I am writing in response to the article ‘Threat to Success of Recycling Campaign’ in The Voice last week, quoting Coun Roger Gambba-Jones.
When considering such a complex change to a service I feel it is important to present the whole picture to your readers, so they can develop a more informed opinion.
The county council has not only been working closely with South Holland District Council over the past year but with all seven district councils to agree a countywide recycling contract for the benefit of all Lincolnshire residents.
Like every other council in the country, LCC is having to make huge savings (£90m in our case).
However, ironically, with the issue of waste, this could and should bring forth a stronger and more cost effective service for us all.
It is the duty of the county council to do just that for all residents.
There are real opportunities at the moment and every councillor across Lincolnshire should be positive about this.
Currently district councils work independently to collect and dispose of recycling materials, which is inefficient and expensive.
As of April 1, 2015, we will work in partnership through one contractor, which will save money and follow the long-term strategic plan for Lincolnshire.
Written within the proposed new agreement is a focus on recycling incentives where it will be in the interests of all districts to ensure that recycling quality increases because they will gain financially from this, therefore, rather than a ‘threat’ as presented in the article, it is a real opportunity.
Finally, contrary to the councillor’s claims that the county council is “grabbing and saving money for themselves”, LCC will receive no income as a result, and any funds generated will be shared between the district councils.
On top of this, each district council will share a pot of over £5m over a five year period that is provided by LCC, from which South Holland District Council will be eligible for its share as agreed with the other districts.
I respect Coun Gambba-Jones for he genuinely fights for South Holland but with this issue he will need to try to appreciate the bigger picture.
Coun Reg Shore
Executive Member for Waste and Recycling
Lincolnshire County Council
