Freedom of information response

Bin collection services query

Publication date: 
Monday 1 August 2022
Request: 

1. I would like to know the process of deciding to switch to fortnightly refuse collections and were the public consulted at any point?

2. Have there been any public meetings where this was discussed?

3. This is a decision that affects every resident negatively.

4. What is the process to challenge a decision.

Response: 

1. This process was proposed by a council member-based Cross Party Working Group in response to the government’s strategy to increase recycling within council waste collections. The Waste Strategy for Thurrock was proposed to and adopted by Full Council in November 2021.

2. As part of the creation of this Waste Strategy a full public consultation was carried out which highlighted all of the proposals around both alternate-weekly refuse collections and the introduction of a new and separate food-waste collection service. This consultation was held both online and paper-based.

3. Cabinet decisions can be challenged by being called-in however, the call-in window passed in November 2021.

4. A petition to raise awareness could be sought to change the cabinet decision or the Resident may wish to pursue the Complaints process or approach the Local Government Ombudsman.

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Request reference:
FOI 11860