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You are here: CIWM  >  Publications  >  Latest News  >  Local Authority Joint Venture Is UK First, Says WYG

Local Authority Joint Venture Is UK First, Says WYG

8 June 2011

A new joint waste contract forged between East Hampshire District Council and Winchester City Council, which, according to WYG, with its complexity and scale of the contract, make it a national first

The two councils have joined forces to provide bin collections and environmental services in a partnership, which could net more than £2m of savings across the two councils.

WYG, who evaluated the tenders, has also been involved in similar partnerships in the past. In 2007 they handled the first cross-boundary contract, between two councils in Suffolk, which focused solely on bin collections.

Len Attrill, Project Director, WYG, an environmental contract procurement specialist, believes the complexity and scale of the contract makes it one of a kind in the UK. Len commented: "We believe this is the first contract of this scope in the country.

"For all the talk about cross boundary working between councils there are precious few real examples out there and this, in terms of its scope, is more wide-reaching than anything else.

"There are only a few cross-border contracts for refuse collections in existence and we believe that this is the first contract which covers refuse and recycling, street cleaning and grounds maintenance at the same time.

"It's a more complex project than anything that has gone before and it is brave because it is the first time anyone has tried to do it this way.

"East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) and Winchester City Council (WCC) have been rewarded for their ambition and their innovation. They should be proud of what they have achieved," he added.

Patrick Burridge, Leader of EHDC said: "This contract is the stuff that dreams are made of.

"Combining the services has taken two years of hard work and perseverance but will now result in the two councils making huge savings for the benefit of council tax payers.
 


"In terms of recycling rates Hampshire is the best in the country and, over a period of many years East Hampshire has been the best in Hampshire.

"That's a testament to both our pioneering attitude and to the residents of East Hampshire who have been so effective in separating their waste and their recyclables."

The contract, which took more than two years to draw up, will come in to effect in October and is expected to save EHDC £846,000 and WCC more than £1.4m annually.

Brian Turner, Client Team Manager, EHDC said: "WYG has extensive knowledge in this field which gives us great reassurance. Throughout the tender evaluation we developed a strong partnership with the consultancy and were pleased with the way they were able to work to our requirements and in a professional and reliable manner."

Biffa Waste Services Ltd will take over the collection of refuse and recycling bins and The Landscape Group will work on street cleaning and ground maintenance.

Darrel Moore