LABOUR DISCLOSE FAILURE OF BULK RUBBISH CHARGES POLICY

1.12.03

Liberal Democrat councillors are calling for Haringey Council to drop its bulky rubbish charges after the Labour run Council admitted that demand for collections of bulky rubbish have declined by almost 75% since the introduction of the charges. The admission came at last week's Council following a question from Lib Dem councillor Susan Oatway.

Lib Dems say that the fee of £15 for the bulk collection has seen demand for the service drop to one quarter of what it was prior to the introduction of the charge. The Lib Dems, who have strongly opposed the charge from the start, are concerned that around 30,000 bulky items remain uncollected or are dumped around the borough - with the Council having to pick up the bill for their collection.

The Lib Dems continue to urge the Council to reverse its stance over charges and decide whether the revenue made from charging outweighs the negative impact that the policy has had on Haringey's environment in the form of extra fly-tipping.

Cllr Oatway (Alexandra) comments:

"The current charge means that many people can't afford bulk collections or resent paying extra for a service they believe they already pay for through their Council taxes. As a result, fly-tipping flourishes in every part of the borough."

Lib Dem Parliamentary spokesperson Lynne Featherstone adds:

"The Council should end the charge. It has simply added to Haringey's problem of fly-tipping. We will continue to press the Council to swallow its pride and drop the charges."

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