Issue - meetings

Matter for Decision:  

The Executive Councillor for Environmental and Waste Services remit covers the work of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Waste Partnership (Recycling in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough). The report gave scrutiny members a feel for the direction of travel for this partnership and its developing priorities. It was part of a commitment given in the Council’s “Principles of Partnership Working” that the Council’s lead member in each partnership provide his or her scrutiny committee with an annual account of their work.

Decision of Executive Councillor for Environmental and Waste Services:

The Executive Councillor resolved to:

        i.      Continue to work with the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Waste Partnership (Recycling in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough) to ensure that the strategic issues affecting the management of municipal waste (all waste under the control of an authority), environmental quality and wider waste management issues are responded to in a way that is appropriate for Cambridge.

Reason for the Decision:

As set out in the Officer’s report.

Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

Not applicable.

Scrutiny Considerations:

The Committee received a report from the Head of Refuse and Environment regarding the Annual Review of Strategic Partnerships.

In response to member’s questions the Officer confirmed the following:

        i.      Contractual discussions were on-going to resolve the problem of residual waste from the City going to landfill sites. Concerns had been noted and the officer undertook to keep members fully informed of progress.

      ii.      Members of the RECAP Board were clear on their individual authority. All decisions were taken by the individual authorities and not at the Board. Joint decision regarding waste services were business rather than political decisions.

    iii.      School waste was not monitored. However, recycling rates had improved which indicated success in this area. Schools were aware that there was a good economic case for reducing waste.

   iv.      While the RECAP objectives were a work in progress, the last year had seen improvements such as: route optimisation; increased opportunities for recycling; improved procurement together with software and service improvements.

The Committee resolved unanimously to endorse the recommendations.

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendation.

Conflicts of interest declared by the Executive Councillor (and any dispensations granted)

Not applicable.