CHARGES for the removal of bulky waste could be cut amid fears they are leading to an increase in fly-tipping.

Residents are charged £17.95 to take away larger items such as cookers, fridges and wardrobes by Burnley Borough Council.

But the authority sparked anger earlier this year when it was revealed that the £80,000 bulky items contract was seriously underused.

Only 1,233 items were picked up during a 10-month period – leaving a £55,000 funding gap which was criticised by the Taxpayers Alliance.

And earlier this week Labour councillor Howard Baker said while he was happy with council crack-downs on fly-tipping, litter and dog-fouling, the bulky waste contract was unfair.

He said: “I think the bulky waste charges should be dropped.

“It’s so expensive to get rid of it that people would rather dump it and risk getting a fine.

“It should be made easier.”

The controlling Liberal Democrat group has now indicated that its members would throw their weight behind moves to drop or lower the fees.

Coun Linda White, a Brunshaw ward councillor, said people living in her area could not afford to pay such high fees.

Coun White added: “If you have to pay £17.95 just to get your bedside cabinet removed because it won’t fit in your wheelie bin, that’s nearly the price of a small skip.

“When there’s so much uncertainty around about jobs and money, every charge the council makes has to be looked at for savings.

“Surely this charge doesn't reflect the true cost of collecting a sofa?”

And Burnley Wood councillor Karen Heseltine said she would like to see some of the goods collected by the council passed on to the needy instead.

Bulky waste charges are set to be discussed in the coming weeks by the council’s executive committee.

Coun Charlie Briggs, cabinet member in charge of waste, said: “I agree with Linda and Karen.

“These charges are too high and we have to look at a way of bringing the costs down.

“It’s made a bit easier because recycling rates in the borough have almost tripled since the Lib Dems took over running the council.”

He said that the charge could be brought down to around £10 without there being any effect on council tax levels.