New county councillor in cabinet role

Mr Barling will have a particular responsibility on West Sussex County Council for waste and waste minimalisation.

He said: “I look forward to working closely with the cabinet member who has overall responsibility for community services, Lionel Barnard (member for Henfield) and with the departmental team at County Hall.

“This is a real challenge and I am grateful for such an early promotion having only been elected in May.”

Although district councils collect people’s waste, including recycling, the county council is responsible for what happens next, Mr Barling explained.

Approximately 44 per cent of all waste collected is recycled in one way or another, or reused, but it is hoped no further waste will go to landfill after 2031.

The county is working hard to deliver a programme over the next few years which will increase the rate of recycling and reuse, for example waste derived fuel.

The department currently has an annual budget of some £70million, said Mr Barling.