Town hall chiefs could scrap green bin charge
BUT RESIDENTS ARE SET TO SEE COUNCIL TAX INCREASE
A CONTROVERSIAL green bin charge is to be scrapped, under budget proposals tabled by town hall bosses.
However, residents in Trafford will take a financial hit as council tax will rise by 3.99 per cent, the equivalent of £46 per month for a Band D property.
The move comes as the underpressure authority seeks ways to slash millions from its budget over the next three years. Figures show that council chiefs need to make almost £14m of savings this year to balance the books – and that figure will rise to £46m by 2022.
The unpopular waste charge was introduced under Tory rule in 2017.
However, last year the Conservatives lost control of the council after 14 years in power.
In a 10-point coalition deal with the Lib Dems, Labour leader Andrew Western promised to scrap the charge “as soon as funding becomes available”, he said.
According to council papers, the tax generates an income of around £1.8m, including additional funding for the cash-strapped authority.
However, finance boss Mike Cordingley says the council can afford to forgo the charge as a result of “sustainable income” and further savings.
“These include additional savings from a debt restructuring exercise and the replacement of a sizeable market LOBO (long-term) loan instrument,” he said.
Meanwhile, plans to increase the cost to park in council-owned car parks will increase. From April, drivers will pay 50p to park for 30 minutes, up from 20p. Under the plans, it will be £1 for up to two hours and £2 to £5 for longer stays.
The move, which would generate £84,000, has been criticised by the Conservatives, who argue the increase will deter shoppers from visiting town centres.
However, the overall total income from car parking charges for 2018/19 will make £1.356m for the council, before costs. In addition, around £20,000 will also come from charging taxi drivers for a knowledge test.
In addition, the authority also plans to save £371,000 by caring for four foster children in homes based in Trafford – instead of using out of borough services.