Wokingham Borough Council|

Residents in Wokingham borough are being reminded that they have less than a week left to have their say on the potential changes to their future rubbish and recycling collections. The consultation will close at midnight next Monday (5 December).

Subject to the results of the consultation, Wokingham Borough Council is looking at bringing in any changes as soon as possible, in view of the pressing need to make savings that will protect essential services, such as those that support the most vulnerable.

Savings before a new waste contract starts

Cllr Ian Shenton, executive member for environment, sport and leisure said: “The consultation sets out our proposals on how rubbish and recycling collections could be changed to save at least £700,000 per year without having to wait until we start a new waste contract in 2026.

“As the lowest funded unitary authority in the UK, we are making every possible effort to reduce costs and find savings to fulfil our duty of care to all residents in need of our support during this tough time. We don’t have the luxury to carry on as we are, as this would cost us an additional £500,000 next year, if 10 per cent inflation continues.

“We all have to be aware that we have no choice but to make changes. However, you do have a choice to take the survey and tell us how the potential changes would affect you, so we can make the best overall decision for our residents. No decision has been made yet. Every single comment will be taken into consideration when your future waste collections are being shaped.”

 

Recommendations based on residents’ responses

After the consultation ends, all responses will be collated and analysed to form recommendations, which are expected to be discussed by the council’s executive. Depending on the outcome of the discussion, the council will further announce what the changes would be, a timeline for the roll-out and actions needed for residents.

Residents can take the survey on the council’s Engage website, which also provides background information as well as facts and figures about what is being put forward by the council.

Alternatively, residents can call the council’s customer services team on (0118) 974 6000 or visit one of the borough’s libraries. Paper and electronic copies (PDF format) can be provided on request and an Easy Read version is also available.

Launched this October, the 8-week consultation outlines the council’s proposals on how residents’ waste would be collected differently, including changes to frequency of general rubbish and recycling collections and provision of a wheeled bin to every household for storing rubbish.

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