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Borough Council News
Recycling: fantastic
The success of the garden waste recycling scheme has rather caught officers at
Tewkesbury Borough on the wrong foot. Against a target for recycling of
21%, a figure of 29.1% was achieved in September, and an average
rate of 26.4% for the first six months of the financial year (to end
September). The success, and cooperation of the public means that for the
next few months at least, normal rubbish will continue to be collected on
a weekly basis.
For
health and safety reasons, and to encourage more thought about recycling,
those leaving refuse by the side of their bins will not have it taken
away. This will not be started until the Christmas festivities are over.
It is absolutely vital that everyone takes part in the new way of
collecting waste. If you have a large family, then there are special
provisions. If you have a problem, which you believe will be difficult to
overcome, then advise me and I will get a member of staff to talk to
and/or visit you.
Similarly if because of age or disability you find it difficult to move
your 'wheelie bins' contact me and I will help alternative arrangements be
made for you.
The
cooperation of the public in this additional recyclng service has been
nothing short of fantastic. So, for the next two years it is likely to
remain at a 'voluntary recycling tax'. i.e. if you don't pay to use a
brown bin you can still take your garden and other rubbish to Stoke
Orchard tip. Further into the future changes are likely to take place in
the methods of recycling.
Your Council Tax bill
As
a member of the Resources and Corporate Governance committee, issues
relating to next year's budget are starting to be examined. Do you think
that we at Tewkesbury Borough Council provide the kind of services which
you feel that you need? Would yo be prepared to pay more for enhanced
services? If so, what would you like to see done?
Last year Tewkesbujry Borough Council tax rose by 3.01%. We charge the
lowest tax in Gloucestershire (only
half of that charged in Cheltenham for borough services) and the 4th
lowest in the country.
We have always had pride in providing a reasonable
level of services at a realistic cost. Last year the Audit Commission
(the government's financial watchdog) accused us of charging too little.
We are still investigating which services the public would like improved
and which we could reduce. I
continue to believe that we should always take a realistic view of the
funding of our Council whilst particularly having concern for those who
are retired and/or are on low fixed incomes.
If
you have any comment on any of these or other issues, or you need help in
an of my areas, please give me a ring on 677767, email me at :
allen@allenkeyte.fsworld.co.uk or drop me a note at Magnolia House,
Aggs Close, Gotherington, GL52 9HD.
Allen Keyte
Tewkesbury Borough Councillor (Oxenton Hill Ward) |
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