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Jul 25, 2023

Colchester garden waste collection charge bid to be reviewed

COUNCILLORS could derail a controversial plan to charge residents for garden waste collection at a meeting next week. Colchester Council wants to implement the fee which could cost residents up to £85

COUNCILLORS could derail a controversial plan to charge residents for garden waste collection at a meeting next week.

Colchester Council wants to implement the fee which could cost residents up to £85 from January.

Its neighbourhood services and waste chief Martin Goss said the decision was taken with “huge regret”, adding: “Unfortunately, we are in very stark times when it comes to public finances.”

The scheme will see residents who opt in pay £55 per year and a £10 sign-up fee, on top of £30 for a brown garden waste bin if they do not have one already.

Uncertain future - a waste collection in North Hill, Colchester (Image: Newsquest)

The council cabinet agreed to the introduction of the plan at a meeting on June 7 after agreeing an “unprecedented budget gap” needed to be plugged.

The decision will now be reviewed by a scrutiny panel on Thursday before it is rubberstamped.

The council collects garden waste from 86,853 properties across Colchester at an annual cost of more than £1.8 million.

It now hopes it will make £1.6 million by 2025/26 through the chargeable scheme.

Tough decision - Colchester Town Hall (Image: Newsquest)

A report set to be served to the scrutiny panel reads: “Like all local authorities, Colchester Council is facing significant financial challenges.

“Faced with a significant budget deficit and £10 million of extra costs, the council has agreed to a raft of savings and income generation measures to balance its books.

“Garden waste collection is a discretionary service and current legislation enables councils to apply a charge.

“In doing so, the council can protect essential services. This will also ensure only those who use the service pay for it.”

Regret - Martin Goss said the decision to save money through garden waste collections was preferred to axing sport and leisure facilities (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Goss said the decision to save money through garden waste collections was preferred to axing sport and leisure facilities.

He fears this would have a “disastrous impact” on the physical and mental health of residents.

But the decision has been criticised by shadow cabinet member for waste, Sue Lissimore.

She said: “There are still many residents who do not want, or who cannot handle wheelie bins.

"You are forcing this upon them when you have said many times in the past that you will not.”

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