Deputations/Petitions/Questions
To consider any requests received in accordance with Standing Orders.
Minutes:
The Leader advised that she had accepted a deputation request from Sean Fox and Liam O’Donohue (Unison) in relation to agenda item 17 – Integrated Waste and Cleansing Contract.
Mr Fox addressed the Cabinet and set out the deputation on behalf of Unison. NOTED:
- Unison understood the reasons for the extension of the contract, but had concerns on the impact this would have on the current staff cohort within Veolia.
- The Veolia contract had been running for 15 years, so the vast majority of staff were no longer working to Haringey conditions, and no longer had access to the Haringey Pension Scheme.
- The primary concern was the detrimental effect on staff by delaying the exploration of a new working model for the waste contracts.
The Cabinet Member for Resident Services and Tackling Inequality responded to the deputation. She advised that the Council took the decision on whether to insource services seriously. She added that due to a number of variables, such as HGV diver shortages, staff shortages in the sector, legislation changes, it wouldn’t be prudent for the Cabinet to take a decision in relation to insourcing under the current climate.
The option to bring in-house was still an option, and extending the contract for an extra two years would allow time to explore all options thoroughly.
The Leader thanked all for attending.