THE borough's rubbish and street cleaning contractors Kier is believed to be set to receive £800,000 to carry out extra work during the Olympics – after it emerged that the total number of fines for its poor performance is close to £50,000.

The Guardian reported last week that the firm was fined £10,000 in June for missing collections.

But the authority has since admitted the total amount of fines since October is actually £48,000 for failures on 639 separate occasions.

Despite this, a Kier source said that the firm will receive £800,000 from the council for extra street cleaning and maintenance work during the Olympics.

It is claimed the contract for the work was not put out to tender to ensure value for money.

The Guardian approached the council for a comment last week but has not received a response.

The cabinet member responsible, Cllr Clyde Loakes, also refused to discuss the issue.

Kier have not commented either.

In an earlier statement relating to the fines, Cllr Loakes said: "While in the initial stages of the contract most of the fines related to non-collection, more recently the council has been holding Kier to account for issues such as bins not being put back correctly for disabled residents.

"The use of fines is a part of the contract that exists to help the council bring performance up above what is normally expected by residents...

"It should be pointed out however that in spite of the example highlighted, the number of missed collections has dropped and more recycling than ever before - up seven per cent on this time last year - is being collected in the borough since the new contract came into affect."

Meanwhile the Waltham Forest Anti-Cuts Union has called for the council to take over responsibility for services contracted out to Kier.

A spokeswoman said: "Kier used agency work to cut across trade union terms and conditions – and then halved the number of agency workers.

"This yet again shows that privatisation doesn’t work – bring all council services back in house so they are democratically accountable".

The company has previously come under criticism for poor performance after it was awarded the street cleaning contract for the borough and is currently undertaking an internal investigation into alleged fraud by both frontline and senior staff in Waltham Forest.

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