Councillors clash over an increase in special uplift service

North Lanarkshire Council has reintroduced special uplift services – with an increased cost and restrictions.

Due to social distancing protocols only items which can be carried by one person will be collected, and uplifts are limited to ten items or 20 bags of rubbish.

And the cost per special uplift has also increased to £35 – a £10 increase which was set during February’s budget process.

The council’s Conservative group leader, Councillor Meghan Gallacher, said it was

“an ill-thought out decision” while the council leader, Councillor Jim Logue, hit back that“we now have councillors indulging in political games at a time of great worry and concern for so many”.

Councillor Gallacher expressed concern that the price increase and reduction in service will result in even more fly-tipping incidents. She also called for recycling centres to be reopened as soon as it is safe to do so.

She said:“it makes no sense for the council to reintroduce a reduced service for a higher price.

“The decision to increase the cost of special bulk uplifts was taken at the budget meeting in February and I understand that the council must implement the decisions taken by elected members. However, options must be made available to residents of North Lanarkshire, so they are not held to ransom over a £35 charge.

“I have repeatedly asked the council to reopen the recycling centres and accept that they cannot do so without permission from the Scottish Government. If councils can reopen recycling centres safely, then they should be able to do so.“

Council Logue commented: “I’m disappointed that after many weeks of working together in the interests of our residents, we now have councillors indulging in political games at a time of great worry and concern for so many in our communities.

“I share the frustrations of those who wish our recycling centres to be open so household waste can be disposed of properly, but the fact remains that Scottish Government guidance still states that recycling centres should remain closed for the time being.

“It would be easy for me to criticise the Government for this position – however, they have clearly made that decision in line with the information they have been given by their scientific advisers and it’s crucial that we all continue to follow this advice to stop the spread of the virus.

“In the meantime, we will reintroduce a special uplift service which, though not ideal, will go some way to tackle some of the issues we have seen with fly-tipping of late.

“Our administration will continue to spend its time working constructively with all levels of government in order to best protect the health of the people of North Lanarkshire.

“I will leave the petty party political games to others.”

North Lanarkshire Council is now opening its recycling centres from June 1, with some restrictions in place. Check their Facebook page for details.