The report graded the council with only one star, specifically drawing attention to the weak state of recycling in the area, and stating that there are “poor prospects for improvement”.
Inspectors said: “Whilst there are reasonable levels of customer satisfaction with the refuse collection and street cleaning services, the recycling service is not meeting the expectations of local people or the government’s expectations of waste collection authorities.”
The Conservative-led council, which has a net annual budget of around 8 million, said that there is a need to enhance its waste management service, particularly the current 8% recycling rate. However, it strongly refuted the inspector’s view that there are poor prospects for improvement or that short term services to local people could deteriorate.
Colin Davis, corporate director for the council, said: “The actions that the council are already taking provide clear evidence that services will improve.”
Limited
However, the Audit Commission report has warned that as well as there being no agreement on how to fund improvements, “there is limited capacity within the organisation to drive through the changes”.
The report stated categorically that the council needs to “develop a detailed project plan now that sets out, with clear milestones, the procurement process for the award of a contract for the services”.
Although there have been some small-scale kerbside recycling projects in Malvern Hills before, the council is now planning a larger, district-wide kerbside collection project for the area in order to meet the government’s 2003-4 target. However, this has been hindered by the separation of powers between the district council and the county council, which has effectively placed the scheme on hold.
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