Problems for poor with refuse waivers

Disparities in the waiver schemes for refuse charges are causing difficulties for poor households, according to a report yesterday…

Disparities in the waiver schemes for refuse charges are causing difficulties for poor households, according to a report yesterday by the Combat Poverty Agency. Tim O'Brien reports.

The report claims that the ability to secure a waiver depends largely on where the householder lives, as opposed to a purely means-tested procedure. It also says waivers should be available from all waste operators, both public and private.

According to Ms Helen Johnston, the agency director, guidelines for the national waiver scheme for low-income and poor households should be drawn up by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Ms Johnston said this could be done in consultation with the Money Advice and Budgeting Service, Combat Poverty, community and voluntary sector interests and the Department of Social and Family Affairs.

Combat Poverty took issue with the polluter-pays principle which imposed a greater burden on low-income households, especially where there were children and other dependants.

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Uphill struggle for working poor: page 17