Rubbish Tax - we are being deceived and lied to

Government is once again found to be duplicitous

It was reported in June 2008 that in a report for DEFRA called 'Household Waste Prevention Policy', consideration was given to changing planning laws in order to limit the amount of waste to be collected per dwelling.   Other ideas were forcing residents to buy bin bags from their local council at a cost of 75p each, refusing to collect any 'non approved' bags and the possibility of increasing rubbish tax to £466 per year.  This was included in our report Where There's Muck There's Brass.

To date, ministers have always claimed that any implementation of this new tax will be a matter for each local authority to decide.  However, Central Government will 'encourage' local authorities to make the 'right decision'.  Isitfair has stated quite clearly in its report that the implementation of this new tax is a 'done deal' and this would now seem to be confirmed as correct.

The 'Household Waste Prevention Policy' report (412 pages) is dated May 2007 and was compiled by Eunomia Research & Consulting Ltd for DEFRA.  Both the full report and a summary report may be downloaded from the The Environment Council website.  However, in May 2008, Joan Ruddock (Environment Minister) in a written answer said that the report was not yet ready for publication and it appears from the following press release that the Opposition have forced the Government's hand: Secret report exposes bin cuts are now official Whitehall policy

Whilst Isitfair supports voluntary recycling schemes, which are working well as recycling rates are on target to achieve 40% by 2010 as confirmed by DEFRA, it is not convinced that the introduction of a new tax is justifiable.  Especially as household waste only accounts for about 9% of total annual waste.  The Government simply cannot be trusted to be truthful on this matter and we strongly recommend that every council tax payer reads our report and then contacts their MP to voice their concerns or otherwise about this matter.  In 2010 when the next General Election is called, feedback received leads us to believe that this will be a key policy area that will decide who many people vote for.