MP for Barrow and Furness hits out at Council over garden waste charges

The MP for Barrow and Furness, Simon Fell, has written to Westmorland and Furness Council urging them to rethink the extra garden waste charge paid only by Barrow Borough residents.

Mr Fell states in his letter that this charge is unfair to Barrow Borough residents and that many constituents have contacted him asking for this charge to be removed.

Westmorland and Furness Council have recently stated that the waste charges for all areas will remain the same as they were in former councils, with the former Barrow Borough Council area being the only one who pays extra for their green bins to be emptied, until they are able to fully harmonise services across the area.

In the same letter Mr Fell criticises the Council for this update coming at the same time they have announced both the raises in council tax and allowance for Council cabinet members.

Mr Fell said:

“I am deeply disappointed to learn of the decision made by Westmorland and Furness council to not remove the unfair garden waste tax on Barrow residents.

“Whilst I appreciate that time needs to be taken to harmonise services, we are nearly a year on from the new unitary authority being formed and they are yet to make changes to prevent Barrow residents paying for a service that other Westmorland and Furness residents receive for free.

“This update coming in the same week that Labour and Liberal Democrat Councillors voted to increase council tax by a whopping 4.99% and voted to raise their own allowances at the same time, is a further blow to Barrow residents.”