to replace the existing sites, a Member, preferred the current site locations for residents’ convenience

9.    Regarding arrangements for future procurement, it was agreed to refer this matter to full Council..