30.09.11
Money for councils to reinstate weekly rubbish collections
Money for councils to reinstate weekly rubbish collections
Communities Secretary Eric Pickles has defended plans to offer councils financial support to restore or maintain weekly rubbish collections – a longstanding Conservative policy that he has so far failed to implement in Government.
A £250m fund will be set up to aid councils who choose to switch from fortnightly collections.
The fund is expected to start in April and will be available to councils in England that guarantee to hold weekly rubbish collections for at least five years, and pledge to improve recycling rates and reduce litter.
Pickles said: “Weekly rubbish collections are the most visible of all frontline services, and I believe every household in England has a basic right to have their rubbish collected every week. Our fund will help councils deliver weekly collections and, in the process, make it easier for families to go green and improve the local environment.”
In June, the coalition government faced criticism after its waste review revealed that councils would not have to bring back weekly waste collections. Now, Pickles has been accused of attempting to create favourable publicity ahead of the Conservative party conference.
Environmental groups fear the move will cut recycling rates.
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