Council bids to bag an extra £3million
Published 20 Aug 2011 09:00
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The Royal Borough Council is hoping to bag some extra cash and make a saving of £1.3 million on their waste services next year.
And the savings do not stop there - over a seven year period the council is hoping to make a total saving of £3million.
The forecast savings come after negotiations to form a new contract with waste provider Veolia, as their current one comes to an end next year.
The contract will see a new fleet of 21 waste collection vehicles, 'caddie' boxes for residents to put their left-over meat and fish in, and a better kerbside collection service.
Cllr Phill Bicknell, cabinet member for highways, transport and environment, said: "Over the past seven years of co-operative working with Veolia we have developed a tailored, responsive waste collection service that residents appreciate but we knew there was more to be achieved in terms of value for money and making every penny work.
"This deal is an excellent result for council taxpayers. It means we continue with a contractor who knows the area and its needs but who, in working closely with us, recognises that smarter working can cut costs and also bring about an even better service for local people."
The new contract will come into force in April next year.
Tom Spaul, chief operating officer and executive director of Veolia environmental services, said: "We are delighted to have been awarded this landmark high profile contract which reflects our strong working relationship with the Royal Borough. In recent years this contract has become synonymous with innovation in recycling and waste management and we look forward to introducing further sustainable service improvements for local residents on behalf of the council and continuing to increase landfill diversion."
The finer details of the contract such as the branding of the vehicles and the colour of the new 'caddies' will be up for discussion at the council's cabinet meeting on Thursday, August 25.
This article appeared in Local Berkshire 19 Aug 11
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