Opposition politician in Bolton remained silent after questioning about green bin charges

On Wednesday, Leader of the Opposition, Conservative Cllr Toby Hewitt, stood before Executive Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Environment, Cllr Richard Silvester, about green bin collection in Eagley Village.

Cllr Hewitt addressed concerns in his opening statement about the council’s recent consultations to introduce charges for garden waste from green bins from homes across Bolton.

If approved, the fee will be charged to households who choose to have their garden waste collected. The proposed fee is £45 per year for 25 collections per year.

Cllr Hewitt told the meeting: “The decision to consult was not presented to Cabinet or to any member of the Executive Cabinet by report, not to a scrutiny committee hearing, not to a policy development group.”

“It was not proposed to council members through discussion or debate [but] via press release.

“I am asking councilors for help to close the gap that has been created in this service for local residents.”

At that point, District Attorney Helen Gorman interjected to clarify that city councilors cannot ask additional questions of those on the meeting’s agenda.

She said: “There can be no question as to when a member of the Executive Cabinet decided to impose or deliberate on green waste charges.

(Image: Newsquest)

“You can only ask one question, which is written on the order paper.”

Cllr Hewitt’s first question was to “assure the over 100 residents who are about to be told by letter that their green bin will be taken away that this service will continue to be offered”.

“And [also] “Are you giving any assurances that you will work with local councils to ensure residents get their green bin service back and the service they expect?”

The proposed fees come just months after controversial changes to waste disposal across the county were announced last month.

Opposition councilors have already condemned the proposal as a “garden tax” that targets people such as pensioners who have already lost out due to cuts in winter fuel payments.

Following Ms Gorman’s warning, Cllr Hewitt defended his statements.

He said: “I believe there are standing orders, District Attorney, you can correct me if I’m wrong.”

“If material facts change after the formal deadline has been set.”

His answer was met with ridicule from Labor councilors, with many urging him to get to the “point” of his written question.

Ms Gorman added: “That would be a no, Cllr Hewitt.”

Cllr Hewitt continued: “A gap has formed as it is believed that green bin collection in Astley Bridge has been deliberately stopped.

“But having seen the new context of the cut, I come to the question on the order paper, sir [deputy] Mayor (Mohammed Ayub).”

The “disorder” resulted in a rarely used Section 25 disorderly conduct order being imposed on the council.

This special order comes into effect “if a member engages in misconduct by persistently disregarding the decision of the Chair or by behaving irregularly, inappropriately or offensively, or by intentionally obstructing the business of the Council.”

In addition, the mayor, council or any other member may request that said member not be heard further.

Should the “disruptive” councilor remain after the motion is accepted, he may be forced to leave the meeting or the meeting may be adjourned until he agrees to leave.

Cllr David Wilkinson told the council: “It is disappointing for you, Mr Deputy Mayor, that a member of this council has ignored your decision.

“No matter what the question was, no matter what the political debate was. My personal position is that the member who ignored your decision should stand up and have the decency to apologize to you as the chair of this council meeting and ask the council for forgiveness.”

The majority of councilors voted to pass the motion regarding Cllr Hewitt’s statements, which was immediately brought into effect for the duration of the meeting.

The proposal can be found under ‘Advice on paid garden waste disposal’ in the ‘Active consultations’ section of the council’s website.