Local consent key to waste charging says NLGN

May 24, 2007

Reacting to the announcement of the Government’s Waste Strategy, the New Local Government Network (NLGN) think tank has said that local consent and consultation will be key to improving waste management and increasing levels of recycling.

It said that councils should be allowed to introduce additional charges for waste collection if there is local agreement, but that there should be a strong onus on local authorities to fully consult on new waste strategies. It added that charging could be a useful tool to ensuring councils avoid EU penalty fines on recycling, the impact of which could push up levels of Council Tax.

NLGN also said that the Government was right not to introduce a national scheme for charging, but allow individual councils to discuss with residents what scheme is best for their area.

James Hulme, NLGN Head of Communications said:

“Councils are under pressure to enforce tough EU targets on recycling and it is clear that doing nothing is not an option. This new strategy will allow councils to form practical systems of waste management based on local priorities, but it is therefore incumbent on councils to consult widely on what local residents want”.

“Increasing sources of income for councils through charging for services could help to take the pressure of Council Tax and limit the need for above inflation rises; however it is important that councils do not see charging as a vehicle for increasing the tax burden on households”.

“Locally agreed waste strategies should put residents at the heart of decision making on how to make their area cleaner and greener”.


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