08/12/2004

Local authorities team up for joint working on waste

A new project to identify and propose solutions to barriers to joint working between local authorities was launched today by Environment Minister Elliot Morley.

The Innovation Forum project, being run by a group of local authorities led by West Sussex County Council and supported by Defra, ODPM and the LGA, will focus on ways to foster effective joint working between waste collection and waste disposal authorities.

The aims of the project are to assess and disseminate best practice and develop a spectrum of models for joint working, ranging from informal arrangements through to formally established partnerships.

Mr Morley said: "The Forum's work on joint working arrangements will play a crucial role in the changing landscape of waste management.

"Local authorities are under immense pressure to deliver improvements to waste services while meeting tough waste targets under constrained budgets; sharing the burden of costs and working with neighbouring authorities can help to deliver better value for money as well as improved service delivery."

Local Government Minister Phil Hope said: "The 2004 Spending Review included a target for local government to achieve efficiency gains of at least £6.45 billion by 2007/08.

“The delivery of £300 million in efficiency gains from waste and street cleansing services is a significant element. Developing more effective joint working, promoting best practice and standardising procurement operations will form a key part of realising these savings and I am encouraged to see the Innovation Forum playing a central role in bringing this about."

The Innovation Forum was created to promote dialogue between central and local government and its partners, on new ways of working to deliver better services to local communities.

The Forum is 'jointly owned' by central Government and the councils with excellent CPA scores and it seeks to develop, explore and test new ways of working to deliver improved outcomes for local people.

(MB/SP)

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