This report seeks to agree the new service specification and approval to procure the new waste collection service. This follows the adoption of the council’s new Waste Management Strategy in July 2021 and the subsequent Cabinet decision to adopt a new waste collection model in November 2021.

That:

a)    Cabinet approve the commencement of a competitive procurement process as required and as outlined in this report to procure the future service;

b)    Cabinet approve the inclusion and procurement of a separate cargo bike food waste collection service in the central Hereford City area;

c)     Authority is delegated to the Director of Resources and Assurance in consultation with Corporate Director Economy and Environment to approve the finalised draft service specification, and to take all operational decisions to award and mobilise the new collection contract subject to a successful procurement process;

d)    Authority is delegated to the Director of Resources and Assurance and the Corporate Director Economy and Environment following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Assets to negotiate an extension to the existing waste collection contract with FCC Environment until 3 June 2024, subject to securing Value for Money, in order to mitigate the risk of vehicle procurement lead times and to ensure an effective mobilisation period for the new waste collection service; and

e)    To delegate to the Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Corporate Director Economy and Environment authority to take all necessary steps to commence reprocuring the Waste Disposal Contract in the event that the due diligence process is incomplete or the due diligence process produces an unsatisfactory value for money outcome and to bring a further report to Cabinet in the event that is necessary.

Do nothing - This is not an option as the current waste collection arrangements are due to expire in November 2023 and waste collection and disposal services are statutory services that the council has to provide.