And it will be at no extra cost to the taxpayer, says the council’s ruling Reform UK group in a decision announced at the first Cabinet meeting of the council year.
The centres – at Brighouse, Halifax, Elland, Sowerby Bridge and Todmorden – had each been closed for one or two days a week to save costs, a move agreed by the previous Labour administration to help balance the budget.
The partial closures were agreed as an alternative to closing one of the centres – Elland – completely.
But the decision was controversial and will be reversed, says the new Cabinet.
Senior councillors said this had been agreed as part of Calderdale Council’s long-planned transition of waste services – on August 1 a new company in which the council is a partner, Calderdale Norse Ltd takes over the waste contract from current operator Suez.
Cabinet member for Public Services, Coun Peter Hunt, said: “One of the most frequent complaints we’ve heard from residents is that the tips aren’t open at convenient times, and I understand their frustration.
“That’s why I am delighted by the announcement at Cabinet that all the waste and recycling centres will be returning to seven-day openings at no cost additional to Council Tax payers.
“The changes will be introduced by the end of the year and ahead of the Christmas and New Year period, which we know are one of the busiest times – keep an eye on our website for the latest information.”
Describing the decision as “Christmas will be coming earlier this year”, Leader of the Council Coun Dan Sutherland said the change had been enabled by his administration’s close look at the agreement.
“That deep dive that we’ve done into this partnership has allowed us to accrue some additional benefits that were previously missed that will be a massive and welcome benefit to people across Calderdale,” he said.
Coun Sutherland (Reform UK, Illingworth and Mixenden) added: “Very exciting news that by Christmas the household waste recycling centres – or tips as they’re more commonly known – will be back open full-time again, something people have been calling for for a very long time – what a big win.”
Coun Hunt (Reform UK, Elland) said the report on transition of the services – Cabinet members heard the contract is the biggest the council gives out – confirmed mobilisation was progressing well across fleet, staffing, IT, legal and operational aspects ahead of August 1.
He said 168 staff are expected to transfer to the new company and residents should see little immediate change to service delivery.
The aim has long been for a smooth and steady initial change from one operator to another.
But people will see new fleet vehicles – £10 million of investment – and uniforms, said Coun Hunt.
The council has a 20 per cent shareholding in the new company and scrutiny councillors recently heard the council has representation on the board and a key oversight role, points reiterated by Coun Hunt.
Norse, which is owned by Norfolk County Council, describes itself as the UK’s largest local authority trading company, providing waste collection, recycling and wider environmental services to councils through long‑term joint ventures and partnerships.
With almost 40 years of experience under its belt, Norse representatives told the scrutiny councillors it offers a mix of commercial expertise but with public service ethos.
After a gradual start, the aim is Calderdale Norse Ltd will also have an eye on future commercial opportunities which could realise profits for the partnership, councillors heard.