Delegated Decision On Waste Contract Advisors Called-In By Independent Councillors

A Cabinet Member delegated decision has been ‘called in’ by four Independent Isle of Wight councillors for scrutiny by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Vanessa Churchman:The decision is in relation to the ‘Appointment of Technical Legal & Financial Advisors for Waste Procurement Project’, as highlighted on VB last week.

Cllr Vanessa Churchman is leading the call-in, supported by Cllr Jonathan Bacon, Cllr Ian Stephens and Cllr Heather Humby.

Insufficient information and lack of consultation
The reason for the call-in is cited as, “There was only one Elected Member briefing which did not provide sufficient detail to support decision. Mention was made of a 25 year contract with no supporting evidence, either verbal or written.”

A series of questions have been raised by Cllr Churchman (outlined in the document embedded below for your convenience). Responses by Cabinet member Cllr George Brown are also included.

Waste Improvement Network
Readers will remember that Cllr Churchman shared information on VB recently about something called The Waste Improvement Network. It’s a not-for-profit organisation that is helping 141 Councils across the country to procure their Waste Disposal strategies using its framework.

Cllr Churchman claims this would be far more cost-effective way of procuring contractors for the waste contract.

Still waiting for response from council
Three weeks ago we asked the council whether they had considered using the Waste Improvement Network and if so, why for what reasons did they reject it.

We’ve still not received a reply to our questions and have asked again today. We’ll let you know once we receive a reply.

All welcome to Special Meeting
A special meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee to discuss the ‘call-in’ of the delegated decision is being held on Thursday 10th May at 2pm at County Hall.

Members of the public are welcome to attend and ask questions. Written questions must be submitted 48 hours in advance of the meeting.