The problem is that this legislation removes power from local councillors elected by the people. We are taking away a sense of ownership of the solution from those involved in the problem. If those paying for the service believe they have some influence on the setting of the charge or the policy around it through their elected representatives, then they will feel they are part of solving the problem. If we are to change the culture of waste disposal, we must do it by involving those who are part of the issue. This change cannot be imposed by the Government or the local authority, certainly not by unelected city managers, most of whom are very able but they are not elected. Democracy is about electing people.