Decision details

          The Cabinet Member for Streetsmart and the Head of Streetsmart submitted a joint report responding to the contents of a Motion at Council on 24^th February 2014 on the Green Waste Recycling Service and that proposed the re-introduction of a “free at the point of use” service for the Eastcott Ward and Swindon Town Centre.

          Councillor Brian Ford, Cabinet Member for Streetsmart, commented on the contents of the report and that it reflected the outcome of a six-month review of the operation of the Green Waste Recycling Subscription Service that had been reported to the Highways and Streetsmart Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 26^th November 2014. He believed there was no evidence arising from the review to support the view that Eastcott and Town Centre Wards were disproportionately affected by the introduction of the paid-for service when compared with other wards in the Borough. In addition, there was no data showing that those Wards would significantly benefit over other wards from the re-introduction of a free at the point of use Green Waste service.

          Councillor Stan Pajak, Leader of the Minority Group on the Council and Eastcott Ward Councillor, referred to the contents of the report and the basis on which the original Motion had been put forward. He noted the survey information that indicated a low incidence of fly tipping of green waste in Eastcott, which was greatly welcomed. He hoped that the issue of fly tipping of general waste in the area could be addressed. He was grateful for the actions and flexibility of the Council’s officers in providing bags to those Eastcott residents who did not have space for the green waste recycling bins.

          Resolved – (1) That the contents of the joint report be noted and the existing paid for Green Waste Recycling Service be retained.

          (2) That the Council be advised of the contents of this joint report and of the decision in (1) above, in response to the motion at the Council meeting on 24^th February 2014 (Minute 99, 2013/14 refers).

          The reasons for the decision and alternative options are as set out in the report to the meeting.