The Northumberland councillors have sounded the alarm, stating that implementing mandatory food waste collection services will be an uphill battle due to a shortage of funds. Under the rules set by the previous government, local authorities are mandated to offer such services from April 2026. While the government has committed to providing additional funds, Northumberland County Council claims it is not sufficient.

Government's Intention and Funding Details

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has indicated its intention to "introduce a streamlined approach to recycling" and will share more information about further funding as soon as possible. The council argues that the current funding formula does not adequately account for the higher costs faced by rural areas, which require more disposal vans to cover the sparsely populated countryside.

Challenges in Rural Areas

Glen Sanderson, the Conservative leader of Northumberland County Council, emphasizes the difficulties in a place like Northumberland. He says, "In a place like Northumberland, it is really difficult. We want to ensure that everyone who wishes to recycle their food waste can do so, even if they live in an isolated farmhouse in the Cheviots. The government hasn't come up with the money yet, so we are quite worried as we have provided them with the evidence, shown them it can work, and stated the expected costs. We might face a potential logjam."The council's environment portfolio holder, Councillor Colin Horncastle, highlights the issue. He states, "The funding they have provided is just over £2.9m. Our modelling shows that we would need £4.5m, so we are £1.6m short. In rural areas, you have to travel long distances to collect very small amounts of waste. This is why we need more vehicles than what central government anticipated."

Appeal to Government

The council is appealing the matter to the government, as BBC News understands. This shows their determination to address the funding issue and ensure the successful implementation of food waste collection services.

Labour MP's Perspective

Darlington's Labour MP Lola McEvoy has promised answers in the new year. She says, "When the spending review is out in the spring, we will be discussing which things we can prioritize with the limited funds we have. What's interesting about food composting is that it comes up so much from children - the recycling agenda is one of the most popular things they want to talk about."