Garden Waste Charge Aired at Solihull Council Meeting, Residents Pay £49

A Solihull Council meeting got heated. Council Leader Ian Courts accused rivals of seeking publicity. The meeting examined a garden waste charge. Residents now pay £49 yearly for the service. It used to be free. This charge starts in July. Councillors approved it at a December meeting.

Councillor Courts stated the actual budget process caused the charge. Laura McCarthy felt the decision lacked proper review and said officials previously denied imminent charges. Residents contacted councillors after the cabinet approval, feeling there was little consultation.

Ade Adeyamo was also shocked by the decision. Max McLoughlin worried about future choices and thinks major decisions are risky if made within a budget.

Councillor Courts defended his group’s position and felt the call-in process was flawed. He said the cabinet must make hard choices and that charging only users saves money for others. He questioned if the call-in was only for publicity.

The council did consult people, though most opposed the garden waste charge. He suggested opponents avoided council questions for political gain, arguing that the administration will make decisions for the borough’s benefit.

Andy Mackiewicz said opposition members lacked scrutiny skills. Adeyamo found that comment personal and improper, leading the meeting to devolve into arguments. Mackiewicz questioned the call-in’s motives, stating its goals were strictly political. The call-in committee approved the process by a four to three vote on February 11.