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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Jack Thomson

Renfrewshire Council £40 garden waste permit could make more than £800,000 in 2023/24

The rollout of a £40 garden waste permit in Renfrewshire is predicted to make the council £828,000 in the current financial year, a report has said.

The scheme, which formed part of the SNP administration's budget in March, is set to be introduced from Monday, July 10, but households can apply now.

The change – which will operate as a £40 charge per brown bin – means residents who want their garden waste collected will need a valid permit displayed on their bin.

Any bin presented with garden waste inside that does not have one will not be lifted after the first collection following implementation of the initiative.

However, there is no need for a permit for those presenting just food waste in the brown bin – since its uplift is a statutory requirement for councils.

Meanwhile, an exemption on payment will be offered to householders entitled to full council tax reduction or with a severe mental impairment.

A report to Thursday's finance board said the scheme is "forecast to generate" £828,000 in 2023/24.

Councillor Chris Gilmour, Labour environment spokesperson, asked three questions about the brown bin charge – covering the number of bins in the area, how many people are exempt and expected uptake of the permit.

However, SNP convener John Shaw stated the enquiry should be directed elsewhere and said: "Councillor Gilmour, that's not a question for this board.

"There's obviously figures being reported on this board but that's not a question for this board. I think you're on the environment board where you would pick this one up or perhaps take it up offline with officers.

SNP finance convener John Shaw said the questions should be directed to the environment board (Renfrewshire Council)

"But it's certainly not a question for this board at the moment, I would suggest."

Garden waste, such as grass and hedge cuttings, can continue to be taken to recycling centres in Renfrewshire for free.

Waster advisors are conducting roadshows this month to allow people to ask questions about the scheme, which has sparked concerns about a rise in fly-tipping.

However, Renfrewshire Council previously said evidence from other local authorities, who have implemented a permit, indicates an increase in illegal dumping "hasn’t been an issue" across Scotland.

The permits will be printed on weatherproof material and include the council’s logo, householder address and a unique identifying number to combat potential fraud.

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