A proposal to introduce green bin charges has sparked controversy and allegations about a “garden tax.” Earlier this week, Bolton Council announced it may be bringing in a new policy needing people to opt in to pay charges of £45 a year to have their garden waste collected from green bins. But with a consultation still to run over the next month, the proposal has already provoked widespread opposition.
Conservative environment spokesperson Cllr Nadim Muslim said: “Let’s be very clear, this is a garden tax. “This is a punishment for people who have aspired, who have achieved and who have got a garden.” Changes to waste collection services have already been announced this year (Image: Newsquest) Cllr Muslim said that the policy was is likely to hit certain groups harder than others including single people and elderly people, who have already lost out on winter fuel payments.
He also warned it could put people off recycling and may lead to further cases of fly tipping. Cllr Muslim said: “I think this is something most councillors will be opposed to, I think that even within the Labour group there have been a lot of people opposed to this.” He added: “When we ran the previous administration, we managed to have some of the lowest rates of fly tipping, since Labour have taken over that figure has increased.
” The Bolton Green Party, which holds a seat on the council, has also expressed strong reservations about the proposal. Chair Alan Johnson said: “People li.