Sharing waste collection and street cleaning services with neighbouring boroughs could save Sutton Council around £1m a year if plans go ahead.

Plans to share waste collection and street cleaning services with three other London boroughs were given support by members of the Environment and Neighbourhoods Committee on Thursday night (6 November 2014).

The South London Waste Partnership (SLWP), which comprises Merton, Sutton, Kingston and Croydon Councils, will invite bids for a contract to provide waste collection and street cleaning services.

By sharing these services, it is anticipated greater efficiencies can be made and better prices achieved for the larger volume of recycled materials.

Local Partnerships, a joint consultancy run by HM Treasury and the Local Government Association were asked by the SLWP to identify ways in which services could be delivered more efficiently.

Their findings were used to provide a business case which recommended a four borough joint service as the most cost effective. The proposed contract will also contribute to Sutton’s Future, Sutton Council’s campaign to find ways to save £40m from its annual budget by 2019 due to cuts to government funding.

It is anticipated that the contract will be awarded in September 2016 and start in April 2017.

Colin Hall, Sutton Council’s Deputy Leader, said:

“This is a great example of how we are finding ways to save money while also ensuring an excellent standard of service continues for Sutton residents.

“All four local authorities are under similar financial pressures. By working together we can deliver a service that is better value for the taxpayer.”