Issue - meetings

The Environmental Services Manager presented a report outlining proposals for the implementation of a food waste collection service.

Cabinet was reminded that Government had introduced a new statutory duty under the Environment Act 2021 which required local authorities to introduce a dedicated separate weekly collection of food waste to all households by 31st March 2026. It was noted that Bromsgrove District Council was not currently compliant with this requirement.

Members were informed that there had been conflicting information from Government regarding the provision of ongoing revenue funding for the service. Whilst funding had initially been expected, revenue support had subsequently been incorporated into the wider Local Government Settlement, resulting in a significant annual funding shortfall for the delivery of the service. However, capital funding had been received to support the purchase of vehicles and caddies required for implementation.

Cabinet noted that provision of one million pounds had been included within the Medium Term Financial Plan for 2026/27 to facilitate the introduction of the service. It had originally been anticipated that this allocation would be supplemented by Government funding.

It was reported that the Council had initially intended to procure the service through an outsourced arrangement due to limitations in available land and staffing resources. Whilst this had been considered the most cost-effective option, the approach had subsequently been reviewed following Wyre Forest District Council’s withdrawal from the joint procurement process.

Members were advised that officers had maintained ongoing dialogue with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), including correspondence from the Chief Executive. DEFRA had confirmed that it did not intend to take direct enforcement action against the Council at the present time, although it had acknowledged that the statutory requirements were not being met.

Cabinet was informed that the Council now intended to implement the service on a phased basis, with approximately fifty per cent of households receiving the service during the first phase and around sixty-six per cent during the subsequent phase. The service was expected to commence in January 2027, following delays in the delivery of the required vehicles, which were not anticipated to arrive until December 2026.

Members were further advised that recruitment of staff required to deliver the service would commence imminently. One of the principal challenges was the identification of suitable operational land which could be used jointly with Redditch Borough Council and provide adequate staff parking facilities.

Following a review of land holdings across both Bromsgrove District Council and Redditch Borough Council, together with discussions with a local land agent, officers had identified two sites in Redditch which would collectively meet operational requirements. It was acknowledged that operating from Redditch would result in increased fuel costs. However, these costs were expected to be offset by savings in staffing for supervisory and management positions.

Cabinet noted that the Council would not initially be able to provide the service to approximately one third of properties within the District, including Houses in Multiple Occupation and some high-density developments. The report outlined the additional revenue  ...  view the full minutes text for item 18