CONSERVATIVE councillors have been vociferous in their opposition to a proposed new charge for collection of garden waste put forward by the coalition Huntingdonshire district council. Garden bin collection is currently free.
The proposed charge of £57.50, due to come into force next April, comes with no formal consultation at a time when households are facing enormous pressure due to the cost of living crisis. Additional bins will be charged at £30 each.
Conservative group leader Cllr Jonathan Gray described it as the 'most drastic reduction in council services ever proposed in Huntingdonshire', at a time when council finances are stronger than they have been for more than 20 years. "This is an unnecessary, ill-conceived and regressive stealth tax," he added.
The proposal comes from the coalition-led administration who claim it is necessary to help ensure a balanced budget and encourage recycling. Critics believe neither claim stands up to close scrutiny. Cllr Marge Beuttell (Stilton and Folksworth) is shadow portfolio holder for waste, street scene and open spaces. She points out that Huntingdonshire District Council has benefited from £8 million additional income from Conservative government grants as well as a prudent approach to business rate income from the former Conservative-run council.
"This places the council in a strong financial position compared to many other local authorities - at the same time HDC has generated a budget surplus for two of the last three years," she said. "For this and other reasons I am dismayed at the proposal to charge residents £57.50 a year to have their garden bin emptied. Any 'pot of gold' expected from this coalition 'Rainbow Administration' has been snatched back in the most undemocratic way, without any consultation with our valued residents."
Cllr Simon Bywater (Sawtry ward) is also concerned the new charge is being proposed without consultation, while disproportionately impacting more vulnerable residents and creating a two-tier system, those who can afford to pay and those who can't.
"Those with lower incomes will feel compelled to neglect their gardens or face additional financial strain," he added. "Imposing a charge may also inadvertently discourage residents from recycling who will find alternative ways to dispose of their garden waste... perhaps burning it or fly-tipping, the exact opposite of environmental responsibility."
Sawtry resident Tom Gosling (pictured), a proactive environmental campaigner, has set up a petition as part of a growing mountain of opposition to this charge.
