New rubbish tip charges ruled '˜illegal' by Government says Tory

A £4 charge to throw away a bag of non-household waste such as soil, hardcore, DIY or plasterboard was introduced by the Conservative-controlled West Sussex County Council at its Household Waste and Recycling Sites in October as part of cost-cutting measures.

Storrington and Sullington Parish Council wrote to Government ministers urging them to offer financial help to authorities so they do not have to introduce such charges.

In its reply the Department for Communities and Local Government stated that ‘waste disposal sites should not be charging for household DIY waste in any rate’.

The letter added: “Local authorities can of course charge for disposal of non-household waste such as car tyres, and construction and demolition waste at waste disposal sites.

“However, household waste generated by DIY should be disposed of without a charge.”

But a spokesman for the county council suggested that the Government statement in its view contradicted legislation, and it would not be reviewing the charges.

Philip Circus, a Conservative county councillor for Storrington, said: “What they are actually saying is that the charging regime at West Sussex County Council dumps is illegal and that’s the Government saying that.”

He added: “I’m sure the county council will be quite annoyed about this but my view is I do not speak for the county council I speak for the people who elected me and they are horrified by the charges and some are quite illogical.”

Mr Circus has argued the charges have led to an increase in fly tipping, would undermine recycling efforts, and are inconveniencing residents.

He has been told that the amount of hardcore going through the rubbish tips has decreased since October, and suggested this meant waste was being dumped as in the Horsham district they had seen instances of bricks being put in domestic rubbish bins.