RESIDENTS will not receive a discount on their garden waste collection over lockdown.

Cllr Martin Tod confirmed the city council is not "in the right position" to offer a subsidised rate.

However, when compared to other councils across Hampshire, Winchester offers the third cheapest service.

At a cabinet meeting, in response to a public question from Fiona Isaacs, Cllr Tod said: "The city council is unfortunately not in the right position to offer a discount.

"I appreciate residents are heading into a financially difficult time, but as is the council.

"The garden waste scheme we offer was designed to be as cost effective as possible, so it is already cheap.

"When compared to the whole of Hampshire it is the third cheapest. One local council will be offering discount over lockdown, but our rates are cheaper than that discounted price anyway."

Ms Isaacs also questioned whether residents still opting to use the green bags rather than the new garden waste bins will be charged.

“Can the cabinet member confirm the cost of continuing to use the green bag for garden waste collection?" she questioned.

"Residents currently believe following receipt of the Lib Dem focus , that if they continue to use their bag there will be no charge.

"Or can we expect the same outrageous 41 per cent increase on their council tax which has been levied on the 240L bin?"

Cllr Tod said that residents who are unable to get a bin at their address will still continue to have their garden waste collected, but will be charged for the service.