Decision details

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport regarding Southampton’s bid for funding from the Weekly Collection Support Scheme.  To consider the options contained in the report and to accept external funding should the Council’s bid be successful.  This report also went to the Council Meeting on 14 November 2012.

(i)  To approve the delivery of the bid projects, (full bid included as Appendices 1 and 2).

(ii)  To recommend that Council approve the addition of the capital scheme “Weekly Collection Support Scheme” to the Environment & Transport Capital Programme in order to deliver the outcomes of the bid, a total of £2,165,000 to be funded by government grants.

(iii)  To recommend that Council approve capital expenditure on the capital scheme “Weekly Collection Support Scheme” of £2,165,000 phased £876,000 in 2012/13, £979,000 in 2013/14 £310,000 in 2014/15.

(iv)  To recommend that Council approve the addition of £1,097,000 to the 2012/13 revenue estimates of the Environment and Transport Portfolio funded by government grant and to note that further additions of £2,373,000 to the 2013/14 and £2,645,000 to the 2014/15 revenue estimates will be formally made as part of the preparation of those financial years’ budget.

1. The proposals included in the Weekly Collection Support Scheme Bid aim to increase recycling rates, reduce waste generated and make savings in the first two years which will fund weekly residual collections.  Thereafter the project will become self funding up to year 5 as long as we revert to four weekly glass collections in years 4 and 5.
2. The bid enhances our recycling service offer to our customers and will enable us to raise awareness and drive up recycling behaviours by introducing fortnightly glass collections.
3. The bid will enable us to reduce the amount of material sent to landfill through an enhanced home composting programme and provision of subsidised compost bins and food waste digesters.

Alternative options are also currently being developed in conjunction with the Environment and Transport Policy Working Group, should the bid not be successful.