Torfaen has a recycling rate of 6.1% and the Commission gave the service “one star” on a scale of 0-3 because although a large number of residents were satisfied and costs are low, the in-house contracts services department has been running at a loss for the last two years.
The annual budget for the refuse collection, cleansing and grounds maintenance services is 3.1 million and the service covers a population of 90,700 living largely in Blaenavon, Pontypool and Cwmbran.
The Commission also reported that performance management is weak and the lack of enforcement of existing contracts means that poor performance is not being rectified. But the Commission said that the service will improve because the budget for environmental services has been increased by 1 million. The council carried out a competitive tendering process and the in-house service contracts services will continue to manage the collection under a new contract with increased specifications.
Councillors have carried out a public consultation process to see what residents would want in a contract which should help the council to meet its target of 15% by 2003. The contract will include provision for recycling initiatives which will be based on residents' needs and measures to ensure that performance is satisfactory. If the service is below standard then the contract could be re-tendered.
The Commission has recommended that targets be developed for improvements within the new contract and that the contract specifications be enforced through systematic monitoring and effective performance management. The Commission added that to reach its potential the council should “fully explore other options for service delivery including partnerships with neighbouring councils”. And said that it should further develop the recycling action plan and continue to develop an effective education program in order to increase the recycling rate.
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