A review of the Resources and Waste Strategy
Cabinet will discuss an update to the Resources and Waste Strategy, including proposed changes to the timeline for some initiatives set out in the original 2021 strategy, re-prioritising some of the action points and introducing some new initiatives.
On Thursday 17 October, members will be asked to approve a proposal to reprofile the Resources and Waste strategy. This is due to exceeding one of the strategy’s key targets, changes to Central Government legislation and funding timeframes, and the need for us to set a balanced budget.
Under the proposed plans, we would seek to review the strategy priorities each year, setting out a 12-month pledge detailing the next set of initiatives we plan to deliver and our aspirations for the next five years.
If approved, three of the main targets of the strategy would also be revised. We already have exceeded one of the targets set out in the original strategy, achieving a 90% diversion from landfill rate, this would be increased to a 95% diversion by 2030. In addition, the target to achieve a recycling rate of at least 70% at Household Waste and Recycling Centres by 2025 would be pushed back to 2030, and the target to recycle at least 55% of municipal waste by 2025 would increase to 65% by 2035.
Councillor Yusra Hussain, Cabinet Member for Culture and Greener Kirklees, said:
“The financial landscape has changed significantly since the strategy was first written and published in 2021. In addition, there is still much uncertainty around Central Government legislation and funding promised which had been taken into consideration in the original strategy. These factors have forced us to revisit the strategy and review what we can achieve and when.
“We want to keep the ambitions of the strategy, but the bigger plans like glass collections may have to come later than anticipated. We will deliver what we can in the meantime, within our current contractual arrangements and available budgets.
“I want to thank our teams for all the positive changes they have already made to our services. I know there will be disappointment at some of the changes, but I know that they have done the best they can with the limited funding and direction currently available whilst we await further legislation and funding from the government.”
A recent announcement by the Prime Minister on changing some of the original intents of the national Resources and Waste Strategy for England is still being assessed by DEFRA, with all councils waiting for clarity how to move forward. This includes reviewing proposals to introduce more consistency in what local councils offer households across the country, including food and glass waste.