Issue - meetings

To approve the procurement of food waste vehicles in line with legislative changes and to delegate the procurement to the relevant director through existing procurement frameworks.

Members considered the Defra Capital Funding Food Waste Vehicle Purchase report presented by Councillor Murphy.

Councillor Miscandlon asked if the public will be suitably notified of this new system of waste collection. Councillor Murphy confirmed that this would be the case.  

Proposed by Councillor Murphy, seconded by Councillor Tierney and AGREED:

(i)           To note that following a successful appeal, Defra’s capital funding has improved to £1,06,991; an increase of £235,176 on the initial amount.

(ii)          That the Council is committed to the procurement of appropriate vehicles in a timely fashion to allow for the commencement of weekly domestic food waste collections from April 2026.

(iii)        Delegation to the Corporate Director and Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Finance Portfolio Holder, for the authorisation to secure through appropriate procurement the vehicles required to complete the weekly food waste collections.

(iv)        To note that the legally required changes to food waste collection, along with other Environment Act amendments, will result in future Cabinet or Council meetings being presented with updates on Fenland’s Waste Strategy, Waste Service Standards, and other reports over the coming 12 months.