Garden Waste Charge Decision On Hold After Storm Of Protest

A decision to charge residents in and around Desborough to have their garden waste bins emptied has been put on hold after a storm of protest.

North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive was due to approve the £40 annual cost tomorrow, but will now defer the decision to allow more time to consider options.

An on-line petition against the charge has been signed by over 2,000 people in a few days – many say now is not the time for it to be introduced during the cost-of-living crisis.

A charge could be introduced to remove garden waste from homes

Residents previously served by Kettering Borough Council have always had garden waste collected for free, but the unitary authority, launched last year, wants to ‘harmonise’ the service across its whole area, as charges are already in place in East Northants.

Jim Hakewell, an independent councillor who represents the Rothwell and Mawsley ward, told HFM what people have been saying to him:

Councillor Jason Smithers, Leader of North Northamptonshire Council said: “I am aware that the future provision of our Garden Waste service is an incredibly important decision for both residents and the Council, now and in the future.

“I am also very aware of the different views from residents and our councillors and I want to ensure that we further engage and listen to these views so that we all get a better understanding of the various options and their impacts before taking the decision.

“I will explain in a little more detail at Thursday’s meeting what that will look like.

“I fully appreciate and recognise the importance of our Garden Waste service and I want to ensure that any decisions made are done so after a wider debate and discussion. I anticipate that a report on the options will come back to Executive in September this year.”