I have said that this site will not attack other parties, and even in an election period I am ignoring the negative literature being put out by the Labour party.

However as portfolio holder for recycling I must warn you of one commitment that is appearing in Labour leaflets.

That is their commitment to change the current recycling scheme, this is a dangerous commitment and one they could not afford.

The present scheme is the most cost effective we could introduce. It is cheaper than any other tender, including tenders for other systems. Because of the kerbside sort there is less contamination of material, and as a result the value is higher, which reduces our costs. The present system cost less than the inefficient one inherited from Labour.

To change this award winning system now would involve considerable expense.

The capital cost would be of the order of £2Million.

Vehicles would need to be replaced, and existing vehicles written off. Contracts would be broken, with penalty clauses incurred. 60,000 wheeled bins would be required, and existing containers written off. Government and WRAP grants would need to be repaid. A new communications programme would be required.

As far as revenue is concerned the value of the material would drop, leading to decreased income. Unless the ground breaking food waste service was withdrawn, with food being collected fortnightly in the grey bin, total annual costs could rise by as much as £500,000.

As portfolio holder for Recycling I cannot understand why they have chosen this moment, when we have just achieved a national award, to turn against a system they initially supported. I can only assume they are trying to make a cheap political point with a promise they can never keep.