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A three-way row has broken out between local government and Whitehall over how to fight the battle of the bins. One LGA insider branded the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs as ‘a bunch of tree-hugging hippies', following months of tension over attempts to cut bin collections to boost recycling. Trouble began when the Government signed up to tough targets to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill. Councils could face fines from the EU, if the targets are not met. As councils faced a media and political onslaught after trying to reduce bin collections, the LGA was forced to step in. Officials told Localgov.co.uk sister title The MJ that their Whitehall neighbours at DEFRA had failed to offer a stronger stance at official level or any political support. The CLG refused to back a version of the scheme to reward recyling with reduced council tax bills, as it was against hypothecation. Whitehall insiders believe CLG was protecting part of its turf from another department, and ministers wanted to appease Number 10 ahead of critical local elections. The LGA official said: ‘This is not joined-up government. CLG was only interested when it was "financial", and DEFRA headed for the nearest bunker when the media pitched in.' CLG officials refused to comment. But a DEFRA spokesman hit back at the onslaught, arguing that the department would have been accused of trying to centralise power and, with no two councils the same, making a single scheme work would be impossible. ‘We've got a target to hit but we cannot conscript local authorities on how they spend their money. Councils would hate it if we did, because they would see it as central government being far too prescriptive,' he said. ‘Action to meet the target is working, but it does mean people leaving their bins out will be told off, and it will hit some sections of the national media.'

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WHITEHALL

Tensions grow as government departments battle over bins

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