TRAFFORD LABOUR'S £45 GARDEN WASTE PROPOSAL SPARKS OUTRAGE AMONG LOCAL RESIDENTS AND OPPOSITION COUNCILLORS
Trafford’s Labour-run Council are proposal to introduce a £45 annual fee for the collection of garden waste has sparked significant backlash from opposition councillors and local residents, who have branded the plan a TAX and an unfair financial burden, particularly on vulnerable groups. This on top of labour removing the Winter Fuel Allowance for pensioners, and adding an additional £100.00 on to your average council tax bill is one step too far.
The new fee would apply only to households that "opt in" for garden waste collection, with an additional charge for residents who are unable to pay online of £5.00.
“A Tax on the Poor and Vulnerable”
Cllr John Holden, Manor ward councillor and Shadow Executive Member for Highways, Environmental and Traded Services / Vice-Chair of Scrutiny Committee said, I strongly condemned the proposal, describing the fee as a “punishment” for residents with gardens, including those in social housing. He also expressed concern that the £45 charge would disproportionately affect lower-income families and vulnerable residents, calling it a “tax on the poor and vulnerable.”
“I object to this proposal, especially the additional £5 charge for those who can’t pay online. This move unfairly targets pensioners and those who are least able to pay, many of whom are already struggling with the cost of living,” Cllr Holden said. “The council is going after the most vulnerable in our society with this measure, and it’s ageism at its worst.”
Fly-tipping and Public Health Risks
Further criticism came from Cllr Rob Duncan, Conservative Councillor for Manor ward, who warned that the fee could lead to an increase in fly-tipping and the illegal burning of garden waste. He argued that this would create significant environmental and public health issues, exacerbating the very problems the council should be working to solve.
“Introducing this charge risks driving up fly-tipping, which will have a damaging impact on our local environment and put additional strain on our already overstretched waste management services,” Cllr Duncan said.
Local Residents Speak Out
Local residents have expressed frustration over the proposed fee, with many arguing that it places an additional financial strain on households already struggling with rising living costs. Some have raised concerns about the fairness of the charge, particularly for those on fixed incomes or in vulnerable situations, such as pensioners.
“I can’t afford this charge,” said one local resident. “I already pay my council tax, and now I have to pay more for something that should be a basic service. It feels like they’re just taking more from people who have the least.”
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