A public consultation published in January called for views on how HWRCs at risk of closure can remain open without local authorities resorting to charging residents for the service.
The issue of councils charging residents for services, particularly the use of civic amenity sites has long been a bugbear for Mr Pickles, who has in the past labelled the so-called ‘tip tax’ as “counter productive” and likely to create an incentive for fly-tipping.
As such, DCLG outlined its intention to prevent local authorities charging any entry or exit fee for using a ‘discretionary HWRC’ service in the consultation launched in January.
Around half of the 39 respondents criticised the proposals put forward by DCLG, with some branding the plan ‘anti-localist’, a criticism that has been rejected by the Department today.
Arguments
In its response, DCLG said: “The government is not persuaded by the arguments of those respondents opposing the government’s proposed approach.
“Some respondents maintained the proposed approach is ‘anti-localist’. The government disagrees – it clearly has a role to play in working with councils in England to improve and safeguard frontline services for residents, in return for the central funding that councils receive from national taxation. Parliament had previously legislated on this matter, to ensure a minimum service standard.”
And, according to DCLG, instead of charging residents ‘through the backdoor’ for the use of the service, councils could instead look to deliver savings through “more joint working, improved procurement, cutting fraud and better property asset management.”
It adds: “The government generally encourages local authorities to innovate and confidently use the general power of competence to act for their communities and in their own financial interest to generate efficiencies and savings.
“However, having regard to: the government’s clearly expressed policy of free to use centres for residents; residents deserving a comprehensive waste and recycling service in return for the council tax each household pays; and a concern these charges will not be beneficial to residents or the community, the government considers that it is, in this instance, appropriate to limit local authorities’ power to charge and the general power of competence.”
As a result, the government is to press ahead with its proposed changes to the Civic Amenities Act 1967 and the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
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