Martin Goss for Colchester

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GREEN WASTE CHARGING PUT ON HOLD

by martingosscolchesterppc on 24 March, 2022

WE ARE LISTENING 

That was the message this evening from Councillor Martin Goss who is the Cabinet Member with responsibility for waste, environment & transport during the Wednesday 8th July Colchester Cabinet Meeting.

Councillor Goss had expressed grave concerns that the proposal within a paper to consider a new green waste collection at a recommended cost of £50 per bin would impact on households at a time of severe financial hardship for many.

The paper, ‘Waste and Recycling New Strategic Priority’ was prepared in light of a Council budget shortfall of £3 million. The shortfall, as a result of the impact of COVID-19, has meant that Councillors of all parties are having to consider how to fill this significant gap and minimise the impact on residents.

On Tuesday the Council’s Scrutiny Panel made a proposal to defer this paper to a Task and Finish Group to fully investigate the proposed green waste collection service and wider use of wheelie bins. Tonight, the Cabinet unanimously supported this recommendation. No measures will be put in place until this group have delivered their recommendations as to its viability to Cabinet and then to Full Council.

Speaking on Wednesday night Councillor Goss told Cabinet:

We are listening generally. We cannot just say we do not like that. You need to come up with answers that you do like and will serve the budget issues.”

After the meeting Councillor Goss said:

We are all disappointed at government failure to provide on its commitment to financially support local authorities and avoid additional charges, possible redundancies and cuts in services.

I am delighted that there is an opportunity for councillors from all parties to now be able to properly scrutinise the green waste collection and use of wheelie bins. It is important that residents are heard so that priorities of services and cuts during these difficult times are responsive to their wishes.”

   1 Comment

One Response

  1. R Valaydon says:

    Dear mr Goss
    I live at no. 10 Littlecotes Mile End Colchester.
    We have 10 houses in the road, some of us have purchased an extra garden waste bin which we bought from the council.
    The waste collectors are taking only one bin. I rung and made a complaint, I was told, the council rule’s , there’s more garden rubbish in the winter but not in the summer, I personally think there’s more garden rubbish in the summer and a lot less in the winter.
    The collectors are so rude and they don’t care how to talk to people.
    Can you please try and sort this problem out and all the neighbours are very disappointed with the council and all of us are aware that one of your responsibilities is waste collection.
    Please try and put the situation right.
    Hope to hear from you soon.
    Thank you
    R valaydon

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