Best Value is a key element in the Government's plans for modernising local government. Since April 2000 ELWA, along with all other local authorities, has had a duty to obtain best value in the provision of its services. ELWA is required to produce and publish an annual Best Value Performance Plan by 30 June each year.

The introduction of the best value legislation and guidance means that ELWA is now able to implement a best value approach to all of its activities. ELWA believes that the approach and the development of the integrated waste management strategy and the contract are excellent examples of best value in practice. The reasons for and the methods by which services are provided were challenged, performance was compared with other authorities and private sector bodies, local people and interested groups were consulted and finally an innovative procurement route followed. The new contract provides a significant aid to achieving best value by:

• introducing private sector commercial skills and attitudes;
• introducing vital new private and public sector financing;
• minimising the adverse effects of the landfill tax;
• maximising environmental benefits including links to community initiatives in each borough;
• retaining the substantial local authority experience in this area, particularly around issues of environmental performance, probity and community involvement;
• providing a holistic approach to both collection and disposal of waste.
  

Many of ELWA's areas of operational responsibility, such as the running of the Refuse Transfer Station at Jenkins Lane, Barking, and the arrangements for the disposal of the waste, have transferred to Shanks under the IWMS contract. To ensure that best value continues to be achieved in these areas, there are provisions in the IWMS Contract which require Shanks to reflect best value in its approach and provision of the services. This includes providing ELWA with annual and five-yearly service delivery plans which include proposed changes to the way that services are delivered to achieve continuous improvement in environmental terms and better value for money for ELWA, the constituent Councils and local residents.

There are still many areas that ELWA is solely responsible for now that the contract has been let. For example, the new contract brings with it a need for ELWA to establish a strong client base, which will be responsible for monitoring the work of the contractor. ELWA has also recognised the need to maintain a strong focus on its corporate planning and strategic decision-making structures. Furthermore, we are determined to improve links between our vision and the community strategies and corporate planning processes of the four constituent Councils.

Copies of ELWA's Best Value Performance Plans and reports from its District Auditor can be viewed in the publications section.

As explained, ELWA is responsible for the disposal of waste in East London. The collection of waste is the responsibility of the individual boroughs and if you want to know about the best value plans for these services you can contact:


Barking and Dagenham - Sandra Hamberger, Corporate Strategy Department, Civic Centre, Dagenham, Essex, RM10 7BN. Tel: 020 8227 2343 or visit the website at www.barking-dagenham.gov.uk

Havering - David Armstrong, Best Value Strategy, 8th Floor, Mercury House, Romford, Essex RM1 3RX. Tel: 01708 432103 or visit the website at www.havering.gov.uk

Newham - Susan Eadon, Corporate Strategy Division, Town Hall, East Ham, London E6 2RP. Tel: 020 8430 6903 or visit the website at www.newham.gov.uk

Redbridge - Peter Gadsdon, Best Value Performance Manager, Town Hall, PO Box 2, High Road, Ilford, Essex IG1 1DD. Tel: 020 8708 2668 or visit the website at www.redbridge.gov.uk


Equality

East London has the distinction of being one of the most culturally diverse areas in the country. It is also an area with low-income households with the associated features of poor environmental standards, lack of educational achievement and social exclusion. In these circumstances ELWA has a role to play by:

• aiming for the workforce to reflect the community at all levels
• ensuring that its services are accessible on an equal basis

Equality and economic regeneration will play an important part in how we plan future waste disposal options. In addition, greater emphasis has to be placed on promotion and education to encourage greater levels of waste reduction and recycling and it is crucial that this is aimed at all sections of the community.