At It again

Ministers accused over 'bin tax' exemption

By Robert Winnett, Deputy Political Editor
Last Updated: 2:47am GMT 11/01/2008

MPs will not have to pay controversial new "bin taxes" to be introduced later this year, prompting accusations that Government ministers are guilty of double standards.

The deputy leader of the Commons, Helen Goodman, yesterday revealed that MPs would be able to claim the bin taxes as part of their taxpayer-funded system of perks.

Over the next few months, local authorities will be able to begin charging residents for removing waste.

The scheme has been advocated as a way of boosting recycling rates and environment ministers have repeatedly denied the charges were simply a new stealth tax.

However, the Treasury confirmed that the new charges - which could add £100 to a family's annual outgoings - were technically considered to be a "tax".

Eric Pickles, the Conservative shadow local government minister, said: "Even the Treasury now admits that the new charges are nothing less than a new tax.

"Ministers are looking to impose a tax on hard-working families that they themselves won't have to pay."