Liberal Democrats secure agreement from Mayor that charges for green waste won’t be introduced if residents are against the idea

In response to a question from Cllr Michael Headley at the Council’s Executive Committee, the Conservative Mayor yesterday agreed that if a majority of people are against his proposed charges for green waste collections, then he will not impose them. 

Cllr Headley commented, “I am pleased to hear the reassurance from the Mayor that he will not introduce the charges if they are opposed by the public.”

“However, I hope that this isn’t something the Mayor will end up u-turning on again in the future. We have seen promises broken before – only this week the Mayor’s manifesto promise of 4 hours free parking has been ditched.”

“A charge for green waste is a thinly disguised increase in tax – a stealth tax – for residents. It comes on top of increases in charges for car-parking and record council tax rises. The financial burden for residents from this administration continues to grow and puts increasing pressure on household budgets that are already squeezed.”

“Liberal Democrats will keep fighting for residents and championing the services that matter most to them.”