Bingate - the most serious operational failure in Uttlesford’s history

In a recent statement Cllr Geoffrey Sell leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Uttlesford District Council said that “the Bingate crisis was the most serious operational failure in Uttlesford’s history, The failure to have the appropriate licence has cost residents dear. Refuse collection is the most visible service that the Council provides. It is also a universal service. This failure should never have happened."

It was obvious to the Lib Dem group that all was not well with the refuse service. This was why I asked the head of the service to come before the Scrutiny Committee in November 2023 to present a report. It was clear that the service was under enormous pressure with vehicles regularly breaking down. Several key managers had abruptly left the service. Complacency had ruled the day.

Where are we now?

· Replacement of three new refuse vehicles at a cost of £885,000 in the next financial year.

· An additional round to be established at a cost of £137,000

· The green waste charge which was due to be increased by £10 to be frozen

· The need to use vehicles from Braintree Council and Widdington Waste to collect the waste we should have been collecting comes at a cost to residents. This is estimated at £90,000.

A task and finish group has been established by the Scrutiny Committee to find out how things went so wrong and what can be done to ensure this is never repeated. Together with one Conservative and two Residents for Uttlesford councillors I am a member of this group. I am determined that there will be no white wash.”