There is currently an issue when trying to reset passwords on our Garden Waste portal. We are working urgently to fix it, but ask that you check back later if you need to change your password. The rest of the portal is working as normal. We apologise for any inconvenience.
Background
Many councils are facing significant financial challenges and must look at ways to balance their budgets.
We have an ongoing financial shortfall. This is because the money we raise from our 10% share of Council Tax, government funding and other sources is not enough to cover our costs.
Council costs have increased due to pressures such as rising homelessness, high inflation and the impact of higher interest rates. Council income, on the other hand, is lagging behind these extra costs. We estimate that we have ‘lost’ real terms government funding of around £11m a year since 2010/11.
Along with other measures, the garden waste subscription helps to reduce the shortfall. It also helps us to protect essential services and put our finances on a sustainable path.
Garden waste is not included in your Council Tax
Councils have a duty to collect household waste free of charge. However, the collection of garden waste is not a statutory service under the ‘Controlled Waste Regulations 2012’. This means that local councils do not have an obligation to collect garden waste. They have a choice to provide this service or not.
Many councils have collected garden waste without any additional charges in the past. However, due to national budget pressures, most councils now charge for this service. This collection charge allows us to continue providing this much-valued service.