Agenda item

To consider a report of the Cabinet Members for Climate Change & Environment and Economy, Regeneration & Housing.

The report and appendix outline the strategic approach in responding to the medium-term financial plan (MTFP) and should be read in conjunction with the MTFP update reports (parts A and B) presented to the Cabinet meeting held on 18 September 2024.

The Scrutiny Committee is requested to:

1)    comment on the report and the proposals presented within the report relevant to the remit of the committee; and

2)    note the report.

Officer contact: Gill Lawton 0161 474 3686 | gill.lawton@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Members for Climate Change & Environment and Economy, Regeneration & Housing submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) outlining the proposed strategic approach in responding to the medium-term financial plan.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         It was noted that the report and appendix was to be read in conjunction with the MTFP update reports (parts A and B) presented to the Cabinet meeting held on 18 September 2024.

·         The Scrutiny Committee were aware of the financial challenges facing the authority and other local authorities across the country.

·         It was questioned whether the proposals relating to waste would cause an increase in fly-tipping, which was already an issue in the borough. Further, whether people would begin to burn waste, as waste might not be as easily disposable under the new proposals. It was reported that these concerns had not come to fruition in other local authority areas in which the proposals had already been implemented. Evidence from other local authorities enabled to council to learn from experience and best practice.

·         It was reported that officers had been asked to explore reducing the cost of composting bins, given that composting would be the best option for residents from a biodiversity and environmental perspective.

·         It was advised that the proposals presented considered the government’s forthcoming mandatory implementation of proposals set out in the resources and waste strategy for England, in which local authorities must ensure that food waste was collected for free on a weekly basis by 31 March 2026. The proposed options were to either pay a fee for a garden and food waste collection, or not pay the fee and receive a standalone food waste collection. It was commented that the proposals within the report would facilitate a smoother transition to the government’s revised waste collection arrangements to be introduced in March 2026. 

·         It was noted that Stockport had some of the best rates of recycling in Greater Manchester.

·         It was also noted that waste crews were collecting far less waste than they previously had, given the culture shift and move away from traditional media e.g., newspapers, amongst other factors. Further, residents had the opportunity to purchase a further bin, which meant that households could have greater capacity if they wished.

·         It was noted that the option to increase collections based on a ‘peak season’ would not be possible, as this would increase the risk of a part-year service and the potential issues in staff recruitment and retention as a result; the council tried as far as possible to avoid the use of agency staff.

·         There was a discount option proposed for people receiving council tax support. There was no evidence of this specific provision being trialled at other local authorities.

·         In response to a question as to capability to maintain Stockport’s good recycling rates, it was noted that the forthcoming government strategy would have a significant impact on recycling rates for the country, as well as the ability to track them. The strategy expected to attach value to plastics in the future to incentivise people to recycle e.g., taking plastics that are unable to be recycled with household recycling to the supermarket. Although this would make it more difficult for the council to track recycling rates, recycling rates would be expected to improve.

·         It was noted that the larger outdoor food waste caddy held approximately four food bags and was lockable.

·         The permit for green waste collection would be a sticker that attaches to a bin, which is linked to the property.

·         It was noted that residents could also arrange a one-off collection for garden waste, if needed.

·         A concern was raised in relation to people putting garden waste into someone else’s bin who did not have a permit and therefore their bin would not be collected. Members were reassured that the council would work with Totally Local Company to address any such issues appropriately.

·         It was reported that some ‘friends of’ and church groups who collected green waste currently received a free service. Further consideration would need to be given as to whether this would continue.

·         Larger or additional bins were available for residents wishing to recycle larger amounts of paper and cardboard. It was advised that companies were attempting to streamline cardboard boxes being delivered.

·         There was ongoing engagement with trade unions on the matter, and the workforce itself were involved in the shaping of this piece of work. Members were reassured that staff numbers would not be reduced.

·         Technology in wagons enabled crews to identify those needing assisted waste collections.

·         It was advised that crew rounds would not take any longer if the proposals were implemented, because crews already checked bins for cross-contamination. Further, less bins would be collected as a result of the proposals.

·         Good communication with residents around the proposals and next steps was incredibly important.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.