Collection charges for bulky waste items such as furniture and kitchen appliances could be reviewed amid the Isle of Wight Council’s continued financial challenges.
Senior County Hall officer Simon Moon has recommended the proposal, which includes benchmarking fees against comparable local authorities, in a new report to the Environment and Community Protection Committee (ECPC).
The council currently charges £62 for collecting up to 4 bulky waste items from properties.
Mr Moon’s paper says:
“This proposal seeks to review bulky waste collection charges to improve cost recovery from a discretionary service.
“Initial modelling indicates approximately £1,100 additional annual income may be achievable through revised charging arrangements, with potential for further income improvements following benchmarking against comparable authorities.
“The principal risk is a reduction in service uptake if charges exceed market expectations.”
Reviewing the fees forms part of a series of savings, efficiency, cost avoidance and income generation ideas due to be considered by ECPC councillors on 29th October.
Mr Moon’s report recommends the panel endorses the plans for referral to the policy, finance and resources panel as part of County Hall’s budget setting process.
It warns the financial challenge facing the council remains the “single greatest risk” to the sustainability of local public services and says the proposals are intended to contribute towards addressing the “significant budget gap” facing the authority.
