Green Waste Charge Update

Many residents of Audlem Ward have raised understandable concerns about the recent Cheshire East decision, to inflict a annual charge on green bin users. Many of these concerns were referenced by councillors of all political persuasions but ultimately the decision was narrowly voted through.

I was fortunate to be telephoned on Monday evening by two ladies, whose pertinent words highlighted even more gaps in this policy. I spoke to 'my lead spokesperson for the environment' shortly afterwards who supported my suggestion of 'challenging the decision', he acted immediately and has just released the press statement below.

Rachel Bailey
CE Audlem Ward Councillor

Council's Decision on Green Waste Charges is formally challenged.

Conservative Group members have formally challenged the Council's decision to introduce the highest charges in the North-West (£56) for Green Bin collection, by submitting a 'Referral Request' (or 'Call-In') of the decision.

Although other Councils charge for green waste collection, Cheshire East Council is unusual in that it invested in its own purpose-built green waste hub at Leighton Grange, to be operated with a business partner. The business case was based on free home collections for maximum tonnage and the production of high quality compost for sale.

No other viable alternatives have been brought forward by the administration for consideration by elected Councillors and the income to be generated by the proposed charges, significantly exceeds the annual running costs of the green waste service.

The green bin charge was proposed in the February Budget and only narrowly approved in a "yes/No' vote at the recent Environment and Communities Committee.

Over 60% of respondents to the Budget Consultation did not support this proposal and there has been ongoing public opposition to the charge by many Council Tax payers.

The 'Referral request', has been sent to the Council's Monitoring Officer within the five-day call-in period and his decision is awaited'. If accepted, the Decision will be reviewed at the next meeting of Full Council.

Cllr Tony Dean
(Knutsford)
Cheshire East Conservative Group