Members considered the Clinical Waste Solutions Report presented by Councillor Murphy.
Members asked questions, made comments and received responses as follows:
· Councillor Seaton asked if April 2019 is the latest date that the NHS will alter their arrangements. Councillor Murphy said that there have been several date changes, but 1 April 2019 is the current confirmed date. Unfortunately the NHS has not been forthcoming with information regarding collection numbers.
· Councillor Oliver commented that consultation with the portfolio holder for Environment needed adding to the written delegation recommendation.
· Councillor Buckton asked for confirmation that the intended outcome of the proposal is that people who currently use the service provided by the NHS and pharmacies will continue to use the service in the same way without any cost incurred to them. Councillor Murphy advised that this is what we are trying to do, but we are dependent on the NHS.
Cabinet agreed to vote on the recommendations within the report.
Cabinet AGREED to recommend for Council approval:
· with effect from 1 April 2019, the introduction of free sharps box drop-off points in local pharmacies at a forecast cost to FDC of £18,000 and incorporated in the 2019/20 budget estimates
· with effect from 1 April 2019, the introduction of free collection points in dispensing GP Practices at a forecast cost to FDC of £2,000 and incorporated in the 2019/20 budget estimates
· the Council to set the Fees & Charges for 2019/20 at an £8.00 fee for clinical waste collections (“Clinical and offensive waste from domestic households”) to be reviewed thereafter annually as part of the usual Fees and Charges and Budget setting process
· to approve the proposed update to the Waste Services Standard 2018 as set out at Appendix Y.
· to delegate to the Corporate Director (Environment and Leisure) in consultation with the Portfolio Holder (Environment) and the Section 151 Officer all necessary authority to enter into the proposed agreement at Appendix Z with the relevant pharmacies and GP surgeries and to work with the relevant agencies and colleagues to publicise the services available.