Increase in Garden Waste Fees due to £175k Budget Deficit

The cost of garden waste collection is set to climb as City of York Council aims to cover a 175,000 shortfall. During a meeting on Tuesday, the council approved an increase in the annual subscription from 49 to 52 starting in January.

A council report highlighted that operating the service costs around 2.1 million, while current fees generate just over 1.9 million. The council emphasized that the price hike is essential to maintain the service without cutting other council provisions. Critics, however, warned that the increase would disproportionately affect low-income households and create a two-tier system.

Previously free collections, carried out every two weeks from March to December, initially cost 46.50 per year when charges were introduced in August of the previous year. More than 60% of the nearly 67,000 eligible households had purchased at least one permit, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The service is also expanding to new housing developments, with 270 additional properties included this year. Jenny Kent, Environment Executive Member and Labour councillor, noted that over 70% of English councils now charge for garden waste collection, which is not a statutory service. She explained: No one raises prices lightly, but uptake is influenced by factors like the number of households with gardens and those unable to use the scheme. This 3 increase helps reduce the 175,000 deficit.

Liberal Democrat leader Nigel Ayre criticized the decision, arguing it could drive more fly-tipping and increase queues at waste sites. This is a two-tier service, and fees have risen 13% since their introduction, impacting the most deprived communities, he said. Conservative group leader Chris Steward also opposed the hike, emphasizing that waste collection is a fundamental council duty funded through council tax.

Author: Aiden Foster