New charges for garden waste collections in Kenilworth have taken a step forward after Warwick District Council's cabinet unanimously approved the plans last night.

But the Liberal Democrat group leader accused the Tory leadership of "hiding away" the fees in council documents.

"The other thing which is carefully hidden away are green bin charges which are due to come in in August," said Cllr Alan Boad at last night's cabinet meeting.

"Given that we wanted to save 9.6p a week [in council tax] to help our population, particularly at the poor end, do you think they are going to find £20 to pay for a green bin?

"Is it the right time to do this? I suggest they are going to say 'I don't think I'll bother thank you very much'."

The charge, which would initially cost £20 in August 2022, would then rise to £44 annually at the start of the next financial year.

WDC is the only council left in Warwickshire still providing free green bin collections, and residents have been quick to criticise the plans.

But Cllr Richard Hales, portfolio holder for resources, defended the council's handling of the proposals.

"In terms of green bin charges I don't think we have hidden that," he said, "I think it is quite clearly there in the statement."

Green bin collections, which the council is not obliged to provide, have been charged for in Stratford since April 2021, with 48,000 households already signed up.

The bin charges, which form part of the proposed 2022/23 council budget, are expected to provide over £1m for WDC each year.

"This budget gives people a choice – we don't have to do green bin collections at all if we don't want to, it is not compulsory," said Cllr Judith Falp.

"We are giving people a choice as to whether they wish to do it."

The proposals will now be discussed at a full council meeting on February 23.

(Image by Brian Robert Marshall via geograph.org.uk)