A REPORT on Brighton’s abysmal rubbish collection service has revealed what the council is going to do about the problems.

Since the start of the year many residents have had to wait for weeks to get their refuse collected, voicing their anger through The Argus and on social media.

They have been given a range of reasons as to why the problems have been happening such as driver shortages, poor parking by residents and, most recently, binmen who are regularly on sick leave.

Some politicians have labelled the reasons “excuses” and demanded action.

A report on the problems is due to be presented to the city council’s environment, transport and sustainability committee next week.

With new Cityclean assistant director Rachel Chasseaud’s appointment last month, it is hoped there will be an improved working relationship in all departments – including with the GMB union.

The report says there has been difficulty retaining qualified lorry drivers.

To try to tackle the problem, persistently missed collections will be mapped and analysed to identify solutions as part of a “modernisation programme”.

The report says: “The council recognises there have been a lot of missed collections in the city recently and has apologised for the inconvenience caused to residents and businesses.

“There are a number of factors that have contributed to these problems.

“This includes periods when there has been a temporary shortage of drivers and operatives due to annual leave and sudden sickness.

“It has been agreed that seven drivers and 12 operatives can be granted annual leave at any one time.

“This arrangement means the service can still be delivered and be resilient, with agency staff used to cover any gaps. Steps are being also being taken to support staff wellbeing and reduce sickness absence.

“This includes offering nurse-led health checks, improved management systems and the introduction of health and safety advice and workshops.

“A business improvement review is being completed to analyse round structures, and the outcome of the review will be used to inform round restructures to ensure work is spread evenly between crews and the number of missed collections are reduced. This is a big piece of work and will require time to complete and implement the necessary changes.”

The report says Brighton and Hove City Council is recruiting two more drivers and four more binmen, and new vehicles are being examined to ensure they are fit for purpose.

It adds there is a “strong desire” among managers, the GMB union and staff to work together to “get the service back on track and providing a good service to residents”.

It says the council has:

l Started the recruitment process for two additional drivers and four additional operatives

l Started exploring opportunities for operatives to have driver training to obtain appropriate licences

l Examined the new vehicles to ensure they are working properly and trained staff accordingly

l Increased the pressure on compactor units in new vehicles to pack more efficiently, while still operating within appropriate safety parameters

l Put in place measures to improve communication between the crews, the depot and the contact centre, plus the corporate communications team where necessary

The report’s key points are:

l Develop and embed systems and processes to allow officers to respond quickly and effectively

l Establish clear lines of accountability, supported by effective performance management

l Create a culture that will benefit customers and officers and support new ways of working

l Establish mechanisms to review and learn from areas of poor performance to prevent repeat complaints

l Provide assurance the service is meeting its health and safety requirements

l Identify further opportunities for income generation to support the services.