Council considered the report on behalf of the Cabinet Member for Customer Focused Services, Cllr Chapman, on the Oxfordshire Resources and Waste Partnership.

Cllr Chapman introduced the report, noting that the partnership would meet on 12 April 2021. In answer to questions he noted:

The impact of the proposed Environment Bill and regulatory framework would be clearer once the Bill and timetable were published. There was currently a complex credit system for waste and recycling and the County Council were keen to make savings, so this council to be vigilant to ensure it was not penalised for excellent recycling rates.

He accepted the importance of the circular economy (noted in the report, but lacking action points) and would raise this with the partnership.

Recycling rates were at a record level for the city and the increased rates were excellent. Comparing a city wih a large student and transient population to other Oxfordshire districts, largely rural with small towns, was not comparing like with like.

Council noted the report.