Oral Answers to Questions

Pauline Latham Excerpts

Monday 4th February 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mr Foster]

The Government are well aware of these issues, which is why we made an additional £25 million available to help in relation to the disabled people the hon. Lady talks about, and it is why we have made an additional £5 million available in relation to carers. While armed forces personnel are living at home, the home would have a £70 per week discount, whereas while the person is serving, the discount would be only 14%—a very much lower sum.

[Pauline Latham (Mid Derbyshire) (Con)]

6. What recent discussions he has had with Derby city council on its refuse collection policies.

[The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (Mr Eric Pickles)]

I have had no discussions with Derby city council, but I am disappointed to hear of plans by the Labour council to charge residents for collecting their garden waste.

[Pauline Latham]

What assessment has my right hon. Friend made of Labour-run Derby city council’s proposed £40 brown bin tax?

[Mr Pickles]

There is a very good case for comparing that bin tax with what the neighbouring Amber Valley borough council is doing. That Conservative authority is about to introduce a new recycling service, which will be more convenient for households and will reduce the amount of waste that goes into landfill, and includes a free garden waste collection service. That is good practice and I encourage other councils to follow suit.