‘Good news’ - update on plans to cut bin collections after complaints, row and apology

Household bins and public litter bins, garden waste charges, and street cleansing were all discussed at the council’s Policy & Finance meeting, as budget planning continues.

Last summer’s bin problems – which saw many missed collections and public complaints – were blamed on issues including staff shortages and overtime arrangements. The delays prompted public complaints, a council apology and a political row.

At the committee, Labour Coun Mark Anderson, lead member for finance, went through the latest budget plans. He said extra funding meant potential bin collection cuts could be avoided.

And a rise in garden waste charges would only be small, expected at £1.50. But the full council will have the final say.

Our West Lancashire (OWL) Coun Adrian Owens said: “I’m happy with these amended proposals. I’m pleased about the removal of plans for three-weekly bin collections. That would have been very challenging and probably not well received, given last summer’s problems.

“But I also think we should try to align our activities as much as possible with other councils. Increasing green garden waste charges would put us well out-of-line with Chorley and South Ribble.”

Discussing how the proposals will work with the possible merging of West Lancashire with the two other councils in 2028, Coun Anderson said: “We have discussed that and I have some sympathy with working closely with the other authorities we might merge with.

“But with garden waste, the only proposal is to increase the charge by the consumer price index inflation rate, by £1.50 rather than £10.”

Coun Owens also asked about a possible reduction of public litter bins.

But Coun Anderson replied: “We don’t think we will do that. We think a £330,000 portion should go towards bins and collections. Further detailed work will come and we will not move forward with cuts.”

Coun Owen also asked about a £377,000 allocation the council’s ruling Labour group has earmarked to maintain funding for health and well-being training.

He said: “Do you want to keep that but cut the level of street cleansing? OWL councillors would keep street cleansing at a certain level and the two posts with it.”

In reply, Coun Anderson said: “We’re maintaining the well-being service and will keep street cleansing, but I’m not yet sure at what level.”

Labour’s Carl Coughlan said: “The reality is we have street cleansing services but, because of some attitudes, people still throw litter out of cars ten minutes after the streets are cleaned. I support keeping funds for the well-being service.”

Coun Owens said well-being funds might come from Lancashire County Council. But Labour’s Gareth Dowling felt that was a question for another time. He also emphasised all councillors would have an opportunity to debate the plans at the budget meeting.

Regarding council planning services, Conservative David Whittingson said: “Under these ideas, the planning enforcement team’s budget could be cut by £50,000. But it does not work fully at present and that cut would concern us. More planning fees are coming into the council and the department wants to spend this on staff, perhaps by re-prioritising enforcement?”

Coun Dowling said: “I’m not aware that enforcement is an issue. I’ve not had any contact from you about it. But I’m open to discussions.”