Recommendation:

It is recommended that the Executive approve the proposed harmonised rates for garden waste collection charging for the 2023/24 season and request the District and Borough Councils implement the harmonised rate and Richmondshire implement the pro rata rate.

Considered – Report of the Corporate Director – Business and Environmental Services to seek a decision to request the harmonisation of garden waste collection charges across North Yorkshire for those areas that currently charge for garden waste collection for the 2023/24 season and agree the option for Richmondshire.

County Councillor Derek Bastiman introduced the report, detailing the plans to harmonise the non-statutory garden waste service across North Yorkshire It is proposed to move to a harmonised fee of £43.50 for 2023/24, with the different collection arrangements across the county also to be harmonised. As Richmondshire District Council currently provide a smaller sized bin to households for collecting garden waste than the other Councils across North Yorkshire, a lower charge is proposed to account for this, with Richmondshire residents to be offered the standard bin size through 2023/24 in time for the 2024/25 season and at that point in time would move to the harmonised rate.

In Selby, where garden waste collection is currently free of charge, a consultation will take place to understand the demand there will be for the garden waste service when it is subject to the same charges as all other areas of the county.

In the debate, an amendment to the report was proposed by County Councillor Keane Duncan that the Richmondshire charge for 2023/24 does include the 6% fees and charges indexation rate, giving a charge of £26.50. This was approved.

County Councillor Keane Duncan also asked about whether the different service provisions currently in place across the county will also be harmonised. This was confirmed, with a further report to come to the Executive on this in due course.

Resolved –

That the Executive approve the proposed harmonised rates for garden waste collection charging for the 2023/24 season and request the District and Borough Councils implement the harmonised rate and Richmondshire implement a £26.50 charge. (2022 charge + 6% indexed)