New Waste Charges a Disgrace' say Lib Dems.

Rochdale MP Paul Rowen has hit out at that the decision to increase waste charges across Greater Manchester as a disgrace. Paul was commenting after it was confirmed that waste charges for small businesses are going up. In a letter to businesses, staff at tips said, "From June 15th 2009 a change will be introduced at this and all our facilities at which trade waste is accepted. This will mean that you will be charged a minimum price for half a tonne of waste even if your load weighs less."

Paul Rowen said, "I am disgusted that at a time of recession, waste charges are rocketing. I have spoken to a small business in Rochdale; they tell me that their monthly charge will go up from £24 a month to £116! This is unacceptable and this heavy-handed approach to charging businesses will inevitably lead to an increase in fly-tipping and may even lead to more businesses folding. It sends out the wrong message and I am calling on the Waste Disposal Authority to look again and reverse this ridiculous policy."

Paul continued, "I have also got concerns about where small businesses are going to put their waste in anticipation of the rise in the minimum price of dumping. For example, a florist in Rochdale will process far less waste in terms of tonnage than a builder's merchants. This is an ill-thought decision and I am calling for an urgent re-think."

Paul said, "The way that this whole thing has been handled is appalling. My office has contacted the Waste Disposal Authority will over two weeks ago now and they assured me that they would be keeping businesses in touch with any changes to their charges but this simply hasn't been the case. I will also be speaking directly to the Chief Executive of the Greater Manchester Authority to express my anger at this decision."

Rochdale's lead member on the Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority Councillor Christine Akram said: "I totally oppose this decision that I believe could cost us jobs here in Rochdale. I am also concerned about the possible increase in fly-tipping that could come from this decision. Prosecutions for fly-tipping in our Borough have risen dramatically in the last few years and the Council are committed to continue to cleaning up our Borough. However, decisions like these fly totally in the face of that."

Councillor Akram added: "I will be making sure that this thoughtless decision is put on the agenda at our next meeting and I will also be demanding that it is overturned immediately."