Bath and North East Somerset Council is moving forward with a contentious revision to city centre bin collection times, sparking outrage among local shopkeepers who warn the change could cost some businesses up to £3,000 annually.
Starting this September, the council plans to shift the evening business waste collection window from 5pm to 6pm. While Liberal Democrat councillors argue the change will reduce early evening waste clutter on the streets, many business owners disagree, citing significant practical challenges.
Charlie Dalton-Ball of family-run jewellers S. P. Green & Co on Green Street expressed his concern: “On paper, this might look manageable, but realistically, it’s unworkable for many. Our shop operates until 5:30pm, which means there’s no legal opportunity for us to dispose of waste during staffed hours.”
The council’s own assessment acknowledges potential financial strain, estimating the adjustment could force shops closing at 5pm to spend an extra £3,089 a year on staff wages to cover the delayed bin placement. Dalton-Ball notes that for businesses requiring multiple staff members, the actual expense could be significantly higher once additional costs like National Insurance and above-minimum wages are considered.
This issue was debated on July 29 during a special council scrutiny panel convened after nine councillors from Independent, Green, and Conservative groups called in the plan, labeling it “unsustainable.” However, in a mostly party-line vote dominated by Liberal Democrats, the panel dismissed the appeal.
Mark Elliott, the council cabinet member championing the change, downplayed the cost concerns, labeling the £3,089 figure as a “worst case scenario.” He suggested the low response rate—just 87 out of 1,126 contacted businesses replied—indicates that the majority are not troubled by the changes. Notably, 93% of those who responded opposed the plan.
Elliott defended the decision during the panel meeting: “With such a small response, it’s reasonable to assume this isn’t an issue for most businesses. Moving forward with a pilot scheme is sensible to help address the current waste problems.”
Critics like Shaun Hughes (Independent Group) argued the council is dismissing the concerns of those businesses who did respond. “Eighty-seven businesses is no small number,” he stated. Fellow councillor June Player highlighted the potential crippling effect on small enterprises along Moorland Road, emphasizing the real fear and disruption this policy change is causing city centre traders.
The policy aims to alleviate the problem of rubbish and seagulls disturbing the streets during busy early evenings. “Complaints about waste and seagulls are common, so we need to address this,” Elliott explained.
Westmoreland councillor Colin Blackburn, who led the call-in, shared feedback from local businesses: many, including restaurateurs, regard the 5-6pm period as a vital quiet hour for waste disposal. He stressed that the restricted timing poses a real threat to staff and business operations.
Ultimately, the panel voted 5-2 to reject the call-in, with only Hughes and Joanna Wright (Green) supporting reconsideration. Five Liberal Democrats voted against, and one abstained.
The pilot will run for 12 months starting in September, encompassing all seasons and events like the Christmas Market. Elliott committed to remaining flexible should unforeseen issues arise.
Reflecting on the decision, Blackburn remarked, “With the council rallying behind this, the outcome was predictable. It’s regrettable, as the impact on businesses and especially their employees will be profound.”
Dalton-Ball criticized the process as “undemocratic,” arguing, “The council dismisses low response rates as lack of impact, yet if electoral turnout were this low, they would honor the result.”