Following a Best Value inspection for refuse collection, recycling and street cleansing, RLCL was commissioned by the London Borough of Barnet to undertake a fundamental review of their environmental services. 

Two key elements of the review were: 

• Undertaking a soft market testing exercise, and...

• Identifying a list of improvements as required for each of the services. 

The whole RLCL local authority project team played an active rôle in developing and presenting our report findings.  The project itself was particularly interesting and challenging as Barnet Council operate an efficient and cost-effective operation.  Having confirmed this, we focused upon further improving contract service areas such as  

• Personnel management;

• Street cleansing;

• Waste minimisation; and...

• Increasing recycling participation.

All the management and staff we worked with at Barnet were extremely open, frank and welcoming.  Their help and the resources provided to the team allowed us to develop a detailed report, which has been accepted by Council members.  The report will allow LBB to develop and deliver an improvement plan for the future whilst confidently retaining the services in-house.