From our District Councillor
Waste and recycling contract with Veolia
On the 27th of March the Internal Overview and Scrutiny Committee carried out a review to access the contracts performance over the last 12 months.
The new waste contract which was introduced in April 2008 has received a mixed feedback from residents over the last year and Councillors have vowed to do all they can to improve the service. For example, in January, the council introduced a new helpline via its main switchboard (01353 665555) for anyone who had a query, comment or complaint about their waste collections. This has allowed the authority to get a real sense of where the service needs to improve. The Overview and Scrutiny Committee resolved to make the following recommendations -
Recommended to the Environment and Transport Committee -
- That the monthly meetings with Veolia encouraged more staff training.
- That the information on recycling be distributed to households and press releases be issued.
- That the public be encouraged to read the information printed on the black sacks.
- That the brown bags have information on how they should be used printed on the outside.
It was also resolved to recommend to the Policy and Resources Committee - that the Committee continue to consider the introduction of bulk deliveries of refuse and clear sacks as a priority.
Staffing changes
East Cambs District council are implementing a number of staffing changes, the most significant of which is the temporary part-time secondment of Alex Colyer, Executive Director, Finance to South Cambs District Council for a period of six months from April the 6`h to October the 2"d. The council will be achieving over £30,000.00 saving in six months as a result in these savings. The Council is also discussing other joint working opportunities with the neighbouring Councils. These arrangements are yet to be finalized but will provide significant ongoing budget saving.
I fell this to be one way that we can work on behalf of the residents of East Cambs in this uncertain economic climate.
Extra funding
ECDC has received an additional £39,669.00 funding from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) towards the costs of the additional housing benefit and council tax benefit workload, brought about as a result of the economic downturn. Any additional funding is most welcome as our council strives to maintain its high level of service over the next couple of years.
Young and old can swim for free in East Cambs
East Cambs District Council has announced that children aged 16 and under and adults aged 60 and over can from April swim for free at the Paradise Pool in ely. With swimming recognised as one of the best ways to become fit and healthy, the announcement means that young and old will be able to go to the Paradise Pool and swim for free.
The decision was made after the Council accepted funding from the Government. For more information and to register, contact the Paradise Pool on 01353 665481.