NEWS RELEASE
I issued the following press release on 8 January 2007
LYNNE JONES MP BACKS LGA’S WAR ON
WASTE
Lynne Jones MP has welcomed the War on Waste campaign, which was
launched today by the Local Government Association (LGA) [1].
Lynne, who is the MP for Birmingham Selly Oak, said “I support
the LGA’s proposal that councils should be given the powers to charge householders
for excess amounts of waste they put out for disposal.
This should
not mean extra bills if the income from charges is offset against the council tax levy. Charging has the potential to dramatically
change the way individuals think about the waste and will encourage waste prevention,
reuse, recycling and composting.”
The MP pointed out that variable charging schemes have had a massive
impact in other European countries, such as the Netherlands and Germany and Belgium, and,
if implemented carefully, would represent an equitable way of charging people and
businesses for their waste collection services, as opposed to a fixed fee or council tax
charge.
Lynne Jones went on to say “It is completely irresponsible of
the Tories to oppose this initiative with scare stories that it will hit the poor and
elderly most. San Francisco makes no charge
for collection of recyclable or compostable materials and gives special concessions and
services to senior citizens, low income households and the disabled for collection of
other types of household waste.[2] There is no
earthly reason why our councils cannot do something similar.
The UK is trailing way behind other European countries on recycling and
risks not only drowning in waste but also being charged hefty fines under the EU
Landfill Directive. People should recycle their rubbish, and be rewarded for
doing so by paying less!”
E N D S
For further details
please contact Lynne Jones on 0207 219 4190
Notes for Editors:
LGA Press Release at
http://www.lga.gov.uk/PressRelease.asp?lSection=0&id=SX8452-A783F328
2. SF Environment website at http://www.sfenvironment.com/aboutus/recycling/index.htm
