Bin service is among best in the country
WASTE collection in Cheshire East is among the best in the country.
The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman receives around 500 complaints and enquiries about bin collections annually.
But in Cheshire East zero complaints were referred to the Ombudsmen about its waste collection service, which the council also says has a 90 per cent approval rating with residents.
Councillor Don Stockton, cabinet member for waste and environmental services, said it’s a success story for the council, which provides its waste collection service through ANSA, an arms length company.
He said: “Cheshire East is proving its commitment to delivering excellent services that are both responsive to people’s needs and provide value for money for residents. This is also about strong leadership, accountability and putting things right quickly if they go wrong – which is what we strive to do.
“When things go wrong, it’s how councils put them right that really matters.
“We know how vital this is – and that’s why we listen to residents and greatly value their feedback.”
Coun John Hammond, chairman of Ansa, said: “With many councils outsourcing waste services, one of the common issues the Ombudsman has identified is insufficient council oversight.
“That is not the case here at Cheshire East, where our residents benefit from a highly-rated service run by the council’s own innovative arms-length company Ansa – which is whollyowned by the authority and overseen by elected members.
“This enables the authority to get the benefit of both worlds: retaining the expertise of experienced and highlydedicated staff – but also the freedom to operate in a more innovative and commercially- minded way to deliver high-quality services and real value for money for local people.”
Records show residents have a 90pc waste collection service satisfaction – up from 75pc in 2014, and the current recycling rate in Cheshire East is more than 55pc - which puts the council in the top 10 of all unitary authorities.
Coun Hammond added: “We always strive to get it right first time – but no service is perfect.
“If you have a problem with your bin collection or our waste and recycling service, you should report it to the council as soon as possible.”
To report a problem go to www.cheshireeast. gov.uk/recycling or call 0300 123 5011.”