Issue - meetings

Executive Member for Recycling, Household Waste and Environmental Health presented the report to consider the future provision of the rural skip service. He commented that it was with a heavy heart that the Council would have to cease this non-statutory service which it had taken in when the County Council withdrew its support. The Council needed to look at savings to bridge the budget shortfall as a result of the COVID pandemic. Members attention was brought to alternative options available to residents which included the councils own bulky waste collection and charities in the district that collect and recycle goods.

The Leader brought Members attention to a letter, which had been circulated to Executive from Ipplepen Parish Council raising concerns regarding the cessation of this service.

Members discussed the costs of the service and the possibility of Towns and Parishes taking on the service either individually or jointly.

The Waste and Cleansing Manager clarified that the average cost of a skip was £1800 plus disposal costs and the council would share its information with regards to risk assessments for this work to assist the Town and Parishes if they wish to make their own arrangements.

RESOLVED that:-

(1)           The discontinue the service be agreed and necessary arrangements with the existing contractor for early contract termination be made; and

(2)           Support be provided to the Town & Parish Councils impacted to assist them with their own arrangements where requested.

Councillor Purser abstained from voting.