URL: https://easthants.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=426

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: To receive and consider the recommendations in relation to the report.

Content: To receive and consider the recommendations in relation to the report. It was RESOLVED that Cabinet:   a.     Approved the creation of two temporary waste collection rounds operated by East Hampshire Norse Ltd in 2024/25. Note the additional funding of £376,000 has been met through reallocation of existing East Hampshire District Council funds held by the company.   b.    Approved the continuation of the two temporary rounds in 2025/26. Noted that the £376,000 funding for this year has yet to be confirmed and may be met through reallocation of existing East Hampshire District Council funds held by the company, with any shortfall (if required) will be provided from the Environmental Service Reserve.   c.     Approved the continuation of the two rounds for the year 2026/27 and agree additional contingent funding of £376,000 as a variation to the waste collection contract. Note that the funding (if required) will be provided from the Environmental Service Reserve.   d.     Noted that the temporary rounds may be removed before the end of 2026/27, subject to the rounds restructuring programme.     Reasons for the decision   ·       For retrospective permission to commission additional services from East Hampshire Norse Ltd.   ·       To seek to retrospectively regularise service and cost changes to the waste collection service implemented to resolve significant service issues that arose in 2024. They remain operationally necessary until the rerouting work is completed, absorbing the additional workload into the permanent round structure.   Alternative Options Considered   Officers considered three options:   Option 1: Approve budget allocation for temporary rounds in 25/26 and 26/27 (RECOMMENDED)   Option 2: Decline budget allocation; If sufficient in-year efficiencies are not found for 25/26 , EHN would need to seek shareholder investment to fund the budget shortfall and immediately terminate the additional servies.to absorb cost or stand down rounds immediately.   Option 3: Approve partial budget allocation (e.g. 1 year only).   Officers recommended Option 1 as the only viable approach that maintains service continuity and allows the restructuring work to be completed without operational pressure.

Date of Decision: April 9, 2026