Sedgemoor District Council has this week defended its decision to increase charges for Burnham-On-Sea residents who use its garden waste bin collection service.
The council has this week approved an increase in the annual charge for green bins to £46.50 from next April, an increase of £6.50 from the charge in 2012 and a £1.50 hike on the 2013 rate. Garden waste sacks will remain unchanged at £25.
It is the latest of a number of charges to be increased by the council, which is seeking to boost its revenue. Parking charge increases have also been given the go-ahead in Burnham.
Sedgemoor District Council says that if its customer base of 10,000 residents who use the garden waste service remains constant this will generate an additional income of approximately £14,620.
Council spokeswoman Claire Faun told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “It is a difficult economic climate. However, if the council does not maximise the income from its fees and charges this could lead to a reduction in service provision. The council’s current policy under financial regulations requires that all fees and charges should be increased by a minimum of R.P.I. unless there is a justifiable reason not to increase them and the council should not be charging below that of its competitors unless there is a specific reason approved by members.”
“Charges for green bins will increase to £46.50 in line with all the other districts in the Somerset Waste Partnership. Garden waste sacks remain unchanged at £25 which is also in line with all the other districts. This discretionary service remains very popular and well subscribed, with approximately 10,000 customers. It costs approximately £58 per customer to provide and so remains subsidised.”
“At a cost of just £46.50 per year, those signing up to the scheme will receive 25 collections a year, when their garden waste will be picked up from their homes. The scheme encourages residents, not only to take pride in their gardens, but also to recycle their garden waste.”
“Customers signing up have the option of receiving a green wheelie bin for their garden waste or garden waste sacks at a cost of £25 for 10 bags. Having your garden waste collected can save time and fuel and can prevent mess in your car. Every bit of Sedgemoor’s garden waste is turned into Revive soil conditioner.”
For more details about ordering the collections, call Sedgemoor District Council on 0845 408 2540.
