I WRITE as a Ferndown town councillor and Litter Champion for Ferndown.

I have discussed the to be imposed HRC charges from the Dorset Waste Partnership with residents since its announcement, and note both their feedback, and national evidence.

The introduction of the proposed extra household refuse centre tax is ill thought-out and dysfunctional because:

  • It will increase queues at already inadequate centres, whilst the administration is completed.
     
  • It will increase costs through the administration of those charges.
     
  • It is a regressive tax which hits the less well off more. The more affluent will continue to use contractors and not notice the extra charges, whilst the less well off carry out DIY themselves, and will be penalised for keeping their houses and gardens decent.
     
  • Research shows it will increase fly tipping from that same less well off group of residents, unable to afford the extra cost imposed. This will add more cost than equivalent income, aside from environmental concerns.

A deficit caused by reported poor financial management is being closed in part, by charging residents more.

Many residents and I find the partnership’s reasoning inexplicable, given the consequences above that will arise from this decision.

Steven Lugg

Town Councillor, Ferndown Central