1. LARAC Update 9 th September, 2010 Vicki Burrell NE Representative

2. What is LARAC? Formed in 1985 to represent the emerging voice of local government recycling officers. Full membership open to any local authority in the UK. Represents local authority views in waste and recycling issues. Run by an Executive of 20 waste management officers employed by local authorities.

3. LARAC Mission To provide quality representation for local authority officers on recycling and waste management issues

4. Update from Executive Meeting 22 nd July 2010 : Gunnel Klingberg – (Municipal Waste Europe) joined Exec meeting and spoke about topics such as WEEE, biowaste. From LGA also promoted “Knowing me, knowing EU” which is a comprehensive guide to the impact of EU laws on councils. Larac Policy Officers lead by Andrew Craig are providing comment on the current Defra consultation Waste Policy Review in line with NOWDO and LGA. Sally Seward, Larac Policy Support Officer, has drafted an initial response for comments. Members should visit the discussion exchange area of the Larac website. A full draft response will be available around 17 th September. September Update

5. Larac 25 th Year / Annual Conference 20 th Year Members’ Day Policy Forum and AGM, 2 nd November, Liverpool Conference 3 rd - 4 th November, 2010, Arena Convention Centre (ACC Liverpool) “Getting more from your budgets and saving costs”. Keynote speak Lord Henley – DEFRA Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, with responsibility for waste and recycling. Larac celebration awards – Evening of Wednesday 3 rd November, 2010 – St. George’s Hall, Liverpool. Entries for awards closed on 3 rd September. Larac members 2 day conference and 2 nights – £550 + VAT / non members £700 + VAT. 1 day conference and awards prices available on: http://www.larac2010.co.uk/register.html Conference

6. 7 th year of the Larac Scholarship Programme (Sponsored by Wastepack- 12 places). 32 entries from across the Country – 2/10 applications from the NE (Durham & Gateshead). Congratulations to Marc Morley of Gateshead Council who will receive -  A free place at the LARAC main conference and they will also attend the Pre- Conference members day.  Travelling and accommodation expenses are paid for by Wastepack and they will stay in the same hotel as the LARAC Executive members.  For the following year scholars will receive their own copy of the Loop magazine and LARAC Online.  For the second consecutive year, one of the scholars (to be selected at Conference) will receive a bursary to attend the Recycling and Sustainability Course at Middlesex University. Scholarship Programme

7. Sponsored by EDITORIAL – Written by our Communications Officer. CHAIR’S REPORT – Joy Blizzard. POLICY – written by a member of the policy team.  Recent Policy Responses – feedback on responses made on members behalf.  Policy Question – set on a current issue by a member of the policy team. NEWS INFORMATION EXCHANGE – link to the latest issues being discussed. LIAISONS – Latest reports from the Exec on meetings attended on members behalf. EVENTS VACANCIES Larac Online circulated on the first Wednesday of every month. Quarterly Loop magazine – Autumn edition 2010 – Excellent!

8. Membership Benefits Membership fee is £380 per year. Discounts to courses and conferences Monthly Email newsletter LARAC OnLine and Quarterly Loop magazine. Free vacancy advertising on the LARAC website. Network of information, support and good practice. Early draft policy Responses to government consultations, to help members develop their own responses.

9. LARAC Website www.larac.org.uk or Vicki Burrell Waste Strategy Team Manager Durham County Council Tel: 0191 3835691 email: victoria.burrell@durham.gov.uk