Thousands in danger of losing bin charge waivers

THOUSANDS of people on low incomes are in danger of having waivers for bin charges withdrawn because of financial pressure on local authorities.

Ombudsman Emily O’Reilly has been contacted by city and county councils operating waiver schemes to say future allowances cannot be guaranteed.

In October, an investigation by her criticised inequalities in the system and said the onus was on the Department of the Environment to ensure waivers were available to people unable to pay the full charge.