Contact: Paul Archer, ext 7022 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decisions are sought:

(a) That both the development of a trading strategy for landfill allowances and also delegated authority to enter into contracts on the basis of the strategy set out in this report, including the avoidance of competition with Portsmouth and Southampton City Council, be approved.

(b) That this efficiency improvement as the result of past investment be welcomed and included within future annual efficiency statements.

(c) That income initially received from landfill allowance trading be

ring-fenced in an earmarked reserve against the waste budget on a provisional basis, pending a further report later in the year on reducing cost pressures from the existing waste contract on future council tax rises, and to provide scope for further reinvestment in infrastructure subject to satisfactory business cases, to avoid future costs.

(d) That progress reports be submitted to the Cabinet on a regular basis.

2. Reason

2.1 These decisions support Aim 2 of the Corporate Strategy (Stewardship of the Environment). In addition, Aims 3 and 5 (Achieving Economic Prosperity and Improving Services) are also advanced as a result of trading landfill allowances to reduce future cost increases and to provide resources for reinvestment in infrastructure to improve efficiency and reduce costs in the future.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 Taking a conservative `wait and see' attitude to trading; monitoring other authorities' progress and making a decision at a later date.

3.2 Setting a high price for permits.

3.3 Not utilising the returns from trading to invest in additional infrastructure.

4. Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Decision Maker or Other Executive Member Consulted - None.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - Not applicable.

6. Reason(s) for the Matter being dealt with if Urgent - Not applicable.

Approved by: ..................................... Date: ...................................

Councillor T K Thornber

391/PA Decn