A “CATASTROPHIC failure” at one of the region’s waste and recycling centres has proved costly for cash-strapped Dumfries and Galloway Council.
The MBT (mechanical, biological and treatment) facility at the Locharmoss recycling centre in Dumfries has been breaking down and repairs had reached the six-figure mark.
However, another serious mechanical issue occurred over the festive period, which is putting even more financial strain on the local authority.
Taking other increasing costs into account, including school transport for pupils with additional support needs, finances chiefs now estimate that the council will be £630,000 in the red at the end of the 2024/25 financial year,
In a report due to be tabled at the council’s economy and resources committee next Tuesday, council finance officer Thomas Alder wrote: “Previous reports to this committee have highlighted the projected risks and financial implications associated with mechanical breakdowns at the council’s MBT facility at Locharmoss.
“The quarter two monitoring information had reflected an allowance for further small breakdowns to be incurred over the remainder of the financial year, at an estimated pressure of £100k.
“However, there was a catastrophic failure with the boa conveyor just prior to Christmas, which is likely to result in additional financial expenditure in excess of this estimate.”
The report explains that the MBT mechanical problems and maintenance of the council’s ageing property estate, along with the provision of school transport for pupils with additional support needs (ASN), are causing the biggest financial strain.
Despite savings being made elsewhere, it was confirmed that the economy and infrastructure department will post a £630,000 net overspend at the end of 2024/25.
The bill for ensuring that pupils with additional support needs from across the region reach school classrooms safely continues to rise.
The report states: “The provision of school transportation for pupils with ASN has experienced significant increases in costs over the last two years, with the 2024/25 agreed budget recognising this pressure through the provision of additional resources of £750,000.
“Unfortunately, the extent to which prices are continuing to increase in this area has meant that these additional resources are not anticipated to be sufficient to address the projected levels of expenditure being incurred this year, with current monitoring highlighting a projected overspend of £626,000 at the end of the financial year (which is an increase of £226,000 from the quarter two position).”
