Legal Advice to Support the Waste Public-Private Partnership Contract

The Supplier is required to provide advice and support on an 'as and when needed' basis to the Council's Waste Team who manage the Allerton Waste Recovery Park (AWRP) PPP Contract and are responsible for discharging numerous contractual obligations each year.

Background AWRP is a strategic asset that receives and processes up to 320,000 tonnes of waste each year, and is a key component of the Council's long-term waste and environment strategy. Comprising of a Mechanical Treatment Facility, Anaerobic Digester and Energy from Waste Plant, the site improves recycling capabilities, generates 28MW of electricity and produces 70,000 tonnes of aggregate used in the construction sector.

The project is a collaboration between the City of York Council and North Yorkshire County Council. AWRP has been operational since 1 March 2018.

The Government published its Resources and Waste Strategy for England in December 2018 which sets out how the Government will preserve material resources by minimising waste, promoting resource efficiency, and moving towards a circular economy in England. This was followed up by three consultations in 2019 and a fourth in 2020: • Consistency in Household and Business Recycling Collections. • Reforming the UK Packaging Producer Responsibility System. • Introducing a Deposit Return Scheme. • Consultation on the Waste Management Plan.

The Strategy and subsequent consultations could have a potentially significant impact on the PPP Contract and the operations at AWRP. The Council is seeking support from the Supplier about how best to navigate these reforms and undertake required changes to the PPP Contract.