No reponse yet on council recycling centre motion

Independent Group members of Powys County Council are still awaiting confirmation on whether their urgent motion to delay changes to Household Waste Recycling Centres will be heard at meeting on Thursday.

The request was submitted 10 days ago, yet councillors remain in the dark over its status.

The council’s Liberal Democrat and Labour administration plans to introduce a booking system for all recycling centres, including Newtown's, from March 25, 2025, and implement new charges from April 1, 2025. However, opposition members argue that new information has come to light that warrants a reconsideration of the scheme.

Cllr Beverley Baynham, Joint Leader of the Opposition Party, stressed the need for an urgent discussion. “The reasons why the motion is urgent and should be taken at the meeting is that further information has come to light that affects the implementation of the new system that we were not aware of before the deadline,” she said.

“Therefore, the motion could not be submitted in time and should be validated as urgent as it cannot be dealt with by any other means. These changes will create unnecessary difficulties and a further financial burden for Powys residents.”

Concerns have been raised that the booking system may inadvertently lead to an increase in fly-tipping, putting additional strain on an already stretched budget. Furthermore, Cllr Baynham pointed to Shropshire Council’s experience with a similar system, which was introduced last November but later abandoned due to its ineffectiveness.

“We would like to request the Cabinet place the introduction of this new system on hold whilst further scrutiny of the issues faced in Shropshire can be investigated and further consideration given to whether this new system is necessary,” she added.

Public opposition to the changes has been strong, with an online petition started by Cllr Joy Jones, Independent member for Newtown East, gaining 4,000 signatures. The petition has full backing from all members of The Independent Group.

The motion has been proposed by Cllr Baynham, the member for Presteigne, and seconded by Cllr Gareth Jones, the member for Llanelwedd. However, with the council meeting fast approaching, they are still awaiting confirmation on whether the motion will be debated.

As concerns mount over the impact of these changes, councillors and residents alike will be watching closely to see if their voices are heard.