20 February 2017
Green councillors have called for Norwich City Council to drop its plans to charge for hazardous waste collection, calling the proposal “a false economy” which could end up costing the council far more in clean-up costs.
The council is proposing to save £4,000 a year by charging for the hazardous waste collection service which it currently offers free on request. In an amendment to the council’s budget, which will be debated on Tuesday, the Green Party group is proposing to drop this plan. Instead, the Greens say the money can be found by scrapping the water coolers at City Hall and cancelling a subscription to a local government think tank.
Councillor Ben Price, who is proposing the amendment, said: “It’s only a small amount of money, but it is one of several proposals in the Labour budget that we fear will prove to be a false economy.
“It only takes one irresponsible person to dump their paint or other dangerous chemicals, and the cost of clean-up would cancel out this tiny saving straight away.
“A lot of councils are increasing charges for various types of waste disposal, and there is growing evidence that it only increases flytipping.”
A recent ITV News report suggested a link between increased waste disposal fees and flytipping (1), which is a crime punishable by up to five years’ imprisonment. Councils have a legal duty to clear up flytipped waste on their land, and have the power to issue fines of up to £400. Norwich City Council has not issued any fines since the new powers were granted in May last year.
Councillor Price said: “Norwich City Council does an excellent job of cleaning up flytipped waste when it is reported. However, we are very concerned that increased charges combined with cuts to council enforcement budgets, as well as cuts in the police force, could lead to a rise in flytipping which will make it harder and harder for councils to fulfil their responsibilities.”
