Agenda item

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 funding that would be required to extend the service to all households in accordance with the statutory duty. This matter would be considered further through the budget-setting process for the forthcoming financial year.

Following presentation of the report, Members had detailed discussion and commented of the following matters:

·       Members sought clarification regarding the level of Government funding allocated for the implementation of food waste collection services through the Local Government Settlement. Officers advised that Government had declined to provide a breakdown of the funding attributable to food waste collections.

·       It was noted that seven collection vehicles were due to be delivered in December 2026, which would provide sufficient capacity to support a district-wide food waste collection service.

·       Discussion took place regarding the position of Wyre Forest District Council in light of Local Government Reorganisation. Officers advised that Wyre Forest District Council had maintained that it would not implement a food waste collection service until either dedicated Government revenue funding became available or a new unitary authority was established. Members noted that compliance with the food waste collection requirement remained a statutory obligation and that recent improvements to Wyre Forest District Council’s depot may provide future operational capacity, although no food waste collection vehicles had yet been ordered.

·       Cabinet was informed that an update on progress across Worcestershire had been presented to the Leaders’ Board. Members noted that, following decisions regarding the future structure of local government within the county, authorities would continue to work collaboratively to develop food waste collection arrangements ahead of Local Government Reorganisation. An update was also provided on the position of other Worcestershire authorities.

·       The importance of the Council meeting its statutory obligations and delivering the food waste collection service as soon as possible was emphasised.

·       Discussion was had regarding the proposed lease arrangements for the two Redditch sites in the context of Local Government Reorganisation. Officers advised that the immediate priority was to secure suitable facilities to enable service implementation. It was reported that five-year lease agreements were being pursued, incorporating break clauses after three years, which would provide operational certainty whilst retaining flexibility for future review.

·       Members queried the potential impact of operating the service from Redditch on residents living furthest from the proposed depot locations. Officers advised that no impact on service delivery was anticipated as collection vehicles would travel across the District as part of their normal operating routes.

·       The benefits of a phased implementation programme were discussed. Members noted that the approach would enable officers to assess operational performance and address any issues before expanding the service further. Reference was made to the experience of other local authorities that had implemented services on a Council-wide basis from the outset and subsequently experienced operational difficulties. Cabinet noted that a phased rollout would support resilience and help ensure adequate staffing resources during implementation.

·       The food waste collections would mirror the current arrangements for other waste collections. This would be beneficial as staff already knew the areas and would be able to share knowledge with colleagues dealing with the new waste service. It was clarified that only collection days would be mirrored rather than collection rounds.

·       The proposed communications plan was also discussed. Members were advised that residents would receive advance notification of the introduction of the service in their area, notice regarding the delivery of food waste caddies and a further information pack explaining how the new arrangements would operate.

NOTED the progress made on food waste collection implementation.

RESOLVED that Authority be granted to the Assistant Director for Regeneration and Property Services to negotiate and finalise the terms of the lease for land at Howard Road and Crossgate Road. 

RECOMMENDED that an allocation of additional ongoing revenue of £186,155 for the expansion of the food waste collection service from 2027/28 be considered as part of the Medium-Term Financial Plan, with any decision deferred until the full financial implications are assessed alongside wider funding priorities through the budget process.