Uplift charges hike on the cards

CHARGES for bulky uplifts could potentially be tripled by Dumfries and Galloway Council – just months after council tax rose by nine per cent.

Residents are set to be hit in the pocket again after council chiefs called for a price hike, insisting the fees are too low compared to other Scottish local authorities, and arguing that increased cost will encourage more recycling and donating to charities, writes Marc McLean.

However, the move is also being seen as a money-spinner as calculations show it could potentially double the council’s six-figure income for the service.

Currently, residents are charged £15.63 for a council collection of one to three items.

However, a three-item pick-up could cost as much as £45 under various pricing options being considered.

Councillors will discuss revised charges at the economy and infrastructure committee next Tuesday.

A report states: “Through benchmarking with other local authorities across Scotland, the average charge for bulky uplifts is approximately £34.99 per bulky household uplift, for white goods the average cost of £47.06.

“The current uplift charge’s low cost can negatively impact the re-use options available through charities.”

However, with increased charges, council bosses expect a reduction in bulky uplift requests, by up to 15 per cent.

Last year there were 5800 bulky uplifts, with over 17,400 items collected.

This generated £110,200 for the local authority - however, it has been calculated that could significantly increase to between £190,000 and £222,000 with increased charges – even with a drop in demand.