Lambeth council has been accused of greenwashing after it cut the number of bin collections in the borough by half – just months after increasing council tax.
The Labour-run council, which increased council tax this year, sent a letter to residents announcing that bin collections would be cut by 50 per cent – moving from weekly collections to fortnightly.
The council said the plans will “boost the borough’s recycling rate”.
But Tony Devenish, City Hall Conservatives Environment Spokesman, claimed this is a “budget cut dressed up in green clothing”, suggesting the council could face a rat infestation as a result of the policies.
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This comes despite Lambeth Council saying that its 2023 boost to council tax would allow it to “continue to invest in services that people rely on”.
Lambeth increased council tax by 4.99 per cent this year.
Residents whose homes fall under the most common council tax band C have been forced to pay an additional £90 per year, with an annual council tax bill of £1,566.13 from 2023/24.
The decision to cut bin collection was made in September following a consultation of more than 7,000 residents.
But the consultation saw just 9 per cent of respondents say they had “no concerns” about the changes.
Some 68 per cent were concerned about a lack of space in their bins, 53 per cent were concerned about smell, 47 per cent were concerned about vermin, 34 per cent were concerned about other people using their bins, and 44 per cent were concerned about the impact on the local street scene.
Responding to the consultation, Lambeth said: “One of the key messages was the need to provide extra support for households that may need more space for their rubbish.
“The council has agreed that households with five or more people, or which use disposable nappies or incontinence nappies, will be able to apply for a larger black rubbish bin.”
Hitting out at the plans, Devenish told GB News: “Lambeth Labour increased council tax by hundreds of pounds this year and are now cutting bin collections in half.
“It’s typical Labour – all tax, no service. The residents of Lambeth know a budget cut when they see it.
“This is a budget cut dressed up in green clothing. The rats will have a field day.”
Cllr Rezina Chowdhury, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Lambeth and Clean Air, said: “We want to support our residents to make changes that will improve their local environment and cut waste, which are important steps to take as we tackle the climate crisis.
“We’re aiming for Lambeth to be a zero-waste borough by 2030 where reducing, reusing, and recycling waste are prioritised. Currently we only recycle 32 per cent of our household waste, and we could be doing much better.
“I’m confident that together we can boost our recycling rate to reclaim our position as the best recyclers in inner London.”
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Announcing an increase to council tax, Cllr Claire Holland, Leader of Lambeth council, said: “To continue supporting residents through the cost of living crisis and invest in the priorities of people in Lambeth, we are increasing council tax this year by 2.99 per cent alongside the 2 per cent increase recommended by the Government for the adult social care precept. This means an increase of around £1.21 per week on a Band D property.
“This is not an easy choice, but without long-term, sustainable government funding it is the only way to protect frontline services. Lambeth’s council tax will remain one of the lowest in London.
“By taking this decision, we can continue to invest in the services that people rely on and build a fairer Lambeth for all.”
