Cutting garden waste service by stealth criticised
The city council decision to stop collecting garden waste over the winter months has been criticised by opposition councillors.
The ruling Conservative administration has stopped emptying the garden waste bins throughout December and January across Gloucester.
Yet residents who pay £44 a year for the annual service are losing two months of collections with no refund.
The decision was made by the city council following an online-only consultation carried out as part of the budget process.
Councillor Declan Wilson, deputy leader of the Liberal Democrat city council group, said: "The council has told us residents were 'positive' about reducing the garden waste service during 'this quiet period for gardening'.
"But many people simply didn't know about this consultation on the city council's website.
"Residents are paying £44 for a yearly service and are now only getting 10 months of collections.
"It's a sneaky stealth bin tax by the back door. Residents have told me they are not happy with the change."
Councillor Wilson added: "Under the Conservatives - both in government and in Gloucester - local residents are facing cuts in services year after year, while also paying more for less.
"Residents pay directly for the garden waste service, so it should not be cut in the same way."