Agenda item

RLeBrun took the report as read, noting that the Council is facing significant financial and environmental pressures in the medium-term and must therefore consider a number of options to close the budget deficit in future years. The situation has been exacerbated by the cost of living crisis as well as the recently approved 2022-23 National Pay Award. The option being considered is to introduce a chargeable garden waste service to help the council reduce the cost of the service provision. RLeBrun noted that the collection of garden waste is a discretionary service, not a statutory service, and does not have to be provided by the council. The proposal is to introduce a paid service for all garden waste from the first week of March 2023 when the garden waste service recommences after the winter break.

Cllr England thanked RLeBrun for the report and acknowledged on the need to save money and agreed that it is logical to look at non-statutory services, though he urged caution around the unintended consequences if the decision is rushed. Cllr England asked if the proposal would effect recycling versus residual waste, noting that the report states there is no detriment amongst those who carried this out, though there is evidence from Haringey that 4% of residual waste was garden waste and could therefore increase Dacorum's residual waste, an area that they are looking to improve upon. Cllr England also noted Hemel Hempstead's recycling centre, stating that it is not considered fit for purpose and asked if it was the right time to put more pressure on it. Cllr England asked if the proposal would also lead to more bonfires and queried the air quality risk posed by people burning wet garden waste, noting that there is no safe level and that some people may decide to take this route during the cost of living crisis. Cllr England then asked how many of the 36% who don't pay but don't have garden waste have composted successfully and asked what they are encouraging people to do if not to recycle locally, suggesting that it could lead to dumping of waste. Cllr England clarified that he was not against the proposal and noted his concerns of implementing it too quickly and not doing it well, stating that there could be some unintended consequences. Cllr England stated that giving people £10 off the service would be enough for those struggling and that they should recognise the cost of living crisis on those on fixed income. Cllr England then asked if the proposal is driven by environmental virtue or if they are simply looking to save money. Cllr England then asked if home composting is a goal and suggested that the primary objective should be to first establish home composting successfully before proceeding with the proposal. Cllr England asked when recycling would be standardised in the UK and if the council is giving a commitment to remove the charge when it is implemented.

Cllr Harden clarified that Cllr England supports the proposal but not the current timeframe. Cllr England stated that he recognised it should be introduced.

RLeBrun noted that Hounslow showed a 4% increase when charging was introduced, though they did not look into how much garden waste went into residual waste first, but it helped provide an overview of where education is required. Evidence from other councils shows that the initial impact on the recycling rate is very small and it then recovers quickly. RLeBrun noted that the proposal is also an opportunity to remind residents of the whole recycling process, and further into 2023 they are looking at more options to push this. It was noted that St. Albans have regularly been in the top 5 councils for recycling and are likely to remain in this. On the Hemel Hempstead recycling site, RLeBrun confirmed that they are in regular Herts Waste Partnership meetings, which discusses waste across the whole county, including the use of recycling centres and kerbside collection, and the concerns can be raised. On bonfires, RLeBrun acknowledged the impact on air quality and advised that there is little anecdotal evidence of an increase in bonfires and that the greater concern is the dumping of garden waste. Looking at composting, RLeBrun confirmed that this will form a major part of the communication plan and that they are looking at companies they can work with to get better deals for residents on composters. RLeBrun acknowledged the comment that having more time would allow for more education, adding that this information has been available for a long time and that those who are doing it are likely doing so already, and while they need to act now, they will also be looking at composting. With regards to the cost of living, RLeBrun advised that they have looked across the county and how to be consistent regarding concessions and that offering further concessions could cost the council more to manage these. RLeBrun advised that there will be lessons learned and changes will be made when required and they will return to the Committee to provide updates. RLeBrun confirmed that this is ongoing work and that the environmental team works proactively to look at all means on how to educate the public around this.

RLeBrun acknowledged the government consultation that took place last year regarding waste and the proposal to offer a part-free garden waste collection service. Councils fed back on this and a response is yet to be received. RLeBrun noted that making the scheme free would leave large budget holes across the country and that they are therefore unlikely to introduce this in the short to medium-term. Whilst it has been a conversation, they are unlikely to see a free garden waste scheme in the next 1-2 years.

Cllr England commented on the statement in the report that currently two thirds of households use the service and a 30% take-up is expected, meaning that 36% will not sign up to the service. Cllr Harden noted that residents could share bins. RLeBrun agreed, stating that if the subscription is paid for the bin then it will be emptied. RLeBrun advised that they have forecast 30% as this is the standard across councils when the scheme is introduced, adding that Devon found one third of bins were full, one third were put out and didn't have much waste in and the other third weren't put out, and that is is rare for councils to not achieve over 50%. RLeBrun stated that they will have a better understanding once the scheme has been in place for a year and that the expectation isn't that the remaining 36% will be dumping or burning their garden waste.

Cllr Harden referred to item 2.3 in the report and commented on the wording regarding St. Albans and East Hertfordshire moving to the scheme. RLeBrun confirmed that both have now moved onto the scheme. It was noted that the '8 out of 10' assumes that Dacorum will move to the scheme and should instead read '7 out of 10'. Cllr Harden noted that two areas that have not moved to the scheme due to having garden and food waste in the same bin, otherwise they may have proceeded, meaning that 100% of Hertfordshire is moving in this direction.

Cllr Foster commented on fly tipping, noting how easy it is to dump garden waste and issues already caused by invasive species. Cllr Foster stated that she has spoken to Ashridge about this and they have stated that green waste is a particular issue and they are concerned that the problem will increase.

RLeBrun thanked the councillor for raising the concern and advised that some invasive species are dumped regardless. Lebrun stated that if they have a better understanding of where green waste dumping is occurring, they can look at education and enforcement to also tackle the issue of invasive species.

Cllr Foster asked that the scheme be delayed until the council consults with Ashridge. RLeBrun acknowledged the comment, adding that the situation is already occurring. Cllr Barratt commented that they could not assume that residents will suddenly turn to fly-tipping as this has not been the case in other boroughs. Cllr Wilkie commented that Councillors are not opposed to the scheme and that concerns are around unintended consequences, particularly given the financial crisis. Cllr Wilkie acknowledged the pressures that the council is facing and commented that there are untested elements within the proposal. Cllr Harden noted that actions will be taken if invasive species are being dumped.

RLeBrun confirmed that they can consult with Ashridge and that this will take place to better understand issues around invasive species.

Cllr Timmis commented that the majority of fly-tipping is not carried out by local residents and suggested that this may also be the case at Ashridge. Cllr Timmis noted her support for the scheme and that most residents would be happy to pay for the service, noting that use of bins tends to be low and therefore bins could be easily shared.

Cllr Harden remarked that sharing bins with neighbours could be included within the communication plan.

RLeBrun confirmed that FAQs will be put up on the website and will be regularly updated, noting that they will follow St. Albans' example on this and be very clear about what can and can't be done.

Cllr Stevens asked if a subscription runs for 12 months or the balance of the year. RLeBrun confirmed that people will pay the balance for the year and people are encouraged to sign up at the beginning of the year to get the full service, noting that the communication plan will take place before it launches at the start of March 2023 and ensure that people receive the full service.

Cllr Stevens asked how they will address issues at the beginning of March. RLeBrun advised that Dacorum has been running a subscription extra bin service and can adapt the model for the green waste scheme. A company, PermiServ, has been consulted with regarding providing bin labels and this will be received by residents within 3-5 days and will cost £1.25 per resident, which has been costed into the scheme. The process is therefore automated as much as possible to help minimise errors and there is confidence that there should be no delays between sign up and service delivery. RLeBrun noted that other Hertfordshire councils are already using the service and have confirmed that the company delivers as promised.

Cllr Stevens asked how quickly they can proceed with the scheme. Cllr Harden stated that the implementation is within the report. RLeBrun confirmed that the scheme will go live week commencing 27th February 2023 and that the ability to sign up will go live in the first week of January. Once there is agreement from Cabinet, the communication and education work can commence. RLeBrun advised that whilst it was unlikely that most users will sign up at the beginning of January, the service can cope if they do and they also have until the start of March to push the service, adding that they are likely to see an increase in users over the Easter period. RLeBrun added that the complaints service is also being built in to allow people the option to call the council when needed.

Cllr Harden asked that the IT service be able to handle demand. RLeBrun stated that the process has to work regardless of the number of people who sign up, and that the second key element is the education and communication programme, which is being addressed via weekly meetings to ensure the whole process is ready as soon as the scheme has been signed off.

Cllr England acknowledged the communications planned throughout the year, noting that people are less likely to listen to the messaging during winter and instead suggested that they promote composting and making arrangements with neighbours to share bins ahead of 2024. Cllr England stated that the council need to give people time to prepare and he voiced concerns about where the scheme comes on scrutiny and that it was not within the Work Programme at the last meeting. Given the uncertainty regarding take-up, Cllr England suggested that if the scheme does proceed then it should be free for those on benefits and pensions, noting that he would not support the scheme if this was not offered. Cllr England added that the scheme should also be delayed to allow for communications over the summer period.

Cllr Beauchamp noted his broad support of the scheme and echoed the concerns around implementation. Cllr Beauchamp asked if the service is only available via online subscription and if those without internet access would be able to sign up. RLeBrun advised that they are primarily focusing on online sign-up, though there is a phone number who can talk people through the sign-up process, and while the aim is to have a fully automated service in time, help will always be provided. Cllr Beauchamp stated that the communications need to include an alternative for those who do not have internet access.

Looking at the £10 discount, Cllr Beauchamp commented that this could be more generous and noted that the second bin cost would not be increased. Cllr Beauchamp suggested that the cost instead be applied to the second bin charge and then offer a £15 discount for green waste collection. Cllr Beauchamp noted that green waste can still be taken to recycling centres and that those close to recycling centres may use this option instead, adding that there may be extra pressure on Cupid Green with people from the St. Albans area using the facility and asked if they would consider asking people to prove their residency to use it.

RLeBrun confirmed that St. Albans have already implemented the green waste subscription and that he did not expect to see an increase in residents using Dacorum facilities. Cllr Beauchamp stated that they may already be using their services and that they need to be aware of the potential increase in use. RLeBrun acknowledged the comment, noting that HCC control the recycling centre and it would be unrealistic to ask them to restrict which boroughs can use it, though they can ask if there are any increases in use following implementation of the scheme across the borough.

Cllr Wyatt-Lowe noted her support of the proposed scheme, advising that the process is already in place with the second bin scheme and can be readily adapted. Cllr Wyatt-Lowe stated that whilst she would prefer to see the £10 concession increased, she acknowledged that they did not want to lose the financial benefits of the scheme by creating an overly complicated administrative system. Cllr Wyatt-Lowe noted the commitment that the scheme will be under review.

Cllr Harden asked members to vote on the report.

FOR                          AGAINST                      ABSTAIN

5                              0                            4