THE council has decided not to introduce additional charges for the disposal of non-household waste at its seven recycling centres.

Several options were on the table as Cheshire West and Chester's Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the issue on Monday, April 11.

However, after around two hours of discussion, a decision was made to defer any charges until at least 2023, when the waste management contract for all tips in the borough is up for renewal.

Concerns were raised at the meeting that the introduction of the charge could lead to an increase in fly-tipping - which cost the council £347,000 to clear up and dispose of last year.

The decision to defer charges came on the same day the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) announced council's should not charge residents to dispose of DIY waste.

A statement from Cllr Karen Shore, cabinet member for environment, said about the proposed household DIY waste disposal charges: "Cheshire West and Chester Council has withdrawn proposals for household DIY waste disposal charges, which would have kept small to medium projects free but introduced modest charges for larger projects.

"These proposals were reluctantly considered as a consequence of Government cuts since 2010, which have taken half a billion pounds from communities across Cheshire West.

“The Government has recently launched a consultation about household DIY waste disposal charges.

"They must do the right thing and increase funding to local councils so we can deliver on new requirements for local residents without impacting on other vital services like social care, street cleaning and highways.

"Cllr Louise Gittins, the council leader, will be writing to the Government to formally request specific funding for household DIY waste disposal.

“The council is clear in its environmental ambitions, and it is important that we have a system in our borough for disposing of non-household waste that helps us to deliver these in an efficient and effective way.

“We are already reviewing the effectiveness and impact of our Household Waste Recycling Centres and will reach any decisions on charging as part of that.

"Today, DEFRA has also launched its own consultation on how this subject is dealt with nationally.

"We are keen to contribute to this and to achieve the best outcomes for the people of Cheshire West and Chester."