DCLG announced its decision this week following a four week consultation on changes to the Civic Amenities Act 1967 and the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to restrict councils from charging for the use of ‘discretionary’ HWRC services (see letsrecycle.com story).
DCLG stated it was “not persuaded by arguments against” changes to the legislation to ban councils from using household waste recycling centres (HWRCs).
But, the Local Authority Recycling Advisory Committee (LARAC) which represents recycling officers across the UK has accused DCLG of ‘cherry picking’ responses to its consultation that upheld its view.
A consultation response published on Wednedsay (March 4), revealed that around half of the 59 respondents criticised the proposals put forward by DCLG, with some branding the plan ‘anti-localist’, a criticism that was rejected by the Department.
LARAC added that for many local authorities, this is likely to impose greater restrictions on how they are able to balance budgets.
‘Cherry-picking’
Lee Marshall, LARAC chief executive, said: “The government response to the consultation submissions is very disappointing and appears to cherry-pick the bits it wants from the responses to uphold its stance.
“The fact that there was no clear majority view shows that LARAC was right in suggesting roundtable discussion with government to take the matter forward. The fact this offer has not even been acknowledged, along with the undue haste with which this has been railroaded through, gives the impression that this was a consultation in name only.”
The organisation added that even that having the ability to charge it does not mean it will be taken up by local authorities on a wide basis. LARAC also reiterated its view that the current legislation means all waste disposal authorities are required to and do provide free to use HWRCs in their area.
Local authorities that are currently charging a fee for residents to deposit household waste at HWRCs have been given until April 2020 to make alternative arrangements. Communities Secretary Eric Pickles has stated that this is likely to be a “reasonable time period” for councils to make the necessary changes.
The issue of councils charging residents for services, particularly the use of civic amenity sites has long been an issue of contention for Mr Pickles, who has in the past labelled the ‘tip tax’ as “counter productive” and likely to create an incentive for fly-tipping.
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