Minutes:
A letter was sent to residents offering the update that the Council will be moving to alternate weekly bin collections. This is projected to save the Council £240,000 a year. Officers will collect refuse one week, and recycling the other.
An optimization survey is due to take place to find the most suitable route to collect waste.
Cllr Boulter noted a residents comment about Council Tax. He advised that the local authority receive a small amount with the majority going to Police and Leicestershire County Council.
Should the Council not have made this decision, a 114 Notice may have been issued. This will allow Government employees to inspect how the Council operates and the make cost making decisions. This will also be at a financial cost to the Council. The Council have also saved money by reducing staffing by 15% and are reviewing income generation.
Cllr Boulter referred that previously, the Council allowed residents a free garden bin. It was however found that residents without gardens were in fact requesting bins at a cost to the Council. A decision has therefore been made that a one of payment of £38 will allow residents to purchase a larger refuse bin.
The change is due to be implemented in September.
Questions were raised concerning larger recycling bins. Cllr Boulter advised that the Government is soon to introduce new legislation which will reduce the number of packaging companies will use. This therefore should reduce the number of items residents recycle to be able to use current recycling bins.
Food waste collections are again, something new soon to be introduced. The Council have received advice that residents can put food waste in their garden bins. That said, Leicestershire County Council will not dispose of food waste with garden waste so it is currently unclear what to do at this time.
A resident advised that his refuse is going to be overflowing with the alternate weekly bin collections and does not believe this will work. He also advised that Northamptonshire offered bins to residents for free.
Cllr Boulter responded to say that the Council initially wanted to charge an extra £50 per years. Members however disagreed where the one of cost was selected. Cllr Boulter also encouraged residents to try and use their current refuse bin where possible. Black bags left next to the bin will not due taken due to previously resulting in injuries to staff. The lids will also need to be closed to avoid damage to the bin.
A resident advised that he has seen staff collecting the bins pick out black bin bags from the refuse bins to then throw them into the lorry. Cllr Boulter advised that this should not happen.
Cllr Boulter informed the Forum that any smaller refuse bins returned will be recycled. Residents were concerned due to some properties, mainly terraces, not having the space to wheel the larger bins down the side alley to their rear garden and that bins will be left on the street.
A question was asked as to whether some occupants can have two smaller refuse bins.
A resident also raised concern with hygiene with moving to alternate weekly collections with waste sitting their for 2 weeks.
Cllr Boulter advised the Forum that the Council are having to reduce costs. He gave an example that currently that Council have a statutory duty to temporary accommodate certain individuals and families. The cost equates to roughly £600,000.
A resident questioned if practicalities have been considered or whether residents are simply expected to adjust. Cllr Boulter again referred to the new legislation to reduce packaging which should support residents with the number of items they recycle.
It was raised that when Melton introduced a similar scheme, they did charge residents for new bins, however Harborough did not. Increased fly tipping was also raised as a concern.
Cllr Boulter advised those with medical conditions can apply for a free black bin. Residents noted that this was not contained within the Council letter.