Planned increase to Rother garden waste charges postponed

An increase in the charges for garden bin collections will not go ahead for existing users, Rother District Council has confirmed. 
Garden wasteGarden waste
Garden waste

In a decision made under emergency powers earlier this week, Rother District Council confirmed it will not be increasing its charges for garden waste collections as previously agreed by members. 

The decision, which will only affect those who already pay for the service, is intended to reflect the fact that the garden waste collections have been suspended in light of the coronavirus crisis.

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In a report on the decision, a council official said: “Due to a reduction in staff resources, it has been agreed with the council’s waste contractor, Biffa, to suspend garden waste collection services to focus resources on maintaining residual waste collection. 

“By way of compensation, it is proposed to hold the 2020 renewal price at the current charge for 2019 of £35 for existing customers and not to increase it as previously agreed by members. 

“We are not currently accepting new customers but once normal service has resumed, any new customers joining the scheme will pay the increased 2020 rate of £40 per annum.

“It is estimated this will forgo income in the order of £90,000 which will have a detrimental impact on the council’s income but will satisfy the residents who are no longer receiving this service during this difficult time.”

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The report goes on to say that alternative options such as a refund or delayed increase had also been considered but not thought to be feasible with the number of people involved.

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