WEST Devon Borough Council will debate the issue of charging for collecting garden waste again next Tuesday (January 24).

In July last year borough councillors rejected a proposal to charge for the service. 

Councillors are now looking at their 2017/18 budget and are revisiting the debate at their hub committee meeting. They will have to choose between introducing a charge or stopping the collection of garden waste.

Seventy-five per cent of the authorities in Devon who collect garden waste already charge for this service.

The leader of West Devon Borough Council, Cllr Philip Sanders said: ’Although this is a discretionary service, we introduced it across the borough some years ago and it has proved to be a well received and popular service.

’At the time we were able to supply this service free of charge to all residents despite the significant cost to the council. However, the changing national financial position means that we are no longer able to do so without having to make a cut somewhere in our services. 

’We are very reluctant to cut this service due to its popularity and feel that the only way we can continue is by recovering our cost and regrettably this means making a modest charge to those who wish to use the service. It will not be a compulsory charge levied on every household, but an opt in service for those who wish to use it.’

Cllr Robert Sampson, lead member for commercial services said: ’In light of the budget report for 2017/18, the garden waste service was considered again by the "waste working group".’

’We reviewed all of the information which was previously considered, and have also undertaken further research.  We have particularly focused on looking at similar rural authorities which have been in a similar position to ourselves, those faced with a switch to a charged service.

’It was the unanimous view of the waste working group that the service should be maintained and offered at a competitive charge.’

West Devon Borough Council wants to be able to offer householders the maximum number of choices to enable them to recycle their garden waste in an environmentally sustainable and cost effective way. This can be through home composting, delivery to a county council or community composting site or by using the council-run garden waste collection service.

Any changes to the service will be publicised in advance, with up to date information on all of the recycling services which the council offers.

The experience of other similar councils introducing charges for garden waste collections does not show there to be any ongoing increase in fly tipping once householders have become familiar with changes to the garden waste service.

The council wants to reassure those concerned about fly tipping that it is closely monitored. The council successfully enforces against fly tippers who dump waste on public land

The final decision on the garden waste collection service will be made at the full council meeting on February 7.