WASTE collection services could be combined across Stratford and Warwick districts following the call for a local authority overhaul by the government.
Combining waste collection under one contract, will be among a number of proposals as the district councils discuss joint working and shared services ahead of the government white paper on the reorganisation of local authorities.
It comes after Warwickshire County Council’s proposal for a single unitary authority was put on hold ‘at present’ while Whitehall resources focused on tackling coronavirus.
Warwick and Stratford district councils already share management roles in ICT and neighbourhood services, as is the prospect of a joint Local Plan for communities.
The waste contracts for both councils finish around the same time, and council leaders say this provides an opportunity to consider a combined service across the whole of south Warwickshire, serving 126,000 households.
Bosses say new contract would focus on encouraging residents to recycle more and reduce waste, and reducing the cost of treating and disposing of rubbish. They hope it would support both councils in achieving carbon-neutral status for their districts by 2030.
Contract options to be discussed include a three-weekly collection of waste to encourage recycling, the introduction of a separate food waste collection or no change to the current contracts.
Warwick District Council leader Andrew Day said: “Working together we can enhance our waste management services. We’re keen to get a good value contract, but also to create a service that makes it easier to do the right thing for our environment. Focused on the future of south Warwickshire, we’ve joined forces to help shape a more sustainable way of life that will benefit us all.”
And Stratford District Council leader Tony Jefferson added: “A new joint waste contract provides the ideal opportunity to achieve best value for money and help us move towards the achievement of climate change goals. This provides an ideal opportunity to demonstrate how working together can deliver real and substantial benefits for the residents of south Warwickshire.”
In Stratford further discussions will be held on Monday November 9 and in Warwick District on Wednesday November 18.
