PLANS to start charging for the collection of garden waste have been delayed until at least March 1, 2021 in Stratford District.
The decision, taken at an Extraordinary meeting of Stratford District Council, will be welcomed by residents in Studley and Alcester who would have been facing an annual charge of £40 from April.
The council also agreed to defer consultation on proposed increases in car parking charges until after April 1, 2021.
The meeting gave the Chief Executive powers to make grants to support the local community and businesses during the coronavirus pandemic and amendments were made to the Council’s constitution, to enable decisions to be made quickly during the current Covid-19 threat.
These include allowing the head of planning to determine all planning applications
Requiring any licensing panel to determine a contentious licensing matter
To cancel all Council, committee and sub-committee meetings, including the Annual Council, apart for any meeting of the licensing panel.
Meanwhile all NHS staff and social care workers will be able to park for free in District Council car parks during the coronavirus outbreak – they just need to display supporting evidence in their windscreen, such as a photocopy of their work pass (with sensitive information removed) or a letter from their employer.
The Council will also consider granting free car parking for those volunteers, as part of the local community support network, coming into the town to buy provisions, pick up prescriptions or make deliveries.
Help is also available for residents in the District struggling with their council tax. For more information visit the Council Tax Reduction Scheme information on the website.
Copuncillor Tony Jefferson, Leader of Stratford District Council said: “Members have agreed a number of options designed to allow important council decisions to continue to be made during the period of emergency that has arisen as a direct consequence of the Coronavirus pandemic.
“The Council is in a strong financial position to deal with the immediate issues surrounding this crisis, however, in the current circumstances revenue is declining and expenditure is rising.”
