The proposed Decentralisation and Localism Bill will be used to remove powers to trial ‘pay-as-you-throw bin tax’ schemes, Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman today said.
The Government intends to introduce provisions to the Localism Bill, amending the Climate Change Act 2008 to remove the powers that allow Local Authorities to pilot waste reduction schemes - including charging householders based on how much they throw away. The changes will also make it easier for Local Authorities to bring in schemes to reward people who produce less waste. Decisions on any reward schemes are best made by councils in consultation with local residents and with careful consideration of value for money.
The Environment Secretary also announced that Defra will not be further considering Bristol City Council’s current proposal to pilot a waste reduction scheme under the Climate Change Act.