"Bin tax" plan likely to fail, say MPs

By Jennifer Hill

LONDON (Reuters) - Government plans to introduce a "bin tax" to encourage recycling are likely to fail, a cross-party committee of MPs said on Monday.

The Communities and Local Government select committee said the government's proposed waste strategy -- including moves to allow councils to levy "pay-as-you-throw" rubbish taxes, in which people would be charged according to the amount of rubbish they produce -- are too complicated and unlikely to work.

The scheme could lead to public protest, more fly-tipping of household waste and non-payment, iT said.

In Ireland, where bin taxes have already been introduced, many local authorities have reported increases in backyard burning and fly-tipping, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

The committee questioned how councils would enforce payment, saying that, given the impact on other householders, rubbish left out by non-payers could not be left on the pavement.

Some residents might also try to cut their bills by putting rubbish in their neighbours' bins.

"We are not convinced that enough work has been done or guidance given to local authorities on how to prevent such risks blighting areas and causing disputes," the report said.

"Nor are we convinced that local authorities already faced with increased waste costs will be adequately funded to deal with increased administration, clear-up and prosecution costs."