Biffa Cumbria will get a waste disposal contract for the whole of the county which will cost no more than £0.24million, it has been revealed.
Members of Cumberland and Westmorland & Furness Councils’ joint executive committee will get an update on the move when they meet at Voreda House in Penrith on Monday, November 10.
Cumberland Council is the host authority and responsible for the procurement for the contract. It and Westmorland & Furness Council will share the costs of the services in an inter authority agreement.
A report to councillors said: “While the project request was Cumberland centred, the element within the approved paper concerning the realisation of potential savings was considered to be of strategic importance to both councils and thus, it is proposed that both councils jointly contribute 50 per cent each for the procurement of consultancy agreed between the councils.
“Westmorland and Furness Council agrees that the governance arrangements to facilitate this procurement should follow the governance set out in the agreement in that specifically, the project manager will be responsible for entering into contracts with the consultancy once awarded via tender.”
It said it would contribute to the sustainability priority for Cumberland Council and added: “In undertaking this procurement, it’s aim will attribute to manage our finances sustainably and deliver value for money for our residents as we continue to operate in a challenging budget context.
“Our decisions will be the result of robust processes and have long term benefits whilst improving our financial health.
“The waste service, including waste collection and waste disposal, contributes to the Westmorland and Furness Council Plan: People, Climate, Communities, Economy and Culture, Customers, and Workforce.
“Efficient, effective and sustainable waste management enables our communities to flourish and take control of the things that need doing to make them great places to live, work and thrive.
“Sustainable, inclusive, economic growth to support the development of a circular economy; customers and communities’ needs are at the heart of designing our services. Service delivery supports employee wellbeing, nurtures talent, and create a healthy working environment.”
According to the report the estimated value of the procurement award is expected to be no greater than £0.24million.
It said: “This can be partially financed from within the existing hosted service budget of £0.068m, held for external advice.
“Cumberland and Westmorland & Furness having agreed to contribute equally to that remaining balance of £0.172million and it is the responsibility of each council to ensure it has identified sufficient resources to be able to make that contribution, which would be up to £0.086million.”
