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 been increasing 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.
In October, our Annual Financial Review identified a projected total budget shortfall of £13.3m for the period until 2030. Within that, it also predicted a deficit of £4m for the coming financial year. Recent government announcements have increased our fears that our financial position will not improve in future years.
Along with other measures, the new garden waste subscription will help to reduce the shortfall. This will help 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. Introducing a collection charge will allow us to continue providing this much-valued service.