Waste not, want not

摘要

In April 2019, Local Partnerships - a joint HM Treasury and Local Government Association venture - published Efficiencies in Waste Services in the South East of England - its eighth regional review of efficiencies and performance improvements in waste services. The previous regional reviews focused on the West Midlands; London; the North East; Yorkshire and the Humber; the North West; the East of England; and the East Midlands. This time, we have taken a closer look at local authorities in the South East of England. At a conservative estimate - based on the authorities that took part in the review and that were able to quantify savings realised -innovation in the South East has delivered savings of more than £2i.5m per annum. Securing responses from county, district and unitary authorities, the case studies offer an overview of waste and recycling services. These identify critical areas where authorities have - or are projected to - deliver efficiencies, and include examples of lessons learned. The case studies explain why changes had to be - or are being - made to services and systems. This gives authorities an opportunity to share their experiences with others considering, or attempting, similar changes across the country. All authorities in the region were invited to contribute; a pro-forma was sent out with a request for further information. A workshop was held to provide feedback on the data and information gathered. This also gave authorities the chance to benchmark themselves, and offer additional data and information to enhance their submissions. Overall, 34 responses were received, and the diversity of case studies illustrates the range of initiatives and measures authorities are using to produce performance improvements and secure financial savings.