Stolen bins to be replaced for free in Walsall Council change
A policy to charge families for replacement stolen bins is to be scrapped, under new Walsall Council plans.
The new controlling Labour group on Walsall Council is looking to axe the £18.50 fee imposed if residents have their bin stolen.
Under the change being put forward, the charge would not apply if people provide a crime reference number from police.
Environment chief Councillor Lee Jeavons said they were carrying out a budget review to enable them to implement the new policy, allowing stolen bins to be replaced for free.
"It is something that wasn't their fault – they are a victim of crime – and they feel they are being made to pay twice," he said.
It comes after it emerged that families in the Walsall borough have been forced to pay more than £33,000 replacing bins.
Householders bought 1,805 bins, which cost £18.50 each, from the council in the last financial year.
