Plans to cut opening hours of Hampshire's rubbish tips could be put on hold

County councillor Rob Humby will consider delaying the changes at a meeting on November 3 in light of a recent government announcement about DIY waste charges.

The council had planned to cut opening hours at its household waste recycling centres from January, as part of a plan to save £98m.

But the authority says Whitehall has caused ‘confusion’ over future policy which means that savings plans, including charges, may now need to be reconsidered.

Portsmouth City Council has also imposed DIY disposal charges at its Port Solent tip in line with Hampshire changes. Cllr Humby said: ‘The government compels us to reduce running costs, but at the same time seems to want to micro-manage particular details of how we provide the service. In view of this uncertainty, I am considering delaying introducing any further changes.’

‘We know the county council’s HWRC service is efficient, well-used by residents and the most cost-effective way to collect waste from Hampshire’s households. All the sites have an admirable recycling rate and Hampshire overall has an enviable record in the amount of waste diverted from landfill.’