Item 14 - Assisted Uplift Policy Review
West Dunbartonshire Council · 24 May 2023
Back to Infrastructure, Regeneration & Economic Development Committee — 24 May 2023 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL Report by Chief Officer – Roads and Neighbourhood Infrastructure, Regeneration and Economic Development 24 May 2023 Subject: Assisted Uplift Policy Update 1 Purpose 1.1 This report sets out detail on the review of the Assisted Uplift Policy and the proposed eligibility criteria to be adopted and issued to all current users. 2 Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended that Committee notes the review undertaken of the Assisted Uplift Policy; 2.2 Approves the proposed eligibility criteria for the scheme as set out in 4.4; 2.3 Notes that all current users will be notified of the new Policy and criteria; and 2.4 Notes that the update of the Assisted Uplift Policy will support the implementation of the route review. 3 Background 3.1 Waste and Fleet Services have undertaken a Fit for the Future review of the current service delivery. An action plan has been developed identifying areas to improve operational service delivery, customer experience and efficiency. In addition the review sets out measures to be undertaken that supports the service to implement a route review for the collection of residual and recycling waste. 4 Main Issues 4.1 The Fit for the Future review identified an opportunity to improve the collection of waste and become more efficient through the implementation of a route review. The time taken to undertake a route is extended should the number of assisted uplifts be significant. An assisted uplift is when waste operatives pull out the bin from wherever stored at the home for emptying at the kerbside and return to that location. 4.2 A review of the number of service users was undertaken and found to be in excess of 3000 households. The scheme has not been reviewed for a number of years and it is anticipated that a number of current service users do not fulfil the eligibility criteria or continue to reside at the property. ITEM 14
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4.3 All current service users will be written to and informed of the review of the policy and criteria and provided with an application form. Residents who do not qualify but who currently receive the service will be advised of the arrangements for their future collections. 4.4 It is proposed to align the eligibility criteria to the care of garden eligibility criteria. All residents who qualify under the following criteria will receive this service: • Confirmation that the resident is in receipt of a disability benefit such as Personal independence Payment, Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance, Pension Credits or a care service from HSCP; • Able to provide evidence of benefit received; and • Provide details of all residents at the address and provide evidence that all residents over the age of 18 also meet the qualifying criteria. 4.5 An annual review will be undertaken to ensure the list of service users is retained to reflect the needs of the residents in our communities. 4.6 Communication and engagement will be undertaken to ensure residents are aware of the policy review and the eligibility criteria. 5 People Implications 5.1 There are no direct people implications arising from this report. 6 Financial & Procurement Implications 6.1 There are no direct financial or procurement implications arising from the Assisted Uplift Policy review. The implementation of the Assisted Uplift Policy will support the implementation of the route review which is a revenue saving approved as part of the budget setting 2023/24. 7 Risk Analysis 7.1 All policy changes are risk assessed in line with Council policy and procedures. The Council has a duty to deliver services that demonstrate best value. 8 Equalities Impact Assessment 8.1 Screening and impact assessments will be carried out on the Policy as required. 9 Consultation
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9.1 Consultation has been undertaken with the workforce in relation to the route review and the measures required to support the implementation. 9.2 The Trade Unions have been consulted and are members of the Waste Project Board. 10 Strategic Assessment 10.1 This Report reflects the 2022 – 2027 Strategic Plan and in particular the following Strategic Priorities: . • Our resources are used in an environmentally sustainable way • Our Council is adaptable and focused on delivering best value for our residents Chief Officer: Gail Macfarlane Service Area: Roads and Neighbourhood Date: 10 May 2023 _____________________________________________________________ Person to Contact: Kenny Lang Fleet and Waste Manager kenny.lang@west-dunbarton.gov.uk Appendices: N/A Background Papers: N/A Wards Affected: All