RESIDENTS in Malvern are being asked to give their views on plans to privatise waste collection and street cleaning.
District council leaders have agreed to seek bids from other organisations – including private and not-for-profit companies – to provide refuse and recycling collections, garden waste collections, street cleaning and litter picking.
As part of the process the council is required by law to explore how wider economic, social and environmental benefits could be gained from any new contract for these services.
Residents, businesses and other interested parties are now being urged to give their views by filling in a short online survey. Those who take part will be asked to rank 14 factors bidders need to consider, ranging from unimportant to very important.
Items people will be asked to rank include paying the living wage, providing local jobs, education and awareness campaigns and supporting voluntary organisations.
The results will be used to guide the contract negotiation process.
Coun Bronwen Behan, deputy leader and portfolio holder for environment on Malvern Hills District Council, added: “Our residents’ views about these issues are important to us and we want to incorporate them at the earliest possible stage in seeking bids from potential service suppliers.”
Visit www.malvernhills.gov.uk/public-notices before December 18 to take part in the consultation.
