A “WOEFUL” council decision to start charging people for garden waste collection has been sent back to the drawing board.

Redbridge Council’s cabinet approved plans forcing people to pay £50 if they want their green waste collected on December 7.

But after both opposition groups slated them, they are now being sent back to a committee meeting for further scrutiny.

Redbridge Conservative leader Cllr Paul Canal said he agreed to back the Liberal Democrat group’s demand to take another look at the decision yesterday (December 19).

He said: “We already have one of the worst recycling rates in London and in the country – which isn’t good for the borough or the planet.

“This decision to start charging people for garden waste collection has been made without any notice or consultation.

“The plans are woeful in their lack of detail.

“And such an ill thought-out scheme requires further scrutiny.”

Redbridge only recycles 29 per cent of its rubbish, compared with the 44 per cent national average.

And unlike some local authorities, the council does not supply people with bins to recycle food waste.

Cllr Canal added: “The bottom line is if they start charging people £50 for garden waste, the whole service will collapse.

“It will all get put in with general waste and it will devastate already woeful recycling rates in our borough.”

Lib Dem leader Cllr Ian Bond branded the plans “a step backwards” in the fight to make Redbridge a greener borough.

He said: “It’s very disappointing to be going backwards after spending years trying to improve recycling rates.

“It’s quite a drastic decision, and yet there was hardly any information on how it will be implemented for councillors or residents.

“I know money is tight, but it’s just one thing after another with this Labour council.

“They are too quick to cut things without thinking first.

“So I hope this requisition will make them think again.”

The Wanstead Society has also expressed major concerns over the plans, which could be introduced in April 2017.

Members claim the garden waste cuts, increase in council tax, and parking charges will mean Wanstead is “paying more but getting less for their money”.

But Redbridge cabinet member for environment and sustainability Cllr John Howard says stopping free garden waste collection will save the council a vital £2 million a year.

He said: "This service costs £2 million and by making this saving we can protect other essential council services.

"Redbridge Tories have refused to reveal whether they will close libraries, cut from adult social services or our local parks to continue paying for this service."

The decision will be discussed again at a committee meeting at Redbridge Town Hall at 6.30pm on January 4.