Project Integra, the successful integrated waste management initiative being implemented in Hampshire, is now set to increase the efficiency and accountability of its operations through the creation of a member-led management board.

Project Integra was established as an informal agreement between the 14 local authorities of Hampshire and the private waste disposal company, Hampshire Waste Services Ltd, without any formal arrangements for sharing decision-making responsibilities. This has worked well and in December 1999, Project Integra was awarded Beacon Council status by the Government in recognition of its leading work in managing waste. However in order to build on this success, Project Integra has now established an elected member-led Management board and Policy Panel, which came into effect on 25^th July 2001.

Councillor Williams, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, Southampton City Council is Chair of the new Board and commented "the new arrangement is intended to make a clearer and more accountable framework, to enable Project Integra to respond more effectively to the challenges of dealing with waste in the future. It is hoped that the Board will lead to an increase in the speed and efficiency of collective decision making. Members need to be directly involved in the development of a joint strategy and a long-term vision for waste as a resource."

The future agenda of the board will include;

· Exploring opportunities for finance and funding;

· Developing links with other bodies;

· Influencing government and its agencies;

· Identifying markets for materials;

· Exploring the possibility of other local authorities joining Project   Integra; and

· Preparation of a draft Annual Service Plan

In support of the Management Board, and in accordance with Government guidelines on the modernising agenda for local authorities, a Scrutiny and Policy Panel has also been established to help set the future agenda and to challenge and review the actions of the Management Board. Again membership of the Panel comprises elected member representation from each Integra partner.

Both the Management Board and Scrutiny Panel meetings will be held in public (unless there are matters of a commercial and therefore confidential nature), with meeting dates and locations being published in advance so that members of the community or any other interested groups may attend.

There is little doubt that the actions of Project Integra to introduce a formal structure will further enhance its reputation as being the UK’s leading integrated waste management programme. The action will also demonstrate that Project Integra intends to remain at the forefront of innovative development and will continue to work in an open and democratic style.

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