‘Stealth tax’ claim over waste charge

Veolia, the private company which collects waste under a £30m-a year-contract with Sheffield Council, will now only collect green waste in a specially-produced clear plastic bag.

Each bag will cost £1.20, with residents able to order up to 100 at a time. The bags will be marked with the year and will not be usable after December 31.

Leading Labour councillors, who recently also cut weekly bin collections in the city said charges were required to meet cuts.

But last night Lib Dem opposition waste spokesman Coun Ian Auckland said: “Not only do local people face losing their weekly bin collection but now Labour plan to hit local residents with a new garden tax.”