Lib Dems have Sunderland’s £25 replacement wheelie bin fee scrapped for another year
Opposition Liberal Democrats on Wearside are celebrating victory in their campaign for replacement wheelie bins to remain free for local people when their bin has been stolen through no fault of their own.
Sunderland City Council's Cabinet published documents yesterday (11th January) which confirm that the £25 fee for a replacement wheelie bin won't be brought back in April 2023.
Instead, the Council's 2023/24 Budget will provide for free replacement bins for another year.
Lib Dem councillors in Sunderland had forced a vote on the issue at a meeting of all 75 city councillors on 25th January, asking all parties to back their plan for the £25 fee to be scrapped for good.
Opposition councillors also welcomed the extension of free pest control services in people's homes for another year, which was also announced.
Lib Dem Councillor for Millfield and Thornholme Julia Potts - who led the campaign against brining back the £25 replacement wheelie bin fee - said:
"It is good news that Council bosses have been shamed into doing the right thing by adopting the Lib Dem plan to extend the free replacement wheelie bin scheme instead of bringing back their hated £25 fee during a cost of living crisis.
"Keeping free pest control for people who have rats, mice and other pests in their homes and gardens for another year is also the right thing to do rather than people facing a £50 call out charge every time they have a problem."