West Berks to introduce waste "stealth tax", No food waste? Be prepared to get your wallet out... Options

[Richard Garvie]

As a quick heads up, here is a press release we put out this morning:

West Berkshire District Council are to introduce fines for residents not using it's food waste recycling services, according to the Newbury Labour Party. In an email sent to other local authorities and seen by Labour Spokesman Richard Garvie, West Berkshire District Council will introduce the charges after what the letter says is an "initial three month period".

Mr Garvie is concerned that the new charges may penalise those who have very little or no food waste. "Somebody like myself who is very careful when it comes to buying food and what I cook could potentially be hit by penalty charges every fortnight for not wasting food, which is complete madness. In addition to this, the council are still refusing to publish the public consultation or any risk / impact assessments that relate to the change in service. Their attitude and evasiveness leads me to believe that they have not carried out the required work and if that is the case, there needs to be a full public review on the matter to establish why the council have acted in this way."

West Berkshire District Council had already ruled out a review last week, but with evidence to suggest hidden penalties charges and other restrictions included in the new waste collection system, Labour are once again pressing the council for a review to be carried out.

For further information / quotes, contact Richard Garvie on 07411 488324 or email info@richardgarvie.com.