Imposition of flat rate waste charges in Co. Waterford
Issued : Monday 16 January, 2006
First Printed in Dungarvan Observer 16/1/2006
Dear Editor,
Due to the recent changeover it was not possible for the Labour Party to add its voice to the debate on waste charges at the January meeting of Lismore Town Council.
Both Cllr Mark Khan (outgoing) and Cllr Jan Rotte (incoming) are in agreement on this issue. We would both like to publicly state our support for the Common Labour Party position within Waterford County Council and Dungarvan Town Council in totally opposing the introduction of a Flat Rate Charge per household.
We oppose this for several reasons including; the lack of democracy in the council, abolition of the polluter pays principle, the inequalities inherent in a flat rate scheme.
The disdain for democracy shown by the County Manager when he imposed the charge above the heads of the councillors before they reconvened to finalise the discussion on the estimates has no place in an age of inclusive democracy. Though we recognise the County Manager exercised his rights given under the regressive legislation enacted by the FF/PD Government, it would have been better to exhaust the avenue of public democratic debate before using his ‘Nuclear Option’.
The flat rate charge also undermines the Polluter Pays Principle, which apart from informing all EU legislation, also increasingly underpins most global action to curb climate change. Will people who pay for their labels, but, not their flat rate charge have their bins collected? If not, will this see people forsake labels and charges altogether and see a resulting increase in illegal disposal by whatever means, burning or dumping? How can it be said that the polluter is paying when every household regardless of size, composition and waste output is charged the same flat rate? This does not recognise or encourage individual efforts to reduce & recycle waste.
Similary, a flat rate imposed on every household regardless of means and demographics places an unequal financial burden on those least able to afford it. Working families shall be able to claim back against tax relief, but, what of families on welfare, who cannot claim tax back and have less money anyway? What of long working citizens who now receive a state pension, but, can not avail of tax refunds?
All of these above points are inconsistent or undesirable outcomes from stated council or government policy, so, why are we now faced with such a bad, unpopular decision?
Is it because the Council Officials failed to strategically plan our infrastructure and waste management adequately in preparation for the landfill closures?
Is it because the Manager and Councillors failed to take the financial decisions much earlier to ensure a softer landing when the closures came?
Do we, the people of Waterford, not deserve democratic, consistent, inclusive and well planned decisions, rather than panicky quick fix solutions?
Cllr Mark Khan (Outgoing) Cllr Jan Rotte (Incoming)
Cllr 
