Members are requested to consider the report and its appendix found on pages 179-203 of the Cabinet agenda pack for 6 February 2024 and make the following resolutions:
1. Approval of the Project Initiation Document for the implementation of weekly food waste collections for households.
2. The project governance arrangements, including the establishment of a Project Board and associated Terms of Reference as outlined in the PID, to provide strategic direction and project oversight.
3. That £1,355,683 be released from council General Fund reserves to fund the estimated shortfall in funding of Capital and transition costs.
4. The procurement process to acquire the necessary vehicles, ancillary equipment, and containers in order to deliver the new service is commenced.
5. That delegated authority be given to the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate Services and Chichester Contract Services, to conclude the procurement process, award contracts, and approve capital and transition cost expenditure of up to £2,598,700 in order to expedite the service design and procurement project stages.
Minutes:
Cllr Moss moved the recommendations which were seconded by Cllr Brown. In Cllr Chilton’s absence Cllr Moss then introduced the item.
Cllr Bangert asked if consideration could be given to a food waste depot in the north of the district in order to reduce the carbon emissions associated with transporting food waste. Mr Carter explained that Midhurst had been considered but West Sussex County Council (WSCC) had ruled it not possible at this stage.
Cllr Briscoe asked whether the use of hydrogen could be considered. Cllr Moss assured Cllr Briscoe that the question had been asked. Mr Carter explained that the prototype of the hydrogen model is not likely to be available for a further 10 years.
Cllr Hamilton explained that she would be voting against the recommendations as she did not want to encourage food waste. She asked what is being done to encourage the use of the composting. Cllr Moss explained that government had legislated that the council has to provide food waste collection. Mr Carter explained that 50% of local authorities in England are already carrying out food waste collection. He explained that the pattern has been that when people throw food waste into a food waste bin over time the levels reduce as people choose to throw away less.
Cllr Chant asked given that other council’s are carrying out the service successfully what can be applied in Chichester to save officer time and money. Cllr Moss explained that Mr Carter has been working with colleagues across WSCC. Mr Carter added that he is part of the WRAP group that brings learning points together across the locality.
Cllr Brown clarified that the deadline to comply with providing food waste does not allow for any further work to take place or to wait for any developments in the use of hydrogen. He confirmed that a fleet of electric vehicles would not allow the council to meet its statutory requirements. Cllr Brown also clarified that there are not enough electric charging vehicles at the Depot at this stage.
Cllr Brown-Fuller noted the local council’s are required to cover the costs.
Cllr Brisbane commented on the practicalities of composting for some residents.
Cllr Burkhart requested the planned timeline. She also asked if there is any way to direct waste into a large scale compost heap. Cllr Moss explained that the timeline is set out in the Cabinet papers. Mr Carter explained that procurement of vehicles would be a challenge due to every local authority requiring them. In terms of location an anaerobic digester will be used in the Horsham plant to take all the food waste in the county. It will provide agricultural fertiliser.
In a vote the following resolutions were agreed:
RESOLVED
1. Approval of the Project Initiation Document for the implementation of weekly food waste collections for households.
2. Agreement of the project governance arrangements, including the establishment of a Project Board and associated Terms of Reference as outlined in the PID, to provide strategic direction and project oversight.
3. That £1,355,683 be released from council General Fund reserves to fund the estimated shortfall in funding of Capital and transition costs.
4. Agreement that the procurement process to acquire the necessary vehicles, ancillary equipment, and containers in order to deliver the new service is commenced.
5. That delegated authority be given to the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate Services and Chichester Contract Services, to conclude the procurement process, award contracts, and approve capital and transition cost expenditure of up to £2,598,700 in order to expedite the service design and procurement project stages.