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Special, Place Scrutiny Committee - Monday, 11th March, 2024 6.30 pm

March 11, 2024 View on council website Watch video of meeting Read transcript (Professional subscription required)

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“Was fortnightly waste collection decided without public consultation?”

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Summary

The council meeting focused on the Waste Collection Contract Procurement, with extensive debate on the process, decisions made, and member involvement. The discussion revealed concerns about the lack of transparency and member input in decision-making, as well as the potential risks of proceeding without adequate review.

  1. Decision to Proceed with Fortnightly Waste Collection: The council decided to switch from weekly to fortnightly waste collection. Proponents argued it was necessary for cost savings and efficiency. Opponents worried about the potential negative impact on waste management and public dissatisfaction. This decision could lead to significant operational changes and potential public backlash.

  2. No Public Consultation: It was revealed that there was a decision to avoid public consultation on the waste collection changes, deemed a hindrance by some members. This decision was criticized for lacking transparency and disregarding public input, which could affect public trust and the successful implementation of the new waste collection strategy.

  3. Delegation of Decision-Making to Officers: The council discussed the extent of authority delegated to council officers, which included making key decisions on the waste contract. There were concerns about whether this bypassed necessary political oversight and could lead to decisions that might not fully align with elected representatives' views or public interest.

Interestingly, the meeting also highlighted internal disagreements and confusion about the process and previous decisions, indicating a need for clearer governance and communication within the council.

Attendees

Profile image for CouncillorMartin Berry
Councillor Martin Berry Non-Aligned • St Lukes Ward
Profile image for CouncillorOwen Cartey
Councillor Owen Cartey Conservative Party • West Leigh Ward
Profile image for CouncillorDaniel Cowan
Councillor Daniel Cowan Leader of the Council • Labour & Co-operative Party • St Laurence Ward
Profile image for CouncillorAlan Dear
Councillor Alan Dear Conservative Party • Belfairs Ward
Profile image for CouncillorFay Evans
Councillor Fay Evans Conservative Party • West Leigh Ward
Profile image for CouncillorIan Gilbert
Councillor Ian Gilbert Labour Party • Victoria Ward
Profile image for CouncillorJohn Harland
Councillor John Harland Conservative Party • West Shoebury Ward
Profile image for CouncillorLydia Hyde
Councillor Lydia Hyde Cabinet Member for Climate, Environment and Waste • Labour & Co-operative Party • St Laurence Ward
Profile image for CouncillorAnne Jones
Councillor Anne Jones Deputy Leader - Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing • Labour Party • Westborough Ward
Profile image for CouncillorDarryl Jones
Councillor Darryl Jones Reform UK • Southchurch Ward
Profile image for CouncillorKevin Robinson
Councillor Kevin Robinson Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Law and Governance • Labour Party • Westborough Ward
Profile image for CouncillorKevin Buck
Councillor Kevin Buck Conservative Party • Prittlewell Ward
Profile image for CouncillorTony Cox
Councillor Tony Cox Deputy Mayor - Leader of the Southend Reform UK Group • Reform UK • West Shoebury Ward
Profile image for CouncillorMeg Davidson
Councillor Meg Davidson Conservative Party • Prittlewell Ward
Profile image for CouncillorMatt Dent
Councillor Matt Dent Cabinet Member for Business, Culture, Music and Tourism • Labour & Co-operative Party • Kursaal Ward
Profile image for CouncillorJames Moyies
Councillor James Moyies Conservative Party • West Shoebury Ward
Profile image for CouncillorCarole Mulroney
Councillor Carole Mulroney Liberal Democrats • Leigh Ward
Profile image for CouncillorJack Warren
Councillor Jack Warren Conservative Party • Belfairs Ward
Profile image for CouncillorMartin Terry
Councillor Martin Terry Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Regulatory Services • Independent • Thorpe Ward
Profile image for CouncillorRobert McMullan
Councillor Robert McMullan Liberal Democrats • Eastwood Park Ward
Profile image for CouncillorRon Woodley
Councillor Ron Woodley Independent • Thorpe Ward

Topics

No topics have been identified for this meeting yet.

Meeting Documents

Agenda

Agenda frontsheet 11th-Mar-2024 18.30 Place Scrutiny Committee

Minutes

Printed minutes 11th-Mar-2024 18.30 Place Scrutiny Committee

Additional Documents

Supplementary Report Pack - Waste Collection Contact Procurement 11th-Mar-2024 18.30 Place Scrutin
Report of Exec Director Envt and Place