MPs disappointed by 'bin tax' schemes

Frustrated MPs have dismissed the government's weak stance on planned pilot schemes testing 'bin tax' proposals.

The communities and local government committee accuses the government of lacking nerve and conviction in its report on recycling incentive schemes, published today.

It has a history of criticising the government on the issue, having described previous proposals for charging householders directly for refuse collection as a "half-hearted tilt".

In their latest report MPs go even further, claiming the government is responding to a lack of enthusiasm from stakeholders for wider measures by falling back on the pilot schemes.

Committee chairman Dr Phyllis Starkey said the government had, "in the face of highly negative media coverage, mounted a wholehearted retreat from even the limited policy outlined last May".

Current proposals contained in the climate change bill will mean five local authorities will test the 'bin tax' measures, which see households charged according to how much waste they produce.

MPs are concerned the pilot schemes will not be able to meet EU landfill targets before penalties are due.

The first trials are not due until April 2009. A public accounts committee report last October estimated the UK risks not meeting its target of reducing biodegradable waste tonnage sent to landfill sites by 4.9 million tonnes by 2013.

The communities and local government committee believes the government's "timidity" is especially concerning because it requires strong action to force councils to act.

Inadequate compensation for recyclers, opposition from householders believing waste collection is already covered by council tax and a lack of profitability from the schemes are of concern, MPs say.

They believe these factors together mean local authorities will not pursue bin taxes actively by themselves.

The Department for Communities and Local Government said it was preparing a response to the report.