Residents will see an increase in charges for bulky waste collections and garden waste collections as the Council strives to maintain services, despite a decrease in funding.

Following a review of fees and charges in Mid Devon, Members have voted to increase charges as the Council continues to balance the need to raise revenue following cuts in Government funding, while needing to maintain our facilities and provide value for money for our residents.

The new charges will come into effect from March 2023.

Cllr Colin Slade, Cabinet Member for the Environment and Climate Change said:

“Set against a backdrop of cuts by the Government, our continued recovery from the Covid19 pandemic, and the rise in costs of materials as a Council we have decided to increase our fees, rather than implement significant cuts to our services. Increasing our fees is not something we undertake lightly, and for many years we have been able to maintain most of our charges at a static rate, but the Council is not immune to the cost-of-living crisis, and we must make changes to continue to provide our services.”

Bulky waste charges, which have not increased since April 2020, have risen to £25 for one item, with each additional item costing £14. (Current charges are £22 and £11 respectively)

Garden waste charges, which last rose in October 2020, will increase to £65 per year for a 240l bin, £55 per year for a 140l bin and for £1.60 per 120l sack. (Current charges are £50, £40 and £1.30 respectively)