Green councillors have called for Norwich City Council to drop its plans to charge for hazardous waste collection, calling the proposal 'a false economy' which could end up costing the council far more in clean-up costs.

The council is proposing to save £4,000 a year by charging for the hazardous waste collection service which it currently offers free on request. In an amendment to the council's budget, which will be debated on Tuesday, the Green Party group is proposing to drop this plan. Instead, the Greens say the money can be found by scrapping the water coolers at City Hall and cancelling a subscription to a local government think tank.

Councillor Ben Price, who is proposing the amendment, said: 'A lot of councils are increasing charges for various types of waste disposal, and there is growing evidence that it only increases flytipping.'