A contract to deliver new wheelie bins to properties that need them in West Dunbartonshire has been awarded to an English company despite pay concerns.

Members of the Infrastructure Regeneration and Economic Delivery Committee (IRED) agreed to conclude negotiations with IPL Plastics (UK) Ltd at a recent meeting after the contract went to tender at the beginning of the summer. 

Waste services are required to provide, repair or replace wheelie bins to properties in West Dunbartonshire such as new build properties or ad hoc replacement to current households when they are damaged or stolen. 

Blue, brown, and grey 140-litre and 240-litre bins are held in storage and can then be distributed as required.

The company, which is based in Rotherham, doesn’t pay the Scottish Living Wage but will pay above the UK Government’s National Living Wage, provides employees with benefits such as flexible working, and has a policy of no zero-hour contracts.

During the meeting councillor Sophie Traynor said: “The report outlines that the company does not pay the Scottish Living Wage. Can I clarify if the other companies that put in for this do?”

A council officer confirmed they would have to talk to the procurement team. In relation to the level of living wage here it is above the government’s national minimum wage so it was considered acceptable.

Council leader Martin Rooney said: “IPL plastics do not pay the Scottish Living Wage but they do pay the national living wage which is £11.44 an hour.

“Everything has gone through the proper legal processes and although there were four bidders, only one actually submitted.”

Members agreed to the terms of the contract which will run for a period of two years with an option to extend it.