John Todd Forces Retreat On Garden Waste Fee Increase
Hounslow Council will scrap plan to put up the charges
An increase in fees to collect garden waste has been dropped by Hounslow Council, following an intervention from Chiswick Homefields councillor John Todd.
He wrote to the Leader requesting that they withdraw an item in the recent Cabinet meeting Agenda which proposed a 20% increase in the charge for "chargeable garden waste service provision."
The current cost is £50 - introduced last year for local residents to have garden waste taken, which was formerly collected free along with refuse - those who sign up early get a discount, to £45. The Council had proposed a 20% increase for next year.
Cllr Todd said that the increase was "excessive and unnecessary."
"As you are aware the LBH grass collecting operation is a profitable operation previously not charged for. Given the Space Way depot is now closed for most of the week, the grass facility for some is an alternative option they are required to use," he said in his letter.
He said that the Council should encourage use of this service, not penalise users by an unjustified increase.
The council leader and cabinet agreed with his request and
said that the increase was an error - despite being passed earlier through
the overview and scrutiny committee.
April 24, 2017