North Lanarkshire Council to introduce charges for collection of garden waste bins

North Lanarkshire Council has announced plans to implement charges for the collection of garden waste bins. Residents in the area will be required to pay £40 per year for permits enabling them to utilize this service. This decision comes as many other Scottish councils are already charging an average of £44.20 annually for the same service. It is estimated that the council will generate around £1.5 million each year through these charges.

The SNP group proposed an amendment suggesting that the issue should be addressed within the council’s budget-setting process rather than through the environment and climate change committee. Councillor Alan Masterton highlighted that although garden waste collection charges were part of their budget proposals, the administration introduced them midway through the year. Concerns were raised by Councillor William Goldie about the timing of implementing these charges without considering potential council tax increases and other factors.

Environment and climate change convener Helen Loughran explained that due to budget constraints, the motion to introduce charges had to be presented, despite the possibility of garden waste collection becoming a statutory service reimbursed by the Scottish Government. If the Scottish Government mandates garden waste collections, the council may no longer levy these charges but could receive compensation for the revenue loss.

The environment and climate change committee voted 14 to 11 in favour of implementing the £40 annual charge. They also agreed to provide an update on the scheme in a future meeting and acknowledged the potential impact on recycling rates.

In conclusion, with the introduction of charges for garden waste collection bins by North Lanarkshire Council, residents will now have to pay a yearly fee for this service. The decision has sparked discussions within the council about budget processes and the potential implications on residents and recycling rates. Residents are urged to stay updated on any developments regarding this new charge.