The Council has been faced with a dilemma over its trade refuse collection service in view of the increase in landfill tax it has to pay. Should it pass on that tax to local businesses, further adding to their costs at a time when some of them are struggling?

To do so would be to risk an increase in fly-tipping in the middle of a much-needed anti-litter campaign - litter being one of the issues which most annoys many council taxpayers and damages the reputation of the city in the eyes of visitors.

Or should the Council absorb as much as possible of the new tax, keeping the increases within the level of inflation to help to protect local businesses and the environment?

The decision has gone in favour of putting up the charges by five per cent for wheelie bins and 7 per cent for skips. That has understandably upset both traders and environmental campaigners, not only because of what has been decided but because of the way it was done - in private, with Tory and Liberal councillors endorsing a decision by a cleansing officer.

This is just the sort of issue which should not be dealt with under delegated powers. Litter, and particularly any measure which might increase the amount of it strewn around the district, affects the lives of all of us. It is a matter of serious concern and as such this increase in charges should have been discussed in public with as many people as possible having a chance to have their say.