The West London Waste Authority met on Tuesday 3 June 2025 to discuss financial updates, audit reports, and operational matters. Key decisions included the approval of the 2025-26 Business Plan and the disbursement of excess reserves and PPP income to boroughs.

Finance Update and Reserves Disbursement

The Authority received an update on its financial position, noting a forecast surplus for the remainder of the year. A significant discussion point was the disbursement of excess reserves totalling £2.85 million and £2.02 million in PPP (Public-Private Partnership) contract income to the constituent boroughs. These disbursements are intended to support boroughs and are apportioned based on council tax base. The Authority also noted potential tax liabilities related to the Electricity Generator Levy (EGL) on PPP income, with further details to be communicated to boroughs. A workshop is planned with borough Environment and Finance Directors to discuss the utilisation of £11.3 million in Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) funding.

Audit and Governance Reports

The meeting reviewed several audit reports, including the Update on the 2024/25 accounts and outturn for the year ending 31 March 2025 and external audit reports from KPMG. A significant weakness was identified in procurement processes, although KPMG intended to issue a clean opinion on the financial statements. The Annual Report on Internal Audits indicated that reasonable assurance could be given regarding the effectiveness of the Authority's internal control, governance, and risk management systems. The Governance Report highlighted ongoing efforts to standardise governance across the organisation and improve compliance with best practices, including the integration of the Governance Framework with risk management and the review of HR policies. Assurance statements from Chief Officers affirmed the effectiveness of internal controls within their respective areas.

Contracts and Operations Update

An update on waste treatment arrangements revealed a challenging operational environment. Preparations were underway for alternative food waste tonnage bulking arrangements due to the end of a temporary arrangement at Victoria Road, and for the SERC (Severnside Energy Recovery Centre) outage in June/July 2025. The report noted operational issues caused by non-conforming wastes received from Borough sites and persistent high levels of residual waste. A fire prevention campaign, focusing on the dangers of disposing of electrical items, was in progress. A RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations) reportable incident occurred at Abbey Road due to lifting equipment failure, with an investigation ongoing. Progress was also noted in collecting reusable items at Household Reuse and Recycling Centres (HRRCs).

Procurement Update

The meeting sought delegated approval for contracts related to mattress recycling and unallocated residual waste. The re-procurement of the mattress recycling contract, estimated at £1.7 million, aims to increase recycling and explore closed-loop opportunities. A contract for the treatment and disposal of approximately 55,000 tonnes of unallocated residual waste is also being procured using a Dynamic Purchasing System. An update was provided on the successful implementation of a new HRRC booking system, and a review of the Authority's procurement processes highlighted areas for improvement, including the implementation of a Purchase to Pay process and a Contract Management Framework.

Business Plan and Meetings Schedule

The West London Waste Authority's 2025-26 Business Plan and strategic priorities were approved. This plan aims to create the necessary changes to reduce waste and avoid increasing financial risks and costs. The Authority also agreed on the schedule of meetings for the Municipal Year 2025/26.