Anger at the green bin charge moving online

Residents feel the move disadvantages those who may not have a computer

Angus Council’s controversial green bin charge has come under renewed fire after complaints from residents about signing on for the £25 fee.

The garden waste levy was introduced last year and despite some opposition to the charge, authority chiefs later said the uptake had greatly exceeded expectations.

However, some renewing their collection subscription, or signing up to the charge for the first time have criticised a move to online payment only.

Community social media threads including the Our Carnoustie Facebook page have been flooded with comments about the registration process, and the difficulties faced particularly by the elderly who may not have access to a computer.

While some have said the process was swift and simple, it has also been described as a “palaver”.

Resident Gordon Burnside said: “Angus residents are having to pay a charge of £25 per annum per green bin for garden waste.

“So how can they pay? Pay by cash at the Access Office? No, cash is not accepted.

“Pay by cheque? No, cheques are not accepted. Pay at the post office? No, that facility is not available. Pay by direct debit? No, that facility is not available.

“So, how can they pay? Assuming they have a debit card, they can pay online.

“They can also pay via the Angus Access phone line – if they can get through.

“However, many Angus residents and those of the older generation in particular do not have either email accounts or mobile phones and this is causing considerable distress.”

A council spokesman said: “We are asking customers to pay online if they can as it is secure, easy and available 24 hours a day. It also helps to keep costs down. Online customers are also registering for a MyAngus account, which gives them a single sign-in for all online transactions.

“As more and more services are provided online this will save customers time in the long run as they won’t have to provide the same information multiple times.

“Our garden waste customers have been invited, by email, to renew their £25 annual subscription at www.angus. gov.uk/gardenwaste by June 23.

“We have also written to those customers who last year chose to pay their subscription at an ACCESS office, asking them to this year pay their subscription online as payment facilities are no longer provided at ACCESS offices.

“These customers can if they wish get some help at their local library where staff are happy to assist them get set up online for the first time.

“Customers can also contact the telephone number on their renewal letter.”

Many Angus residents and those of the older generation in particular do not have either email accounts or mobile phones. GORDON BURNSIDE