1. LARAC Update 28 th January 2010 Victoria 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 2 day Executive Meeting 20 th – 21 st January 2010 : Review of LARAC’s annual action plan by Ray Georgeson Recommendations were to provide a more focussed strategy in order to represent LA’s more effectively To employ 1x FTE to respond to policy issues (advert out soon) to assist Andrew Craig To review the following consultations: e.g. Waste Framework Directive, Landfill Bans, Schedule 2, Packaging, Biowaste, Commercial waste recycling, etc. A very busy year ahead!! January Update

5. Information Provision Our LARAC information network is a key aspect of the support provided to our members Information services provided to members include the following:

6. 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 Circulated on the first Wednesday of every month

7. Membership Benefits Membership fee is £380 per year Discounts to courses and conferences (next Conference date is 2 nd – 4 th November, 2010 in Liverpool) Monthly Email newsletter LARAC OnLine and Quarterly Loop magazine Free vacancy advertising on the LARAC website Network of information, support and good practice Policy Responses to government consultations

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