The Liberal Democrat Group will formally call for 349 litter and dog bins to be returned to the streets of York at a Council meeting next week. The demand follows the removal in recent weeks of 1 in 3 of the city’s litter bins by the Labour run City of York Council. A move that has sparked anger amongst local residents and opposition councillors.

Cllr Ann Reid, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Environmental Services who will move the motion, commented:

“Councillors across the city have been contacted by residents annoyed that bins disappeared overnight and demanding that they be put back. Labour took the decision to remove 349 bins without any consultation with residents, councillors or community groups and the backlash has been clear. We are asking Labour to listen to residents and restore the bins in all areas where there is a demand to do so. Residents seem particularly concerned about bins being cut outside shops or near bus stops and it is clear that these should be put back immediately.”

The Liberal Democrat Group will suggest that the move be funded through a reduction in cabinet members. When Labour took control of the Council in May 2011 they controversially added an additional cabinet member to take the overall number to 8.

Cllr Reid commented:

“Last year at a time when the number of directors and assistant directors in the Council was reducing and those remaining were being asked to take on more responsibility, Labour decided to increase the number of the highest paid councillors. It would appear that Labour are prioritising their own pay packets over basic services while trying to blame the government for any cuts. Our motion suggests we remove the extra paid position that Labour added and further reduce by one the number that was previously in place.

“It is quite clear at this time the priority of the Council should be maintaining a clean and attractive city and providing basic frontline services for residents, it should not be underserved pay increases for Labour councillors.”

Cllr Ann Reid will move the following motion at a meeting of Full Council on Thursday, 12th July, 6.30 pm at the Guildhall York:

Litter and Dog Bins

Council notes that over recent weeks 349 litter and dog bins have been removed from the city’s streets without any prior consultation with ward councillors, local residents or Parish Councils. This move has sparked widespread anger and all opposition groups have expressed concern over the cuts.

Council believes these are unnecessary cuts to frontline services that will increase litter and fly-tipping, lead to a general deterioration in the look and feel of our streets, and fatally undermine the legacy of York Pride.

Council resolves to instruct officers to work in collaboration with ward councillors, residents and where applicable Parish Councils to reverse these cuts and restore the lost bins in all areas where there is demand to do so. The £40,000 cost would be funded by reducing the budget for Cabinet Members from £128,625 to £88,625.