Issue - meetings

The following Motion has been forwarded from Council to the Policy Development Group for consideration and report.

Motion 549 (Councillor B Evans – 8th June 2018)

In order that MDDC can take proactive action to assist with the reduction in the use and sale of single use plastic the following motion sets out some initial actions to assist the aim of reduced plastic use with a stated aim to add agreed actions as when viable solutions are available.

The Council therefore agrees to:

Phase out the use of single use plastics (SUP) by MDDC and its suppliers by the end of 2018 or whenever current contracts expire that would be effected by the required removal of the use or supply of SUP’s that may run past this date.

To include, but not exclusively, building materials, chemical containers, paints, chemicals, cleaning products, oil, lubricants, fuel additives, plastic cups, and cutlery. Straws, sachets of sauce and any identified SUP items commonly used but not listed.

Where practicable seek to reduce or remove the use is SUP when dealing with partnership agreements with Devon County Council within leisure facilities.

End the sale of SUP in council buildings including SUP drinks bottles within any all vending machines on MDDC property.

Investigate possibilities of pop up vendors at all events within MDDC area avoiding SUP.

Work with tenants and operators of commercial properties owned by the council to support the phasing out of SUP.

This to include an MDDC initiative encouraging residents when shopping to “ avoid the plastic, take a basket , buy loose fruit and vegetables “

Work with festival organisers to create policy in which single use disposable plastic cups are replaced at all festivals within our area with reusable or deposit scheme cups.

One area of exception to be that of medical supplies of any form, to ensure no supply of any equipment or product is in any way compromised.

Please note: Having considered the above Motion the Policy Development Group are asked to consider whether this Motion should either be supported or rejected. This decision will be referred back to full Council on 29^th August 2018.

The Group had before it Motion 549 (Councillor B Evans – 27th June 2018) that had been forwarded from Council to the Policy Development Group.

That this Council phase out the use of single use plastics (SUP) by MDDC and its suppliers by the end of 2018 or whenever current contracts expire that would be effected by the required removal of the use or supply of SUP that may run past this date.

To include, but not exclusively, building materials, chemical containers, paints, chemicals, cleaning products, oil, lubricants, fuel additives, plastic cups, and cutlery. Straws, sachets of sauce and any identified SUP items commonly used but not listed.

Where practicable seek to reduce or remove the use is SUP when dealing with partnership agreements with Devon County Council within leisure facilities.

End the sale of SUP in council buildings including SUP drinks bottles within any all vending machines on MDDC property.

Investigate possibilities of pop up vendors at all events within MDDC area avoiding SUP.

Work with tenants and operators of commercial properties owned by the council to support the phasing out of SUP.

This to include an MDDC initiative encouraging residents when shopping to “avoid the plastic, take a basket, buy loose fruit and vegetables “

Work with festival organisers to create policy in which single use disposable plastic cups are replaced at all festivals within our area with reusable or deposit scheme cups.

One area of exception to be that of medical supplies of any form, to ensure no supply of any equipment or product is in any way compromised.

Cllr Evans stated that he thought this was a progressive policy and he believed it allowed a way forward for officers to look at alternatives to SUPs. The Policy sets out the start of a lengthy journey as alternatives are not always available. Some current contracts would not allow us to change and also be mindful that some suppliers are trying to move with the times. He said Council needed to be sensible about what was being looked at and he hoped the policy would set the Council on the way to look at alternatives and not restrict officers. It would also allow Council to seek a way forward with its partners. Cllr Evans requested the Policy was supported by the PDG then full Council.

Discussion took place regarding the need for the subject to be supported and to be discussed further. The group felt that this was the start of a journey and that the Council should set an example.

The Director of Operations stated Council could sign up to the spirit of the Motion and the Policy was a specific opportunity to look at the implications. He suggested a working group from the committee be formed with the inclusion of officers to explore anomalies. This could include the issue of when procurement were required to make a quick order and there were no SUP alternatives available.

Cllr Evans went on to explain what the policy sought  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17