WORCESTER council chiefs have launched a six-week consultation over the outsourcing of bin collections to a private firm.
In a bid to save cash as a result of funding cuts, the Conservative led council agreed earlier this year to outsource services such as bins and recycling collections, street cleaning, grass and hedge cutting and parks maintenance.
The consultation launched this week will give city residents the chance to have their say over which services are most important and what they want to see in the contract with the new private supplier.
Worcester City Council, along with Wychavon and Malvern District Councils, will begin the process of finding a private firm in February next year, with councillors hoping the contractor will start work in September 2017.
Coun Andy Roberts, cabinet member for a Clean, Green and Safe City, said: “We want to make sure local people get their voices heard in this important process. We want to know which parts of these services they most value and we also want to know what they want from the new contractor.
“I know that many city residents will have strong views on street cleaning, bin collections, the provision of dog bins and much more – so this is the time for them to make their voices heard.
“Their responses will help us shape the process we use to find the right contractor, which will start in earnest next year.”
Coun Lynn Denham, Labour’s spokesperson for commissioning said: “I’m pleased to see the City Council is putting this out to a public consultation.
“As Worcester Labour Group we have been actively looking for the public to get involved.
“I hope the Conservative administration will take the results seriously and will listen to the people.”
To complete the consultation visit www.worcester.gov.uk/voiceit, or alternatively hard copies can be found at The Hive, the Guildhall, community centres and The Commandery.
