Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Head of Commercial Waste and Strategy.

The committee considered a report of the Head of Commercial Waste and Strategy which provided information on the implementation of the updated Household Recycling Centre vehicle access policy since its introduction in May 2022.  The report invited the committee to consider if further review of any elements of the policy was required.  Detail of comments received on the revised policy was included as an appendix to the report.

The committee considered the information provided and discussion was focused in the following areas:

·       The clarification of the policy was welcomed and a request made for information to be provided to all Dorset Council councillors and also to town and parish councils through the Dorset Association for Parish and Town Councils (DAPTC)

·       Many issues and enquiries had been addressed through discussion with individuals and all formal complaints had been resolved

·       It was noted that there had been no noticeable increase in fly tipping as a direct result of the policy

·       The availability of the garden waste collection service was discussed

·       Issues around cross border arrangements were considered

·       The policy was considered to be lawful with the restrictions on vehicles supported through rational justification.

At the conclusion of the discussion, a summary of the points raised and further action required was provided:

·       It was noted that if complaint levels were low and the situation with fly tipping was not getting worse, the policy could be deemed to be working and no further review was required at this stage

·       A briefing note would be provided to all councillors and the DAPTC

·       Assurance had been provided around the use of dual cab pick up vehicles

·       Formal complaints had been resolved

·       The policy was flexible and reasonable and conversations could be held with individuals to address specific issues

·       Councillors were content with how cross border access issues were dealt with

·       An assurance had been received that the policy was lawful

·       A further update on the policy could be provided to the committee in February 2024 and the Chairman of the committee would discuss the issue of fly tipping and a potential future report, with the Chairman of the Place and Resources Overview Committee.