GREEN-bin collection charges will come into force in a North Yorkshire district next month, with the local council hoping the move will save £190,000 a year.
Richmondshire District Council said most people had supported the charges for garden waste but there had been “adverse reaction” from some residents.
The authority has saved about £1 million from its budget over the last three years, and says it will have to cut another £300,000 by 2015/16 – even after the £17 annual charges for collecting garden waste are taken into account.
Council leader John Blackie said: “The charge is designed to contribute towards the cost of the service and not to make a profit.”
Deputy leader Mick Griffiths said average charges at other local authorities across the UK ranged from £30 to £60 a year.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here