Issue - meetings

            The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, Enterprise, Community and Resources, which requested Members to endorse proposed changes to current Policy and operating practices at Halton Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs).

            Due to increased costs associated with operating Halton’s two HWRCs, together with the continuing financial pressures being felt by the Authority as a result of cuts to its funding by Central Government, a review of the Council’s HWRCs operations had been undertaken. The purpose of the review was to identify options to reduce the overall costs associated with the operation of the Centres whilst maintaining a high level of customer service.

            As part of the review, and in addition to looking at Halton’s own current practices, research was undertaken into the operation of HWRCs across a number of other local authority areas; both regionally and nationally and four key options for change had been identified for Members’ consideration. The four were as follows and were detailed in the report, together with the rationale behind each:

·         To reduce the current opening hours at the Centres;

·         To amend aspects of the current Vehicle Permit Scheme;

·         To introduce a new ‘’Halton Resident Only’ Policy; and

·         To introduce a new Policy of charging for the deposit of ‘non household’ waste items at the HWRCs.

            Subject to the endorsement by the Board, it was proposed that a report would be submitted to the Executive Board in April and the proposals would be introduced on a phased basis throughout the new financial year.

            Members of the Waste Topic Group were thanked for their contributions towards the review and subsequent report.

            RESOLVED: That

1.    the proposals set out in paragraph 4.30 of the report be endorsed; and

2.    a report be presented to the Executive Board recommending the approval and implementation of the proposals set out in paragraph 4.30 of the report.