Stockport residents face new bin charges and a council tax increase after budget approval; opposition calls it a “poll tax.”
The council must save £26 million this year to balance their budget, and they expect even bigger issues soon.
Council tax in Stockport will rise by five percent. This means Band D properties will pay £100 more per year, with the council sharing the list next week.
Big changes affect green and blue bin collections. Green bins, which previously held weekly garden waste for free, will now cost residents £59 per year, or £39 for those with support. Compost bins are an option from £10. Green bins will still collect food waste weekly; this service remains free for everyone.
Blue bins, which hold paper and cardboard and are currently collected every two weeks, will soon be collected once a month. These changes impact both green and blue bin collections.
Mark Roberts said the changes save services, mentioning libraries and swimming pools. He stated that these new charges help save money, making frontline services like pools safer.
Nearly half of those surveyed opposed this year’s budget plans. Over 8,000 people answered a survey, with many expressing anger about the new garden waste fees.
Residents fear this will cause illegal dumping and disproportionately hurt struggling families. During the vote, 32 councillors voted for, 27 against, and three abstained.
The council stated that the choices were tough but necessary. Legally, they have to keep a balanced budget, and Stockport missed out on funds from the government.
David Meller said waste could end up fly-tipped and described the changes as a “poll tax.” He also noted that a Band A resident will see a higher bill.
New fees may apply at previously free car parks. This change was approved last year, and they are gradually rolling those changes out.
Mark Hunter said they lack government support, adding that putting more onto local residents is not a preferred choice.
Hunter stated things are hard for councils now because the government is not properly funding local services. Stockport did not get Recovery Grant funds, which made their finances tough again.
Hunter is proud that Stockport remains secure. However, he acknowledged that this didn’t happen by chance and appears to have taken planning.