Number of free refuse sacks slashed to save cash

TWYFORD: Residents across Wokingham Borough will receive a reduced number of free, blue rubbish bags from next year, writes Melissa Paulden.

From spring 2023 all households, including those in the Twyford area, will have their delivery of council-issued sacks slashed from 80 to 54 a year.

The decision was recently made by Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) to ‘avoid an increase of £149,000’ in its waste budget.

In a statement issued to residents on September 30 it said:

“We are facing unprecedented financial pressure, due to rampant inflation and the rising cost of providing basic services, particularly for the elderly and children. We are striving to cut down our day-to-day running costs to protect the most vulnerable in our community.”

Twyford councillor Stephen Conway took to social media to explain the decision and answer residents’ questions.

He said ‘this is a difficult decision but one we had to make’.

In addition to reductions in the free blue bag service, WBC recently decided to stop issuing free green liner bags for food recycling caddies, making a saving to the council of £120,000.

Other changes may be on the way, with WBC suggesting that refuse and recycling collections may go from weekly to twice a month.

A consultation period will be held between October 10 and December 5 for residents to take part in an online survey at:

engage.wokingham.gov.uk/enGB/