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!”
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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 https://sfenvironment.org/zero-waste-in-SF-is-recycling-composting-and-reuse
