Cabinet Confusion over Recycling Plans

Members of the Executive Committee have come in for criticism for debating the council's recycling policy when a decision already appears to have been made.

Wednesday night's meeting sees a report up for debate which looks at options available for the collection of recycled waste, even though leaflets were delivered to the public announcing plans for a fortnightly collection several weeks ago.

Lib Dem Deputy Leader, Cllr Christine McHugh commented:

"What kind of message does this send out to local people. Has the scheme been decided or not? The borough needs drastic action to increase the recycling rate in order to meet the government's targets and decisions need to be made as the recycling scheme comes into operation in April - just a couple of weeks away."

Liberal Democrats on the council have called for the Executive to maintain weekly collections of recycled waste, believing that would provide a clear, coherent scheme that is simple for people to use and would achieve the level of recycling needed.

"Weekly collections may be more expensive initially, but with financial penalties for not reaching government targets, they are not likely to be more expensive in the long run," said Christine McHugh.

She added:

"It's about time the Executive got their act together. Once again there seems to be a lack of clear thinking from the Mayor and his team. What we have got is more last minute dithering and confusion."