Issue - meetings

Report by Portfolio Holder for Climate, Access and Engagement on the final draft of the Leicestershire Resources and Waste Strategy (LRWS Strategy) 2022-2050.

Cabinet:

1)    ENDORSED the Leicestershire Resources and Waste Strategy 2022-2050 as per Appendix A and RECOMMENDED to Council:

1.1)         That the Leicestershire Resources and Waste Strategy 2022-2050 is APPROVED.

1.2)         That authority is DELEGATED to the Director for Housing and Communities, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Climate, Access and Engagement to sign off any further amendments to the strategy on behalf of Melton Borough Council, to incorporate legislative, regulatory, or national policy changes recommended by the Leicestershire Waste Partnership. Any such changes would be communicated in writing to all members.

1.3)         That continuation of the Waste Partnership be ENDORSED but requested that it is developed and enhanced to ensure appropriate political, strategic, and operational engagement.

1.4)         That the Leicestershire Waste Partnership is REQUESTED to explore collaborative opportunities which have the potential to deliver environmental improvements, whilst helping to reduce costs across the waste-system, ensuring that mutual benefits are shared across all partners.

The Director for Housing and Communities (Deputy Chief Executive) Michelle Howard introduced the report the purpose of which set out the final draft of the Leicestershire Resources and Waste Strategy (LRWS) 2022-2050.  The LRWS 2022-2050 would be considered for adoption by all councils that form the Leicestershire Waste Partnership (LWP) subject to sufficient ongoing additional funding provided by the Government.  This Strategy had replaced the previous Leicestershire Municipal Waste Management Strategy originally adopted in 2002.

The Director for Housing and Communities advised that the strategy had considered forthcoming legislative changes though some changes are still not yet known due to the delay of confirmation from the Government, these would be included in due course.

The Director for Housing and Communities advised that findings from the Public Consultation survey found that 83% of respondents agreed with the vision of the Strategy with fly tipping being the most common issue, in response the LWP has committed to add an additional pledge to address this.

The Portfolio Holder for Climate, Access and Engagement, Councillor Alison Freer, thanked the Director for Housing and Communities for the report stating it had a clear framework through collaboration with partners and the public consultation.

The Portfolio Holder praised the Council for an excellent track record on attacking fly tipping and sent a thank you to the Melton Wombles. She also praised the introduction of the high-profile social media platforms like ‘what 3 words’ which help to give a precise location for areas that need attention.

The Portfolio Holder advised that the strategy is also relevant in sustainability, climate and environment issues by encouraging reuse, repair and recycle which is in line with the climate environmental objectives and the climate emergency strategy.

The Leader thanked Ms Howard for the in-depth report.

Cabinet:

1)    ENDORSED the Leicestershire Resources and Waste Strategy 2022-2050 as per Appendix A and RECOMMENDED to Council:

1.1)         That the Leicestershire Resources and Waste Strategy 2022-2050 is approved.

1.2)         That authority is delegated to the Director for Housing and Communities, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Climate, Access and Engagement to sign off any further amendments to the strategy on behalf of Melton Borough Council, to incorporate legislative, regulatory, or national policy changes recommended by the Leicestershire Waste Partnership. Any such changes would be communicated in writing to all members.

1.3)         That continuation of the Waste Partnership be endorsed but requested that it is developed and enhanced to ensure appropriate political, strategic, and operational engagement.

1.4)         That the Leicestershire Waste Partnership is requested to explore collaborative opportunities which have the potential to deliver environmental improvements, whilst helping to reduce costs across the waste-system, ensuring that mutual benefits are shared across all partners.

Reasons for Recommendations:

The Leicestershire Resources and Waste Strategy has been developed over a long period of time, through a collaborative approach between Leicestershire County Council and the District and Borough Councils (Leicestershire Waste Partnership). It has been finalised further to an extensive public consultation and sets out how the Leicestershire Waste Partnership  ...  view the full minutes text for item 58