Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies.

Resolved:     That the minutes of the previous meeting be agreed as a correct record.

1.     Depot and Transfer Facility

The Head of Waste and Recycling provided details to Members in relation to the proposed new layout for the depot. Members were requested to consider approving specific elements of the plan that were required in order for the plans to proceed. There areas that required approval were:

•           Procurement for new weighbridge

•           Procurement for structural building changes to large shed

•           Procurement for storage bays and sorting equipment

•           Submit changes for Planning Approval (Planning will be determined by NBC)

•           Submit changes to the Waste Permit for approval to the Environment Agency (EA)

It was anticipated that all changes to the depot will be in place by early 2016.

Members queried whether officers were looking at procuring a sonic weighbridge which would take up less space. Officers confirmed that this was one of the options that was currently being considered and that any weighbridge decided upon would need to be capable of managing the largest type of vehicle on the road.

Resolved:

a)         That Officers implement the operational and structural changes to Knutton Lane depot within the capital envelope agreed by the Cabinet.

b)         That Officers provide required updates to the Panel at subsequent meetings.

2.     Staffing

Following the report undertaken by the Waste Resources Action Programme (WRAP) regarding the new service, there were a number of staffing related changes that would be required prior to start of the service change. These changes included the TUPE transfer in of staff from the current recycling service contractor to the Council and secondly changes to staff terms and conditions to support new service.

Members requested that any issues relating to TUPE be reported to Members as soon as they arise.

Resolved:

c) That Officers continue to develop and work through the project plan for the transfer in of Acumen staff.

d) That Officers provide regular updates to the Panel of progress with this and highlight any delays that may occur.

3.  Changes to in-house staff terms and conditions

In order to deliver the predicted revenue savings from the new service, there would need to be a number of changes to staff terms and conditions. It was important that these changes were made to enable efficiencies to be delivered. A summary of changes required were as follows:

•           Change from the current 4 day operation to 5 day operation. This reduces the working day from 9.25 hours to 7.4 hours. This will support efficiency in vehicle management and improve safety of staff.

•           Introduction of flexible start times ongoing between6am to 7am. This will reduce the number of vehicles leaving and returning to the depot at the same time; improve the operation of the waste transfer facility and increase safety.

•           Review of Christmas and Bank Holidays working arrangements to ensure that the service can operate during these times with the minimum disruption to residents.

Resolved:    

e) That Officers commence a consultation process with staff and trades unions to ensure that they are fully engaged with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.