Issue - meetings

The Portfolio Holder for Climate, Access and Engagement to submit a report setting out a summary of the draft Leicestershire Resource and Waste Strategy (LR&WS), including the implications for the Council

Cabinet:

1)    ENDORSED the contents of the Draft Leicestershire Resource and Waste Strategy (LR&WS).

2)    APPROVED, alongside the other Councils within the Leicestershire Waste Partnership, that the draft strategy be subject to a period of public consultation commencing in January 2022.

3)    NOTED that minor amendments may be made by the Leicestershire Waste Partnership prior to publication of the consultation draft.

In introducing the report, the Director for Housing and Communities stated that the purpose was to introduce a consultation document that is to be considered by all Council within Leicestershire. It is proposed that the consultation would commence in January 2022.

The Portfolio Holder for Climate, Access and Engagement summarised the report and outlined the progress that has been made in order to get the Leicestershire Waste Strategy to the point of consultation. Members were informed that the new strategy will include legislation updates and a target of a 65% recycling rate by 2035. It is proposed that the consultation would be open for a 12-week period with adoption by summer 2022.

In responding to the introduction and summary, the Leader stated that the Leicestershire Waste Partnership (LWP) has been successful and that he expects that to continue. The Leader expects people to participate in the consultation as people are keen to recycle.

In response to a question regarding trade waste, Members were informed that that the Business Improvement District offers a service for trade waste within the Melton area.

A short discussion on the consultation ensued and the Deputy Leader stated that he will look forward to hearing how the consultation goes. In response it was confirmed that communication on the consultation is something the Council would carefully consider.

(DECISION: KEY)

Cabinet:

1)    ENDORSED the contents of the Draft Leicestershire Resource and Waste Strategy (LR&WS).

2)    APPROVED, alongside the other Councils within the Leicestershire Waste Partnership, that the draft strategy be subject to a period of public consultation commencing in January 2022.

3)    NOTED that minor amendments may be made by the Leicestershire Waste Partnership prior to publication of the consultation draft.

Reasons for the recommendation

Waste Collection and Disposal Authorities are required to have an agreed Municipal Waste Strategy. The current Leicestershire strategy is due for refresh and a new draft has been developed by the LWP over the last year.

Each authority within the LWP is in the process of seeking approval to commence public consultation for a period of 12 weeks which forms part of the process of the review of the LR&WS.