Over the past year, Ubico and Gloucester City Council have been working to prepare for the take-over and wants to reassure residents that it is set to deliver a value for money service.

A wholly local authority-owned company, Ubico will be looking to adjust the service where it can identify improvements but for the time being there will be no changes to existing rounds with schedules and staffing all staying the same.

As well as making the necessary preparations for the new service, Ubico have put in place measures to reduce the risk of impact to service from COVID-19 and the national driver shortage. These include offering existing and prospective employees the opportunity to take part in an ‘earn to learn’ scheme which sees Ubico covering the costs of qualifying for an LGV driving licence.

To help deliver the Gloucester service and to reduce the environmental impact in line with the city council’s green commitments, the waste management company also ordered a number of electric vehicles and will be installing electric charging points.

Beth Boughton, managing director at Ubico, said: ‘We are incredibly excited to welcome the council into our partnership, start delivery of services into Gloucester City and to start working with our new colleagues at the depot. Detailed preparations made over the past year, in close partnership with our colleagues at Gloucester City Council, will ensure a smooth transition of the existing service into Ubico.’

Cllr Richard Cook, leader of Gloucester City Council, said: ‘We’re delighted to be working with Ubico. As shareholders we’re able to work even more closely with our partners to make improvements and to get the best value service for taxpayers. We’re also pleased that they share our environmental concerns and dedication to helping us meet our commitment to become a carbon neutral council.’