29 June 2010
On Monday 21 June 2010 Audit Commission Chief Executive Eugene Sullivan replied to a letter from Communities Secretary Eric Pickles, of 17 June 2010. The correspondence was on the subject of Commission guidance to councils over the frequency of bin collections.
Eugene took the chance to set out what the Commission has said about environmental services in recent years. We have encouraged local authorities to review their rubbish collection arrangements, fulfilling our duty to push for maximum value for money in local services - but hold strictly to the view that it is for local elected members to decide their own policies, including the frequency of bin emptying.
Because of continued media interest in this issue, Freedom of Information requests, and to ensure transparency, we are attaching copies of the letter from the Secretary of State, and Eugene's reply.