New Annual Levy for Garden Waste Collection Raises ReactionsNew Annual Levy for Garden Waste Collection Raises Reactions The introduction of a new annual levy for collecting garden waste in Shropshire has sparked mixed reactions from residents. While some acknowledge the financial challenges faced by the municipality, others express concerns about the additional cost on top of council tax. Lizzie Philips, a resident of Wem, believes the levy is excessive. “We’re living in an era where we just accept whatever we want because there’s a certain amount of money in the pot,” she said. Matthew Jones also finds the £56 fee excessive and argues that garden waste collection should be included in council tax. “These are sad times, I don’t want to spend money on things like that,” Jones stated. Jean James, another resident, is worried about the impact on low-income households. “There are a lot of poor people here who can’t afford it,” she said. Shropshire Council estimates that the new levy will generate £4m annually if 70% of households sign up. Despite the potential revenue, the council also plans to implement other cost-saving measures, such as closing recycling centers one day a week and introducing a booking system. The move comes as the council faces a budget shortfall of £62 million this year. The government’s cabinet is considering a range of revenue-increasing and cost-cutting measures, including job losses.
Image caption, Lizzie Philips said people in the region had done well to avoid charges for so long
The levy is too high, but there is no money in the municipality’s pot. These are just a few reactions from residents who are confronted with a new annual levy for collecting garden waste.
“I think we live in an era where we just accept whatever we want because there’s a certain amount of money in the pot,” said Lizzie Philips from Wem, who said she would have to pay.
Matthew Jones said he would also have to pay the £56 fee to prevent the waste from piling up, but that the service should not be charged on top of council tax.
Article information
- Author, Rob Trigg
- Role, BBC Political Reporter, Shropshire
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4 minutes ago
Image caption, Matthew Jones from Wem said the council should not charge extra for the service
“These are sad times, I don’t want to spend money on things like that,” Jones said, adding that people work hard to pay their council tax and garden waste collection should be part of that bill.
“If you break it down it’s only a pound a week,” said Philips, who said Shropshire had “done well” because other councils were already charging for garden waste collections.
“I could probably afford it, but I’d have to put something else aside,” said Jean James, who thought £56 was too much.
“There are a lot of poor people here who can’t afford it,” she said.
Image caption, Jean James said she could just about afford the amount, but that there would be many who could not afford it.
Shropshire Council says the new levy would raise £4m a year if 70% of households signed up.
The government’s cabinet will discuss a series of measures to increase revenue and reduce costs, in addition to job losses.
It has also been stated that all five household recycling centres will remain open, but they will be closed one day a week to save money.
A booking system is being introduced which the council says could save £200,000 a year.
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Audio subtitlesListen on BBC Sounds: How will Shropshire Council save £62 million from its budget this year?
