Decision details

To approve a mid-year inflationary increase in fees and charges of 5% with effect from 1 October 2022 as set out below:

1.    An increase in the garden waste collection charge from £47/year to £50/year per bin for new subscriptions and renewals. There will be no change to the number of collections per household per year;

2.    An increase in the bulky waste collection charge, including a special collection, to £22 per unit;

3.    An increase in the bulky waste collection charge for a 5 seat three piece suite to £33.00, calculated at 1.5 units;

4.    An increase in all commercial waste charges of 5%;

5.    An increase of 5% for all other waste and recycling related charges set out in the fees and charges schedule.

The Council increased fees and charges by 4.2% as part of the budget setting process on 21st February 2022 however the rapid rise in inflation requires another inflationary increase in fees and charges of 5% mid-year to help offset the additional costs and keep pace with inflation. The 5% inflationary increase will be rounded up as necessary.

The most significant cost increases are fuel and supplies, including spare parts, and services and these costs are forecast to rise even further by the end of the financial year.

Officers have considered whether a further increase in fees and charges could be avoided but concluded that the negative impact on the budget requires this increase.

Internal consultation has taken place with the relevant officers and the Cabinet Member Waste, Recycling and Street Services. Officers and the Cabinet Member support the decision to increase fees and charges by 5% to offset the negative impact of inflationary pressures on fuel and supplies/services.